FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: February 5, 2007
CONTACT: Matt Griffin, (775) 684-5793

Jean Ford Democracy Award Nominations Sought

Carson City, NV – Secretary of State Ross Miller today proudly announced that the Advisory Committee on Participatory Democracy (ACPD) is now accepting nominations for the Jean Ford Democracy Award. The award, named in honor of Jean Ford, recognizes the exemplary service of Nevada citizens who have played a key role in promoting participatory democracy in Nevada. The award program is designed to honor deserving citizens who have benefited their communities, state and nation through their participation and leadership in furthering the democratic process. The Jean Ford Democracy Award was established as part of Senate Bill 309, passed during the 2003 Legislature. The first Jean Ford Award recipients were named in 2005.

"This award recognizes Nevadans who embody the same spirit, dedication and leadership that Jean Ford did in promoting the principles of the democratic process in our great state," Miller said. "It is because of the efforts of individuals throughout communities in our state that Nevada has continued to make strides toward increasing voter participation, and it is an honor to accept nominations of citizens who should be recognized for their commitment."

Any citizen or organization in Nevada may nominate someone for the Jean Ford Democracy Award. Applications and criteria for the award are available at www.acpd.org, or by calling the Secretary of State's office at (775) 684-5705. Deadline for submission is March 2, 2007. The recipient(s) of the 2006 Jean Ford Democracy Award will be honored during the 2007 legislative session.

Jean Ford served in the State Assembly (1972-76) and the State Senate (1978-82). She was a fervent community activist who was instrumental in the establishment of the Nevada Women's History Project, which gathered and disseminated information about the roles, accomplishments and activities of Nevada women from every race, class and ethnic background who contributed in determining the State's future.

The ACPD was first established in 1997 by the Legislature under the office of the Department of Cultural Affairs. The 2003 Legislature, which placed the ACPD under the auspices of the Secretary of State's office, established very specific goals to reach by the 2008 General Election: attaining 75% voter registration in the State, and getting at least 70% of those registered voters to vote in the 2008 General Election. The ACPD and election officials throughout the state will work in a cooperative and collaborative effort to achieve these goals.

ACPD is comprised of ten members selected by the Secretary of State's office. The Committee's purpose is to assist the Secretary of State in identifying and proposing programs that promote citizen participation in governance, establishing a Jean Ford Democracy Award, and working with partner organizations at the local, state and national level to increase voter participation. For more information on the ACPD, go to www.acpd.org.

For more information on Nevada's elections process, ballot questions and other election and voting related topics, go to http://secretaryofstate.biz and click on the Elections icon.