ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING is the magazine devoted to industrial applications of 3D printing and digital layering technology. We cover the promise and the challenges of this technology for making functional tooling and end-use production parts.
Issue link: https://am.epubxp.com/i/667993
MFG ADVOCATE CATEGORY: I Industry Insight MAY 2016 Additive Manufacturing 22 To read more on AMT Advocacy, visit www.AMTonline.org/Advocacy/ Although November 8 is still months away, it's fair to say many folks are already battling "election fatigue." There is un relenting coverage of presidential candidates as primary season gets underway. We're living in a country that seems to be as politically polarized as it's ever been, and partisan bickering in Congress has ushered in an era where gridlock rules the day. In all of this noise and empty promises, it's easy to check out and think it's pointless to get involved at all. Why take part in a process that will only bring about the same frustrating results? Once Election Day rolls around, it's easy to go about your business and skip the whole thing. I would like to encourage you instead to consider why every eligible U.S. citizen (most of you reading this!) must turn out at the polls. AMT is undertaking a get out the vote campaign this year called "Make the Vote." We aren't here to tell you how to cast your vote. We aren't here to endorse or oppose any candidate. We are here to educate you and encourage you to show up at the polls, and to encourage your colleagues, family, friends and neighbors to do the same. There are an estimated 12 million "manufacturing voters" in the United States—men and women who make things. If we all cast our votes, together we'd have a resonant voice! And it's likely that there are more things that unite us than divide us. At the Polls, Use Your Voice to #MakeTheVote Penny Brown Public Afairs Director AMT—The Association For Manufacturing Technology We want our companies to thrive. We want the United States to keep its place as a culture that encourages innovation and entrepreneurial thinking. We can be stronger together. The frst step is to registering to vote. We've still got plenty of time before this fall's general election, why wait to register? You can fnd information about deadlines, polling locations and more through your state board of elections. A link for vot er registration is also available through AMT's election center landing page, AMTonline.org/MakeTheVote. The next step is educating yourself about the candidates and issues that will be on the ballot. Many resources exist, but my opinion is that the League of Women Voters is one of the best nonpartisan sources for information about candidates and the overall election process. Finally, the last step is showing up. If you can't physically come to the polls on Election Day, consider absentee voting or early voting, both of which are available in many states. This informa tion is also available through AMT's Make the Vote resources. If your vote didn't count, there wouldn't be movements to restrict voter access to the polls (such as voter ID laws). Candidates and other groups wouldn't spend millions of dollars trying to earn your vote (or at least keep it away from someone else). Whether you want to be lieve it or not, your vote matters! And even if your candidate doesn't win, your vote is a reminder that you are among the constituency, and you also need representation. In the greatest democracy in the world, the power lies with the people. Make sure your voice gets heard. Register and vote. Visit AMT's election center at AMTonline.org/MakeTheVote. Why do you vote? Tell us on Twitter using the hashtag #MakeTheVote, and don't forget to mention @AMTonline!