On the homepage of the Democratic Party of Georgia, there is a tab marked "Get Involved." Go, there, click on that tab, and this is what you will find this:
Coming Soon
This section of the site is under construction and should be available in the next couple of days. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please feel free to call our office at (404) 870-8201 and we will be glad to assist you.
Not exactly what I was hoping to see. In defense of the Party, the site is new, and much improved, but let's face facts: in Georgia, and nationally, republicans beat us on the ground in 2002 and 2004, and they are set to do it again if democrats do not develop a coordinated field campaign. I'm not suggesting that no one is out there trying. But I am saying that we have not accomplished establishing the coordinated, effective network of local volunteers necessary to carry the fall election. And if we don't do something soon, all the television in the world is not going to win this critical contest.
In 2002, I recall sitting with others at the Bibb County Board of Elections watching the numbers roll in on the governor's race. We were stunned when the race was called for Perdue. Perdue, the guy from Bonaire who we couldn't quite believe made it out of their primary. Perdue who had been out-spent, by what? Five to one? More than that? Perdue who had never been ahead in any poll. Sonny Perdue was going to be governor. You could've knocked me over with a feather. What did it? Teachers? Flaggers? Maybe, but I'm going with the Ralph-Reed-created stealth network of loyal volunteers that day after day rang the phones, knocked on the doors and beat the bushes for Perdue.
And they're at it again. Several weeks ago Perdue announced that he is the only candidate in the race with a chair in every Georgia county. Today, the Chattanooga Times Free Press reports that local Perdue supporters gathered this morning in Dalton to vote on 23 precinct captains and to fill other positions in the local Perdue organization. I'll bet this is not the only county where that's happening, and as a side note, these folks are taking the time to organize despite the fact that in 2002 Perdue carried 69% of the vote in Whitfield County. Their goal this time is to add another five points.
I'm trying to imagine what it would be like here in Bibb (a traditional democratic-as in we voted for Kerry-stronghold) to have to hold an election for precinct captains. Hell, I'd be pleased if one person from each precinct showed up for a meeting.
This year, the republicans will have both the money to run the media and the volunteers to get out the votes. And there-in lies our problem. No matter how wonderful our candidates are. No matter how poor a job Sonny's done. No matter what ethical questions plague Reed. This time around, the Georgia Republican's potent punch of money and local, grassroots networking will be the demise of Georgia Democrats this November, and we will wind up with Governor Perdue and Lt. Governor Reed, unless we act right now to put in place local, well oiled teams of volunteers.
So, I am ringing the alarm bell today. I'm not pointing fingers because I see this as every democrat's challenge. I'm not suggesting that Taylor and Cox are ignoring field work. It is a key component of Cox's plan, and and I impressed with what I have seen so far. I am sure that Taylor is addressing it, too. At the level of the state party, we have spent a lot of time planning, a lot of time trying to define grassroots, and there have been efforts to recruit and train at the local level, but at this point, I'd have to say we still have a lot of work to do, and the election is less than six months away. So, if you are a Georgia Democrat, and believe as I do that this is a watershed, must-win election, then pick up the phone and call your local party, or call the State Party at 404-870-8201. If we hope to win in November, we have to do this right now.
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Paging Taylor, Cox and Kahn: We're Losing the Battle
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7 comments:
Part of the problem is that even when the Dems were in control, some of the smaller counties outside of the metro Atlanta area didn't even have an active local chapter of the Democrtic party. Not because those counties didn't support Dems (most of their local offices were held entirely by Dems), but because there was so little Republican opposition.
But in just a decade, the Republicans put together some effective local leadership and have either pulled even or gained control. And they caught us napping.
I used to get extremely frustrated when I needed to find Dems for the local election board or for poll workers, and there wouldn't even be a current contact person.
Like you, I want to win this election more than anything. Because I fear that if we don't, we won't see Dems elected to statewide office here for a long time. We've got to get back to our roots. And we've got to do a better job of recruiting candidates, poll workers, poll watchers, and volunteers.
From the OP,
there-in lies our problem. No matter how wonderful our candidates...
