Voting Rights Resources

Return to Freedom to Vote overview page

I Miss Democracy!
An Idea for WILPF Solidarity Actions around Voting Rights

At left, former U.S.WILPF president Mary Zepernick, in one of her favorite incarnations: as I Miss Democracy in the local 4th of July parades.

Of course, this idea doesn't require a parade. You could do it as a stand-out or at a tabling event or a voter registration drive.

All you need is "beauty queen" fashion, some handouts, and some answers about why we miss democracy!

Fashion
Thrift stores are a great source for gowns, whether colorful caftans like Mary's or the full Cinderella look or a really lovely nightgown or robe. The sash is what makes it work!

Add accessories like long white gloves, a tiara, and of course, your "I Miss Democracy" sash. These can be easily made from wide ribbon and stick-on letters from the craft store. (Mary's letters do have "diamonds" on them, but that's optional.)

Note: Especially for a parade, make sure your shoes are comfortable! Feel free to sacrifice fashion for this most important accessory.

Handouts
Depending on your location's voter registration rules, you can hand out a list of upcoming voting dates, voter registration deadlines, how to sign up for mail-in ballots, phone numbers to call for rides to the polls, important issues to pay attention to, dates for candidates' forums, etc.

If you work with an ally group like the NAACP or League of Women Voters or Poor People's Campaign, be sure their names appear along with your WILPF branch name and contact information.

Why do we Miss Democracy?
If you are in a state where repressive voting laws are in effect, name them. If you want to promote the joy and duty of voting, and cite the low numbers of turnout, do that. If you want to put a paragraph on your handout about how corporate interests seek to control election outcomes, do that. But be aware of WILPF's non-partisan limits! We can advocate for ISSUES or POSITIONS, but not for parties or candidates by name.

Always, support voter turnout. We should not become too discouraged to vote. That way, the corporate interests have won without a fight.

A note on parades
In many communities, it's pretty easy to sign up to be in a parade. Just be aware of deadlines and any limits the organizers put on the parade. Small town parades are just as important as big city ones -- maybe more so, because these are your neighbors you're talking to.

If you can get a snazzy convertible to carry a bevy of "I Miss Democracy" belles, then you can take turns getting out to walk and pass out information. If no convertible is available, a pick-up truck works just as well, as long as you can easily get in and out of the back of it.

Have one "I Miss Democracy" walk on either side of the parade route, while those in the vehicle toss out candy to the kids. When the walkers get tired, switch out with the riders and carry on. A big WILPF banner on the front or sides of the vehicle is great -- easier than needing even more people to carry your WILPF banner.

Calendar options
For these Solidarity Actions, we are suggesting the following possible options for an I Miss Democracy appearance during the "election season:"

• Memorial Day parades
• Fourth of July parades
• Hiroshima Day observances
• Labor Day celebrations
• Voter registration drives
• Candidate forums, near Election Day

Each of these events has its own tone and intent, so please be aware of that in the way your branch's "I Miss Democracy" carries out her mission. For events not organized or hosted by WILPF, be sure you coordinate with the organizing/host organization ahead of time.