So those of us in CA, NJ, VA, or any of the other states holding elections tomorrow, here's a little something you can do to help GOTV (without volunteering and all that stuff):
Call everyone in your cell phone.
I don't pretend that this is an original idea, I remember hearing about it on another post in 2004. But I put it to use then, and given that all politics is local, I think it's one of the coolest, easiest grassroots things you can do.
Nothing to it, really: on the day of the election, just go through your entire cell phone and ask all your contacts if they've voted, and urge them to do so. The benefits are manifold:
- At this stage of the election, people are tired of hearing from strangers asking them to vote. But a familiar voice can actually reach with that message.
- I know I'm a little apprehensive about calling people cold, especially late in the game, because people are just overwhelmed with phone calls. But calling people you know evokes no similar distress.
- You potentially get back in touch with some people who you haven't spoken with in a while, which can be even more effective for the core message, as well as a social boon!
I can tell you that virtually everyone I called last year got out and voted.
I plan to volunteer tomorrow in SoCal. But in between I'll be calling my entire cell phone address book. Will you do the same?