A few weeks ago, while at a rally and birthday bash for Kamala Harris, a friend came up to me and the first thing he said to me was, “I’m scared.” It is disturbing that I have come in contact with so many friends who seem to have that same sentiment. It is really disheartening to try to understand why, after seeing how Trump acts, his childish insults, his racist rhetoric, his criminal record, his deranged ramblings, his lackluster, even catastrophic previous administration, that this race can be tied.
Equally disturbing is just watching our friends, family, neighbors, co-workers and others who have revealed their true colors. No matter what the outcome of the election, how will we ever be able to return to a good relationship with people who have revealed their racism, their hatred, their lack of critical thinking skills. Will we really feel comfortable again? How can we have relationships with those who have no concern for women’s health care and reproductive rights? Can we find common ground with those that believe the LGTBQ community should have their rights stripped away? How does one work with those that love guns more than their children, and believe climate change is a hoax? Can we embrace those who believe that we Democrats are the enemy within, and true Americans only vote Republican. Only the Right Wing is the Arbiter of truth? Can we once again live up to our motto, E Pluribus Unum (out of many, one)? That is the real toll this election season has taken on our country, our unity and belief in America. I don’t see how healing and reconciliation will take place anytime soon.
I thank everyone who has put their heart and soul into working for this election. We are in your debt and so appreciate the canvassing, phone banking, postcards, letter writing, sign displays, electioneering, and donations. No matter what happens, we know that we made a great effort for a very long time, with much passion. We still have a few days left, and this weekend there still will be canvassing, phone banks and honk-and-wave rallies. This election may come down to even a handful of votes so even these last few days of activity could be what wins blue races. Please check our Events Calendar and watch your email for more updates and information. There will be lots of campaign merchandise available to give to canvassers so sign up today through the Mobilize links. This is the final push to take us to a blue victory!
For canvassing: https://www.mobilize.us/2024covictory/event/723299/
For phone banking: https://www.mobilize.us/2024covictory/event/732099/
The county clerk and both parties have worked hard to make sure this election is fair, and without incident. That being said, the safeguards within the system still need you to act as their eyes and ears. If you see or hear about something that is not right, please contact the voter protection hotline at this number, 1-720-600-7761 to report any voting irregularities, including harassing voters by threats, blocking access to voting or tampering with drop boxes. Call if someone brings a gun to the polling place, or practices electioneering and solicitation close to voting places. Also call if you receive misinformation materials, in any form.
Please know that it is too late to mail your ballot, so put it in a drop box or go to a polling center. If you have not received a ballot in the mail, go to the county clerk’s office and request one, or go vote in person at a polling center. If for any reason you are not able to vote, ask for a provisional ballot to fill out. The issues can be resolved later. Please make every effort to vote early, encourage everyone you know to vote and ask everyone if they have voted and if not tell them everything may ride on their one vote.
Please come to our election night party at the Kress Cinema & Lounge in downtown Greeley. It’ll be Tuesday, November 5 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Please bring a snack or heavy appetizer to share. We probably will not know the outcome of any race on Tuesday, but we can comfort and encourage each other. Even election workers will be sent home after 9:00 knowing that the results for so many races and initiatives will take many days to count and doubly so for national races. If we don’t know something by 8:00, we probably won’t know anything until Wednesday at the earliest.
If we continue to work hard to encourage people to vote, especially young people, we can have a great outcome. The voter turnout has been great among those over 45, but younger voters have not turned out. We must encourage them to take an interest in their future. They are the future, but we are the present, and if things don’t change, their future will look very dull. Apathy is the glove into which evil slips its hand. The greatest danger to the cause of freedom is apathy. Please don’t let this affliction overcome your enthusiasm for a just, free, and civil country. We need to encourage each other to get out and vote. And bring a young person with you.