Why It’s Important to Contact Friends in Swing States
Here is WHY:
To encourage reluctant voters to vote. A third of people will not vote. We find in polling that 10% of the people who are planning to vote, don’t vote. You can help encourage them.
To influence voters in swing states, who will decide the presidency and which party controls Congress. Party control is essential if real reforms will be made next year.
To remind swing-state voters how important they are. Campaign ads focus on voting; the Electoral College and party control of Congress is more for the geeks. The national importance of Senate races is rarely mentioned. This is particularly true this year because Democrats are running in red states and don’t want to push that button.
To remind swing-state voters of registration deadlines. In 2016, 30% of those eligible were not registered. Registration drives have been hampered this year by the virus.
To emphasize why we’re voting. We’re looking for reforms in health care, social justice and climate change. These issues often get lost in the focus on the personalities of politicians.
To let my friends know I care. Voting can be a lonely, private affair. I want friends to know I am with them. Given talk of vote suppression, my friends may face challenges to voting.
To remind them of the importance of the election. I am doing that by just taking a chance and contacting people with whom I’ve had little contact.
To inspire them to contact others in their state. The people who live in a swing state will know more people there than I will, living on the West Coast. Friends there could have a big impact by posting our meme, and especially by continuing this process of direct contact.