Elections Are Won or Lost on the Local Level

“A huge weakness in American liberalism right now is the obsession with national politics, which….actually means ceding huge amounts of power over elections to the right because it is state and local officials that decide how elections are administered. We do not manage elections federally in this country. They are devolved in the power to states, and states devolve them down to municipalities. And that is where the right is focusing, as you’ll hear in the show. Right now, the Trumpists don’t hold the House; they don’t hold the Senate; they don’t hold the presidency. They can’t pass some big national bill putting Trump back in office.

So they’re organizing [and have been for decades] to win the state and local offices, to hold even the local volunteer roles, that will carry power over the election process next time. And it’s not just elections. State and local officials drive everything from Covid policy to education to criminal justice to housing.”

“Democrats Chase Shiny Objects. Here’s How They Can Build Real Power,”
Ezra Klein, New York Times, February 1, 2022

North Carolina: Tomorrow join Dana and Lean Left’s North Carolina Team for a lunch hour meet-up. We’ll get to know each other and brainstorm ways we can work on behalf of North Carolina voters in 2022. Remember to bring your lunch!

Building Power Lunch Hour, Monday, Feb 7th, at noon

Wisconsin: The WisDems are out of the gate fast! With four elections in 2022, they have to be. Critical elections — local, judicial, and general — are coming this spring. The primary for federal and statewide races happens in August and, of course, the midterm in November. Here is but one action.

Recruit Poll Observers: With four elections, there is a great need for poll observers. Every Tues and Thursday at 6:00.

Pennsylvania: The PA Dems are getting started earlier than ever to talk with voters about the issues. They are also working to build their volunteer base at the same time.

Talk about issues with PA voters via phone or text

New Hampshire: One big reason we need to flip the NH State House of Representatives: it selects the Secretary of State, the person who oversees all elections.

Deep Canvassing is talking to voters about the issues they care about. Sign up here to get the training, and sign up here to join Team Pappas every Tuesday from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM or Sunday from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM.

Learn more about New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Wisconsin.

Fund the Movement February Beneficiary

Help Turn PA Blue

In 2020, Pennsylvania turned blue at the Presidential level! In 2022, there is much at stake from a flippable Senate seat, retaining the Governorship and the first real shot in 10 years, thanks to fairly drawn maps, at retaking the state legislature!

The key grassroots organization to make this happen, from the bottom of the ballot up, is Turn PA Blue.
Check out the Pennsylvania Briefing Sheet for more information about this battleground state.

Or contribute through your Giving Circle!

Lean Left Vermont has raised more than $200,000 since 2019!