Online Google Doc: THE PEOPLE’S GUIDE TO GRASSROOTS ELECTION ORGANIZING, 2024
Saving American Democracy, 2024
A Hands-on Guide from the Center for Common Ground, Communities United, Green Grassroots Emergency Election Protection Coalition (GREEP), et. al.
The survival of American democracy in 2024 (and beyond) depends on effectively executed grassroots strategies which are vastly different from the high-cost media campaigns that have dominated American politics in this century. Such centralized, corporate-dominated mass media assaults have failed to unite us around shared values or to actively engage our citizenry in the democratic process. But relational, local based organizing can (and must) make the difference in 2024 and beyond.
Grassroots “Relational” Campaigning Can Win:
“Targeted Messages from Trusted Messengers”
As proven in the 2020-22 “Georgia Miracle” U.S. Senate campaigns, and in Virginia’s 2023 statewide elections, pro-democracy forces can only win by moving their resources to hands-on grassroots strategies engaging people at the local level. These strategies have critically evolved over the past two decades, empowering local pro-democracy activists to WIN elections..
Relational organizing, democracy centers, digitized ‘Get Out the Vote’ campaigns and other hands-on tactics as pioneered by Andrea Miller’s Center for Common Ground
and Communities United for Justice (co-founded by Ray McClendon and Richard Rose), are regularly featured on Green Grassroots Emergency Election Protection weekly zooms most Mondays, 2-4pm PT / 5-7pm ET.
For a full video exposition from Andrea Miller and Ray McClendon on the grassroots path to victory through relational organizing, please watch the January 8, 2024, GREEP zoom recording. This 2-hour presentation lays out the core elements of progressive, relational non-mass media-based electoral work necessary for this election year and beyond.
(The Book on the “Georgia Way” )
As witnessed especially in Arizona, 2020, saving our Democracy also demands universally available hand-marked/digitally scanned paper ballots, with reliable audits and recounts done by non-partisan professionals like John Brakey of AUDIT Elections USA and Ray Lutz’s Audit Engine. Taken in tandem, these strategies saved our democracy in 2020. They are essential—and need everyone’s participation—if democracy is to survive 2024.
JOIN US!!
(see below for links and references)
1. GET OUT THE VOTE: Voter turnout decides many elections. The Virginia-based Center for Common Ground has developed highly effective procedures based on phone calls, post cards and more. They can turn critical races, while being fun and fulfilling.
2. DEMOCRACY CENTERS: Community-based store fronts, staffed by local residents, can root grassroots campaigning. With accessible facilities for phone-banking, post-card writing, education, special events and more, these on-the-ground outposts that bring people can change outcomes.
3. RELATIONAL ORGANIZING: Door-to-door campaigning, street canvassing, meet-and-greets at democracy centers and local events… all can make the definitive difference. In the words of Ray McClendon of Communities United, local residents pushing local issues, or “targeted messages delivered by targeted messengers,” can win elections
4. ISSUES WITH LOCAL IMPACT: National and International issues do have impact. But ultimately, all politics is indeed local, including wages, working conditions, health care, schools and school lunches, reproductive rights, student debt forgiveness, climate, voting rights, etc. Local issues presented by local people are the essence of democracy.
5. UNIVERSAL HAND MARKED / DIGITALLY SCANNED PAPER BALLOTS:
The democracy-killing “hanging chad” debacles of Florida 2000 and Ohio 2004 made the need for hard copy voting with transparent digital counting (and re-counting) capabilities overwhelmingly evident. That more than 85% of the ballots cast in 2020 were on paper, then counted (and audited) digitally likely preserved our democracy (at least for the time being) On all levels of democracy, the use of hand-marked, digitally scanned paper ballots must be maintained.
6. GUARANTEED ACCESS TO THE VOTE:
The forever battle over who can get and cast a ballot—and have it reliably counted—rages hotter than ever. Voter ID, voting by mail, disappeared polling stations, restricted voting times, ex-felon eligibility, voter safety…all are in play. As the Supreme Court guts the Voting Rights Act, and as gerrymandered state legislatures pile on, local campaigns to protect the ballot will be decisive.
