A new edition of Democracy NC’s brochure featuring quotes and photographs of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is now available. It includes information about the upcoming H K on J assembly in Raleigh, the redistricting process affecting local and state political districts, the controversial proposal to require a photo ID for voting, and Dr. King’s challenge to keep advocating for positive change. It’s ideal for distributing at King Day and Black History Month events and to local churches and community groups in your area. The pocket-size brochures are provided free. (The brochure folds in half, so part that you view is upside down!) If you want a supply, please send an email with your STREET address for UPS shipment, the quantity you desire, and a phone number in case there is a problem with delivery. Send the info to sprc@mindspring.com.
Civic Engagement Category
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Thursday, December 30, 2010
Thursday, December 30th, 2010
For better or worse, a gaggle of “firsts” this year will have a lasting impact on North Carolina politics. Here’s the Top 10 list from Democracy North Carolina. Happy New Year!!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Wednesday, December 22nd, 2010
Fortunately, a healthy number of business leaders see big problems with the Supreme Court’s decision to encourage an arms race in secretive political spending; many are also opposed to the aggressive action by US Chamber of Commerce in the 2010 elections. If you’re a stockholder and get the proxy notices about how to vote your shares of stock, be on the lookout for ballot measures aimed at requiring the company to disclose its political spending, or quit the US Chamber of Commerce, or take similar actions. Meanwhile, in his final speech on the floor of the Senate, Pennsylvania’s Arlen Specter lashed out (video on CNN) against Supreme Court justices John Roberts and Samuel Alito for violating their sworn statements to Congress, overturning established law, and voting “to permit corporations and unions to secretly pay for political advertising, thus effectively undermining the basic democratic principle of the power of one person, one vote. Chief Justice Roberts promised to just call balls and strikes – but then he moved the bases.”
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Wednesday, December 15th, 2010
The Coffee Party USA is gaining strength, percolating from the ground up, and it’s now joining forces with Public Citizen, People for the American Way and others to hold actions around the nation on January 21 to “commemorate” the anniversary of the Supreme Court’s disastrous Citizens United decision. (In another sign of disgust with buy-partisan sellouts, more than 1,000 people gathered earlier this week in New York City to launch the No Labels Party.) The Coffee Party will be holding a rally on Jan. 21 in Washington, DC and a People’s Summit the next day. You can also sign up with Public Citizen to help organize an event marking the Citizens United decision to give corporations remarkable citizenship powers – and we’d love to hear from you, too, because Democracy North Carolina will very likely hold a forum or other event in one or more locations in North Carolina. Post a comment or send us an email <mailto:info@democracy-nc.org> with your idea of an activity appropriate for the day.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Monday, December 6th, 2010
During their first 100 days in control of the NC General Assembly, Republican leaders say they will push through a bill to require anyone who votes to first show a NC driver’s license or other photo ID. They think it’s a “common sense” way to “stop voter fraud” – but consider who is most affected by such a requirement. Studies show that poor people, people of color, elderly non-drivers, students, and people with disabilities are most likely not to have a government ID with a current address. Compared to the number of people without an ID (6 to 10% of the population), the incidence of actual voter fraud is less than miniscule. Requiring a photo ID is really just a way to reduce the number of voters Republicans don’t like. It’s exactly what the Democrats did after 1898 when they regained control of the General Assembly and instituted the literacy test and poll tax to “stop voter fraud” and purge as many opponents from voter rolls as possible. We’re suffering the legacy of that enforced disenfranchisement still today.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Wednesday, November 3rd, 2010
In a state where half the registered voters typically do not vote, relatively small swings in the activism of sub-groups of voters can have a big impact. In 2008, the exceptional turnout among African-American women and youth led the way to sweeping victories for Tar Heel Democrats. In 2010, Republican enthusiasm and disinterest among youth are two factors influencing the election results in North Carolina – along the multi-millions spent to reinforce both trends. By the time provisional ballots are counted, turnout in North Carolina will hit 44% (2.7 million out of the state’s 6.2 million registered voters). In 2008, turnout among registered voters hit a modern record of 70%. Put another way, more than one million voters who participated in 2008 sat out the 2010 election. A new report, cosponsored by Democracy NC, uses Census data to analyze the weak shape of civic engagement in North Carolina; that weakness reflects a deep history of enforced disenfranchisement and servitude, compounded by a new ethos of stressful selfishness. The report describes the poor performance of young voters. Our own analysis shows that voters age 18 through 25 were 10% of the Early Voters in 2008 but less than 4% of the Early Voters this year; i.e., their vote share was cut by more than half. No other sector dropped their vote share by such a large percent. (We won’t know the demographic make-up of the total vote for a many weeks.)
