Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

jsmirman

(4,507 posts)
Thu Sep 20, 2012, 06:26 PM Sep 2012

WELL, TODAY IS *THE* FINAL DAY - VOTER REG, OHIO - IF YOU HAVE TIME, HIT YOUR LOCAL OFA OFFICE

Last edited Tue Oct 9, 2012, 01:46 AM - Edit history (12)

I'm sure they could use you...




Can you join in the effort to get DU boots on the ground in Ohio?

I'm in touch with some great people in the Ohio Obama campaign, who would love to have your help.

If you live in Ohio, or live in a bordering state and can work a day in Ohio, you have a unique opportunity.

Voter suppression efforts in this election cycle have severely compromised the voter registration efforts that are crucial not only to our chances in November, but also to our very democracy. The Republicans essentially have one motto for this election: "if too many people vote, we lose."

The decks are now clear for VOTER REGISTRATION to proceed unimpeded, but there are only 19 DAYS LEFT for people to register and be registered.

The deadline for voter registration in Ohio is OCTOBER 9TH.

Now, I would say that I need your help, but that's not it - WE need your help. AMERICA needs your help.

If you want to know the single greatest thing you can do that involves acting - not talking - it is to register voters during these next 19 DAYS.

The Where: Ohio

The Who: I am a former Obama fellow from the 2008 election cycle. I have been in touch with my OFA contacts from that campaign and will be coordinating with Organizing for America Ohio to help get anyone interested out to voter registration efforts in Ohio starting this weekend and continuing until October 9th.

I am very familiar with Ohio, having served as Chief Statistician for an Ohio-focused Dem think tank founded by ex-McKinsey Consulting people.

The What: REGISTER, REGISTER, REGISTER!!!! This is all about voter registration efforts. We have 19 DAYS LEFT during which to register people. The urgency could not be higher.

The How: What I need to know are the following -

1) What days can you be available, and during what hours on those days (you can update this list as your schedule becomes clearer as we move from September 21st to October 9th)

2) What city/cities would you like to travel to/can you travel to (please see the list below) (please list all cities you might consider)

I suggest signing in here in the thread to let us know you are interested (it helps to inspire each other) - or you can just DU Mail me.

Once we've established when and where you would like to go, either I can help you coordinate with voter registration drives in those cities, or if you prefer, I can help get you in touch with the campaign in that area or provide the means for you to do that on your own.

Here are the cities where there is the greatest need for voter registration efforts, in order of the raw vote margin of Obama's victory in 2008:

1. Cleveland (Cuyahoga County) (NE Ohio)
2. Columbus (Franklin County (mainly; it spreads over a few counties)) (Central Ohio)
3. Toledo (Lucas County) (NW Ohio)
4. Youngstown (Mahoning County) (NE Ohio)
5. Akron (Summit County) (NE Ohio)
6. Cincinnati (Hamilton County) (SW Ohio)
7. Lorain (Lorain County) (NE Ohio)
8. Dayton (Montgomery County) (SW Ohio)
9. Athens (Athens County) (SE Ohio)
10. Canton (Stark County) (NE Ohio)

Here is a link to a basic map of Ohio, for reference: http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/maps/ohio_map.html

That's it.

This is how we fight back against voter suppression. This is how we win the election. This is how we protect the right to vote. This is a chance to materially impact this election. Please join me.

I've seen DU rise up in response to calls for action many times these last months. THIS IS AN URGENT CALL TO ACTION.

I look forward to working with you all.

