I would like to suggest that several things be done to help turn things around in 2014 in spite of gerrymandering and voter suppression. First, we need to be registering people now. Explain that, if they move, they must notify the new precinct well before the elections. The permission granted for any registered voter to question any other registered voter in their county will be intimidating, intentionally so. Having that little voter registration card will make it much more difficult for voters to be questioned. Suggest they keep it behind their picture id. Second, remind voters that, if questioned about their voting status at the poll, they have the right to question the status of the person who is trying to prevent them from voting. Both votes may be delayed, but questions intended to prevent someone from voting will be discouraged as the bullying act that they are. A good question would be whether the person questioning your status is really from that county; I expect outsiders to be brought in. Third, ask every registered Democrat or Independent to carry voter registration information and forms. Ask them to share them with friends over the next year who are not yet registered. Give them more forms if they request them. The cost of providing them is worth it. Fourth, send people out to register voters. Offer this to groups who’ve been most affected: nonprofits (churches, schools, PTA meetings, conservation groups, etc.), for profits (small businesses are being killed by all the US Chamber and ALEC –type groups), and service organizations that are permitted to do this kind of activity (health clinics, disability services, etc.). Reach out to those the GOP is disenfranchising or ignoring: LGBT groups, women’s groups, etc. There are writing groups that focus on specific groups, so that would be one way to find them, in addition to local chapters of regional groups. Start now and don’t stop for at least 6 years. It will take that long to get good people into office. Fifth, set up picture id clinics. Work with agencies whose ids will be acceptable and arrange transportation and fee-coverage for those who cannot afford it (make sure that fee help is legal first). Sixth, place ads to encourage registration in the classifieds online and print. Place them in employment opportunities, housing (rental and sales), etc. This needs to be a concerted effort to counteract the new laws. We can’t count on early voting or honesty from the GOP. Thanks for listening. I will be sharing this with many Progressive groups. I hope you do too.
Posted on: Fri, 26 Jul 2013 21:56:13 +0000
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