Friday, October 29, 2010
Friday, October 29th, 2010
The election of the decade is nearly over: The political party that wins majority control of the NC General Assembly will use new Census data to redraw political district lines to maximize its ability to win legislative and Congressional elections for the next decade. That’s one reason why the battles are so intense and complaints are flying. The state Democratic Party accuses the Republican Party of cheating on how it pays for campaign ads, while the Republicans claim electronic voting machines are giving their votes to Democratic candidates. Read the GOP complaint and response of State Board of Elections Director Gary Bartlett, posted on the Board’s homepage; it’s too bad the News & Observer missed so many of the points in Bartlett’s letter in its story this morning. The GOP’s complaint, which escalated today to a federal lawsuit, appears designed to spread cynicism about the voting process and reduce turnout among occasional voters; the GOP benefits this year from an election decided by the votes of a party’s most fired-up supporters. The intensity of the battle has already resulted in voters being intimidated by poll observers at One-Stop Early Voting centers. Democracy North Carolina has a one-page flyer about the rights of voters and urges anyone who sees bullying or inappropriate behavior to call the Election Protection Hot-Line (1-866-OUR-VOTE) or our office at 919-286-6000.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Tuesday, October 19th, 2010
The Washington Post reports today that a study of felony disenfranchisement laws has found that 800,000 former felons have returned to the voter rolls in the past decade thanks to a push by criminal justice advocates and civil rights groups — including Democracy North Carolina — to rewrite state laws and eliminate various voting barriers aimed at felons. In NC, ex-felons can re-register to vote once they have completed their sentences, including probation and any parole. In NC, ex-felons can re-register to vote once they have completed their sentences, including probation and any parole. Read the full article here. Unfortunately, the report incorrectly says a former felon in North Carolina “can register to vote after filing a certificate demonstrating unconditional discharge and the restoration of voting rights with the county of conviction or residence.” The truth is this: Voting rights in North Carolina are automatically restored upon completion of the sentence, no special document is needed, and the individual can register like any other citizen.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Wednesday, September 29th, 2010
The divide between rich and poor is widening in the United States, thanks in part to a political system driven by money. “The top-earning 20 percent of Americans — those making more than $100,000 each year — received 49% of all income generated in the U.S., compared with the 3% earned by those below the poverty line, according to newly released census figures.” That ratio of 14.5-to-1 is nearly twice the 7.7-to-1 ratio in 1968. Politicians more attuned to their money-backers than the masses are enacting government policies (from taxes to spending) that favor the already-wealthy. The mega-rich can jump from unknowns to members of the U.S. Senate, or they can sponsor their own politician or national political committee. Just three billionaires have given 91% of the money behind Karl Rove’s American Crossroads attack-ad machine. Meanwhile, millions of low-income citizens barely have the time and resources to think about political participation. Registration – obtaining a license to vote – is not a simple hurdle in most states. Federal law requires government agencies that administer social service programs to help people become registered but it’s taken years to get many states to follow this law, often after litigation or concerted pressure by nonpartisan advocacy groups. And that just gets people registered, not involved in exerting their actual political power – which could lead to their increased economic power.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Thursday, September 16th, 2010
If you’re looking for a nail-biting close election, welcome to North Carolina in 2010. The NC Republican Party is excited about the prospect of gaining majority control of the state Senate for the first time since 1898, but Democrats believe they will narrowly hold their majority. A handy race-by-race projection from an astute analyst who helps businesses invest in “free market” candidates shows the Republicans winning the NC Senate and very likely the NC House. Of course, projections are tricky. Both sides are using polls to woo financial support with a message that they can win, with a little more money. The stakes are extra large this year: the winner gets to use the 2010 Census to redraw legislative and Congressional district lines that will favor their party for the next decade. Who wins comes down to who shows up to vote. The GOP is counting on an energized base of supporters, plus discouraged Democratic voters staying home and independents heavily favoring Republican candidates.
Hang the Net! …Winston-Salem
Friday, July 23rd, 2010
Jim Caldwell, Head Coach of the Indianapolis Colts, at the "Hang the Net" event with Ray Robinson (at left) and Sean Maxwell.
This week was all about some Youth Voter Pledge cards. We hit the ground running on Monday and Tuesday by going to local recreation centers and talking to kids about voting. We were looking especially for high school students but when the “big kids” started signing the cards all the little ones wanted to do it too. So yeah, we ended up with a few voter pledge cards from some 12 year olds, but hey… can’t start early enough!
