“If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to be in one of those moments in history, congratulations. You’re here.” — Shawna Presley Vercher, The Political Fixer
I came across this quote a few hours ago, and it distilled an idea for me. I’ve been helping Dalton and the rest of our amazing communications team for over a year, and in some ways, it’s been one of the most meaningful things I’ve done in my career. Vercher’s quote explains why.
My parents were both in the military during WWII. That was their moment in history. They didn’t hesitate to sign up—my dad as an artillery officer who went to the Philippines, my mom as a nurse who went to Great Britain and was on the way to the Pacific when the war ended. I used to love looking at pictures of them in uniform, imagining what it would be like to be that brave, especially my mom, who was an almost timid person in everyday life.
That was their moment. Right now is ours. Like my parents, I want to look back and say I answered the call.
While we have tons of people working almost nonstop to get souls to the polls, in these last days of the election, we need everyone to help Get Out the Vote (GOTV), whether they’re on the GOTV team or not.
And here are 3 ways you—and everyone else—can do it. Note that none of them involve getting shot at!
1. Let the people in your life know who you’re supporting.
Forget the taboo about not talking about politics. This is not the time for that. I’m not confrontational in my personal life, but it’s pretty painless to make a friendly, non-judgmental post explaining why you’re voting for a school board candidate, or Josh Stein, or Jeff Jackson, or that you’re excited about the first woman president. (If you’re comfortable, you can go deeper and share your fears.) If your circles lean red, this will have even more impact and could encourage someone else. Your friends and neighbors know you and will give your words more consideration than a call from the official party. Plus, you might be surprised how quickly they get over the idea that you’re “one of those liberals.”
2. VOTE EARLY if at all possible.
How does this help? Our GOTV team is working incredibly hard to make sure everyone leaning our way actually votes. They are doing the heavy lifting, and it would make their jobs so much more effective and expansive if they could check your name off the list to focus on people who may need more reminders, a ride, or—as we expand our reach—a little reassurance that the sky will not fall if they vote Dem to stop extremism, even if they never have before. Voting Early involves no awkwardness, no lost clients, or any other impact on your life.
3. COMBINE 1 & 2!
Vote Early and then post your picture on Social Media. Normalize voting Dem. The more people see Democratic voters in their circles, the more they may examine their own views. And you never know who will see it—it could be the magic 7th point of contact that convinces someone else to make it to the polls or that “gives permission” to an R-leaning voter to vote Dem, “just this one time.”
If you know me in person, you know that I am an introverted, behind-the-scenes, non-confrontational, not overly confident type of person. I am not even a registered Democrat. If I can do this, I know that you can too. If Liz Cheney can campaign for Harris, John Kelly can go on record calling Trump a fascist, and Cassidy Hutchinson can speak truth to power, we can all make ourselves seen in our own circles of people who are our friends and colleagues.
Thanks so much for reading. Hang in there.
Go Team Blue!
Elizabeth J.