GETTING OUT THE VOTE

“The only way to save democracy is to vote for Democrats in the fall. And I say that as an ex-Republican turned independent. It doesn’t matter if you disagree with Democrats on some issues. The overriding issue is the preservation of our democracy.”

Max Boot, “We’re in Danger of Losing Our Democracy. Most Americans Are in Denial,” www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/05/11/americans-in-denial-trump-threat-jan6-elections/

There are a variety of ways you can help bring out the vote this November. For example, there are many nonpartisan organizations, most of whom are nonprofit 503(c)(4) organizations, so tax-deductible donations can be made to them. Most volunteer work can be done from your own home, often on your own timetable.

VOTE FORWARD, Votefwd.org, VoteForward requests volunteers to write personal, handwritten letters that effectively encourage fellow citizens to turn out to vote. They provide initial training, the structure for the letter, the names and addresses to be written to, and, on occasion, an online opportunity to write your letters with well-known volunteers, such as the cast for “Hamilton” on September 15 at 6 p.m. ET. I happen to write a longer letter than most and add a personal note at the end. Most letters are fairly short. Vote Forward makes it clear you cannot mention a candidate’s name, party, or any inference to a party, such as vote Blue. The point is to ask the person to please vote and why voting is important to you. You print the letters out with the initial information, then fill in starting with “I vote because….” You do need a computer and a printer. It’s up to you to provide the paper, envelopes, and stamps. You can pick from several different campaigns in various states where you would like to have an impact. Nonpartisan, nonprofit.

BLACK VOTERS MATTER, https://blackvotersmatterfund.org/our-purpose/ for information about the organization; to volunteer, https://form.jotform.com/221534699891066  “Our goal is to increase power in our communities. Effective voting allows a community to determine its own destiny.” BVM provides an online training session, then several dates when you sign on to send electronic postcards. Nonpartisan, nonprofit.

ELECTION PROTECTION COALITION, protectthevote.net/about/  “Election Protection is a national network of nonpartisan, nonprofit organizations that work to protect all voters by providing information, resources and help for any issues voters experience. We’ll help you find the best way to get involved — whether that’s monitoring polling places (from your vehicle, or remotely), watchdogging social media for disinformation and voters in need of help, or reaching out to voters to make sure they know their rights. You’ll connect voters with trained legal professionals who can help them navigate the voting process and cast their ballots safely and securely.” The help numbers below can be used by anyone. It would be helpful to distribute the non-English language ones in neighborhoods where those ethnicities reside or shop.

• 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683)–English language hotline
• 888-VE-Y-VOTA (888-839-8682)–Spanish language hotline
• 888-API-VOTE (888-274-8683)–Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Bengali, Hindi, Urdu, Tagalog language hotline
• 844-YALLA-US (844-925-5287)–Arabic language hotline

If you want to work in a partisan manner, you can volunteer for a specific Democratic candidate for your local, state, or federal offices, including your local school board, which has become a lightning rod for a variety of issues including book banning, racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights, teaching actual history versus mythology and legends, and muffling and intimidating teachers. You can also become involved with your local Democratic party. There are several PACs set up for Democratic candidates if you want your donations to go beyond your state lines. Here are a few:

DEMOCRATIC CONGRESSIONAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE (DCCC), dcc.org  “…principal mission is to support Democratic House candidates every step of the way to fortify and expand our new Democratic Majority.”

DEMOCRATIC SENATE CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE (DSCC), secure.actblue.com/donate/dscc-ads-ga?amount=25&refcode=SEM_E_G_202102_ads_alw_ga_nat_dscc-d2d&gclid=Cj0KCQjw6_CYBhDjARIsABnuSzqtC_t9Lj5SWA9OFxLWY2w4L1kPjEH2E1uj3SynegHiRh4pnzU_WqEaAuAyEALw_wcB  “Democrats fought hard and won back the Senate majority—but all of our wins depend on defending and expanding that majority this year. Everyone who cares about blocking the worst of the GOP agenda and making real Democratic change has to start the midterm fight now.”

DEMOCRATIC ATTORNEYS GENERAL ASSOCIATION, dems.ag/  “DAGA is a…  committee that supports and elects Democratic AGs—and Democratic AGs are FRONT AND CENTER when it comes to the current political and policy landscape.”