Wal-Mart announces push for associates to register to vote

Wal-Mart plans to distribute state-specific voter registration forms to all 1.3 million store, club, and distribution center associates. To simplify the process, the forms will have pre-paid postage in most states so an associate can just fill out the voter registration form and drop it in the mail. The company has a policy of granting associates, whose work schedules do not allow sufficient time on Election Day to vote, paid time off in order to make it to the polls. Also as part of the drive, Wal-Mart will be distributing educational materials made available by the League of Women Voters as well as a voter education packet. This will help familiarize associates with new election procedures and direct them to additional resources. Today`s announcement is part of a larger company effort to educate associates about important issues. Wal-Mart employs over 1.3 million Americans over the age of 18 and has a significant number of associates in states that play pivotal roles in national elections. For example, there are 94,163 associates in Florida, 49,724 in Ohio, 47,904 in Pennsylvania, 17,273 in Iowa and 7,933 in New Hampshire. The company will distribute voter education information to all associates before Election Day. (Copyright 2006 Newsroom Solutions, LLC)