With each election, Americans go to the polls and make decisions that affect -- for better or worse -- the future of freedom in America. 

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 72 percent (142 million) of the eligible voting age citizen population (197 million) were registered to vote in 2004. This means that as many as 55 million people were eligible to vote, but not registered -- and therefore did not participate in the November 2004 elections.

Far too many gun owners and hunters are among them.  And every year, millions of teenagers turn 18, thus becoming eligible to register and vote.  Many of them have spent their formative years learning hunting and shooting skills, and could be expected to pay attention to NRA's message. 

Now, NRA has created a new affiliate, the NRA Freedom Action Foundation (NRA-FAF), which focuses on nonpartisan voter registration and citizen education.  The NRA-FAF has been recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a tax-exempt charity under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.  Gifts to NRA Freedom Action Foundation are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law.  

The NRA Freedom Action Foundation, in turn, has launched a new campaign – Trigger the Vote.  And to serve as Honorary Chairman, we brought on board one of America's most persuasive action heroes -- Chuck Norris.  Visit www.TriggertheVote.org to hear his message. 

This campaign has deployed a new approach to reach the younger generation, using new social media outlets.  It will also use traditional methods of outreach including TV, radio and direct mail. 

And Trigger the Vote is mobile, going on the road to educate and register voters at gun shows, shooting ranges and anywhere else gun owners, hunters and shooters can be found.  The campaign will post regular updates on the site, including short videos of volunteers explaining why they are putting their time and effort into the campaign. 

You too can be part of the campaign.  Visit the website, recommend it to friends -- and use it to persuade any unregistered gun owners, hunters or shooters you may know to get on board by registering to vote. 

Then, click on the "Why Me Why Now" tab to send us your testimonial, whether a short video, photo, or even just an e-mail telling us what you did to sign up new voters.  We'll post the best submissions for all to share, and to inspire other visitors to the site to do their part as well.