We had a one-on-one meeting this week with Mr. Tim Grant, director of Winston-Salem Parks and Recreation. He was very helpful and identified several upcoming opportunities for us to get into contact with lots of youth. He showed us all around the office, introduced us to everyone, and even referred us to a city-sponsored Youth Council that might be a good “focus group” for future youth-oriented Dem NC endeavors.
One of the events Mr. Grant told us about was the annual “Hang the Net” competition at Hanes Hoisery recreation center. The event featured Wake Forest basketball players, local street ball legends, Cameron Kent from WXII 12 News, and Coach Jim Caldwell of the Indianapolis Colts (see picture above). The event featured a three point shooting contest and slam dunk contest. We were able to set up a booth in the lobby and, with everyone lured nearby thanks to the free Frosty coupons, sign dozens of pledge cards to reach our goal.
This week also saw plenty of VAN phonebank action, as well as some short trips to Greensboro campuses to plan for fall GOTV. At North Carolina A&T University we met with Mrs. Nastasha Johnson at the Bluford Library, who then connected us into all the right people for our August plan to perform voter registration at the A&T Welcome Week.
I’m going to have to cut this blog post a little short since we have to get outta the office and back to Greensboro. We are doing some flier distribution today for next week’s Community Movie Night event with Mr. Darryl Hunt. We also hope to stop by the Beloved Community Center and liaison with Rev. Nelson Johnson, who is planning some GOTV efforts. We think there is a good opportunity for some collaboration.
We hope everyone is having a great week!
-Sean Maxwell and Ray Robinson
An Intern’s Job is Never Done… Thank Goodness!!!
Friday, July 16th, 2010
Shock, awe and amazement. These three little words are the best ways to describe the reaction we get from Fayetteville’s citizens whenever we invite them to our neutral, informal City Council/ County Commissioner Meet and Greet. People, including some of the city council members and the county commissioners that have invited to the event, are having the hardest time believing this event is actually going to become a reality. ( “City Council AND County Commissioners in the same room? Together? Are you serious?/ WOW!!!” is the general response to our invitation.) Well, those non-believers will be in for a treat we host the meet and greet next Saturday. All the hard work An-Que, Ashley, and I have done these past couple of weeks will finally pay off in a open, friendly Meet and Greet that gives the general public access to the officials that oversee the details of their daily lives. This Meet and Greet also gives the officials the opportunity to talk to each other and join Democracy North Carolina as we attempt a county-wide Get Out The Vote (GOTV) training program.
As of right now, we have four confirmed guests to our Meet and Greet!!! I know that the three exclamation points that follow that statement seem a little unnecessary but considering that July is typically when most of these officials take time off for family vacations, an annual conference, and the like, it’s amazing that we got even that many officials to confirm. I’m hoping that the fact that all three groups will be represented (the people, the council, and the commissioners) will foster true,open, healthy dialogue, which in turn will lead to transparent actions towards change and progress.
WHEW! I know that is a lot of information to take in but because an intern’s job is never done ( gotta love progress and change) we’re already planning a Get Out The Vote training program in Wilmington, as well as a possible GOTV program among Fayetteville’s high schools. I’m so excited about all things we have going on in our field areas, but like I said, ” an intern’s job is never done” so I’ll have to get to you about all the progress we’re making later.
Until Next Time,
*Amanda*
P.S. We interviewed a few folks at Fayetteville’s mall and on the Fayetteville State campus, so look out for those blogs, they’re coming soon!!!!
GOTV and Youth Engagement, Winston-Salem Team
Friday, July 16th, 2010
Winston Lake YMCA Middle Schoolers
Another busy week has flown by, and it’s incredible that there are only two weeks remaining in our Democracy Summer experience. We had some great events occur this week which will go a long way to help our strategies for increased voter participation, youth civic engagement, and electoral reforms.
On Monday we traveled a few minutes down the road to the Winston Lake YMCA to speak with middle school kids who were participating in a Model U.N. club (picture above). We decided to employ a debate format that they already knew very well in order to get them thinking about youth participation in civic affairs. The students had plenty to say about problems in their schools and neighborhoods, they just needed someone to ask their opinion! We told them about the structure of the Forsyth County Board of Education and encouraged them to pay attention to local politics, current events, and to always stand up and voice their concerns. After this mini-workshop, Ray and I were destroyed in a quick pickup basketball game between us and two of the students. Our height advantage meant nothing and they seriously asked us if we were actually trying… embarrassing indeed!
