Profile
My name is Dale Axelrod and I’ve created www.Verifygra.com to call attention to some critical reforms we need in order to trust our election process. Born in Philadelphia PA, I've been a freelance artist in the San Francisco Bay area since 1971, and long-time community and political activist, living in Petaluma CA since 1988.
I've had extensive experience in arts and politics (designing posters, flyers, cartoons, and graphics for numerous campaigns and issues). I helped coordinate two ballot initiatives back in the 70's allowing street artists to become licensed and operate legally in San Francisco.
I am dedicated to the following electoral reforms:
• verifiable voting
• preferential voting
• public campaign finance
• same-day voter registration
• fair and impartial redistricting
• fair media access
The most important, however, and first priority reform is verifiable voting — implementing a system of mechanics for casting and counting each voter's ballot so that the final tallies accurately and verifiably reflect the will of the people. From there we can tackle the rest of the list (as well as other vital issues).
Summary of Activist History
As an artist, I've always felt a duty to be a positive communicator in society — this has led to my involvement in a number of civic and political activities including:
San Francisco Arts Commission Street Artists Program—helped write the program, draft legislation, and coordinate two ballot initiatives allowing street artists to obtain licenses to operate legally on San Francisco public sidewalks and plazas.
Advertising & Editorial Graphics and Cartooning—worked over the years with numerous clients, committees, and organizations to create cartoons, posters, and graphics for local and national campaigns and issues — most recently regarding electoral integrity and reform.
National activism—precinct captain, fundraiser and/or political cartoonist for Democratic Get Out the Vote efforts in presidential campaigns as long ago as Carter vs. Ford (1976), and McGovern vs. Nixon (1972) — national campaigns and issues include illustrating a comic book opposing Senate Bill 1437 (the precursor to the current “Patriot Act”) which was distributed to all members of Congress (1978).
Neighborhood activism (Petaluma)—commented on issues at City Hall, walked precincts for local candidates, planted trees, etc. — currently helping to organize opposition to proposed “Big Box” development — our slogan: “Keep Petaluma Eggcentric.”
Activist Memberships (partial list : )
ACLU—American Civil Liberties Union…www.aclu.org
California Clean Money Campaign…www.caclean.org
Election Defense Alliance…www.electiondefensealliance.org
Open Voting Consortium…www.openvotingconsortium.org
PNA—Petaluma Neighborhood Association…www.stopbigboxinpetaluma.com
On June 3rd, please mark your ballot for Dale Axelrod, Susan K. Baritell, Maggie Fishman, Stan Gold, and Donna Norton. We’re all in this together.
