Notes From The Field - Charlotte North Carolina
It’s been an exhilarating, exhausting, inspiring week with Common Purpose in Charlotte, North Carolina. We partnered with You Can Vote, an organization that…
By: Susan Storer Clark
It’s been an exhilarating, exhausting, inspiring week with Common Purpose in Charlotte, North Carolina. We partnered with You Can Vote, an organization that “trains and mobilizes volunteers to register, educate, and empower all North Carolina citizens to successfully cast their ballot.”
We registered 310 people to vote in our time in Charlotte. We also talked to them about how to vote in the upcoming primary and general elections. Because of the work we did, We Can Vote not only reached its goal for all of February but is 160 registrations ahead on their goal for March.
That’s the kind of work I want to do. It’s the reason I joined Common Purpose. I want to do this kind of work because my religious faith impels me to do so.
My denomination has no creed, but it does have seven principles. The first one is that we believe in the inherent worth and dignity of every human being (boldface mine). The fifth one says that we believe in the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large. To me, that means that every citizen has a right to vote, regardless of race, sex, sexual orientation, poverty, or previous condition of incarceration.
Because the right to vote is under threat in so many places in our country, I decided this is the work I want to do, for this election cycle and probably for many years to come.
I didn’t know anybody in our group of eighteen before I came to Charlotte. My flight got canceled, so I missed the whole first day of getting to know people. I was a little afraid that I would be out of the loop and playing catch-up the whole time.
I needn’t have worried. I got a quick orientation from our team captain Jordan Goldwarg and from Zion Lemelle, the regional director for We Can Vote. Soon I was with my team out on a sidewalk, asking people if they were registered where they currently live.
On my first day there I realized that people who will travel on their own time and their own dime to do this work are likely to be interesting, engaging people. That’s because they all were. It was a very accomplished group: teachers, doctors, nurses, former political staffers, people who had built projects and programs to benefit their community. Because we were working together on something we cared about, it was easy to build camaraderie.
There’s a lot at stake for North Carolina in the 2020 elections. Their election districts were recently redrawn, in obedience to a court order to fix obvious gerrymandering. There’s a vulnerable Democratic governor up for re-election, as well as a vulnerable Republican senator. Charlotte’s current Republican member of Congress won a narrow victory in 2018 and is considered vulnerable this year.
The citizens of North Carolina—all the citizens of North Carolina—have a right to determine the future of their state. I think that, in some small way, I have helped. Some people who should be able to vote, will be able to vote, because of what I did. And that makes me happy.
A Warm Welcome in Eastern Washington’s 5th District
Washington's 5th district covers an enormous and diverse area, including Spokane, Walla Walla and 10 rural counties along the state's eastern border. Former Speaker of the House Tom Foley represented this district in the “other” Washington for 30 years – the last Democrat to hold the position. Now, Democratic candidate Lisa Brown is poised to topple Republican incumbent Cathy McMorris Rodgers. Common Purpose registered voters there during Wave 1, and in the final weeks before midterms, are turning out the progressive vote.
Common Purpose volunteers report a warm welcome in the 5th, with campaign staff and supporters opening their homes for those who need a place to stay. “The staff have been amazingly supportive, helpful and friendly,” says Washington state Co-Chair Marty Jacobs. “The campaign folks have been really happy and excited to have us. It’s just a small, close-knit community.” In addition to Brown’s campaign, they are also canvassing in support of Yes on 1631, the carbon emissions fee that will create jobs in clean energy.
Marty relishes her work coordinating CP volunteers for the 5th. She brings personal passion for Lisa Brown’s campaign, having worked alongside her in Olympia when Brown was a state representative. “She’s remarkably smart and personable. She was the first female Democrat to serve as Senate Majority Leader. She’s an amazing leader, with deep roots in the community,” Jacobs remembers. “I was a huge fan of hers, even back then.”
