I won’t document all the cases when the number of Americans who didn’t vote exceeded the number that voted for any single candidate, but I will share one that still elicits painful “what ifs?” In 2016, Hillary Clinton lost to Donald Trump with 65.8 million votes to his 63 million votes—while 95.2 million eligible voters chose to stay home. You’ve surely heard it said many times that the size of turnout is critical to determining an election’s outcome, especially when a passionate minority is determined to assert their will and overcome the majority view.
In recent months, anger over the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade and stripping away women’s reproductive rights, followed by a flood of draconian state bans on abortion, seemed likely to drive record numbers of women (and concerned men) to the polls. Exhibit A: The dramatic August vote in Kansas (59 to 41 percent) rejecting a constitutional amendment that would have banned abortion. (Record early voting now in Georgia—exceeding the early numbers in the 2020 presidential election and predominately Democratic—may suggest the same high-flying passion.)
In August, threats to democracy had risen to the top of issues voters said were motivating their vote. But polls in recent weeks suggest that passion may have peaked and voters are returning to the bread-and-butter issues of inflation and the economy, both of which—despite historically low unemployment—spell trouble for the Democrats in this midterm election. We may hope the polls are not capturing the full swath of likely voters—and may underestimate the continuing impact of overturning Roe and fears about democracy’s future with so many election deniers on the ballot—but it is reasonable to assume the hot summertime anger is hard to sustain. It’s a truism that people tend to adapt to reality, even when it’s bad.
With all this in mind, I think it’s important to share experiences and plans of how you have helped get out the vote in the past and how you will motivate friends, neighbors and others to get thee to the polls this time around. Maybe it’s as simple as driving them in your car or talking to them over a hedge, along the sidewalk or when you bump into them at the store. Maybe you make calls or send postcards. I have friends who have bussed into neighboring states to go door-to-door. Perhaps you rely on your social media activity to let people know what you’re thinking and doing. I’d welcome the chance for us to hear from each other on this question while there is still time to make a difference: How will you motivate others to vote? Because, at times like these, every vote matters.
For anyone who wondered about the vote tally between Clinton and Trump in the email sent, I've revised that number to reflect the actual vote count confirmed in December 2016. She won the popular vote by nearly 3 million votes.
Residing in a HUD subsidized property, my mission this election, to speak with every one of 80 residents, asking them, "Do you know about the ARP and the benefits you have already received and those to come, do you know that Democrats did that for you, without Republicans?" Money for EBT monthly increases, money saved at the pharmacy, money in your pocket come January with a 8.7% COLA increase. As lower income individuals, $$$ matters and captures their attention, further inquiring if their ballot has arrived by mail or if I can help drive them to a polling center. A small contribution, but ideally one that will effect ballots being used wisely. Thank you Steven. Your contribution to Democracy remains a constant ally alongside me.
Several million American citizens live outside the country. They can vote but typically do not. Some are unaware they can. A small increase in participation would turn close races. The strongest GOTV tool is always a word from a friend, so think of people you know outside the US and give them a call.
I remind 20 somethings that freedom comes with a price. It is a privilege, honor, and duty to vote. That not voting is a vote. I remind them that the safety net for their elders, a woman’s choice, and good governance depends on each citizen voting.. That our nation’s freedoms are not guaranteed, to look at January 6th. I have been promised by some that they will vote.
Encourage the young to vote! If any of us have siblings or children of voting age, please, please do everything you can to motivate them to vote. Ask them to get their friends to do so as well.
Young people are consistently the least likely to vote, but they, as a group, are also the most likely to vote for Democratic candidates. Remind them of what is at stake: their own futures depend on the outcome of voting on November 8th. There will be a price to pay for apathy.
Over the past year, I have met with four friends monthly to write postcards. Some efforts were for specific races, others were to encourage people to register, and still others were to encourage people that historically did not vote in midterms to do so this election.
Now that the time has passed for sending postcards for out of state elections, I just acquired 50 “slate cards“ from my local Democratic Party and am mailing them to local voters.
Most of my neighbors are staunch Trump supporters. So believe me, I do NOT encourage them to get to the polls! The most I can do from here is to post lots and lots of "vote blue" articles and articles about what the Dems have done since Biden took office, in the hope that some of my friends may think again about which way to vote. Fingers crossed, but I'm pretty scared.
