Election Day is less than a month away! On Tuesday, November 2, voters will be going to the polls to choose local, state, and federal lawmakers and decide on ballot initiatives. It is essential for all dog owners to participate in these elections and vote for candidates who will support responsible dog ownership and breeding.

Please take the time to go vote on November 2, and encourage your dog-loving colleagues to do the same. Remind them about Election Day, and be sure they know the location of their polling place. You may also want to consider having your club coordinate transportation for those who may have difficulty getting to the polls on their own.

One of the best things you can do for your dogs and your rights as a dog owner is to take a few moments before the election to learn where your candidates stand on canine legislation issues. Review the article from the August issue of Taking Command for ideas on how to identify dog-friendly candidates and how to communicate with candidates about canine legislation. If you have already learned which candidates will support responsible dog ownership, be sure to share that information with club members and colleagues so they, too, can make informed decisions.

If you live in one of the 27 states with ballot propositions, be sure to take the time to read each proposition carefully and consider how it will affect responsible animal ownership and breeding. Feel free to contact the AKC Government Relations Department with questions. While the AKC does not usually take positions on ballot measures, we can help you better understand ballot propositions relating to animals.

The American Kennel Club has only taken a position on one ballot initiative in this election. Proposition B in Missouri would arbitrarily limit the number of dogs a responsible breeder may own and also provide for numerous new and confusing regulations that will do nothing to protect the health and welfare of dogs. As such, the AKC opposes Proposition B. Click here to read the AKC’s official statement on this ballot measure.

From ballot initiatives to the large number of federal, state, and local candidates on the ballot, there is much at stake for responsible dog owners, exhibitors, and breeders in the 2010 elections. Please take the time to vote on November 2 and help ensure the voice of responsible dog owners is heard loud and clear in these elections!