7. RELIABLE COUNTS, RECOUNTS & AUDITS
The need to guarantee accurate voter tallies, recounts and audits—as seen in Arizona 2020—will be center stage in 2024. John Brakey, Ken Bennett, Ray Lutz and others showed how votes duly cast in this election must be reliably verified.
8. GERRYMANDERING
The war over fair districting for Congressional and state legislative seats has raged since 1812. Radically escalated in 2010, it will shape our states and Congress deep into the future. Referenda, constitutional amendments, critical legislation, contested court decisions—all will roil right up to election day 2024 and beyond. Fair districting campaigns will continue at the heart of grassroots democracy.
9. ENSURING A FAIR & ACCURATE OUTCOME
For the first time in US history, we saw on January 6, 2021 a violent attempt to overthrow a legitimate electoral outcome. It’s likely to happen again in 2024-5. Forewarned is forearmed.
Meanwhile, joining election boards, becoming poll workers and monitors while protecting polling stations and the lines outside will determine our ability to guarantee a safe, fair and accurate election. The time to organize and join these “troops on the ground” is now!
Join & Support Grass Roots Campaigns in Your Community
Saving Democracy in 2024
Means Everyone is Needed!
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REFERENCE MATERIALS, EDUCATIONAL TOOLS, TRAININGS AND GUIDES From:
THE GRASSROOTS EMERGENCY ELECTION PROTECTION COALITION
From the GREEP Site:
Resource Tools:
GREEP: GRASSROOTS ORGANIZING MADE EASY
Groups devoted to preserving your rights, creating a civically engaged population, and protecting democracy. Digital platforms and services to maximize outreach or manage organizing and fundraising. Lists of funding sources. For experienced organizers or anyone looking to raise awareness and mobilize their communities, these materials can help amplify your message and galvanize your impact.
GREEP DATABASE: GOTV Organizations Nationwide – 2022
Comprehensive List of over 600 activist organizations working to multiply voter numbers and guarantee access to a fair vote. Voting in a democracy means unrestricted voices and choices in secure, transparent elections, but also upholding Constitutional protections, social and economic equity and justice, with the right to clean, safe environments. These groups work at the grassroots level, locally and nationally, to mobilize around issues and activate the public.
GREEP DATABASE: GOTV Organizations Listed by STATE and NATIONAL – 2023
https://grassrootsep.org/gotv-groups-national-list-2023
Comprehensive List of over 750 activist organizations working to multiply voter numbers and guarantee access to a fair vote. These groups work at the grassroots level to mobilize around issues and activate the public.
GREEP: States with Citizen Initiatives – 2023
See if the state you’re working in allows for citizen-led referendum and ballot initiatives. Find out what the process, guidelines, and need-to-knows are to put an issue up for vote in a statewide election and possibly amend your state constitution.
GREEP: Helpful Guidelines for Collecting Petition Signatures
General best practices for gathering valid signatures in a petition campaign, and tips on where and how to get the most people to sign. Helpful hints that vary by location, always consult your state’s election office before initiating a petition.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/10xcbaM3eqxvMa3DqjQA4tkdHiOUS8yV5
GREEP: A PEOPLE’S GUIDE TO GRASSROOTS ORGANIZING
Featuring: Andrea Miller, Ray McClendon, Tatanka Bricca, Joel Segal, and Robert Wilson – Discussion on results-driven relational organizing methods proven successful over the decades with our in-house experts.
GREEP: GRASSROOTS/RELATIONAL/GOTV ORGANIZING IS THE KEY TO AMERICAN DEMOCRACY
Instructional video with Andrea Miller and Ray McClendon discussing key methods and strategies used to get out the vote in 2020’s “Georgia Miracle”
GREEP: National Justice Roundtable (page doesn’t have recording, only invite to event and description. It was Aug 2021)
An unprecedented gathering of progressive economic and social justice leaders, healthcare experts, community organizers, voting rights advocates, climate and green jobs activists.
