Venting anger and bewilderment!

[tnlefty]

I am a board member and an executive committee member for my county party. Part of what I'm supposed to be doing is outreach to Democrats in my district and more narrowly in my precinct.

I had limited access to Votebuilder for a while, but was warned not to try to print or copy my lists of strong/leaning Dems as that would be a trigger to deny my access, and I didn't, but now I wish that I had. I didn't have the same access that candidates have because I don't need it. All I need is the information to find the Democrats in my district/precinct to be able to contact them to give them information about general party information, upcoming events, to let them know who their district reps. are, etc.

About 3 weeks ago my access was denied. Someone within the party tried to get not only me and others reinstated so that we could continue outreach efforts, especially prior to another election and the state is refusing to allow us access. A certain birdie told me that lots of people around the state are pissed off about this.

My question is why? Why deny access to people who are trying to build the party? Why deny access to those who are trying to find and energize voters? Why deny people access who are looking for people to attend events, have input on local and statewide races, and who are trying to find people who are willing to do the grunt work of the party, but also the grunt work of elections?

Not fricking helping!

[tnlefty]

1. Early voting begins July 18 and what do I no longer have access to?

My lists:

of voters
people who might be willing to hold up signs and wave at early voting locations and on Aug. 7th
those who might be willing to drive people to the polls to vote during early voting and on Aug. 7th
those who might be willing to be poll watchers during early voting and on Aug. 7th
anyone willing to pick up the slack in between

Aaarrrggghh FML, not making things any easier.

[No Vested Interest]

2. It sounds as though you'll need to reach out to other county members,

or, perhaps you have copies of older lists.

If you're new to the jobs, contact the one who preceded you and see what is available from that source.
You might also want to find out if Republicans have access to the lists.

Then, you could also use social media - Facebook, Meetup, etc.

Good luck in your efforts.

[tnlefty]

3. I'm not new to the job, just had a better tool to use, until it was cut off...

I've been trying outreach efforts to people in my district/precinct. I mailed over 150 invitations to a candidate meet 'n' greet, but I had to get that list from a candidate who is running for office, as I was cut off from votebuilder.

Facebook, etc. won't work for me if the people I'm trying to reach don't know my name. I did set up an email account and that was on those invitations...nada.

Thanks, I'll keep trying!

[No Vested Interest]

4. I've found that you can send private messages to people that

haven't friended you on facebook. That gives you a little more space to get out your message, though you have to do each one individually. -You can introduce yourself in the first sentence.
It takes more time, but can be done in hours that are not productive otherwise, i.e., nighttime, etc.
They may be glad to hear from you.
Actually, that is less expensive than mailing.

Those candidates are very lucky to have you on their side, and you're doing good work.

We all know that each vote counts.