PEG 12th Congressional District
Newsletter #174, Thursday, August 6, 2020
194 weeks down, 14 weeks to go until Election Day!
General Election: Tuesday, November 3, 2020
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How Michigan is working to make our elections secure |
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The press is filled everyday with stories from multiple perspectives related to the security of our voting system. The Washington Post recently looked at Colorado, one of the five states that was regularly holding elections by mail before the pandemic, in describing " What voting by mail looks like when it works." The voting in Michigan is discussed in Bridge Magazine, which notes that “President Trump has expressed doubts about the legitimacy of voting-by-mail (but) experts say trying to rig an election with absentee ballots is not only rare but an easy way to get caught.”
The Michigan Secretary of State webpage elucidates the best practices for “Election Security” here. For example, there is upgraded voting technology and an improved voter file system. Michigan is one of 31 states that has joined the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC) that shares information about deceased voters, duplicate voter registrations, voters who move, and eligible voters not yet registered so states can reach out to them. Furthermore, the state has its first full-time election security specialist. Check out the details of the numerous additional efforts being made in Michigan by clicking here.
The Secretary of State also advises voters to be alert to attempts, “be they foreign, domestic, partisan or simply malicious,” to spread misinformation. There is an example of what voters might see in a social media misinformation feed. Vigilance is essential.
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“Our democracy depends on thousands of ordinary people who make sure elections run smoothly and everyone’s vote is counted.” Currently, more than half of poll workers are over 60 and afraid to staff the polls this year due to COVID19. Power the Polls is a nonprofit/business initiative to recruit the next generation of poll workers. They are looking for a younger and more diverse group to keep our elections safe and fair. Founding members of Power the Polls include Levi Strauss & Co., Comedy Central, Patagonia, and more. Please consider being a poll worker to protect the integrity of our elections. Read more.
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What are the polls telling us about the election? |
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Monday, August 10. A Perspective on the Election with Michael Traugott
Michael Traugott, a political scientist who studies campaigns and elections, voting behavior, and the use of polls to make news, will provide a look ahead to the 2020 election with the backdrop of all that's happening in today's world, with "A Perspective on the 2020 Presidential Election." Don't miss this special opportunity to hear a forecast about the 2020 election from a bonafide pro! Following his presentation, Mike will be around to answer your questions. To receive information on how to attend this zoom session, use the "I'll be there!" or "Maybe" buttons below and a secure link will be emailed to you Monday morning.
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Do you want to hear a forecast about the 2020 election from a pro?
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LOCATION
Zoom (All who respond yes below will receive a link)
DATE AND TIME
08/10/20 7:30pm
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08/10/20 8:30pm
Following his presentation Mike will be answering your questions. Respond below to recieve a Zoom link by email on Monday morning.
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Reaching Past the Low-Hanging Fruit
for November 2020
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ICYMI– Wave Michigan and PEG recently brought back Mark Grebner, political researcher and consultant, to share his challenging and unconventional insights into the upcoming election. Mark starts from the premise that the “universe” of potential voters who would benefit from reminding, or nudging is actually very small. In his view, practically everyone is already aware that they should vote, but a significant number do not.
The countless dollars and man-hours that will be spent attempting to reach most potential voters are unneeded, he says, as he forecasts a record-breaking turnout including supporters of the president. However, there’s still a large pool of available potential voters that only dedicated volunteers will be able, with enough persistence, to convert to voters. Speaking from personal experience, Mark cites a number of stories that are typical of this “outlier” group. One could call it the “social worker” approach to Get Out The Vote. Wave Michigan was formed to implement Mark’s approach.