Voter Information:
Upcoming Elections in Your State
Find out all you need to know about elections in 2024. Have questions about voter registration deadlines, requesting absentee or mail-in ballots, or how to vote in-person during early voting or on Election Day? Call or text 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683)
- US Election Assistance Commission (EAC)
- Voter Resources & Helpful Links
https://www.eac.gov/voters/voter-resources-helpful-links
VOTE411.org
“Launched by the League of Women Voters Education Fund (LWVEF) a “one-stop-shop” for election related information. It provides nonpartisan information to the public with both general and state-specific information”
Independent Voter Project (IVP)
Voter Registration Data:
https://independentvoterproject.org/map
State-by-state statistics of non-partisan voter registration data along with information on election rules and primary systems
Committee for Safe and Secure Elections
“Resources from government agencies and non-governmental organizations that may be useful to both election workers and law enforcement professionals alike. Our official resources provide information on how election administrators and law enforcement can work together to strengthen our elections. These references are specific to individual states and localities, but may also have value by providing best practice suggestions for other jurisdictions.”
Quorum
https://www.quorum.us/products/election-center
Launch your GOTV campaign today and mobilize your supporters for the 2024 election with Phone2Action’s powerful Election Center – a one-stop shop for all election details.
Quorum is public affairs software that helps you work smarter and move faster. With Quorum, public affairs professionals can map, track, change, and report on the policy landscape—all in one place.
Citizens Oversight Project
“Dedicated to enabling citizens to provide needed oversight to our democracy. News Releases (and) other documents such as white papers, research and letters.”
Brennan Center
https://www.brennancenter.org/about
Nonpartisan law and policy institute. We work to craft and advance reforms that will make American democracy work, for all.
Progress toward 100 percent paper ballots continues, but there are challenges ahead.
Resources From GREEP Affiliates:
Affiliate Members
Voter Awareness and Engagement
Center For Common Ground
https://www.centerforcommonground.org/resources
Listings of Comprehensive Voter-Related Data Reports
“Links to various reports and resources related to elections, voter resources, and get-out-the-vote work.” Via Andrea Miller
https://www.centerforcommonground.org/resources
Democracy Centers
Democracy Centers provide permanent, peer-to-peer, community-based voter services, education, dialogue and opportunity for participation within the political process at the local, state and federal levels. via Andrea Miller and Ray McClendon
The Book on the “Georgia Way”
https://www.centerforcommonground.org/the-georgia-way
Follow the “Georgia Way”
https://lifteveryvoicefordemocracy.webflow.io/
Communities United for Justice
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550088064673
https://cu4justice.com/Get-Involved/
In the words of Ray McClendon of Communities United, local residents pushing local issues, or “targeted messages delivered by targeted messengers,” can win elections.
Andrea Miller and Ray McClendon on the grassroots path to victory through relational organizing. This 2-hour presentation lays out the core elements of progressive, relational non-mass media-based electoral work necessary for this election year and beyond.
NOW (National Organization of Women)
Dedicated to its multi-issue and multi-strategy approach to women’s rights, and is the
largest organization of feminist grassroots activists in the United States.
Our Revolution
America’s largest grassroots-funded progressive political organizing group. Bernie Sanders launched Our Revolution to empower each of us to stand up to corporate interests and make our government and economy work for us.
VoteWell.Net
“This website has been established to help people discuss and invent ways to *make elections more secure; *Identify and recover from security breaches”
“List of state groups working for better elections, then a list of national groups. Working in groups is one of our strongest approaches.” Includes: Actions to take, state groups, national groups with state activities, voting methods, state rules, local to national election results 1789-present.” Via Paul Burke
http://www.votewell.net/state.htm
Evangelicals For Democracy
http://www.evangelicalsfordemocracy.org
“Support(s) pro-democracy principles, policies and political leaders..use new information
tools, digital engagement, social networking and the voices of faith leaders and democracy experts to empower evangelicals.. Mobilizing 30 million evangelicals.. podcasts, blogs, a “virtual pulpit” on Twitter and virtual town halls for faith leaders.”
Rabbi Arthur Waskow
https://theshalomcenter.org/rabbiwaskow
“Now 89 and a rabbi, Waskow is a household name amongst progressive Jews and multireligious allies.”
