Staying Engaged Beyond the Election

This edition went to press prior to Election Day 2024

As the 2024 election season has come to a close, it is important to stay engaged. Right after any election, it is common for people to pay less attention to politics. If this applies to you, I recommend that you stay vigilant and take nothing for granted. At all levels of government, we must continue to fight back against attacks on our rights and fight for working families across the nation. The only way we can improve our lives is by staying engaged.

How Do I Stay Engaged?

By keeping up with current events and paying attention to your elected officials. You have the power to elect your federal, state, and local officials, so be sure you learn about their positions on the issues that matter most to you and your family. Aside from their stated policies, listen to what they say and watch what they do. It is easy for a politician to make promises during an election season, but it is how they vote and what they accomplish in between elections that we must pay attention to.

One easy way to stay involved is by developing a relationship with your elected officials. The more you get to know the elected official over time, the easier it will be to ask them to support your positions. Participate in town hall meetings, schedule appointments, send letters, and other volunteer activities to show your engagement. The more active you are, the more likely you are to be heard.

The Final Days of the 118th Congress

Every two years, after the November Congressional elections, there is a period of time known as the "lameduck session." This session occurs after the election votes have been counted, but before the members have been sworn in for the new term in January. This time is crucial since some members of Congress in both the House and Senate will soon move on. Therefore, their decisions are no longer influenced by any one election. For example, the Respect for Marriage Act, which requires all states to recognize same-sex marriages, passed just two years ago during the lame-duck session.

Since Congress can still pass consequential legislation before January, we must stay engaged during the final days of this session. One bill we are paying close attention to is the Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82, S. 597). APWU members from all 50 states called their representatives during our September "Call Congress Day of Action" to urge them to support this bill and sign a petition to move the bill to the House floor for a vote. Our calls were successful in obtaining enough signatures to get the bill to the House floor. After the signature requirement was met, Congress went on recess, and we are hoping the bill goes to the floor upon their return.

This is where the legislation currently stands as this edition of the American Postal Worker goes to press. For an update on the status of this bill, please visit apwu.org. Although it may seem daunting to stay engaged, information is power. If we choose not to stay informed and actively engaged, others will decide our future for us. ■

Postal workers are always valuable to the people of this country, not just during elections or the holiday season. I would like to extend my gratitude to all for a job well done in advancing the APWU's legislative priorities this year. On behalf of the Legislative & Political Department, have a happy new year in 2025!