Most of the 25+ Common Purpose volunteers have headed to Spokane County, where 70% of voters in the district live – but some have canvassed in Walla Walla and even squeezed in a bit of wine tasting afterward. “Those who are scheduled can expect to be very welcomed and well-prepped – and we go out in pairs,” mentioned volunteer Shelley Morrison. “The most important thing to share is how grateful the Lisa Brown campaign is to have Common Purpose here.”
Consider adding the 5th to your own canvassing plan before the midterms. Marty hopes to send even more Common Purpose volunteers there in the next few weeks, in support of Lisa Brown and Yes on 1631. Eastern Washington represents an opportunity to spread the blue wave in our own state - and support fellow progressives from across the mountains. Shelley adds, “We’ve had beautiful days and crisp weather. I encourage anyone interested to plan a trip here.”
Written by Christena Coutsoubos
Team Minnesota- Stan Kehl
“You knock, you talk to people. It’s a fun thing to be out there. You get a little exercise, and you find some really nice people you’d like to talk to forever!”
This isn’t Stan Kehl’s first GOTV campaign. He’s a veteran of the ground game, spending months turning out the vote as paid staff for Obama in Cincinnati and Hillary in Pittsburg, relishing the feeling of being a part of history. In fact, he’d planned to get out of politics entirely after those campaigns. But with the 2016 election “it was clear I could not ride off into the sunset and retire,” recalls Stan with a rueful laugh. He and his wife Karen Fie found Common Purpose and are bringing their enthusiasm and experience to Team Minnesota.
On Team Minnesota, Stan and Karen are working with the local Democratic-Farmer-Labor party (DFL, Minnesota’s name for the Democrats) to elect Dean Phillips to Congress in District 3. Phillips is running against a 10-year incumbent in the Minnesota suburbs, a district that voted for Hillary in 2016. Stan and the local DFL party believe they can flip the seat on November 6th.
Canvassing keeps Stan motivated. “You knock, you talk to people. It’s a fun thing to be out there. You get a little exercise, and you find some really nice people you’d like to talk to forever!” At one house, he was looking for a 19 year old young man. His mother answered the door and told Stan, “You should be talking to me because I always vote!” A lifelong Republican, she was frustrated with the incumbent for “voting against Planned Parenthood one too many times,” and plans to vote for Phillips this year. She didn’t want to interrupt her son playing video games, but pledged to encourage him to vote, too.
At another house, Stan was surprised to be recognized by the woman who answered the door – she’d been at campaign headquarters when Team Minnesota arrived. She reported her entire family were strong votes for Phillips, but they had a unique barrier to signaling their support: their cul de sac has an agreement to show only one political sign per yard. She adapted by switching her sign every day. That day, her sign expressed support for the Democratic gubernatorial candidate, and tomorrow it would be back to Phillips.
In Minnesota, it is particularly easy to register to vote, early voting has already begun and voters can request absentee ballots on demand. On the weekend before the election, city hall and polling locations will be open for business, and it’s possible to register to vote and cast your ballot on the same day – up to and including November 6th.
Stan has been impressed with the support and preparation from both Common Purpose and the local Democratic-Farmer-Labor office. “The educational materials are consistent with other campaigns I’ve worked on, and the skits and training were right on.” He advises new volunteers to come prepared for anything and be ready to roll with the punches. “Know that the people you are working with are very committed. And if you have any fear, after the first couple of doors, you’ll remember you’re just talking to neighbors.”
Written by Christena Coutsoubos
“Part of a movement” for a stronger democracy in Michigan
They call themselves the Turf Busters, and at the end of a long day in the field, this group of tired but motivated Team Michigan volunteers shared their experiences hitting the pavement for Common Purpose.
They call themselves the Turf Busters, and at the end of a long day in the field, this group of tired but motivated Team Michigan volunteers shared their experiences hitting the pavement for Common Purpose. They are talking to voters about candidate campaigns and two initiatives that will strengthen Michigan’s democracy: Promote the Vote will remove common barriers to voting, and Voters not Politicians will redraft some of the nation’s most gerrymandered districts via an independent commission. Absentee voting has already begun in Michigan, giving additional urgency to the effort. The Michigan team hopes to knock on at least 4,000 doors in all to influence swing voters in suburban Detroit.
