Germany: WESTLOTTO "It is important to support and live democracy!"
On May 15, North Rhine-Westphalia elects a new state parliament. WestLotto would like to thank all the organizations and committed individuals who took part in the “I am an NR voter!” or “I am an NR voter!” campaign – and will do so in the future. Together with numerous social sponsors, WestLotto and all supporters are appealing not only to go to the polls, but also to commit to it and encourage others to do the same.
"It's important to support and live democracy!" Andreas Kötter, spokesman for the management of WestLotto , thanks all #NRVOTERS and the co-initiators of #ICHBINNRVOLER
Two organizations that support “NR Wahler” are Freie Wohlfahrtspflege NRW and Deutscher Galopp. In our 3 Questions to... President Christian Woltering of Welfare and Racing President Michael Vesper explain why the state elections are so important for their organizations.
3 questions for... Christian Woltering
In its guiding principles, the Freie Wohlfahrtspflege NRW states how it works towards good social coexistence. How important is going to the ballot box in this context?
Christian Woltering: Those who vote take responsibility. And we all have a responsibility for a social NRW - because social is relevant! The state election is the central political course for the next few years. We have to do our part to ensure that social issues continue to be the focus after the election. It is important that people exercise their right to vote and vote for one of the democratic parties.
In North Rhine-Westphalia, more than 700,000 employees do indispensable work under the umbrella of independent welfare work. What political issues are your associations and members dealing with in the state elections in May?
It is important to us that all social topics and questions are adequately taken into account. On the one hand, we act as an advocate for disadvantaged people for whom certain socio-political issues such as care, housing or childcare are important. But overriding issues such as combating poverty, integration and health care are also on our agenda.
The independent welfare organization professes to be an “NR voter”. What do you say to your numerous employees and the people you deal with every day? Why should they do the same to you?
If you want to shape your future, you have to take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves. The state elections in NRW are a key opportunity to do this. We may not be able to do much on our own, but together we can also influence political majorities and thus the political future of the country.
3 questions for… Michael Vesper
The NRW racing clubs support the “I am a NR voter” campaign. Why is it important to you to be here?
Michael Vesper: We are citizens of this country. Elections mean participation in democracy. You have an influence by making a choice. You have to use that.
Unfortunately, very few people know, but the racing clubs in NRW have an important legal mandate and are important for society and the environment. Can you briefly describe what it is about?
By conducting gallop races, so-called breeding and performance tests for thoroughbred horses, the racing clubs are fulfilling the state mandate of the Animal Breeding Act. In short, the aim of horse racing is to improve the breeding of the Thoroughbred breed. Then there is the social aspect. A colorful audience meets at the horse race, whether young or old, families, friends, active people...
State elections are also often referred to in the media as a race. Do you think there are similarities between a horse race and an election and if so what would they be?
Sure, of course. In both cases it is an exciting, fair race in which everyone involved respects one another. And finally, both in the election and in the race: may the best win!
All information about the election call at www.ichwahlenrw.de .
https://www.westlotto.de/newsroom/7743-2/