The Shalom Center
“In 1983, Waskow founded The Shalom Center to serve as a “prophetic voice in Jewish, multireligious, and American life.” Combining thought leadership, public-facing action, grassroots mobilization, and deep spiritual teaching, Rabbi Waskow and The Shalom Center have woven together a transformational strand of Jewish wisdom, values, and spirit with a bold call for shalom – a prophetic vision of radical wholeness – within both Jewish and multifaith communities.”
Threats to Voting Rights!:
Greg Palast
Renowned award-winning Gonzo-style investigative reporter known for his earth-shaking discoveries about American voter suppression and other topics of interest for all freedom lovers..
Vigilante Movie
The Best Democracy Money Can Buy Documentary:
Steven Rosenfeld
https://independentmediainstitute.org/fellows/steven-rosenfeld/
Voting Booth
https://independentmediainstitute.org/voting-booth/
Voting Booth examines the electoral process and political culture to find developments that help or impede citizens’ right to vote and their confidence in the results of elections. This ranges from how partisans tilt the process to how new technologies are transforming campaigns and elections, and public participation. Voting Booth explores what affects the most people, has greatest impacts, and what could result in the fairest, most trustable process. Via Steven Rosenfeld
Robert J. Fitrakis and Harvey Wasserman
The Strip and Flip Disaster of America’s Stolen Elections
“A must-read book on the strip and flip technique used to rig these voting machines.’ This new edition adds additional essays including post-2016 election information.”
Election Protection!
Audit Engine – Citizens Oversight Project
“Ballot Image Audit service.. can be used by election officials, campaigns, candidates, and oversight groups, to audit any election that uses hand-marked paper ballots and scanners that create ballot images.” Via Ray Lutz
Audit USA
“Fighting nationwide — and especially in key states and counties — to have local election officials implement specific steps for this November’s elections that will bring
transparency to the 2020 election vote tabulation process. This is one area of focus
among many for the individuals and organizations fighting to maintain and strengthen the foundation of our democracy.” Via John Roberts Brakey
Scrutineers
“PROTECT EVERY VOTER. PROTECT EVERY VOTE.
The place where volunteers, activists, and seasoned election experts come together to protect the US elections from interference, discrimination, and errors.”
Smart Elections
https://smartelections.us/home
“We are transforming U.S. elections so they are secure, fair, accessible, well-administered and publicly verifiable.. In this special session of our SMART Elections’ Election Protection Forum we ask YOU what races and states to prioritize in our Nonpartisan Election Protection program.” Via Lulu Friesdatd
Fair Elections Center
https://www.fairelectionscenter.org/
Advocacy efforts, including producing reports, talking points and fact sheets, providing
state voter guides, providing testimony to legislatures, conducting trainings and seminars for organizations and their supporters, litigating voting rights cases in state and federal court, and working directly with local election officials and Secretaries of State to ensure that the right to vote is protected and expanded. Via Susan Pynchon
America Counts
As lawyers, we are well equipped to educate. That is why it is important to know your
state’s voting laws. Find out your state’s registration process and deadlines and the
particular challenges your state’s voters encounter
Michigan Election Reform Alliance (MERA) Via Jan Ben Dor
https://www.facebook.com/groups/8236963287
nonprofit, non-partisan, pro-democracy, grassroots organization dedicated to the realization of election processes that consistently uphold the principles of democracy to ensure the confidence of voters and maximize representation of all citizens of the United States of America. Via Jan Ben Dor
Citizens Audit Broward (America Counts) – FL
https://www.facebook.com/groups/citizensauditbroward
With Scrutineers and America Counts
Independent, public verification or rejection of election results, prior to certification. Record poll tapes on election night and more. Via Jamie Friend
Independent Media and Free Speech!
Pacifica Radio Network
“Pacifica Network is local, independent, community based media practicing the first amendment in a democracy. Our mission is building upon the inherent and historic cooperation between community radio stations. Our goal is to further and sustain grassroots community radio. The Pacifica Affiliate Program helps build collaboration in radio production, journalism, technology, and management between its network members.” Via Jan Goodman
Assange Defense
Save freedom, save Assange. The Assange Defense Committee is a U.S. coalition fighting to free Wikileaks founder Julian Assange. Via Vincent De Stefano
Free Donziger
“We are calling to demand the Department of Justice take back the Chevron-financed private prosecution of human rights lawyer Steven Donziger in New York.” Steven Donziger’s case represents the struggle of all activists criminalized for their work. If democracy and fundamental rights are to be preserved then the power of corporations to usurp the justice system must be stopped. Via Steven Donziger
Flashpoints: with Dennis Bernstien
https://kpfa.org/program/flashpoints
“An award winning front-line investigative news magazine focusing on human, civil and workers rights, issues of war and peace, Global Warming, racism and poverty, and other issues.”