We must focus our efforts where the margins are slim and victory is possible. Much has been gerrymandered and many voting rules altered to give GOP advantages in red leaning states. Getting non voters - young, female, and non-white - to the polls is critical to winning.
I have never missed a vote since my first vote in 1972 when I voted for McCarthy for President. Since 2016 I have voted by mail in ballot. Here in California, it has been easy to vote by mail and ballot box. I love sitting at my dining room table, reading the propositions, candidate statements, filling out my ballot and taking it to the ballot box and dropping it off. I also write Postcard to Voters all year long during election years. I want to be a poll worker but I don’t feel it’s safe for a lot of reasons including COVID. I will vote until I can’t remember to. And I will vote Democrat forever. If I ever talk about voting Republican I will know I have dementia….
Tbh as an educator, we have to reach ppl where they’re at, with their own mode of content intake. I’m purely a volunteer working w/ numerous campaigns, but I see that a lot of them will only focus on 1-2 methods of education - therefore only reaching a certain set of ppl, usually ones who already vote. If you want the youth, go where they are (TikTok, Discord, BeReal, IG, etc). Postcards work for ppl who like and check their mail. Twitter/FB work for ppl obsessively online. But in person events and canvassing is where you’ll make your biggest impact. Ppl want to see that you’re a part of the community & you care to meet them, even as just a representative of your candidate or initiative.
I have colorful Democrat donkey pin. I tried to wear it to work. Not allowed. Bad for customer base. But company is Republican. Gave much to Jan.6th rally. Denied giver affiliated with workings of company, but surely gets a profit check. Also ordered a lawn sign. Hope some trump nut doesn't steal it.
For those who aren’t voting as they can’t decide who to vote for, I say “I always vote as a way of honoring those who made it possible for me to vote.” There facial/eye expression tells me if I got a new “gotcha” vote.
I have read the comments and a couple of things seem apparent: personal contact and post cards.
I vigorously phone banked for a candidate and realized what an enormous waste of time that was. Posting on social media seems to have some influence on like minded or curious people.
Campaigning is so difficult when there are so few ways to make your point. The elephant in the room is money, and as polarized as we are, I suspect the candidate is still only addressing his/her own followers.
Perhaps we must gather together and let the undemocratic endorsers know we will not allow them to usurp us. We must speak with one voice. Who should be that person whom we stand behind, Biden or someone else?
Every breath of my miraculously designed breathing autonomously designed brain's power to survive 💪 🙌 in this universe of existence, today, is why I breath.
Satan's hold of resentment and PETULANCE is falling.
I love you all so very deeply and I am so grateful to have been enlighten by my government constitution representatives working in faith, reached it's purpose.
My breath is grace's purpose for humanity purposes to share our thoughts and experiences with our children in leadership we all have responsibilities to share, is all I EXSIST for now. Thank you.
For anyone who wondered about the vote tally between Clinton and Trump in the email sent, I've revised that number to reflect the actual vote count confirmed in December 2016. She won the popular vote by nearly 3 million votes.
Residing in a HUD subsidized property, my mission this election, to speak with every one of 80 residents, asking them, "Do you know about the ARP and the benefits you have already received and those to come, do you know that Democrats did that for you, without Republicans?" Money for EBT monthly increases, money saved at the pharmacy, money in your pocket come January with a 8.7% COLA increase. As lower income individuals, $$$ matters and captures their attention, further inquiring if their ballot has arrived by mail or if I can help drive them to a polling center. A small contribution, but ideally one that will effect ballots being used wisely. Thank you Steven. Your contribution to Democracy remains a constant ally alongside me.
WA State Blue Voter 💙
Several million American citizens live outside the country. They can vote but typically do not. Some are unaware they can. A small increase in participation would turn close races. The strongest GOTV tool is always a word from a friend, so think of people you know outside the US and give them a call.
https://www.mobilize.us/buildbridges4am/event/490053/
I remind 20 somethings that freedom comes with a price. It is a privilege, honor, and duty to vote. That not voting is a vote. I remind them that the safety net for their elders, a woman’s choice, and good governance depends on each citizen voting.. That our nation’s freedoms are not guaranteed, to look at January 6th. I have been promised by some that they will vote.
Encourage the young to vote! If any of us have siblings or children of voting age, please, please do everything you can to motivate them to vote. Ask them to get their friends to do so as well.
