November is just around the corner, which means we're fast approaching the time to select a new President to lead the United States for the next four years. To that end, the Video Game Voters Network (VGVN), a project of the Entertainment Software Association, is calling on gamers to have their voices heard by all the candidates to let them know just how important the subject of video games is to the community.

As a part of a new call to action, the VGVN is putting together a letter writing campaign to address the issue via a letter that can be sent to all of the presidential candidates through the VGVN website. The letter sent to the candidates reads as follows:

Dear Decision Maker:

I am writing to make you aware of an issue that is quite important to me and millions of Americans - the right to free speech. In recent years, we have seen representatives at all levels of government attempt to restrict this right by passing laws that regulate the sale and rental of video games. As an American, a voter, and an avid video game player, I want to ensure my rights are protected.

It is very important to help parents and caregivers ensure that the computer and video games children play are appropriate and parent approved. However, regulating video games is not a solution, nor is it constitutional. In fact, 12 courts have reviewed this issue in the past six years and each time found laws restricting the sale of games unconstitutional. The results from these rulings collectively cost taxpayers over a million dollars in legal fees. Video games have the same First Amendment protections as movies, music and books. Laws that attempt to regulate video games are simply ineffective and ultimately do nothing but waste taxpayers' money.

I urge you, if elected, to not add to this waste and instead support more effective solutions. Consider implementing programs to educate parents about the Entertainment Software Ratings Board's (ESRB) video game rating system and the parental controls available on all new video game consoles. The latest report of the Federal Trade Commission shows that over 80 percent of parents are aware of the ESRB system and over 70 percent of parents use it in making their buying decisions. With additional support 100 percent of parents would use these tools. In addition, support the ESRB's efforts to work with retailers to keep games intended for and marketed to adults out of children's hands. The voluntary efforts underway in this area restrict the sale or rental of mature games to children and involve parents. According to the FTC, parents are involved in the purchase and rental of games over 80 percent of the time. Further support could increase this level of parental involvement.

I appreciate your attention to this issue, and I hope you pledge to support effective and constitutional programs to help parents once you're elected."