We are optimistic that the November 3 elections will result in a clear repudiation of Donald Trump’s assault on the rule of law and norms of decency if, and only if, Americans are allowed a free and fair election.
A fair vote held today would result in a strongly Democratic House and perhaps a Democratic Senate which could begin to bring accountability to this travesty. Sensing his imminent humiliation, Trump is actively seeking to physically control the election, deny the right to vote to millions of citizens and frighten opponents from the polls.
The SAVE Act is the current effort by Republicans to control the vote by imposing draconian rules and restrictions on voters in all states. It requires proof of citizenship at every stage of voting; it rejects traditional proof of eligibility such as drivers’ licenses and Real ID; and promotes unnecessary purges of electoral roles forcing millions to re-register to vote.
It has already passed the House, but for now, Democratic unity in the Senate gives it little chance of passing there. Call your Senators now to make sure they stand firmly against it.
We are certain this won’t be the last or only attempt to undermine free and fair elections. An Executive Order is already being threatened. Keep your eyes open and stand ready to let your legislators at all levels know where you stand and demand action.
At the same time, there are concrete steps YOU can take now to be pro-active in protecting the vote. On January 31st the New York Times Editorial Board laid out basic civic duties that we as ordinary citizens can perform to defend the midterm elections. Here is a synopsis of their recommendations. Choose the one(s) that work for you:
Actions:
Work the Polls: Sign up to be a poll worker if any precincts near you need them. You even get paid. We know that the Republicans are enlisting their supporters to work the polls. Be a counterforce to their efforts. Here’s the link to find out how.
Watch the Polls: This is a volunteer position to monitor the integrity of voting. You can sign up with your local Democratic Party committee. Again, don’t let the work of watching polls fall only to the Republicans.
Don’t share dubious information: Before you share a juicy story about election conspiracy or fraud triple check to make sure the information is accurate. Get your local librarian to help you if you don’t know where to look for the truth.
Donate:
Support the organizations helping to protect election officials and safeguard the process. All of the following are non-partisan so share them with ALL your friends and relatives.
The Election Official Legal Defense Network connects election officials with pro bono attorneys to advise them on threats and lawsuits.
The Campaign Legal Center fights Trump administration demands for voter data and executive orders that would force states to change voter ID requirements and ballot deadlines
The Carter Center places non-partisan observers to watch elections. The states on their radar this year include Georgia, Michigan, Montana, Nevada and New Mexico.
Please share other resources or strategies and we will add to this list in future editions of MWR.
SAVE THE DATE
MARCH 28TH IS THE NEXT NO KINGS DAY OF RESISTANCECLICK HERE TO FIND THE EVENT CLOSEST TO YOU AND ACTIVATE ALL YOUR NETWORKS. WE NEED 12 MILLION PARTICIPANTS TO DEMONSTRATE THE STRENGTH OF THE OPPOSITION TO THIS ADMINISTRATION.