Vote for George

George Washington, the only President of the United States elected unanimously, needs your vote now. He hit the campaign trail today to rally popular support for the restoration of his 129-year old bronze statue, an iconic 12-foot towering figure presiding over Lower Manhattan from a pedestal at Federal Hall National Memorial.

This is Washington’s first campaign. He never had to press the flesh or kiss babies to get elected before. He is putting his record and reputation on the line to ensure that his statue wins the popular vote in a Partners in Preservation online competition to raise awareness of the importance of historic places. American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation will contribute $3 million in grants to New York City’s historic buildings, icons and landmarks.

The Washington statue is one of forty projects competing across the five boroughs. On May 22, the top three public-vote-getters will be awarded grants up to $250,000 each. The statue, which originally cost $35,000, equivalent to approximately $800,000 today, is competing for $175,000 in restoration funds.

In addition to vying for the popular vote, clinching the vote of the Partners in Preservation Advisory Committee is akin to a nod from the Electoral College. The Advisory Committee is comprised of influential New York civic and preservation leaders. George will need to win the popular vote or the vote of this Committee.

From April 26 to May 21, 2012, anyone 13 years and older, anywhere in the world, can vote once a day online by visiting www.PartnersinPreservation.com or www.Facebook.com/PartnersinPreservation.