Young people are consistently the least likely to vote, but they, as a group, are also the most likely to vote for Democratic candidates. Remind them of what is at stake: their own futures depend on the outcome of voting on November 8th. There will be a price to pay for apathy.
Over the past year, I have met with four friends monthly to write postcards. Some efforts were for specific races, others were to encourage people to register, and still others were to encourage people that historically did not vote in midterms to do so this election.
Now that the time has passed for sending postcards for out of state elections, I just acquired 50 “slate cards“ from my local Democratic Party and am mailing them to local voters.
Then, just keeping my fingers crossed!
I just sent out 2,500 postcards to swing states that I hand wrote but working on them every freaking moment I could.
Most of my neighbors are staunch Trump supporters. So believe me, I do NOT encourage them to get to the polls! The most I can do from here is to post lots and lots of "vote blue" articles and articles about what the Dems have done since Biden took office, in the hope that some of my friends may think again about which way to vote. Fingers crossed, but I'm pretty scared.
We must focus our efforts where the margins are slim and victory is possible. Much has been gerrymandered and many voting rules altered to give GOP advantages in red leaning states. Getting non voters - young, female, and non-white - to the polls is critical to winning.
I have never missed a vote since my first vote in 1972 when I voted for McCarthy for President. Since 2016 I have voted by mail in ballot. Here in California, it has been easy to vote by mail and ballot box. I love sitting at my dining room table, reading the propositions, candidate statements, filling out my ballot and taking it to the ballot box and dropping it off. I also write Postcard to Voters all year long during election years. I want to be a poll worker but I don’t feel it’s safe for a lot of reasons including COVID. I will vote until I can’t remember to. And I will vote Democrat forever. If I ever talk about voting Republican I will know I have dementia….
Good morning, Steven. Super-important topic. But I'm having trouble getting past your Hillary popular vote count. I'd always believed she won by a far larger margin, no? (https://apnews.com/article/electoral-college-donald-trump-us-news-ap-top-news-elections-2c7a5afc13824161a25d8574e10ff4e7)
Tbh as an educator, we have to reach ppl where they’re at, with their own mode of content intake. I’m purely a volunteer working w/ numerous campaigns, but I see that a lot of them will only focus on 1-2 methods of education - therefore only reaching a certain set of ppl, usually ones who already vote. If you want the youth, go where they are (TikTok, Discord, BeReal, IG, etc). Postcards work for ppl who like and check their mail. Twitter/FB work for ppl obsessively online. But in person events and canvassing is where you’ll make your biggest impact. Ppl want to see that you’re a part of the community & you care to meet them, even as just a representative of your candidate or initiative.
Voting today is not just the individual self . This more about our future children than ever before . It motivated my sister into action .
I have colorful Democrat donkey pin. I tried to wear it to work. Not allowed. Bad for customer base. But company is Republican. Gave much to Jan.6th rally. Denied giver affiliated with workings of company, but surely gets a profit check. Also ordered a lawn sign. Hope some trump nut doesn't steal it.
Thank you for the insights from the commenters. Thank you Mr. Beschloss for helping to keep us pointed in the forward direction.
For those who aren’t voting as they can’t decide who to vote for, I say “I always vote as a way of honoring those who made it possible for me to vote.” There facial/eye expression tells me if I got a new “gotcha” vote.
I have read the comments and a couple of things seem apparent: personal contact and post cards.
I vigorously phone banked for a candidate and realized what an enormous waste of time that was. Posting on social media seems to have some influence on like minded or curious people.
Campaigning is so difficult when there are so few ways to make your point. The elephant in the room is money, and as polarized as we are, I suspect the candidate is still only addressing his/her own followers.
Perhaps we must gather together and let the undemocratic endorsers know we will not allow them to usurp us. We must speak with one voice. Who should be that person whom we stand behind, Biden or someone else?
Every breath of my miraculously designed breathing autonomously designed brain's power to survive 💪 🙌 in this universe of existence, today, is why I breath.
Satan's hold of resentment and PETULANCE is falling.
I love you all so very deeply and I am so grateful to have been enlighten by my government constitution representatives working in faith, reached it's purpose.
My breath is grace's purpose for humanity purposes to share our thoughts and experiences with our children in leadership we all have responsibilities to share, is all I EXSIST for now. Thank you.