October 6, 2024
Ways we can help get out the vote
- MEDIA FAILURE ON TRUMP’S NATIONAL ABORTION BAN
Donald Trump, well aware of the damage he’s done and how angry American women are, is doing his best to run away from his abortion bans and obscure his plans for further attacks on our rights in his second term. His latest effort is pledging to veto a national abortion ban bill – a promise that was credulously repeated in far too many headlines. Even beyond Trump’s long record of relentless lying on reproductive rights and so much else and the GOP’s history of downplaying their true anti-choice agenda, we saw on the debate stage on Tuesday that the Trump ticket has invented a weaselly, nonexistent distinction between a national abortion ban and a “national abortion standard” that happens to ban abortion nationally. Even more worrisome, Donald Trump is counting on Americans not knowing he could functionally ban abortion without passing any new laws. As proposed in Project 2025, he could direct the FDA to revoke approval of the drug mifepristone, and then use the Comstock Act to bar mailing anything that can produce an abortion – including not just pills but also supplies and equipment that providers need. This would effectively criminalize abortion even in states where it remains legal. It is crucially important we not let Trump get away with this and hold him accountable where many in the media failed to. Let’s be sure to share these explainers on how Trump could enact an abortion ban with existing laws from The New Republic, Scientific American and NPR on social media and with our personal networks. And if we haven’t already had a letter to the editor published, let’s write one to make sure everyone knows that a national abortion ban is very much on the line next month. We can use these tips from Indivisible on how to write a good letter and this guide from National Popular Vote on which papers around us publish them and how to submit them.
- KEEPING NEVADA IN THE FOLD
We’ve gotten used to counting on Nevada’s electoral votes, but all this cycle there’s been reason to think Trump might be able to flip it, and even today poll aggregators have Harris up by just 1.1%. Let’s make sure we’re putting in the work in this crucial state! We can sign up to phonebank on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, or in the morning hours, and there’s a special phonebank for Spanish speakers we can join here.
- TEXT INFREQUENT MOM VOTERS
MomsRising has already reached millions of infrequent mom voters via phone, social media, hand-written mail, local gatherings, and more – and, now, texting out the vote is the next part of the program! Training is provided and times are available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Let’s check it out here and sign up. (h/t CFAA)
- SUPPORT EFFORTS TO REACH OUT TO WOMEN IN SWING STATES
Galvanize Action focuses on reaching out and engaging in deep listening with moderate, non-politically engaged swing state white women in order to empower them to vote in line with their values. This is a key demographic that we need in order to win the election. Let’s find out more about this important effort and learn how we can support them. We can also support similar GOTV efforts in BIPOC and rural communities such as BLOC and Down Home North Carolina.
- TAKING ON MAGA ALL THE WAY DOWN BALLOT
We’re fighting fierce battles for state legislative houses in many of the same states that will decide the presidential election, with both chambers in Arizona and Pennsylvania led by the slimmest of majorities. These races can provide some of the biggest returns on our work, but they often go overlooked and underfunded. The States Project has taken on the tough job of fixing that. They’re holding a virtual fundraiser for critical downballot races this Sunday, October 6th at 7PM ET, featuring folks like Octavia Spencer, Josh Gad and Elizabeth Banks. If we’re able, we can sign up to attend here or donate here. We can also find phonebanks to join and canvasses near us on the DLCC’s Mobilize page.
- CORRECTION: HELP FOR HURRICANE VICTIMS
One of the organizations involved in hurricane relief highlighted in yesterday’s List, World Central Kitchen, was referred to by an incorrect name. We apologize for this error and thank our readers for keeping us honest. The corrected version is below:- While not a GOTV item, we are all worried and concerned about the folks whose lives have been so terribly disrupted by Hurricane Helene. World Central Kitchen is there of course and could use our support. Other needs are also great and if we are able and would like to support other Helene relief efforts on the ground, here is a list of other possibilities, compiled by Blue Ridge Public Radio.
- GOP CONGRESSMAN WORE BLACKFACE
The New York Times has revealed they’ve obtained photographs of Rep. Mike Lawler, a New York Republican, wearing blackface at a Halloween party in 2006. Lawler has claimed the racist practice of blackface was “the furthest thing from [his] mind” when he used it for his costume. This story is set to shake up his campaign for reelection in the final weeks. This race has big stakes: Lawler represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, which gave 54% of its vote to Joe Biden in 2020, and has put his name out as a potential candidate for governor in 2026. He’s up against former Democratic Congressman Mondaire Jones, a progressive who was a leading voice for expanding the Supreme Court during his time in Washington. Let’s make it clear we reject his bigotry and help send Mondaire Jones back to the House. We can do our part by joining the New York Democrats’ phonebanks into the district five days a week, including this Sunday afternoon. - HELP VOTERS GET IDS, GET AROUND VOTER SUPPRESSION
VoteRiders is a non-partisan organization that helps voters understand and comply with voting ID requirements in all 50 states. They staff an information hotline, provide transportation to ID-issuing offices and assistance with document fees. Their work has resulted in millions of voters getting to the polls. Let’s find out about volunteering, fundraising and other ways we can support this very important organization.
- SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT REGISTRATION DEADLINES
The first ballots have already been cast in early voting, and folks are running out of time to register if they intend to make their voices heard in this election. In multiple states, the deadline is this Sunday or Monday! The team at Romancing The Vote has made graphics we can post on social media to remind our friends and neighbors how much time they have left. We can find them here, let’s put them to good use!
- THE BOLTS ELECTION CHEAT SHEET ON KEY RACES IS HERE
Along with the presidential races there are many crucial candidates and issues we get to weigh in on in November. To help us understand and evaluate these important races, Bolts has published a cheat sheet of 520 elections up and down the ballot, and the reasons that these races in particular matter. The list includes congressional races, as well as elections for state supreme court judges, mayors and sheriffs, and ballot measures on abortion, immigration, voting rights and more. We can check out Bolts Magazine’s Election Guide here then share it with our friends.
- GROUP ZOOM CALLS FOR HARRIS
More affinity group zoom meetups:- Sunday, October 6th8:00 PM ET: Get Fired Up for Women’s Health! Featuring Samantha Bee. Let’s sign up here.
- Monday, October 7th6:30 PM ET: Educators for Harris/Walz National Call. Let’sign up here.
- ONLY FIVE WEEKENDS LEFT UNTIL ELECTION DAY…Drop in the comments what you’ll be doing this weekend to help us along to victory!
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