Tuesday was probably the most eventful day of all this week. Ray and I had an informal interview with Jordan Green of YES!Weekly magazine, a publication in Greensboro that covers local events and politics. Mr. Green then came to our Guilford County GOTV meeting that evening. We had probably around 15 to 20 people show up to discuss ways to increase voter participation. It was a diverse group, from a rising 10th grader to a woman in her 80s. Everyone agreed that focusing on registration in turnout in the month right before an election was too little too late. The meeting generated lots of good feedback and some additional contacts in Greensboro to assist in Democracy NC’s mission. We will likely return to Guilford County to meet with some of the attendees who requested some GOTV and registration training.
Wednesday featured an extremely productive meeting with Dr. David Mount of the Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. He is Director of Community Outreach for the center, and told us about his strategies for connecting to other organizations and coalition building. He also gave us permission to come to various free community health fairs that are held around the county. At these events, residents in low-income neighborhoods can get free treatment and testing for illnesses and disease. He agreed that having information on civic engagement and voting rights would be helpful and that many facets of their mission overlap with Democracy NC’s goals too. Later that afternoon we met with Mr. T.C. Muhammad in Greensboro, who is involved in GOTV efforts and the Hip Hop Caucus. He gave us numerous contacts in the Guilford County area as well as some avenues to check out at NC A&T University. Hopefully Dem NC can team up with Mr. Muhammad in the fall for some major GOTV campaigns.
Thursday involved a return to the Winston Lake YMCA for a talk with some high school students. It followed a similar format as our Monday meeting, but obviously the discussion was a little more nuanced and we could register them to vote! They also signed some of our Youth pledge cards. It was amazing listening to their stories, particularly one student who was not only captain of his football team, but also worked nearly full-time at Sonic to pay for his own food and car insurance as well as take care of his younger cousins. The responsibility he was shouldering was inspiring and at the same time made our efforts to get their voices heard feel much more meaningful.
On top of all these experiences we have been phonebanking and planning for a voter registration and youth pledge card drive. And tomorrow we are attending the Stone Soul Picnic in Burlington. It’s been a busy week but it has felt good!
Until next time,
Sean Maxwell (and Ray Robinson)
The Clock is Steady Tickin’
Tuesday, July 13th, 2010
Time is really flying. I looked at the calender today and said, “WHOA”. I’m pretty sure all the other interns feel the same way. Who knew theses days would pass by so fast?!
Jenn and I went to a Drinking Liberally book club meeting at the Traction house last week. That was great. The people there were really friendly. On Saturday we went out to Fayetteville for a banquet that was held by a group of African American Muslims, where Jenn was the key note speaker. She did a great job. They had a bunch of workshops that we did not get to attend, but we did make it for the dinner. The food was AMAZING. It was so interesting to listen and learn about their religion and other aspects of their culture. Everyone there was very welcoming. I should have taken a plate home (they offered!). Yesterday Jenn and I were on WCOM Radio hosted by Bill Hendrickson. My very first radio show! It was great.
With everything that’s going on, I finally feel like my efforts are making a difference somewhere. I have been doing speaking engagements at NCCU and I went to Athens Drive High School (where I graduated from) to do some voter registration and get some VOE post-cards signed. Its strange. For some reason people are very hesitant about getting registered to vote, but they’ll quickly put their information on a post-card. I just don’t understand that. Anyways, it is safe to say that I’m making progress. I’m waiting to hear back from a few community centers in the Raleigh/Durham area. And I am also in the process of contacting the Women’s Center of NCCU. Hopefully I can make some things happen before the month is up. The clock is tickin’ away and we all still have a lot to get accomplished!
Peace, Love, & Politics,
Juanita
Welcome to Johnson C. Smith
Monday, July 12th, 2010
So a main part of our week was our time spent at JCSU during freshman orientation. We were there Thursday and Friday from 7:30 am- 5:00 pm registering the new students to vote in Charlotte. We reached our 100 goal!! Erica and I had to hand paint signs that said “Sign Up Here To Vote! Be Part Of Our Community” and we were the only booth without at tent. At least they had free water for us and we got to eat in the cafeteria for free. It was really fun to see how excited the students were to register, especially the ones who were registering for the first time! They were really interested because Erica, being student body president, told them about the rides to the polls that the university was doing and explained how everyone was going to go vote together.
We are in the final stretch before our July 24th event and all the colleges but one have accepted our invitation to participate! We are making the final preparations to film the Public Service Announcement, arrange seating and speakers, and arrange food to be ordered. We have three days of phonebanking this week but I feel like we have met so many of our summer goals already! There is always something new for us to do, some new obstacle to overcome and in the end I feel our all our work this summer will be worth it!
Alannah & Erica– Charlotte!!
