The graphs above from 90 for 90 tells the story. 600,000 new Virginia voters registered in VA in 2016.
In January, I wrote 90 for 90 and Daily Kos can turn this country around.:
In last year’s Presidential election, Virginia was a shining light. The Democratic margin of victory was 50-45% — a two point gain from President Obama’s 51-48 margin in 2012. By contrast, the three deciding states, WI, MI and PA changed from significant margins of victory to losses of one percent or less.
Why did this happen? Yes, demographics and changing population have turned VA bluer in recent years, particularly in Northern Virginia, Richmond and Tidewater. But some credit should be given to 90 for 90, a voter engagement and activation initiative started as a 90th birthday celebration and tribute to William Fergusen Reid, Sr. (“Fergie Sr.”), a surgeon, a living civil rights hero and in 1967, the first black member of the Virginia General Assembly since Reconstruction.
90 for 90’s goal was "A Quarter Million for the Old Dominion" — increasing voter registration in VA by 250,000. The method was simple: Encourage as many stakeholders, activists and believers in voting and voting rights to register 90 voters per precinct, or as many voters as possible in their area. The results were spectacular: VA registered 633,000 new voters.
And tonight we saw further results — of course, rejection of Trump and motivation of the Democratic base, but also mobilization again of the vastly increased voter base — leaning Democratic. And registered voters vote:
Va.: 2016 Elegible voter turnout 65%. But registered voter turnout: 72.05%.
We have this year to replicate Virginia in the 49 states, plus DC.
It’s the Registration, Stupid.
To paraphrase Joe Hill:*
“Don’t [just] celebrate. Organize and Register”
*wrongly attributed to him apparently, but WTF.