We’re two weeks away from the midterm elections and races across the country are heating up. If you’re looking to get off the sidelines during this home stretch, here are six ways you can help progressive candidates and take immediate action today.
Be an informed voter.
The most important thing you can do before election day is get informed. Michelle Obama recently launched the GOTV campaign When We All Vote, a nationwide initiative to encourage people to register to vote, make a voting plan and get state-by-state voting information. Need more information about who’s running? BallotReady’s recently-launched online voter guide can help you navigate your choices for every person running for office. Crooked Media also just launched Vote Save America, a step-by-step guide to help make sure you, your friends, and your family have all the info they need to actually turn out the vote. Make a plan to vote, learn about all the close races in your state that need your help, and explore resources for community organizing and making volunteer calls.
Remind friends and family to vote.
Reminding friends to vote is one of the most effective forms of voter contact – up to 20 times more effective than having a conversation with a stranger. The New Data Project recently launched VoteWithMe, an app that lets you know which friends and family are eligible to vote in the midterms, who will be voting in a swing district, and who needs a bit of encouragement to get to the polls. It helps you message your friends to remind them to vote in a simple and fun way.
Find local events and volunteer with Mobilize America.
A Democratic victory on Election Day hinges on high turnout. Turnout can be directly impacted by reminding registered Democrats to get out and vote. If you’ve got time in the evening or the weekend to volunteer, this is how you should be spending your time. Check out Mobilize America’s event page, enter your zip code or search a specific candidate’s Mobilize page to see upcoming events in your neighborhood, and jump in. Sign up to phone or text bank, canvass with neighbors, or volunteer for local nonprofits.
Make phone calls to voters with Swing Left – and donate to Swing Left’s Immediate Impact Fund.
Swing Left has identified a handful of swing districts where remote phone banking help is most needed. All you need is a phone and a computer or tablet with internet access, and you can lend a helping hand! If you’re looking to give money, SwingLeft’s Immediate Impact Fund is a slate of critical Swing District races where donations are needed the most. Donate now and your contribution will be split equally among the closest races, including Sean Casten (IL-06), Gretchen Driskell (MI-07), Josh Harder (CA-10), and more.
Volunteer for The Last Weekend.
Study after study shows that the most effective way to get people to vote is by having conversations with them in the four days before Election Day. The Last Weekend is an initiative led by a coalition of progressive political organizations (including HGL companies 5 Calls and Mobilize America) to encourage people to volunteer to knock doors and speak with voters on November 3-6. Their goal is to reach one million hours volunteered. Sign up here to learn more about how you can help.
Every action counts, and this year the midterm elections matter more than ever before. We’ve got less than two weeks to go until November 6th – let’s do this!
