OK, we've all heard the pleas, we've all heard the hype, we've all listened to NPR. So, we've all heard Ira Glass wax philosophical about how we don't pledge because we know that it'll be there tomorrow. The radio station somehow finds a way to go on. Well that's how I was when it came to elections before this one. Yeah, sure, I voted but I didn't worry too much about all that stuff that came before; I did my part and we'll still be here afterwards no matter what happens. No more! Don't regret these last few days! Here are some of my own experiences that will hopefully cheer and inspire you. After you read them, post your own stories to encourage others to leave everything on the road.
Once more into the breach!
Volunteer!
If you haven't, or even if you have volunteer with the campaign!
I've recently started phone banking and you know what? It's good karma. I haven't been overly showy about my volunteering, but I haven't kept it a secret. I've had friends that were encouraged into also volunteering just because I stood up. I've had friends that were guilted into voting just because I'm volunteering.
What about karma? The first time I had to make calls I was assigned a very red area of Georgia. Everyone I talked to was either McCain, undecided--leaning McCain, or refused to answer my questions. All but one, this guy was about to despair but he was able to talk to an Obama supporter from the main office and y'know, it gave him hope. He agreed to volunteer and keep up the good fight.
The second time I phone-banked, I only had an hour to give but do you know who I ended up talking to? An older gentleman, 82, very concerned about where the country was heading, and a WWII veteran. He was one of the original Tuskegee Airmen. I was able to personally thank him for all he did 65 years ago that made what's happening today possible. Go volunteer. You never know who you'll run into.
Contribute!
I just threw in the last of my spending money to O2B. I've never contributed money EVER before to a political event. I get paranoid. I'm also poor. Anyway, threw caution and my money to the wind to support not only Obama and my state's Democratic candidates but also the races I think are the most important nationwide. Sure, it was only $5 or $10 here or there but it added up. GIVE UNTIL YOU BLEED
Vote Early!
Just went to my local polling location today. Voted early. Yup, I did. Lines are going to be horrible on Nov. 4th. Heck, lines are already horrible! I stood in line for over an hour, in the cold, cold wind, all to cast my ballot. And who was there with me? Hundreds of other voters. Behind me, a black woman with her first-time voting son and his friend. In front of me, a Jewish doctor. In front of him, a black woman running errands who stopped to vote. We all stood huddled talking about how this was so worth it. Excitement was high. I ran into neighbors, co-workers, people sneaking away from their responsibilities to get their vote in. Do it now.
Don't know how? Check out this diary by zorland: how to vote early a state-by-state guide
Vote Often!
I know what you're thinking, "That's crazy talk, Peach!" No, absolutely not. Do what you can to boost the impact your vote has by getting other people to vote too! I did voter registration, maybe that's ten more votes for Obama. I personally registered 2 friends and drove them to the primary elections and will drive them to the General on November 4th, that's another 2. I'm signed up to drive on November 4th for the Obama campaign -- GOTV GOTV GOTV. There's another ~25 people who'll get to vote.
My vote in 2004 = 1 person. My vote in 2008 = up to 40 people.
Find your state office offer to help drive people to early voting or to voting on November 4th!