Are you ready? Have you done everything you can? Mostly, what else is there that needs to be done?
The single most important decider with this election is voter turnout. It's time to
ACT LOCALLY and work like your future depends on it...because it does!
There are EIGHTEEN DAYS LEFT. We CANNOT WAIT to make sure we have our ducks in a row, because waiting only gives the advantage to the opponents. There's no doubt that dirty tricks successful in the past might be put in play like
like jamming phone lines,
whispering campaigns,
blocking voters,
voter intimidation tactics, just to name a few. The work to ENSURE getting voters to their polling place needs to begin TODAY.
So, here are some suggestions, a checklist if you will, of things to accomplish this starting today (feel free to add):
* Check your voter registration and make sure you know what documentation you will need when you go to vote (2 forms of ID is a good idea whether it's required or not...especially this year)
* Find a sample copy of the ballot that you will see at your polling place. Read it.
* If you don't already know, verify the type of voting mechanism that your polling location will utilize.
* Contact your local Democratic HQ and determine what is needed for volunteers. Help fill the holes as much as you can. It's one day! If you know someone who is unemployed (which a lot of us do,) encourage them to sign up as a volunteer. Remember, some of these positions pay a small stipend.
* Child Care - BIG ONE - Try to network and help coordinate any child care needs to make sure parents do not have to worry about this or use it as an excuse not to vote. One possibility might be to check with your local election official to see if a children's area can be set up at the polling place. (just a thought) Temporarily donate a rocking chair, playpen, coloring books/crayons, etc. and staff with volunteers to take that load off the parents while they vote. Advertise it and let parents know about it by copying the sample ballot and putting this information on there.
* Phone calls - Calling and encouraging people to vote needs to be taken to the next level. Check with your local Dem office to determine if anything has been organized for driving people to the polls. If not, get something in place and advertise it. (see child care for a good way to do it). If possible, start scheduling pick-up times. The key is it must be outreach vs. a wait for them to contact us.
* If you have already voted absentee and you are
certain you're in a safe precinct, determine where you can most help out. This of course depends on your means and ability to travel, but there are places that need help.
* Sample ballots: Make it into a flyer with details of the above (documentation requirements, how to check voter registration, type of voting machine, child care, ride info, other(?)). Copy it and distribute it throughout your precinct. You may be able to get assistance from the local Dems with this (manpower and financial), it doesn't hurt to ask.
* Write a neighbors and friends letter with specific issues relating to voters in your precinct. Some of the swing states have been so bombarded, voters have got to be feeling weary from the onslaught. It's important to highlight the local issues (tax referendums, local ordinances, etc.) that might just be the tipping point in getting them motivated to vote. Set it up on email and ask to pass it on as well as copying and distributing.
I know there's a lot up there, but we still have a lot to do. Everyone has to make their own decision on their activity and level of involvement. We also need to be respectful of a voter's right to choose regardless of whether we agree or not. Let's set an extraordinary example of how our democracy works!
The final stretch is here, so let's do it and WIN on November 2nd!!!
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