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MineralMan

(146,317 posts)
Fri Apr 4, 2014, 04:24 PM Apr 2014

Is Individual Local Election Activism Worthwhile?

That's my poll question today. By individual election activism, I mean working on things like GOTV, fundraising, phone banking, campaigning, precinct walking and canvassing, volunteering for candidate campaigns and other personal commitments of time in your own local area to help elect Democratic candidates where you live. Candidates for local, state, and federal offices who represent you in your own area.

What say you all?


1 vote, 0 passes | Time left: Unlimited
It's Crucial and I participate as much as I can.
1 (100%)
It's Crucial, but I don't have the time or energy to participate much.
0 (0%)
It's Important, but I don't think it makes all that much difference. I still do some stuff though.
0 (0%)
It's Important, but I'm more interested in national stuff, and focus on that more than locally.
0 (0%)
It Doesn't Really Matter that much, so I don't spend any time on election activism.
0 (0%)
It Doesn't Matter at all, since all candidates win or lose depending on how much money they get.
0 (0%)
I have personal issues that prevent me from participating in election activism.
0 (0%)
I Post on DU. Isn't that enough?
0 (0%)
None of your business.
0 (0%)
Other, because I like to vote in polls.
0 (0%)
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Disclaimer: This is an Internet poll
10 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Is Individual Local Election Activism Worthwhile? (Original Post) MineralMan Apr 2014 OP
I live in a swing district so yes i am out there campaigning. hrmjustin Apr 2014 #1
Thank you for your participation. MineralMan Apr 2014 #2
I hope so as well. Michael Grimm is an embarrassment. hrmjustin Apr 2014 #3
Best of luck to your candidate! MineralMan Apr 2014 #4
It's the most worthwhile, IMO arcane1 Apr 2014 #5
Thank you! I agree completely. MineralMan Apr 2014 #6
Local is absolutely worthwhile. Marr Apr 2014 #7
That's how I feel, too, so that's where I put my energy. MineralMan Apr 2014 #8
I have to leave for a while. Please kick this poll MineralMan Apr 2014 #9
I think the word "individual" is confusing frazzled Apr 2014 #10

MineralMan

(146,317 posts)
6. Thank you! I agree completely.
Fri Apr 4, 2014, 04:36 PM
Apr 2014

All of my efforts are local, since that's where I can do the most. I don't have a national or even statewide voice, really. I do have a local voice, and I use it.

 

Marr

(20,317 posts)
7. Local is absolutely worthwhile.
Fri Apr 4, 2014, 04:41 PM
Apr 2014

In fact, I think it's probably the level at which an individual can make the biggest difference.

MineralMan

(146,317 posts)
9. I have to leave for a while. Please kick this poll
Fri Apr 4, 2014, 04:44 PM
Apr 2014

if you want to see more votes. I'll be back later to respond to replies.

frazzled

(18,402 posts)
10. I think the word "individual" is confusing
Fri Apr 4, 2014, 05:16 PM
Apr 2014

and might make people think they should just go out and knock on doors themselves, outside the directives of a particular campaign or organization effort. I would highly advise against that. When you volunteer to canvass or phone bank for a campaign, you are generally given some modest training (what to say, what not to say, how to respond to various situations), and a script to read or adapt. Also, you don't go door to door to try to convince people: you're going to get specific information for the campaign: who is and isn't supporting your candidate ... so that they CAN contact supporters when it's time for GOTV and coordinate with poll watchers on election day to mark off names of professed supporters who have completed voting.

So with that proviso--don't try this at home on your own, kids--of course: local activism is not only worthwhile; it's essential. Do it wherever you can.

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