General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsWhy reading and posting on DU isn't enough.
DU is a wonderful place, where we can all come and find out what's wrong, what's working, and who's to blame for the problems we are all facing. It's a great place to discuss those things. For many of us, it's a friendly place full of people who agree on most things.
What DU is not is influential when it comes to communicating with all of those who don't come here. We have to do that, one person at a time, among the people we know and can potentially influence. They're not on DU. They live in your apartment building, down the street, and in your local community. They're co-workers, fellow students, church members, or even family members.
They can vote. About half of them probably do vote. There's an election in November. Tell them what you know, and what you've learned here. Talk to them. Ask if they're registered to vote and help them get registered if they aren't. Tell them why it is so important that they turn out and vote and tell them who, among the candidates, are the best choices. Tell them why. Once you've convinced them, tell them to tell their friends, coworkers and others the same stuff.
This is basic politics. It's in your neighborhood, your precinct, your ward, your city, your county, your state, and in your country. Every person you convince to go to the polls and vote for the best candidates who are on the ballot doubles the power of your vote. If you convince two, it triples the power of your vote. If you convince ten...
Talk to people. Tweet. Post on Facebook. Make phone calls. Send emails. At DU, we're all pretty much convinced, and we'll all be voting in ways that help. It's not DU that is the issue. It is all of the rest of the people who aren't posting or reading on DU. We need to speak to them. We need to convince them. We need to go outside of our comfort zones and make November an election to remember.
Bonhomme Richard
(9,000 posts)MineralMan
(146,338 posts)I know it's a no-brainer, but I just wanted to get it written down.
NightWatcher
(39,343 posts)Especially down here in Florida where I believe they want to steal this election. Back in 2008 I volunteered with the local Dems and worked as a poll watcher. We just silently sat at the check in desk at the polls and made sure that the poll workers didnt turn anyone away who shouldve been able to cast a ballot. Next, we reported the numbers as they came off the machines before they were reported to the Sec of State. So, in that, we were able to relay numbers to the state Dems before they had to hear it through the grapevine.
Let's volunteer some poll watchers in some crucial areas and fight for those who are being purged illegally from the rolls.
It's gonna be a fight
MineralMan
(146,338 posts)Everything will help. GOTV is the most important thing, though.
revolution breeze
(879 posts)I am nervously waiting for the Supreme Court ruling on ACA, then I will call hubby's mom and give her an earful to take to her craft class at the Senior Citizens Center tomorrow. Then I will e-mail auntie. If I post it as a chain letter, she will forward it to everyone. Unfortunately, living in my district will be fruitless (heavily rEpug) but I think I noticed a week chink in my neighbors armor regarding health care.
MineralMan
(146,338 posts)Every individual who speaks to others and convinces even a few is a hero, in my opinion.
revolution breeze
(879 posts)I always tell others, if you do not educate yourself and vote, you have no right to complain. Both of my older daughter's registered to vote on the 18th birthday and they vote. This year my oldest is trying phone banking for the first time. She said it is tough but she feels good at the end of the day knowing she may be making a difference.
MineralMan
(146,338 posts)Voting is a revolutionary act. Convincing others to vote is even more revolutionary.