“The enthusiasm that you feel toward people coming to their door is amazing,” says Sean McDonald over a shared Dutch apple pie from the local cider mill. “Moving the needle” has become Team Michigan’s catchphrase, and the Turf Busters find inspiration in knowing they’re having that effect with hundreds of voters each day. A friendly competitive spirit seeps in, as volunteers celebrate those moments when their conversation moves a voter to be more favorable. Virginia Felton adds, “People really appreciate someone coming to the door and talking civilly and thoughtfully about politics.”
The Turf Busters lean on each other to keep up their energy and spirits throughout the day. When they return to their cars, they share their stories – successes and failures, warm and cold greetings, fears and funny encounters. They celebrate “unofficial” wins, such as when the garbage man or babysitter expresses support, even if they can’t reach the targeted voter. And they commiserate when they have difficult or frustrating encounters. “I came with a lot of trepidation,” admits Debbie McDonald, “but it has been powerful to do this with a group of people who are dedicated and supportive.”
Several Turf Busters participated in Wave 1 and noted the difference between the campaigns now and then. “It’s much more organized now. It’s crunch time for campaigns, and now they have the infrastructure to deploy people. There’s plenty of work to get done,” says Richard Marks. Team Michigan draws inspiration from local campaign staffers. “They tend to be young and enthusiastic, and they believe in what they are doing.” Staffers rely on volunteers to make an impact, Marks notes, and they care that volunteers feel comfortable - so they will be effective.
Unsurprisingly, national politics are affecting Team Michigan’s efforts and creeping into their conversations. The Kavanaugh hearings have come up a few times, with voters expressing concerns across the political spectrum. Some voters wonder whether local candidates would confirm the nominee. Campaign staff are concerned the Kavanaugh fight may energize Republican voters on November 6th, making Common Purpose’s work even more important in the upcoming month.
Luckily, Team Michigan is on the case, tirelessly pounding doors and pavement to ensure an overwhelming blue wave on election day. Their experience has made them passionate about the Common Purpose approach. As Debbie McDonald shares, “I know we have talked to people who didn't know anything about the issues. I think we've changed minds. By letting voters know we believe in these initiatives, they're thinking about their vote more than before. I see the importance of it. We’re part of a movement.”
Written by Christena Coutsoubos
Tips for Volunteers in the Field
Common Purpose is in the field, and volunteers shared tips for those of us who haven’t yet left home.
First off, add these to your packing list:
Cell phone charger and extra power pack. Campaigns use a smartphone app to track results, so you’ll be on your phone all day. Make sure you can keep it powered.
Good walking shoes. CPers report walking up to 30,000 steps every day!
Moleskin, bandages and first aid ointment. Come prepared for blisters.
Small backpack. You’ll likely want a rain layer or umbrella, and you’ll need something to carry your extra charger.
Clothes with pockets. Same reason – you’ll want your arms free to carry your phone and campaign materials. Purses can feel clumsy.
Dog treats. If you’re a dog lover, treats help calm a barking fido at the door and put you in good graces with its doting owner.
Volunteers also shared great advice and encouragement as we’re preparing to head out:
Start walking now! Even with great walking shoes, you’ll be tired and sore from walking miles each day. Build up your stamina before you leave town.
Consider renting a house together instead of a hotel. You can save on meals, and it strengthens the feeling of community and support during a tiring week. Plus – Team Michigan’s rental has ping pong!
Trust and learn from your campaign staff. They will train and equip you well – it’s their job to make sure you have everything you need to be effective. Stay on point and stick to the campaign talking points.
For the introverts out there, remember that you’ll be talking to people about the things you care most about. Volunteers consistently report that the conversations feel good.
It’s OK to feel uncertain when you start out. You will gain confidence the more conversations you have, and you’ll begin to relish the moment when the door opens and you introduce yourself.
Thanks to the Team Michigan Turf Busters and Marty Jacobs for these tips!
Written by Christena Coutsoubos