Voters Will Decide November’s Victors in Heated Election
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| This fall, the nation will head to the polls in what could prove to be the most pivotal election in recent years. Americans will not only vote to elect a new president, but every U.S. House member, one-third of the U.S. Senate, and numerous state and local positions. With so many issues at stake, maximize this opportunity to have a voice in government by voting. | |
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It’s often said that 90% of success is showing up. In politics, this is especially true. At its core, our form of democracy is based on the idea of civic engagement. It is the right and responsibility of each citizen to participate in the political process and get engaged. The greatest tool at each citizen’s disposal is the right to vote. Voting gives the people a voice in government, allowing one to choose leaders and shape the future of the country. On November 8, the nation will head to the polls in what could prove to be the most pivotal election in recent years. However, those being governed can’t make a difference if they don’t make their voices heard.
This fall, Americans will not only vote to elect a new president, but every U.S. House member, one-third of the U.S. Senate, and numerous state and local positions. There
are many issues at stake that affect hardworking taxpayers.
For SEMA Action Network (SAN) members in particular, a lot is on the line. Not only will the next president guide automotive policy at the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), but he or she will have the power to determine which federal lands remain open for off-roading. As we’ve seen in recent years, control over these agencies can be hugely consequential.
The next Congress will also have a lot on its plate. Potentially on its agenda could be the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act (RPM Act), which confirms that it has always been legal to convert a street car into a race car used exclusively at the track. While the SAN continues to push Congress to pass this critical legislation before the election, nothing is guaranteed. With the election approaching, lawmakers are spending less time in Washington and more time in their states and local districts. As a result, it may be the next Congress that ultimately decides the RPM Act’s fate.
The future of ethanol could also be decided by the next Congress. By law, ethanol is added to most gasoline. Most of the gas found at the pump contains up to 10% ethanol (E10), but in order to meet the government mandate, the EPA approved the sale of 15% ethanol (E15). As we all know, ethanol can cause metal corrosion and dissolve certain plastics and rubbers, especially in older cars. Higher concentrations of ethanol also burn hotter and pose a risk to high-performance specialty parts. Legislation to reduce the ethanol mandate and ban the sale of E15 gasoline is pending in Congress but likely will not get acted on until 2017.
Perhaps the most direct impact of the November ballots on the auto hobby will appear at the state and local levels. Lawmakers within these ranks will be responsible for proposals affecting the majority of issues with the biggest impact on SAN members. The areas of titling and emissions requirements for collector vehicles, vehicle property taxes, backyard restoration projects, registration plate options, specialty parts usage, mileage fees and others all fall under jurisdictions on the state level or with local jurisdictions. Become familiar with candidates that are vying for these local seats as much as those running for offices higher on the ticket.
With such an array of automotive topics on the horizon, make this year’s Election Day a priority. Your elected officials will ultimately write or rewrite the rules affecting you and the future of the auto hobby. Begin preparing to make your voice heard by reviewing this issue’s “Web Reserves.” Information regarding voter registration dates and deadlines and other tips to maximize the opportunity are included. Don’t let the power of your vote slip by!