45 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
WELL, TODAY IS *THE* FINAL DAY - VOTER REG, OHIO - IF YOU HAVE TIME, HIT YOUR LOCAL OFA OFFICE (Original Post) jsmirman Sep 2012 OP
Kick - eventually jsmirman Sep 2012 #1
kick jsmirman Sep 2012 #2
kick - for the night crowd jsmirman Sep 2012 #3
Wish I could, but California is just too far away. CaliforniaPeggy Sep 2012 #4
That's why what you need to do jsmirman Sep 2012 #5
How would a person go about making calls to Ohio from the West Coast? Bluenorthwest Sep 2012 #8
This is very simple (please see below) jsmirman Sep 2012 #9
Thanks for the info.... Bluenorthwest Sep 2012 #19
Glad to help jsmirman Sep 2012 #22
For the morning crowd jsmirman Sep 2012 #6
I promise to canvass every day possible in Akron until the election we can do it Sep 2012 #7
That would be terrific! jsmirman Sep 2012 #10
FYI- just confirmed will also be doing poll observing for the third time we can do it Sep 2012 #13
Yep, poll watching is hugely important with those True the Vote jsmirman Sep 2012 #18
Kick again please goclark Sep 2012 #21
I'd like more information about canvassing in Montgomery County rucky Sep 2012 #11
I'll send you something tonight jsmirman Sep 2012 #16
This should also be pinned on Politics 2012. nt Hutzpa Sep 2012 #12
That's up to the Admins - they've been kind enough to pin it here jsmirman Sep 2012 #17
And if by chance someone there is regestering as a republican..... Great Caesars Ghost Sep 2012 #14
Hell no - illegal and un-American jsmirman Sep 2012 #15
Kick all day and all night! goclark Sep 2012 #20
These pinned posts would have more impact if the number of days left would change daily. panader0 Sep 2012 #23
This is by far the best weapon we have against the voter suppression the GOP is using liberal N proud Sep 2012 #24
That's exactly what I'm trying to tell people jsmirman Oct 2012 #27
I can help. Springslips Sep 2012 #25
That's fantastic! jsmirman Sep 2012 #26
*** THIS NEXT WEEKEND MAY BE THE MOST IMPORTANT WEEKEND OF THE YEAR *** jsmirman Oct 2012 #28
So important!!! CoffeeCat Oct 2012 #29
Everybody get busy getting people registered and voting early we can do it Oct 2012 #30
Important note if canvassing or phone banking, remind them to CHECK REGISTRATION we can do it Oct 2012 #31
We did it! You can, too! Atticus Oct 2012 #32
again THANKS! we can do it Oct 2012 #33
This message was self-deleted by its author revolution breeze Oct 2012 #34
Justmoved to Ohio tnvoter Oct 2012 #35
Call 1-866-OUR-VOTE jsmirman Oct 2012 #36
People, please. Do we want to win or not? jsmirman Oct 2012 #37
I know we have posters from Ohio. If you live in Ohio, what's your excuse on Monday jsmirman Oct 2012 #38
Actually - Tuesday is the last day for registration. Ms. Toad Oct 2012 #39
Good information - I thought they would be closing shop at 5 pm jsmirman Oct 2012 #40
If you live in Medina and aren't registered yet - get thee to the BOE tomorrow!! Ms. Toad Oct 2012 #41
One last kick jsmirman Oct 2012 #42
Perry County needs a field office and Perry County rbrnmw Oct 2012 #43
I've got offices in every bordering country jsmirman Oct 2012 #44
IF they have Perry County Numbers rbrnmw Oct 2012 #45

jsmirman

(4,507 posts)
1. Kick - eventually
Thu Sep 20, 2012, 06:36 PM
Sep 2012

EarlG, from what I understand, has agreed to pin this to the top -

LET'S GET INVOLVED!!!

But for now, kick.

jsmirman

(4,507 posts)
3. kick - for the night crowd
Thu Sep 20, 2012, 10:15 PM
Sep 2012

folks, if you're in Ohio or Florida, if you have a car or are in public transport striking distance, and if you're not allergic to people, this is how the election is won.

jsmirman

(4,507 posts)
5. That's why what you need to do
Thu Sep 20, 2012, 11:48 PM
Sep 2012

is make calls!

We all have to do what we can - if we do that, we're gonna win.

jsmirman

(4,507 posts)
9. This is very simple (please see below)
Sat Sep 22, 2012, 11:04 AM
Sep 2012

all you need to do is go to www.barackobama.com.

Step 1: Create a personal account

Step 2: Click under "Get involved"

Step 3: Select "Make Calls"

Step 4: Read the brief stuff they provide to prepare you with some sense of what the campaign is hoping to convey with these calls (although I will say that, *being sure to be mindful of regional sensibilities*, I have never found anything wrong with listening to what a voter is concerned about and sincerely stating your own personal reason as to why your candidate is the better candidate in that regard - but the preparatory materials they provide are good for supplying you with a base of information)

Step 5: Use the "Call Tool" (a program on the site) and Start making calls!