Women’s RIsing Radio
Profiles women in leadership across the world for peace, ecology, civil society, and women’s, children’s and human rights. Via Lynn Feinerman
https://www.womenrisingradio.com
KarlGrossman.com
Articles, Books, and Videos
“I’ve specialized in doing investigative reporting in a variety of media for more than 50 years. I teach as well as practice journalism. I’m a full professor of journalism at the State University of New York Old Westbury, where my courses include Investigative Reporting and also Environmental Journalism.” Via Karl Grossman
OtherNetworks.org
https://othernetworks.org/Main_Page
“A crowd-sourced catalog of documents, people, organizations, and websites exploring digital alternatives from around the world.” Via Stanley Porkas
Environment and Social Justice!
Romero Institute
“For more than forty years, the Romero Institute has combined public education, grassroots organizing, and high-impact litigation to expose the sources of injustice and promote life-sustaining solutions.” Via Sara Nelson and Daniel Sheehan
The Dolores Huerta Foundation
Advocates for social justice, focusing on empowering marginalized communities through grassroots organizing, civic engagement, and education initiatives. By championing the rights of underrepresented populations, we strive to create a more equitable and inclusive society for all. Via Dolores Huerta
NOW – (National Organization of Women)
dedicated to its multi-issue and multi-strategy approach to women’s rights, and is the
largest organization of feminist grassroots activists in the United States. Via Christiaan Nunes
Green Amendments for the Generations
https://forthegenerations.org/actnow
“The goal is to advance a Green Amendment movement that sweeps the nation and secures for all people constitutional recognition and protection of their inalienable rights to pure water, clean air, a stable climate and healthy environments.”
Find out how a green amendment could transform your state for the better. VIa Maya Van Rossum
Mothers For Peace
San Luis Obispo Mothers for Peace is a non-profit organization concerned with the dangers posed by Diablo Canyon and other nuclear reactors, nuclear weapons, and radioactive waste. Additionally, the organization works to promote peace, environmental and social justice, and renewable energy. Via Linda Seely
Beyond Nuclear
https://beyondnuclear.org/
https://beyondnuclear.org/take-action
“Aiming to educate and activate the public about the connections between nuclear power and nuclear weapons and the need to abandon both to safeguard our future.” Via Kevin Kamps
EMF Education and Advocacy Project
National Institute for Science, Law and Public Policy
Focused on biological and health risks from cell phones, wireless technologies and wireless infrastructure, including cell towers, antennas and smart meters, and superior, safer alternatives, as well as on screen time and social media risks, including tech addiction and manipulative algorithms.” Via Camilla Reese
RIP Medical Debt
https://ripmedicaldebt.org: THE PEOPLE’S GUIDE TO GRASSROOTS ORGANIZING, 2024“We buy debt in bundles (of those most in need), millions of dollars at a time at a fraction of the original cost. This means your donation relieves about 100x its value in medical debt. People across the country receive letters that their debt has been erased. They have no tax consequences or penalties to consider. Just like that, they’re free of medical debt.” via Jerry Ashton
Peace Action!
