Beyond the Ballot: How to Make a Difference in the Final Stretch
By Kathy D.
Welcome, dear readers!
As I write this, we are just 28 days away from the midterm elections. This election will be a nail-biter. Not only must we focus on winning votes, but we must also remain vigilant against efforts to reject, invalidate, or otherwise interfere with those votes. It is clear from both past and current actions that anti-democratic forces, including some Republican leaders and elected officials, have repeatedly sought to suppress voter participation and cast doubt on election results that are unfavorable to them.
Backed by wealthy donors and corporate interests, Republicans are outspending Democrats by wide margins, especially in key swing states. They believe they can win hearts, minds, and votes through advertising campaigns that misinform, frighten, and, at times, outright deceive. Sadly, some of those tactics will be effective. Nevertheless, those of us who want a government that protects our rights, creates policies that improve our lives, upholds the rule of law, and remains accountable to it must meet this challenge head-on.
Undeterred, we must fuel the largest and most effective grassroots organizing effort of our lifetimes. We must show up with our resources, our time, our energy, and, most importantly, our votes. It is the only way to swing the pendulum back toward democracy, reason, and decency.
So, in addition to voting yourself and showing up for No Kings 4 on October 17, I have an ask of each of you: find at least one more way to positively influence the outcome of this election. Phone bank for a candidate you support. Canvass your neighborhood to encourage others to vote and vote early. Donate to a trusted Get Out the Vote organization with a clear plan and volunteers ready to carry it out, such as Swing Left, MoveOn, Common Cause, National Indivisible, or similar groups. Write postcards to encourage voters, both here and in other states, who might otherwise stay home. Or sign up to help protect the vote by monitoring ballot drop boxes. These are just a few of the many ways you can leave your mark on history.
Friends, every election year we hear the same refrain: This is the most consequential election of our lifetime. I understand why you may be skeptical when you hear it again. But I believe this year is different.
Many people feel that our democratic institutions, civil liberties, and the rule of law are under extraordinary strain. Concerns about political extremism, government accountability, and fundamental rights have left millions worried about the direction of the country. In moments like this, only an engaged and determined citizenry can help shape what comes next.
It is up to each of us to dig deep, step outside our comfort zones, and act with determination and courage. We must make it our mission to ensure that as many people as possible understand what is at stake. History has shown that when enough of us stand together and take meaningful action, we can prevail.
Let’s make our voices impossible to ignore. Let’s show up, organize, vote, and help create the future we want to see. I promise you, it will feel very, very good.
The views expressed here are those of the Indivisible Oregon editorial team,
one voice within a broader Indivisible movement.
