Voting is indeed a fundamental right for all citizens of North Carolina. Yes, it is indeed a right many of us have exercised for years as we, the people, select the members elected to various boards, councils, commissions, etc. Additionally, this provides North Carolinians the opportunity to also have a voice in selecting both state and national officials. Elections are designed to be non-partisan and all individuals are encouraged to participate in the process. Some voters decide to vote on Election Day, or during early voting times while others decide to vote through the process of absentee ballots. Every vote should count and efforts are being made across our state to ensure “no vote is left behind”. The following represents 2 of the opportunities available to AAUWNC members to consider during this time as the virus spreads in North Carolina.
#1: Making Phone Calls for Democracy
As we march towards the November election, our thoughts often go to all the activities that are involved in the actual Election Day process. While many of us have already requested absentee ballots, there remains a large number of people who still may need assistance with the voting process. AAUW-NC is inviting you to participate in a grass-roots effort by “Making Phone Calls For Democracy”. Democracy NC, a state non-partisan organization, has identified over 22,000 North Carolina voters who were purged from the polls in December, 2019. Democracy NC has begun a phone call campaign to reach these individuals. While these purged voters represent primarily many of our state’s black population over 55 years, they also represent both Republicans and Democrats.
If you are interested in participating in this phone call campaign, please contact: Juliana Deitch, Volunteer and Logistics Associate for Democracy NC at juliana@democracync.org. Juliana will provide you with names and phone numbers, as well as a phone-script to assist you in helping those purged voters to have their names returned to the active polls. She will function as the liaison person between AAUW-NC and Democracy NC. In addition, she will be able to provide directions and answer your questions. Using your home/cell phones, your actions may include verifying if the person’s name is no longer on the official voter poll list with the Board of Elections, confirming if the individuals have a valid NC driver’s license and then using their on-line option to help with re-registering the individual, and/or answering other voting related questions might have. Because this is indeed an important election, consider “Making Phone Calls For Democracy” while you are staying safely at home during the pandemic.
#2: Take Action By Mailing Postcards
Momsrising, (a grassroots organization working to achieve economic security for all moms, women and families in the United States) has launched a postcard project to encourage one million infrequent voters to cast a ballot this year. If you wish to be involved, here is the basic information: the project is FREE and easy to do; volunteers sign up to write 1-2 non-partisan sentences on postcards; sign your name, city and state; and then return the postcards in the postage-paid envelope included with your original packet. Postcards will be mailed by MomsRising. Research suggests that personal notes to voters have a big impact on their decision to vote on Election Day or early. There is still time to sign up at www.MomsRising.org/ Postcards. Make a difference without leaving home!
We have less than 100 days until the November election, and each of you are encouraged to take full advantage of every opportunity you can to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard! AAUW-NC invites you to join one of these campaigns, or any other campaign of your choosing. Remember, this is an important election and Every Vote Does Indeed Count!