Here are some observations from our first voter registration experience. I have to admit I was nervous, even as an entertainer who is used to the public eye.
davehouck and randallt, two intrepid Kossacks dedicated to the cause (electing more and better Democrats without being a dick), launched the DKos Asheville Voter Registration Project today by setting up a card table with modest signage that held voter registration forms in front of two friendly faces. A humble beginning.
Neither of us had ever done this so it was bound to be educational to say the least. It didn't disappoint. David mentioned that our location, Earthfare, was sure to be a safe place in case Tea Baggers attacked. Our two most engaging guests were far from baggers, they were hippies. Please jump below the Orange Squiggle of Down Ticket Power.
Here is what I added to our DKos Asheville blog this afternoon as we were attracting visitors.
Voter registration (2+ / 0-)
David and I are down here at Earthfare working on registering voters. We're here till 6:00 pm so come on down!
Lovely weather, a beautiful Spanish guitar performer and big ORANGE pumpkins.
Getting chilly! (1+ / 0-)
Well we had our first taker! And a lesson. If you move within the county you can go ahead and re-register with your new address. Or you can just write the local Board of Elections a letter with the information.
We've had some positive interactions and a couple of interesting ones. The first guy told us we were not living in reality because votes are never actually counted. Another said voting is useless because we will still kill people no matter who we elect. I tried to talk him into voting just locally. Fun conversation.
So we had a dozen personal interactions, traded several dozen smiles and greetings and exposed a unique population to the idea that voting is important.
And we helped register two voters! The first was a nice lady who approached us and asked for advice for changing her address. I mistakenly told her that as long as was in the same county she was cool. David said he thought that was wrong so the trusty iPad visit to the North Carolina State Board of Elections proved him right. I tried to find her and give her a new form for a change of address but she was gone. Damn, our first shot vanquished by abject incompetency. Stupid clown.
But then, she was back! We told her the story, gave her a new form and watched our first satisfied customer walk away with a smile.
Here is David's story of our second voter.
* [new] Thanks Randall; it was a fun afternoon (2+ / 0-)
I like hanging out at Earthfare and getting in some people-watching. We had several good conversations with folks; and a big part of what we are doing is working on getting people engaged and thinking about the elections. And I was able to get a couple of folks thinking that we now have a shot at taking out Mark Meadows.
By the way, Randall; when you went inside to return your coffee cup and we were packing up, I had someone ask about registering to vote in the city election two weeks from now. I told him it was too late for us to be able to register him, but that he could still do the same day registration at any of the early voting sites. He said he would do that. So we can add him to the list :)
Thanks again for a great day!
I think what I like most about the experience was our very presence. In front of the keyboard. We are booked again for next Tuesday and November Tuesdays as well. We'll need some help to make November happen so if you can find a Tuesday afternoon from 3:00 to 6:00 pm, America will be very happy.
Here's proof. It's a Spartan set I know, but stay tuned. At least we added some orange.
randallt and davehouck at Earthfare in Asheville encouraging people to vote