CODEPINK
A feminist grassroots organization working to end U.S. warfare and imperialism, support peace and human rights initiatives, and redirect resources into healthcare, education, green jobs and other life-affirming* programs. Via Medea Benjamin and Cynthia Papermaster
Living Earth Movement
“We are a collection of leaders in the fields of theology, business, science, activism and academia who are passionate about combating climate change and preserving life as we know it on this planet. (A Movement for Peace) Via Dr. John Cobb and Ignacio Castuera
Learn Grassroots Organizing and Activism From Hands-On Experience, Online Trainings and Volunteer Opportunities Through Our Affiliates!:
GOTV:
Center For Common Ground Via Andrea Miller:
Phonebanking
https://www.centerforcommonground.org/phonebanks
Postcarding
https://www.centerforcommonground.org/postcarding
Send Texts
https://www.centerforcommonground.org/texting
Advocacy
https://www.centerforcommonground.org/advocacy
Intern Program
https://www.studentsforvotingjustice.org
Students for Voting Justice (SVJ) is a paid internship program for college students that was created in 2020 to engage young people in voting efforts and provide outreach to communities of color in southern states.
Progressive Democrats of America (PDA) Via Alan Minsky and Mike Hersh:
https://pdamerica.org/volunteer/
Various ways to participate – Phonebanking and texting to representatives and voters, advocacy and congressional liaison programs, informative gatherings and action items.
The Dolores Huerta Foundation
Teams of volunteer and paid canvassers are regularly deployed for door-to-door
canvassing, tabling, and phone banking in an effort to register and inform eligible voters,
encourage robust participation in the electoral process, and promote awareness of
legislative bills that can affect their communities.
https://doloreshuerta.org/civic-engagement
Bring it Home FL
Engage voters through registration drives and canvassing, phonebank, postcards, and general community engagement by listening and mobilizing around pressing issues. Via Ana Ansalmo:
Protect the Vote
Scrutineers:
Protect every voter. Protect every vote.
Take Video of Poll Tapes on Election Night. A Simple Yet Important Election Protection Action Almost Anyone Can Do”
VoteWell.net:
“States need to check ballots & eligibility. Join groups of citizens in your state.. Observers: tips and training. Citizens check counts in some states Model laws for better elections.” Voter Group Resource List:
http://www.votewell.net/state.htm
Peace & Freedom
Code Pink:
For a world without war.
Local Organizing Guides and Toolkits
https://www.codepink.org/localorganizingresources
Call on Congress
Attend online call-in parties, and dive deeper with Congressional toolkits, guides, and liaison programs
https://www.codepink.org/codepinkcongress
Organize for Peace
Host live events and direct actions or support online campaigns
https://www.codepink.org/peacemaker
Assange Defense:
Free Assange, free us all.
Multiple outlets to create visibility – banner drops and mobile ads, postcarding and phone campaigns to representatives, table events, creative outreach and direct action, all in the name of free press.
FURTHER READING FROM GREEP ARCHIVES:
Columbus Free Press Election Articles Archive
https://freepress.org/article/research-links-outside-election-articles
Voter Purge Tactics
List of ways votes are purged
Redistricting
Historical examples of voter redistricting in various states
From Host Harvey Wasserman:
http://scua.library.umass.edu/wasserman-harvey-1945/
“A journalist, writer, and historian, Harvey Wasserman has been an activist for
radical democracy and alternative energy for over five decades.”
“Solartopia foresees a democratic, green-powered 21st Century civilization. Our economic and ecological survival depend on it.”
Find more works and books by Harvey Wasserman here.
California Solartopia on KPFA:
Airs on KPFA in Los Angeles and Pacifica.org
https://www.kpfk.org/on-air/california-solartopia
NukeFree.org
We work to stop the construction of new atomic reactors, and to close those now in operation. We seeking a truly green-powered Earth run entirely on renewable and efficiency
“Stealth Nuke Effort Should be Stopped”
Commentary by: Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne, Graham Nash & Harvey Wasserman
Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne, Graham Nash and Harvey Wasserman are among the co-founders of Musicians United for Safe Energy (MUSE)
https://edition.cnn.com/2007/US/10/11/nuclear.commentary/index.html
Books:
https://www.google.com/search?q=harvey+wasserman+books
Articles:
Truth Out Articles:
https://truthout.org/authors/harvey-wasserman
CommonDreams Articles
https://www.commondreams.org/author/harvey-wasserman
The Progressive Magazine Articles:
https://progressive.org/topics/harvey-wasserman
LA Progressive
https://www.laprogressive.com/author/harvey-wasserman
The Nation
https://www.thenation.com/authors/harvey-wasserman
Green Grassroots Emergency Election Protection Coalition 