Our CAPE council consists of 48 locally elected member representatives that drive SEIU Local 503’s voice in politics. 

The people elected to represent Oregonians in Salem and Washington D.C., impact the lives of working families and it is important that working families have a voice in the process.  If you have been interested in politics for years this is a great place to learn more or if you are new to the union and are just learning this is a great place to experience how politics impact our lives. 

CAPE Statewide Council Members (delegates) are responsible for helping to lead the political program of the union. This includes:

• leading in the candidate interview and endorsement process
• communicating about politics among your co-workers
• fundraising for CAPE among your co-workers
• participating in lobby days, phone banks, and canvasses
• recruiting co-workers to lobby days, phone banks and canvasses

 For the union to have an effective political program, we need to really deepen member engagement. CAPE leaders have a unique perspective of the impact of politics on our members’ lives that we need to share.

The union has a very active political program that includes:

• Direct lobbying in the capitol on issues ranging from improving pubic services to affordable health care to economic fairness to workers’ rights.
• Grass-roots lobbying at legislative town halls and through phone calls and letters.
• Member education and training on the political process.
• Lobbying for political support on organizing drives, bargaining, and worksite challenges.
• Active support for and against candidates for public office.
• SEIU Local 503 works on local, state, and federal issues.

We need CAPE Council members who will be engaged in as many of these activities as possible.

The CAPE Statewide Council makes recommendations to the 503 Board of Directors on endorsements in local and statewide candidate elections. The CAPE Statewide Board and its Executive Committee make spending decisions of CAPE funds on candidate contributions.

Below is the election calendar, please go online and get a nomination form to join the CAPE council.

CAPE ELECTION TIMELINE

July 2011

7/29    Deadline:  CAPE membership must be established/verified in order to run and/or vote in the 2011-2013 CAPE Council Election.  Signed CAPE form must be received at SEIU Salem HQ by 5pm.

AUGUST 2011

8/1      CAPE election information posted on www.seiu503.org

8/10    Open Nominations for Regional Committees and At-Large positions:  Aug. 10-Sept. 9

SEPTEMBER 2011

9/9      Deadline:  CAPE nominations close at 5pm and are due to SEIU Salem HQ, Attn: Robin Rico.

9/15    Candidate statements due by 5pm and posted at www.seiu503.org (Also included with ballot mailing)

9/30    Ballots, including candidate statements, mailed to eligible CAPE voters.

OCTOBER 2011

10/24  Ballots due for CAPE election at SEIU Salem HQ by 5pm. 

10/27  Ballot counting for CAPE election at SEIU Salem HQ.  Results posted at www.seiu503.org upon candidate notification and certification.

NOVEMBER 2011

11/6    First CAPE meeting at SEIU HQ in Salem (NOTE: newly elected members should plan to attend this Board meeting.)

Or contact your SEIU Local 503 field office or Headquarters

for more information and/or forms for this election.

SEIU Local 503, OPEU

PO Box 12159, Salem, OR 97309-0159

Phone:  503-581-1505           Fax: 503-581-1664