Blogging of late has been a real challenge for me. I started this blog to talk about the tactics and strategies used to engage voters and stakeholders in the legislative process. However, every time I went to put pen to paper (or keyboard to screen, if you prefer), I’d find myself not wanting to expound on some great new mobilization technology but drawn to rant about the state of our country and its leadership.
And, at these moments, I was sure that my rants wouldn’t add anything positive to the discourse.
On top of that, I’m in an industry that requires me to work closely with folks of every political persuasion. I could potentially be losing business if I were too outspoken for or against candidates from one party or another, especially as polarized as our country is right now. I will say this, there isn’t a single political party that will be a 100% happy with my votes this year.
Therefore, no blogging for me.
However, I’ve come to the following conclusion, while raging about the things I don’t like won’t be persuasive, there is something I can write about that will hopefully have an effect. I can encourage all of you to take action.
So, rather than rant, I wanted to share with you, faithful followers, what I have done to make positive change this election cycle.
I’ve educated myself. I’ve talked to the candidates whenever possible, watched debates, read editorial endorsements. I’ve asked questions about specific policies that will impact my family and my community.
I’ve volunteered for candidates I’m supporting. I’ve phone banked for some of them. Texted for others. There are signs up in my yard. (Yes, professional operatives, of course I know that yard signs don’t really do much, yet I have them in my yard.) Late October is prime campaign volunteering season. Work for the candidates you care about! Remote phone banking has been around for a few campaign seasons now, try it out.
I’ve contributed. I’ve supported the campaigns of two Members of Congress from my area, my own and one from a neighboring district. I’ve met or know them both and they have impressed me as smart, thoughtful, pragmatic, moderates. I have also contributed to the campaign of a state representative currently running for state Senate here in Illinois. I’d probably have contributed to him even if he weren’t the father of my godson. And finally, I’ve been contributing to a Super PAC, the Lincoln Project. Even with two weeks left to go, it is not too late to contribute what you can.
And, as of today, I’ve voted. Folks, this election is the most critical of our lifetime. Even if you’re lukewarm about the candidates at the top of the ticket, every one of us needs to step up and vote. Return your mail-in ballots (do this by the end of this week), visit an early voting center or vote on Election Day, just make sure you vote.
VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!