The "Call Tool" will pop up the name and number of an individual voter the campaign would like you to contact.

It's very, very straightforward and well-conceived.

But if you have any problems with any of the steps above, or any more questions, just let me know, and I will try to help.

we can do it

(12,118 posts)
7. I promise to canvass every day possible in Akron until the election
Sat Sep 22, 2012, 09:37 AM
Sep 2012

I averaged over 100 houses per day in 2008 (forgot where i was!)

jsmirman

(4,507 posts)
10. That would be terrific!
Sat Sep 22, 2012, 11:07 AM
Sep 2012

Are you already engaged in doing that, or do you need help interfacing with the campaign?

If you're already doing it, we're very lucky to have you on the ground in Ohio!

If you need help getting going, I'm here to help.

There is nothing more important than the sustained, determined, boots on the ground effort of people like you in winning in November!

we can do it

(12,118 posts)
13. FYI- just confirmed will also be doing poll observing for the third time
Sat Sep 22, 2012, 03:28 PM
Sep 2012

this is another area of need

jsmirman

(4,507 posts)
18. Yep, poll watching is hugely important with those True the Vote
Sat Sep 22, 2012, 06:41 PM
Sep 2012

clowns trying to bring back Redemption Era politics (possibly the most shameful era of American History).

I'll be down in Florida it looks like to do that.

I'm also trying to organize law students across the country to defend the vote in key counties. But that's an offline effort of mine.

Good on you for doing this, as well, though.

Poll Watching is as important in this election as it has ever been in any election in recent memory.

jsmirman

(4,507 posts)
15. Hell no - illegal and un-American
Sat Sep 22, 2012, 06:37 PM
Sep 2012

the beauty of voter registration is that it is a non-partisan activity that only helps our side.

The more people who vote, the more we win.

I register Democrats and Republicans alike, as one should. But you know what? My ratio of Dems to Repub registrations was always at least 4:1, and usually much higher. And that involved no partisanship whatsoever on my part.

I would never say who I was working for unless asked, and then I would say, "I work for the Obama campaign, but when I'm registering voters, I'm just an American."

panader0

(25,816 posts)
23. These pinned posts would have more impact if the number of days left would change daily.
Wed Sep 26, 2012, 08:31 AM
Sep 2012

It's stuck on 19 days.........

liberal N proud

(60,302 posts)
24. This is by far the best weapon we have against the voter suppression the GOP is using
Wed Sep 26, 2012, 02:36 PM
Sep 2012

Making sure more are eligible to vote!

jsmirman

(4,507 posts)
27. That's exactly what I'm trying to tell people
Mon Oct 1, 2012, 03:43 AM
Oct 2012

this upcoming weekend is possibly the biggest one of the whole election calendar - prime time for volunteering...

Springslips

(533 posts)
25. I can help.
Thu Sep 27, 2012, 07:05 PM
Sep 2012

I live in Columbus I can help oct 1 through 5 and oct 7 through 9. I can travel to wherever you need, I have a car, and would love to help if you can use me.Lets win this thing.

jsmirman

(4,507 posts)
28. *** THIS NEXT WEEKEND MAY BE THE MOST IMPORTANT WEEKEND OF THE YEAR ***
Mon Oct 1, 2012, 03:48 AM
Oct 2012

the campaigns call it "the golden weekend" - the last weekend for voter reg, and the beginning of the big final push to election day - they need volunteers more for this weekend than any other one on the calendar...

CoffeeCat

(24,411 posts)
29. So important!!!
Mon Oct 1, 2012, 11:06 AM
Oct 2012

We must thwart Republican efforts to disenfranchise Ohio voters!

Republicans have devoted a lot of time, money and effort on suppressing the vote in Ohio.

We have to work HARDER at being proactive, than the Republicans have worked at being devious trolls!

we can do it

(12,118 posts)
30. Everybody get busy getting people registered and voting early
Mon Oct 1, 2012, 02:46 PM
Oct 2012

Canvassing is fun and good exercise! I did 108 houses Saturday and 98 on Sunday! And had 64 contacts which I think is very good. Almost everyone was very enthusiastic about voting.

we can do it

(12,118 posts)
31. Important note if canvassing or phone banking, remind them to CHECK REGISTRATION
Mon Oct 1, 2012, 02:48 PM
Oct 2012

this is vital with the election fraud the GOP is pulling.

