Peace Progress: October 2016 Edition 
Message from Chris 

vote
Election Day is November 8th.  In addition to casting a vote for President and Congress, you will also have the opportunity to vote on two proposed amendments to the Virginia Constitution.  I wanted to take a brief moment and share with you detailed information about these amendments so that you are well informed prior to arriving at your precinct. 
 
Constitutional Amendment Question 1:
 
Should Article I of the Constitution of Virginia be amended to prohibit any agreement or combination between an employer and a labor union or labor organization whereby (i) nonmembers of the union or organization are denied the right to work for the employer, (ii) membership to the union or organization is made a condition of employment or continuation of employment by such employer, or (iii) the union or organization acquires an employment monopoly in any such enterprise?
 
Voting yes on this question would amend the Virginia Constitution to reflect that fact that Virginia is a "Right to Work" state.  This amendment secures your right, the right of employees, to decide for themselves whether or not to join or financially support a union.  Joining a union should never be a condition for employment in the Commonwealth.  
 
Constitutional Amendment Question 2:
 
Shall the Constitution of Virginia be amended to allow the General Assembly to provide an option to the localities to exempt from taxation the real property of the surviving spouse of any law-enforcement officer, firefighter, search and
rescue personnel, or emergency medical services personnel who was killed in the line of duty, where the surviving spouse occupies the real property as his or her principal place of residence and has not remarried?
 
Passage of this amendment would allow local governments the authority to offer a property tax exemption for the surviving spouse of a first responder who has sacrificed all in the line of duty.  This is but a small recognition for the efforts of our first responders who put their lives on the line each and every day in order to keep us safe, particularly those who have given the ultimate sacrifice.
Campaign Supplies

My office is historically a depot for campaign supplies, and this year is no different. We have yard signs for Trump/Pence (limited supply) and for Congressman Rob Wittman. Please stop by and get one for your yard. My office is located in the Battlefield Commons Building at 8101 Vanguard Dr, Suite 150, Mechanicsville, VA 23111 and is open from 8:00am to 4:00pm daily.
 
Mark Your Calendar
 
VFW, "Voice of Democracy"

The Virginia Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), 'Voice of Democracy' competition has started! High School students can compete for thousands of dollars in scholarships and a trip to Washington, D.C. The 2016-2017 theme is "My Responsibility to America." Students must write and record a three-five-minute essay on this theme and present their recording, typed essay, and entry form to their local VFW post by October 28, 2016.
 
Winners of the local level compete at Districts and then if they advance, they go on to the State level. Winners at State's receive a trip to D.C. and a chance to compete for more than $150,000 in scholarships. About 2 million dollars is handed out in scholarships every year.
 
The VFW became the national sponsor of the competition in the 1950s. The competition was created in order to give students a way to share and express their ideas about democratic concepts.
 
Students and teachers should contact the Voice of Democracy Chairman at Post 9808 by phone: (804) 746-9808 or by email: vfw-post9808@comcast.net for more info.
Delegate Christopher K. Peace 
 | 804-730-3737 | info@chrispeace.com | www.chrispeace.com