2016 Voting Guide for Animal Lovers

Two weeks from today, Americans will select the next United States President. With any luck, whomever loses will do so graciously, and it will be over . This election process has been going on for more than a year, and it has been an ugly, divisive mess that threatens to change America forever. Many people just want the election over. Some voters are so jaded that they vow not to vote in defiance and disgust.

Not voting is a poor choice. Too much is at stake and to many Americans who came before made great sacrifices for a privilege that is taken for granted today.

Okay, so youre sick of the whole business, but dont give up. There is one issue around which Americans can be enthusiastic and enjoy bipartisan cooperation. It is an issue that serves a constituency with no voice if you ditch your voteanimals.

Looking for a push to the polls?

Not the least of the reasons to vote, for sure, but voting gives you a chance to protect wildlife, farm animals, and your beloved cats, dogs, and horses. Animal lovers simply must go to the polls to support the local and national candidates who are working against great odds to protect animals and their habitats. We will not get many chances to influence important changes for animals.

Surprisingly, I quickly found information about where elected officials stand on animal issues in other countries, such as Australia , but had to dig for information on where American politicians stand on these issues. One reason for that may be that many decisions rest in the hands of state legislators. Even national animal advocacy organization such as the Animal Legal Defense Fund work through the states to make crucial changes for animals.

Most national animal advocacy and animal rights organizations have resources that focus on politics. For example, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) used its considerable heft to create The Humane Society Legislative Fund was formed in 2004 as a separate HSUS lobbying arm. HSUS describes HSLF as the leading organization of its kind, but critics suggest that HSUS is more focused on its own interests than those of the animals. Distinguishing itself, HSLF issues a Humane Scorecard each year with details on how members of Congress voted animal related issues. The HSLF site is user-friendly and provides a wealth of information.

You need to know where the two remaining presidential candidates stand on animal issues. The president will influence policy and have the power to mandate some protections, even in the face of a stubborn Congress.

Where does Donald Trump stand on animal issues?

As a businessman, the Republican nominee Donald Trump does not have a voting history on animal issues. Given his reputation for not taking the best care of his workers and the accusation of unseemly behavior with women, it would be reasonable to conclude that humane treatment of animals is not one of his priorities. To that point, Trump is on record expressing disappointment that the Ringling Bros. Circus was essentially forced to stop using elephants from their shows. We know that Trumps sons are big game hunters who defended the killing of the beloved lion, Cecil. Trumps confirmed for TMZ that his sons love hunting. He said they are good at it, but added that he was not a believer in hunting. Trump has demonstrated that his statements are open to revision. His daughter Ivanka is a purveyor of leather items for her fashion line. Trumps running mate Mike Pence received a zero percent rating in the HSLFs 2012 Scorecard.

Are you with her on animal issues?

Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton is politically savvy enough to address animal issues proactively for her supporters and those she hopes to attract. The Washington Post reported last summer that she had added information to her site about protecting animals and wildlife. (Not to be picky, but which wildlife are not animals.) Her tagline on the special page asserts, The way our society treats animals is a reflection of our humanity. I prefer the edited Thomas Edison quote, Until we stop harming [animals], we are still savages, but Hillarys quote is spot on. I see Hillary more aligned with first-cat Socks than the late first-dog Buddy, but she proudly reports that she loves her three current dogs, who are allowed on the furniturethe true sign of family. Hillary Clinton vows on her website to protect animals, including horses, puppy mill dogs, farm animals, and wildlife. Her running mate, Tim Kaine, is known as a compassionate and unpretentious friend to animals.

Bernie Sanders , who will not be without influence in a Democratic administration, has a long, distinguished history of supporting and co-sponsoring several pieces of animal friendly legislation. Actually, I would expect Sanders to be a voice for animals in any administration, but he will have more sway with Hillary Clinton. We can encourage him to call him some of his favors for animals.

Where is the seat of power when it comes to animal issues?

Animal protection issues garner strong and steady support because humane treatment of animals is important across wide swath of America. Some people suggest a third party devoted specifically to animal issues is needed here as in the UK . I do not agree. First, we must work within the current system to identify and support politicians who favor humane treatment of animals, who are unashamed of their love for animals, and who demonstrate a willingness to vote their conscience.

Voters wield a lot of power at the local level, and animal lovers should acquaint themselves with the local issues and know how their local politicians vote on animal issues.

Individual states frequently have organizations that identify issues pertaining to animals in local districts and know which politicians are pro and con the legislation. These sites are also a way to mobilize voters to assertively support candidates who support animal friendly legislation. These sites frequently bring issues to the attention of existing legislators and warn them that voters are watching how they respond to animal issues and will vote their consciousness when reelection comes around. Some states like North Carolina provide a local report card on how representatives voted.

Congress actually has an Animal Protection Caucus to help bring attention to animal issues in Congress. It was formed in 2009 under the direction of Reps. Jim Moran (D-VA) and John Campbell (R-CA), two animal protection powerhouses who retired. It is currently under the direction of Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), up for re-election this year, and Representative Mike Fitzpatrick (R-PA), who will retire this year. Keep your eyes on these races to ensure the caucus continues.

The HSUS provides a guide to animal issues on the ballot across the U.S. Best Friends Animal Society provides information to help voters support legislation beneficial to animals.

Educate yourself before you go to the polls, but whatever you do, go to the polls.