Atticus

(15,124 posts)
32. We did it! You can, too!
Mon Oct 1, 2012, 04:05 PM
Oct 2012

This past weekend, my wife and I drove over 5 hours, one way, to canvass door to door and register voters in Columbus, Ohio. We left southern Illinois at about 3:00 a.m. and made it to the Obama For America headquarters on Broad Street at about 10:00 a.m.

We canvassed until nearly six p.m. and then canvassed again Sunday afternoon before heading home.

We are both 63 and, although we were exhausted at day's end, we agree that the experience was more than worth our minor aches and pains. It was a VERY rewarding experience and made us feel actually involved in the process rather than simply arguing with the TV and hoping someone somewhere would "do something".

We "did something".

If you are within driving distance of Ohio, please consider making a commitment RIGHT NOW to "walk the walk" this next week or weekend. Even half a day would be a great help.

Go on---contact the OP and get hooked up with a place to make a difference. You'll be proud of yourself.

Response to jsmirman (Original post)

jsmirman

(4,507 posts)
36. Call 1-866-OUR-VOTE
Wed Oct 3, 2012, 12:36 AM
Oct 2012

they should be able to help.

If you don't find your questions answered, let me know.

I suggest calling them ASAP

jsmirman

(4,507 posts)
38. I know we have posters from Ohio. If you live in Ohio, what's your excuse on Monday
Sun Oct 7, 2012, 03:32 AM
Oct 2012

what will you say when we lose Ohio and lose the election by a hair's breadth, and you couldn't be bothered to register voters on Monday?

Ms. Toad

(33,915 posts)
39. Actually - Tuesday is the last day for registration.
Sun Oct 7, 2012, 10:40 PM
Oct 2012

I know since I'm an observer and will be hanging at the Board of Elections most of the day on Tuesday making sure they don't close up shop at 5:00, since you are allowed to register and vote until 9 PM

jsmirman

(4,507 posts)
40. Good information - I thought they would be closing shop at 5 pm
Mon Oct 8, 2012, 02:54 AM
Oct 2012

I wrote Monday in the headline, though, because I can't help anyone any later than that to get set up for a Tuesday!

And I wish people would get out there on Columbus Day, which is a great day for volunteering.

But thanks for the message and for keeping your BoE honest!

Ms. Toad

(33,915 posts)
41. If you live in Medina and aren't registered yet - get thee to the BOE tomorrow!!
Mon Oct 8, 2012, 07:37 PM
Oct 2012

And if you are there at opening (8 AM), at lunch, or close (9 PM) you can meet a DU-er live, and in person (doing my duty to make sure you can register and vote the same day without hassle in this Republican bastion!)

rbrnmw

(7,160 posts)
43. Perry County needs a field office and Perry County
Thu Oct 11, 2012, 06:33 PM
Oct 2012

voters phone numbers I made calls to other counties today because there were NO perry county numbers to call

jsmirman

(4,507 posts)
44. I've got offices in every bordering country
Fri Oct 12, 2012, 05:42 AM
Oct 2012

Lancaster Office in Fairfield

Heath Office in Licking

Zanesville Office in Muskingum

Athens Office (two of them) in Athens

That's every bordering county except Morgan and Hocking.

Would you settle for being connected to one of those offices and seeing if they have any Perry numbers?

rbrnmw

(7,160 posts)
45. IF they have Perry County Numbers
Fri Oct 12, 2012, 08:16 AM
Oct 2012

We really need Perry County votes it's a poor area of Ohio that would vote largely Democratic if there were some organization here in Perry County. I think the local Democratic Party is making a big mistake by not being more accessible. If they don't show more support for top ticket races it effects their races. There are Romney/Ryan signs everywhere in Perry County I have seen 1 Obama/Biden sign. I have seen no Sherrod Brown signs but many Josh Mandel signs. I don't like it.

ETA: I lived in Columbia South Carolina for 3 Presidential Elections the Democratic Party there is spirited bunch and they fight like hell to get as many votes as they can even though conventional wisdom says it's a Red state. Ohio is important and I think by ignoring a poor county like Perry you lose votes.

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»WELL, TODAY IS *THE* FINA...