Action 165. “Now is the time...
Background: ...for all good men to come to the aid of their country”. Betcha didn’t know, this was originally an early 1900’s typing exercise like “the quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog.” The last two words of the original were “their party.” And in truth, now IS the time to come to the aid of our party, AND our country.
The state Dem party is quietly raising funds to produce flyers to counter the misinformation about Question 1 that is being postcarded (postcarded!) by Laurel Libby and her ilk. Those of us who have sent thousands of handwritten postcards promoting Democratic candidates across the nation are flattered that the far right has recognized the effectiveness of such campaigns. But we can bet that the Republican party is paying for the stamps, whereas we dug deep into our shrinking pockets to pay for Louis DeJoy’s ever increasing postage rates.
Turnout will determine the outcome on Nov. 4. There is another hot button referendum item on the ballot, the “red flag” law. This is sure to get out the vote of the firearm brigade, who will tend to vote YES on Question 1.
Action: So, what I suggest we all do, is the following:
1. Send a note to the state Democratic party encouraging them to prepare and distribute factual literature on Question 1. And send them a donation in support of this initiative. Ask them to please consult with those of us in the grass roots who have a better idea of what will catch people’s attention than the state party has demonstrated so far. For one thing, while it is true that protecting absentee voting is extremely important, it is also important to counter the false narrative that Question 1 is “only about requiring a picture ID”. It contains, as you know, other voter suppression measures. But the average voter does not know this, they don’t know Maine doesn’t have a voter fraud problem, nor do they know that they must get out and actually VOTE on Nov. 4 to protect their rights.
2. Participate in, or organize, door to door canvassing efforts to defeat Question 1. Graham Platner’s campaign in cooperation with the Dem party is organizing this effort in Ellsworth. Or, you can do as Brooksville is doing, and organize your own town campaign. If you would like step-by-step suggestions on how to do this, contact Abbie McMillen or Phil Bailey.
3. Put up a NO ON 1 yard sign. Available from your local Dam party chair or the HCDC office.
Contacts:
1. State Democratic party donation portal:
https://secure.actblue.com/donate/maine-democratic-party-federal-account-1
Send a note to chair@mainedems.org to let the state party know you are supporting their effort to counter the right wing’s propaganda about Question 1.
If you want to help further, volunteer to phone bank on the issue. Here is the portal:
https://www.mobilize.us/mainedems/event/826596/
2. For how to organize local canvassing:
Abbie – call or text 207 756 4877.
Phil - Pbsustain@aol.com
3. HCDC in Ellsworth: 53 Church Street. (207) 664-6012
Urgency: November 4 is less than 6 weeks away. Do it this weekend!