Your assignment

We're almost there. Election Day is tomorrow and OLCV staff and volunteers have talked to thousands of voters to Get Out the Vote and make sure OLCV-endorsed candidates win. Many races around the state are going to be very close, and the governor's race is tied. We've got a great opportunity to elect pro-environment candidates around the state. Getting those ballots turned in is how we win. But up to a third of registered voters -- including people we all know -- may not vote this election. So, we've got a little assignment for you:

First and foremost: VOTE! If you haven't voted yet, keep OLCV's Voter Guide handy when you do (the link takes you to OLCV's statewide guide as well as county-specific guides). This is the most comprehensive environmental voting guide in the state -- OLCV has made more than 100 endorsements for this election, including John Kitzhaber for Governor, Bob Stacey for Metro President, and a host of pro-environment candidates running for key Oregon House and Senate seats, County Commission seats and even Soil and Water Conservation District positions. OLCV has also endorsed a Yes vote on Measure 76, which continues Oregon's only dedicated source of funding for Oregon's water, parks and wildlife.

Don't miss this opportunity to elect environmental champions across the state. Your ballot is due by 8 p.m. TUESDAY and post marks don't count. You can find your closest ballot drop box here. Voting is part of Oregon's identity. Check out the awesome video about voting from Our Oregon at the end of this post. Watch it and share it.

Tell your friends and neighbors to vote. Don't assume that everyone you know has voted. A lot of folks feel like sitting it out this year, and they need a little reminder. And don't assume that political campaigns will get them to cast their vote.The most effective contact that can move people to action actually comes from a peer or family member--that’s you.

Why vote? Oregon's air, water, farms, forests and wildlife--it's all at stake in races around the state. Poll after poll shows the governor's race is too close to call, but the momentum of the Kitzhaber campaign is undeniable. And while Kitz was out this weekend talking to voters, Chris Dudley was snuggling up to out-of-state supporters, including offshore drilling advocate Haley Barbour. Read a blog about it here.

We've got to do everything we can in these final hours to makes sure Dudley doesn't become Oregon's environmental disaster. His lack of experience is just too great a risk for Oregon. John Kitzhaber can start on Day One with a plan to create jobs and protect Oregon's environment at the same time. You can read a list of Dudley's anti-environment views in a recent OLCV blog.

Don't leave this election to chance, and don't miss this opportunity to make your voice heard. Please join us in this final, critical push to the finish line and make sure that Oregon's natural legacy is protected tomorrow, and for generations to come. Vote. And tell your friends and neighbors to vote, too.

Vote In Oregon from Our Oregon on Vimeo.