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Thursday, August 6. Ypsilanti Millennial Town Hall
Join Ypsilanti Mayor Lois Allen-Richardson’s first Millennial Town Hall to share resident experiences, goals, and visions around important issues in the city that impact life in Ypsilanti. This will be a facilitated dialogue between Millennial (ages 21-39 years old) residents of Ypsilanti to produce shared generational wisdom toward the goal of guiding the city’s future. The Millennial Town Hall is open to the public. This event will happen online via Zoom (link here) and will be recorded into the public record. 7 pm
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Thursday, August 6. A Conversation With Elissa Slotkin
The U.S. is reducing its international presence, especially in important ally countries and global organizations like NATO, WHO, and others. How can citizens understand what is going on? Hosted by Fems for Dems, U.S. Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin from Michigan (8) will be engaging in a Leading Ladies of Fems conversation to discuss where she sees the position that the US holds in the world currently and where it is heading. Read full details and RSVP here for a Zoom link. 5–6 pm
Saturday, August 8. Virtual Coffee Hour: Demystifying Absentee Ballots
Join ONECampaign for Michigan as they’ll be unpacking some of the questions heard about Absentee Ballot Voting -- the safest way to vote during this pandemic. This is an opportunity to meet your local organizers, learn more about the candidates who are running up and down the ballot, and get involved with the campaign to flip Michigan back to blue. Read more and register here. 10–11 am
Wednesday, August 12. What Lies Ahead for Democracy in America
The League of Women Voters US Chief Executive Officer Virginia Kase will sit down with LWVUS President Deborah Turner for a one-hour discussion on what lies ahead for democracy in America, and how all women can be active participants. This powerful discussion will examine how women voters can better elevate the voices and perspectives of women of color, how to protect current voting rights while continuing to expand access, and what role everyone can play in the racial justice movement. Read the details here. Via Facebook Live. 1 pm
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Saturday, August 15. The Borgen Project Info Session
The Borgen Project is a non-profit organization that aims to fight global poverty through advocacy and mobilization efforts. This free/donation-based event will include information regarding volunteer and internship opportunities with the organization. Additionally, presenters will discuss the International Affairs Budget. The group will then find attendees’ congressional representatives and their contact information, demonstrating how easy it is to make a difference! Read more here. 2–3 pm
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Things to do, Read, Watch, and Listen to |
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Climate Change
Amid all the swirl, we must remember climate change still swoops down around us. From “2020 being on track to rank in the top 5 hottest years on record,” to invasive species and new vector-borne diseases, climate change is not going away. Read more.
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Census 2020: The impact of change on Michigan |
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In a surprising move last week, the US Census Bureau announced that it will cut short the door-to-door efforts at the end of September instead of the end of October.
Impact of change on Michigan
Kerry Ebersole Singh, director of the Michigan 2020 Statewide Census campaign, is concerned that the shortened timeline will affect Michigan’s overall count. As of 8/3/20, Michigan is tied with Iowa for 4th amongst the states in self-reporting at 68.8%. Washtenaw County remains in 12th place with participation at 74.2%.
Now, with less time to collect census responses on the ground, the Michigan Campaign is concerned how it will affect its efforts, especially in contacting “hard to count” communities in Michigan. As defined by the U.S. Census Bureau, “hard to count” communities are hard to locate, hard to interview, hard to contact and hard to persuade. In both rural and urban areas, hard to count populations are usually composed of young people, racial minorities, people with low incomes, people experiencing homelessness and undocumented immigrants.
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The PEG Newsletter typically goes out each Thursday, with a repeat send on Sunday that only goes out to recipients that have not opened it Thursday. PEG is a non-partisan volunteer organization whose mission is to assure that our government will treat all Americans with equality and acceptance. PEG's work is primarily done by recruiting, educating and nurturing supporters for worthy organizations, actions and events that reflect our beliefs. To subscribe to this free newsletter, go to our website by clicking here. To share with your friends and networks, use the sharing buttons at the top of the email or just "forward" from your email browser.
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A special thanks to our Newsletter contributors: Ellen Halter, Mieko Preston, Leslie McGraw, Lisa Kamil, Leslie Kamil, Bernie Banet, Susie Ayer, Bette Cotzin, and Chuck Newman for their help preparing our newsletters. Also, we would like to give a special shout out to Fems for Dems, who created a wonderful write-up on Ballot Power. Write us at equalityingovinfo@gmail.com if you would like help create our weekly newsletter. It’s fun and no ongoing commitment is required.
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