This November election cycle will see all 432 seats in the House of Representatives and one third of the seats in the US Senate come up for re-election. According to recent polls, 82% of Americans are unhappy about what is going on in Washington. Being an incumbent in this year’s race is a volatile position to be in. It is vital that “We the People” not only vote, but get involved in the political process. The call to “clean house” has been gaining momentum over the last year. The entire power structure of Congress could be dramatically altered based on the outcome of the mid-term elections at both the federal and state levels. There are also many Governor races and state races as well. Typically, a “Non-Presidential” election will have a much smaller turnout. The ability to get out the vote will determine the winners and losers.
In the second part of this series, we laid a foundation of steps necessary in preparing to get involved in the election process. Having set up a secure communication network and mapping out the target areas for canvassing, the next step is deciding how to approach your canvassing efforts. Do you do a Voter Registration Drive or take a survey to gather data about the issues and candidates in your area, or both. Depending on the organization you are operating under there are certain election laws you are subject to. So contact your local election board if you don’t have an informed member and get caught up on the do’s and don’ts. It is important to understand that you have to remain unbiased and non-partisan and make sure you handle the information correctly.
There are organizations out there that can help you. Two of the ones I recommend are based here in Nashville, they are A Line in the Sand and Athen’s Brigade. These two organizations are uniquely different but can provide your group with tools necessary to accomplish your goals. A Line in the Sand has a campaign called “The Corinth Project.” It is a system to help get churches involved in the Voter Registration process as well as putting together “Voter guides.” A Voter guide is a pamphlet or flyer listing the candidates and issues in your area and where each of them stand. This also has to be done as non-partisan and unbiased. Many churches are afraid to get involved in the political process because of fear of losing their non-profit status. The IRS actually encourages churches to get involved the Voter Registration process. They just have to stay within the boundaries. A Line in the Sand provides information to pastors and churches to help them get involved while staying in compliance. For more info visit www.alsministries.com
Athen’s Brigade is a new organization started recently for the specific task of training, equipping, and empowering people to work the polls on Election Day. That requires two main things: availability for one entire day (Election Day) and some training. There will be many in your group that will not be able to commit an entire day. They can still get involved by becoming a precinct watchdog. The mission is simple, to assure that EVERY single voter be allowed to cast their vote without fear or intimidation of any sort. Having a team of trained people communicating and reporting suspicious activity could make a big difference in this election cycle. By volunteering to be a watchdog, people can commit to two or three hour shifts, have some fun and get to know the people in their community. For more info go to: http://www.athensbrigade.com/
Both of these organizations can provide a central contact point for your local group to get involved in the primaries and general elections. The primaries in most states are in August, so the time to get involved is NOW. There are other organizations out there to help you. The main thing is do something. I applaud all of you out there who have worked so hard this past year with the TEA parties, 9/12 projects, etc. Without all the ground work you have laid, the upcoming task would be insurmountable. You made an impact in the mood of the nation and awakened the “silent majority.” However, even with the tide and momentum having turned, it didn’t stop the Healthcare bill from getting passed. That may have been the crown jewel of this administration’s agenda, but they still have additional legislation to cram through before November.
That’s why I say: “Enough of the rallies and enough of the talk. It’s time to get “boots on the ground.” We need to set aside our differences, find common ground, and swallow our pride and egos. Uniting for the cause is a must to build the network. Once established, developing this type of campaign network will prove invaluable in upcoming elections as well. The experience will also empower you to identify, develop, and elect leaders to local school boards, city councils, board of aldermen, etc.
If none of these activities suit you, there are still ways to get involved. Hosting town hall events or luncheons to give the candidates an opportunity to engage in promoting their platform, having organized debates for multiple candidates to attend and interact, etc. or finding volunteers to transport elderly and handicapped citizens to the polls. One final way we should all get involved is to put our money where our mouth is. Find a local candidate or organization that you like and donate money to help them.
If you are out there and you are one of those who are unhappy with the direction of this country, getting involved is the only way to bring about the type of change that more closely resembles the society first envisioned by our Founding Fathers. If you don’t get involved, you have no right to verbally express your discontent, you will only have the “Right to remain silent.”
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