GOTV isn't about whether YOU vote. It's about

[MineralMan]

getting others to vote. It's about talking to people and convincing them that going to the polls to vote is worth their time.

I have no doubt that everyone here on DU votes in every election. I'm not trying to get DUers to vote; they already do.

I'm trying to encourage DUers to bring others to the polls with them. Even if you're bored or discouraged, there's still an election, and the results of it will determine the course of the next two years.

GOTV isn't about your vote. It's about the people who need convincing that they should vote, even if there's just one candidate on the ballot who will do something to improve their lot. GOTV is not about people who vote. It's about people who might not vote. It's about getting those people to go to the polls and vote.

GOTV is a multiplier of your vote. Everyone you bring to the polls multiplies your vote and increases the chance that your positions and candidates will win.

GOTV 2014 and Beyond!

[PeaceNikki]

1. agreed. like Michelle Obama is saying here in Wisconsin, bring 10 people with you!

[treestar]

2. Great point

Though trying to discourage other DUers seems to be a big theme here before these elections.

[emulatorloo]

3. And discouraging others to GOTV or donate to Democratic campaigns

[MineralMan]

6. It's always a good time to encourage people to vote.

On every ballot are important races for offices, including all of those local, district, and state offices. It's not all about Congress and the presidency. Even if a voter has to hold his or her nose to vote on some races, there are always candidates who are more than worth our votes.

[treestar]

7. Exactly, and in those states without Medicaid expansion under the ACA

They really need to get out and vote in those state races for Democrats. It's not just the Presidency that matters.

[MineralMan]

9. The Presidency isn't even an issue this year. But legislative

offices are, and they're the most important positions of all when it comes to lawmaking. All the President does is sign or veto the bills. In many states, state legislatures are on the ballot, too. Every elected office is important. Local and state offices actually have far more impact on most people that Congressional races and the Presidency. Not voting in mid-term elections is foolish.

[cali]

4. yes it is. but one doesn't have to physically bring

others with one to the polls. Anyone can phone bank from home. I do it every election year and it's easy.

[MineralMan]

5. Right. Phone banking is an excellent way to GOTV.

So is physical canvassing, which is what I do. "Bringing people to the polls" is really a metaphorical expression. You don't have to actually bring them, although many people choose to provide transportation on election day to help people get to their polling place.

The more Democrats who vote, the better our government becomes.

[JoePhilly]

8. But complaining endlessly is so much easier.

[MineralMan]

10. I'm not even speaking to those for whom complaining about

things is their version of activism. They won't listen to me. I'm talking to people who are willing to help bring out the voters. Those who only complain aren't doing that. In fact, they may have the opposite effect. I don't expect them to pay any attention to encouragement for GOTV. They're not my target audience in any way.

[JoePhilly]

11. I'll be out there ... we can't let the GOP win.

Its that simple.

[MineralMan]

13. Yes, it is that simple.

We've all watched Republicans obstruct and attempt to roll back gains that have been made. That's their goal. That's their only goal. Right now, every last elected office is crucial. None are irrelevant. Democrats won't win them all, but the ones they win are crucial for the next two years and beyond.

Any Democrat is better than any Republican. That rule holds true at all levels.

[JoePhilly]

17. Agree completely ... their goal is to break the government so bad that ...

... it can never be fixed.

And on 2014 ... honestly, we're playing defense ... we need to to hold ground, and if we can gain some ground great, but at a minimum we need to hold ground.

In 2016, we should again have turnout levels that will allow us to gain ground again. The GOP is on its way to being a "district" level party, with little chance at the National, or even State wide elections.

[rhett o rick]

12. Some Lefties are coordinating phone banking here:

Monday Night Phone Banks for Yes on 594


What: Phone banking for Initiative 594
When: Monday evenings, October 13, 20, 27 and Nov. 3, from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Where: 23rd LD Democrats office in Winslow
400 Winslow Way, Bainbridge Island (corner of Winlsow Way and Erickson Ave.)


We're in the home stretch of a long and critical campaign and I need your help. As you know, Initiative 594- which closes the loophole in the criminal background check system in Washington- will be on the November ballot. I learned recently that the NRA/gun lobby is planning to drop a TON of money in advertising to defeat I-594, starting on October 14. They'll use the usual tactics of fear and confusion to try to defeat a common sense initiative.

Right now I-594 enjoys high approval in the polls, but we cannot be complacent. The last time gun safety legislation was on the ballot, the NRA came in the last two weeks before the election and the measure went down in defeat. I won't take anything for granted at this point and I hope you won't either. That's why I'm asking for your help.

Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense - Washington will be hosting 4 phone banks leading up to the election. We need folks to come out to help us reach voters and urge them to vote "Yes" on 594 and "No" on 591. We'll provide training, a script and snacks to let you hit the ground running. All you need to bring is your cell phone and your passion.

Let's make history this November and show the gun lobby that Washingtonians won't be intimidated!


Denise Garcia
Bainbridge Island Ambassador
Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense - WA

[rhett o rick]

14. I am not staying home:

Join Congressman Kilmer's campaign every Saturday evening for wine, drinks,
and phone calls! Food, beverages, and phones provided by the Kilmer campaign.

Saturdays from 5:00 - 8:00 PM
23rd LD Democrats Office
400 Winslow Way Ste. 210
Bainbridge Island

[MineralMan]

15. Thank you!

[rhett o rick]

16. And our local "Drink Liberally" group helped local Democratic candidates put out

signs before the primary and will collect them after the general.

[MineralMan]

18. My yard is always festooned with yard signs before elections.

I'm not sure how valuable they are in getting people's votes, but they sure make it clear who and what I support, and sometimes stimulate conversations with neighbors.

[Thinkingabout]

19. K & R

Thanks for your post.

[lamp_shade]

20. Score me 2 independents who will vote straight Dem here in Florida.

[MineralMan]

22. Excellent work!

[elzenmahn]

21. Agreed...

...and the statistics don't lie - when the turnout is higher, the Dems almost always do better.

The Repubs know this well - hence their voter suppression efforts.

Even if you don't like the Dem candidates, at this stage of the game it's more important to KEEP THE REPUBS OUT. We know DAMNED WELL what we'll get if they take the reigns again.

GOTV!