AFT Launches Nationwide Get Out the Vote Election Bus Tour

Press Release

Multiple Events Will Highlight the Stark Choice Between Economic Progress, Freedom for All and Strengthening Democracy or a Return to a Dark, Divisive, Grievance-Filled Past

DETROIT-Today, leaders of the 1.8 million-member AFT will embark on a cross-country, multicity election bus tour to get out the vote and highlight the pivotal issues facing America this November.

Union members are "all in" this election season supporting candidates who support the values and actions needed to realize the promise of America; economic and educational opportunity for all; lower costs; upholding broad-based freedoms, including a women's right to make their own healthcare decisions; and the strengthening, not diminishing, of our voice at work and in our democracy.

The AFT, which has 600,000 members and their families in battleground states, will be hosting a relentless schedule of community forums, town halls, roundtables, and canvassing and door-knocking events over the next two months.

AFT President Randi Weingarten will kick off the tour Monday, Sept. 2, at a Labor Day rally in Detroit with Vice President Kamala Harris. The #AFTvotes bus will then continue for 63 days, hitting at least 20 states and 30 cities and towns through Election Day, Nov. 5. Stops will include the critical battleground states of Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Nevada and North Carolina.

"From now until November, the #AFTvotes bus will be rolling in across the country in support of candidates who offer an inspiring vision for our nation's future, one grounded in economic opportunity, freedom and the promise of America for all," Weingarten said. "We will be getting out the vote, uplifting issues and shining a spotlight on the choice between those who support working people, retirees and our children and communities, and those who want to return to a dark, divisive and grievance-filled past. Between now and Election Day, we'll make sure that our members are mobilized and our voices are heard."

Speakers will drive home the existential stakes of this year's election for freedom, democracy, economic progress-and the ability of working people and unions to organize for a greater share of the pie. And with early voting just weeks away, they will make it clear that the civic act of voting-and getting out the vote-is more crucial than ever before.

Key policy issues include investing in great public schools and affordable and accessible colleges, providing access to housing and decent healthcare, fighting price gouging, lowering prescription drug costs, ensuring families can afford childcare, and strengthening Social Security and Medicare.

The #AFTvotes bus will travel from east to west and then back east, concluding on election eve. Weingarten, AFT Secretary-Treasurer Fedrick Ingram, AFT Executive Vice President Evelyn DeJesus and numerous state and local AFT leaders will appear at multiple stops. Today's and each subsequent day's activities and events will be livestreamed across the union's social media channels, including YouTube and Facebook.

"This election is about whether we build a new future of opportunity and economic dignity or get dragged back to a dystopia ruled by chaos, fear and hate," added Weingarten. "It's about whether we promote the common good and recognize that the strength of our nation lies in caring for each other, being our neighbors' keepers and lifting everyone up, not dragging each other down. AFT members are 'all in' because we, like most Americans, believe in the promise of our great nation and that progress is possible-but only if we act."

AFT leaders and members are available for interview-email [email protected] to connect.

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Itinerary (subject to change)

9.2 - Detroit, MI

9.7 - Pittsburgh, PA

9.14 - Las Vegas, NV

TBA - Phoenix, AZ

TBA - Orange County/Los Angeles, CA

TBA - Portland, OR

TBA - Seattle/Tacoma, WA

TBA - Montana

TBA - Fargo, ND

TBA - Minneapolis/Saint Paul, MN

TBA - Superior/La Crosse/Milwaukee, WI

TBA - Chicago, IL

TBA - Gary/Hammond, IN

TBA - Western Michigan

TBA - Detroit Metro, MI

TBA - Toledo, OH

TBA - Cleveland, OH

TBA - Columbus, OH

TBA - Cincinnati, OH

TBA - Lexington, KY

TBA - Pittsburgh, PA

TBA - Harrisburg, PA

TBA - Philadelphia, PA

TBA - Scranton, PA

TBA - Syracuse/Utica, NY

TBA - Nashua, NH

TBA - Hartford, CT

TBA - Hudson Valley/Rockland County, NY

TBA - Long Island, NY

TBA - Baltimore, MD

TBA - Northern Virginia

TBA - Raleigh, NC

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The AFT represents 1.8 million pre-K through 12th-grade teachers; paraprofessionals and other school-related personnel; higher education faculty and professional staff; federal, state and local government employees; nurses and healthcare workers; and early childhood educators.