Some of you are already at work postcarding to get out the vote. Here are 4 ways the rest of us can start postcarding to get out the vote for this vital/historic/important election year.
The Earth & Climate Action Ministry Team (ECAM) plans to have a table with information and postcard supplies in the foyer following service from September 8 to close to election day. However, you can still start now on some of the activities below.
Environmental Voter Project (EVP)
Environmental Voter Project (environmentalvoter.org) increases the number of
voters who value the environment using postcard messaging. Since 2015, EVP has mobilized low-propensity environmental voters to vote in 1,918 local, state, and federal elections.
ECAM is supporting this effort and has packets of 10 postcards for you to write and address: pick up a packet on Sunday from Ron Lovell then return the completed cards the next Sunday. The completed cards will be stamped and mailed to Florida primary voters in early August. Contact Ron ([email protected]) if you want a packet left at Pony Express or have questions.
Reclaim Our Vote (ROV)
Reclaim Our Vote (centerforcommonground.org/reclaim-our-vote) is a grassroot campaign that focuses on increasing BIPOC voter turnout through postcarding, texting, and phone banking. Working with local, on-the-ground partners and Democracy Centers, ROV builds effective, respectful, and relevant campaigns that engage BIPOC voters around upcoming elections. In 2021 writing postcards increased Black voter turnout by 3%.
ROV works with campaigns all over the US on varying deadlines depending on the local situation.
Dave Edfeldt has volunteered to put together packets of postcards, addresses, and instruction sheets which you can pick up by emailing Dave ([email protected]). Dave can customize the size of your packet from 20-200 but packets of 30 are most efficient.
The script is simple and pretty quick to write. Postcards are to be mailed in October. You will need to provide stamps but if this is a hardship we have volunteers who have underwritten some stamps. If you don’t want to write and want to help anyway, there may be a way you could help with distribution, just contact David.
Initiative 2117
In November, Washington State voters need to vote NO on Initiative 2117 which would repeal our Climate Commitment Act (CCA) and forever prohibit a price/fee on carbon in our state. CCA is landmark legislation that forces big polluters to pay a fee for emissions. These revenues are then used for investments to improve our environment, like salmon habitat restoration and heathy forests, as well as reduce pollution by investing in electric school buses, new hybrid ferries, other funds go to marginalized communities more severely impacted by climate change.
More than 30 environmental groups have formed the “No on 2117” campaign. (no2117.com/)
Earth and Climate Action Ministry (ECAM) is planning an information session in fall on I-2117. Meanwhile, Kristi Weir ([email protected]) will be getting 500 postcards for the No on I-2117 on late August for distribution. They will be available at the table on September 8. Kristi plans a postcard party in late August or in September.
Vote Forward
Vote Forward (votefwd.org) may be an option if you prefer to minimize the amount of handwriting to only one sentence. This campaign is focusing on sending personalized letters (not postcards) directly to 10 million under-represented registered voters in a mostly swing states variety of states who have not typically voted.
You can download either 5 or 20 preformatted letters with a space to add a sentence for your personal reason for voting (non-partisan). You supply paper, envelope, and stamp. All letters are to be mailed between October 1 and 29. Contact Kristi Weir ([email protected]) if you have questions on how to download letters.
All of these activities are more fun to do with a group, so call some friends and invite them to participate with you. We may be arranging postcarding events, so watch the church eblasts for announcements. This is a great way to connect with other East Shore members and build community, while potentially making a big difference in the upcoming elections!
by Kristi Weir, Ron Lovell, Laurie Wick, Dave Edfeldt