My Journey to Erie, PA: A Call to Action
Yesterday, I drove from Buffalo, NY to Erie, PA for training to be an “in office” person during the busy canvassing weekends. This means I trained to sign people in and make sure they are set on the app. Someone from the Harris campaign, who is in charge of the door-to-door operation for the region, came in, and I felt like I learned a lot.
Key Takeaways from the Training
The Importance of Swing States
As we all know, this is a close race in the swing states. But we have an advantage on the ground. We’ve been at it for months, while Elon’s people (his PAC is handling the ground game) are just showing up.
Canvassing Makes a Difference
Neighborhoods that are canvassed have an 8-point difference in turnout over those that are not. You read that right. Canvassing can change the election.
2008 Vibes Over 2016
I mentioned 2016, and both the person from the Harris campaign and the DNC office quickly said this feels much more like 2008 vibes than 2016 vibes in terms of enthusiasm.
New Voters Are Emerging
A woman, aged 72, who had never voted before, said she was voting in this election to defend the country from a monster. Her husband too. Two Republicans voting for Harris also came in while I was there.
Bustling Office Environment
The office was bustling with people getting signs and merch. The organizer shared some amazing data-driven outreach methods. It sounds like we will soon switch from trying to sway people to pure GOTV (Get Out The Vote).
Promising Signs in Pennsylvania
Internals in PA sound promising. They are not seeing the signs of collapse that they saw with Hillary.
Direct Mail vs. Personal Touch
Some people were worried about only getting mail from Trump’s team. The organizer said direct mailing is the least effective way to get people to vote. Only retirees actually read the material, and it barely sways them. However, handwritten notes are different—people do read those!
We Have the Numbers
There are more of us than there are of them, but Rs tend to vote more than our side. We outnumber them and can win easily if we GOTV. But we need to GOTV. It is essential.
How You Can Help
Canvass for Kamala
The best thing you can do is canvass for Kamala in a swing state. If you can’t do that, you can help in other ways. For example, I’m going to help out in the office to support the people canvassing. I’m happy to do the 3-hour round trip drive to help. It was exciting to be there!
Remote Volunteering Opportunities
- Make phone calls to voters from anywhere: go.kamalaharris.com
- Travel to a swing state: Organize to Victory
- Text folks in GA or NC
Support Local Campaign Offices
Call a Democratic Headquarters in a swing state and offer to buy them pizza when they need it. Ask them for their favorite delivery and a good time! I brought them money from my local Buffalo friends for pizza, and they were really grateful.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is we can win this, but we do have to work for it. We need every person to chip in these last few weeks. Including you! With so many ways to help, everyone can find something to do!
Thanks, everyone. I am so proud and so lucky to be in this with all of you. ✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿 💙❤️💛💚✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿
FAQs on the 2024 Election in Erie, PA
This list addresses common questions related to the 2024 election in Erie, PA, based on the article from Daily Kos.
1. What is the current political climate in Erie, PA?
The current political climate in Erie, PA is highly competitive, with both major parties actively engaging in voter outreach and campaign activities. The city has a history of swinging between Democratic and Republican candidates, making it a crucial battleground in national elections.
2. How has the local economy impacted voter sentiment?
The local economy in Erie has been a significant factor in voter sentiment. The city has faced economic challenges, including job losses in the manufacturing sector, which has led to concerns about economic stability and job security. These issues are often at the forefront of voters’ minds when casting their ballots.
3. What are the key issues driving voter turnout in Erie?
The key issues driving voter turnout in Erie include economic stability, healthcare access, education funding, and environmental concerns. These issues are deeply personal and affect many residents’ daily lives, making them critical factors in their voting decisions.
4. How has the COVID-19 pandemic influenced voter behavior in Erie?
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on voter behavior in Erie. Many voters have expressed concerns about public health measures and the economic recovery from the pandemic. These issues have been central to campaign discussions and voter engagement efforts.
5. What role do local community leaders play in shaping voter opinions?
Local community leaders play a crucial role in shaping voter opinions in Erie. They often serve as trusted sources of information and can influence voter decisions through their endorsements and public statements. Community leaders also organize voter registration drives and get-out-the-vote campaigns to increase participation.
6. How do demographics influence voting patterns in Erie?
Demographics significantly influence voting patterns in Erie. The city has a diverse population with varying socioeconomic backgrounds, ages, and ethnicities. Campaigns often tailor their messaging to specific demographic groups to maximize their appeal and voter turnout.
7. What are the most common sources of information for voters in Erie?
The most common sources of information for voters in Erie include local news outlets, social media platforms, campaign websites, and community events. Voters rely on these sources to stay informed about candidates’ positions and campaign activities.
8. How do voter ID laws affect voting in Erie?
Voter ID laws can affect voting in Erie by potentially disenfranchising certain segments of the population who may not have the necessary identification documents. Campaigns often highlight these issues to mobilize voters who might be impacted by such laws.
9. What role do early voting and mail-in ballots play in the election process?
Early voting and mail-in ballots play a significant role in the election process in Erie. These options allow voters to cast their ballots ahead of time or by mail, which can increase voter participation and reduce wait times on election day.
10. How can voters get involved in the election process beyond voting?
Voters can get involved in the election process beyond voting by volunteering for campaigns, participating in voter registration drives, attending community events, and spreading awareness about important issues through social media or local forums.