Uhh...far from taking that for granted, I vehemently disagree. Our candidates aren't wonderful. The Republican Party is the party of the white male (and his hangers on). The Dem Party is racially stratified and thus there is no coherent message and a very serious lack of unity.
Virtually all of the discussions among Democrats ignore this very obvious fact which cuts to the core of most all Georgia politics. Instead pretending like the Dem Party is okay 'if only we could get organized'.
No.
We've got some serious internal problems that have nothing to do with organizing and everything to do with a lack of unity along racial lines. If one doubts this just think about how Congresswoman McKinney is one of if not the most popular black politicians in the state of Georgia and probably the country, among black folks. But self-identifying white progressives from Georgia will not miss an opportunity to disparage and take her apart along with the Right wingers. And considering the congresswoman's voting record, the criticisms almost always have nothing to do with her politics but with media sensationalism.
Same thing with Jesse Jackson and other black politicians that are highly popular among blacks but disparaged and attacked by the white left.
Our problem isn't the Republicans. The Dem Party's problem is itself and how bad it is on race.
Well, it's always tough to follow Smitty (either one of them), but I've got a suggestion that is more micro. One of the things I've noticed in my brief term as a County Party officer is that many of my counterparts from other counties have held their seats for years. I’m not talking 5 or even 10 years. Some chairs, vice chairs, etc. have held seats for over 30 years. While I think this shows a remarkable commitment to the Democratic Party, it’s not very healthy for the party as a whole. To grow an organization, there must be a regular infusions of new energy and ideas. For young, committed volunteers, there has to be the promise of promotion within the ranks of the party structure. Leadership is often the most effective reward for hard work. I’ve proposed (albeit informally), that County Party officers should be term limited across the state. I’m convinced that this small step could change the fortunes of the Democratic Party, almost over night.
I'd like to ditto melgx's commentary. I do think that would change the party right away. However, there are cliques (as we know) and if the same type of people just rotate around, well....
And I'll add that we seem to always get stuck discussing details that while important, don't get to the heart of our political problems.
Look at the demographics on the city, county or state level. Then look at the rates at which the various demographics vote Democrat. The only real reason the Right has a chance is because the Left is so divided along racial lines. I always get the feeling (from the distinct lack of response to such an obvious problem) that everyone knows it's true but doesn't want to or doesn't know how to even begin dealing with it and thus pretends it's not an issue and that it wasn't just mentioned.
I don't think any of the suggestions and comments in this thread are bad ideas. I question the priorities. Race is the root of the Left's problem, as it has been for a hundred years.
I don't see how we can confront this problem if people cringe just at honestly discussing even the most basic aspects of the problem or again, pretending its not the main problem and that party technicalities are. Priorities!
GA: defined as HIGH RISK re: Voting Malfeasance by Verified Voting Foundation, Election.org" re: no paper trails ballot; use of Diebold DRE's (exclusively); no mandated audit of vote.
http://www.commoncause.org/atf/cf/{FB3C17E2-CDD1-4DF6-92BE-BD4429893665}/MALFUNCTION%20AND%20MALFEASANCE%20REPORT.PDF
Item 1 taken from report:
"The number of counties nationwide using DREs more than tripled in the last six years, jumping from 320 counties in November 2000 to an expected 1,050 counties in November’s mid-term elections. About 39 percent of registered voters are expected to use DRE voting machines on Election Day 2006."
Item 2:
CHART A shows the status of each state regarding the use of DREs and which, if any, security safeguards are in place.CHART B characterizes states on a risk level from 1 to 3.A state is considered a low risk state if they do not use DREs but instead use another voting system. A state is also considered low risk if the state uses DREs but the DREs produce a voter verified paper ballot that will be counted in an audit. A state is considered medium risk if the voting systems produce a paper record but no audit is required. In these states, there will be paper record back ups if machines malfunction, but because there is no audit required, there is no systemic way to detect whether the machines are systematically adding, dropping or switching votes due to programming errors or malicious code. A state is considered high risk if the DREs are in use but they do not produce a paper record at all. In these states, votes will simply be lost if machines malfunction or votes are compromised due to programming errors or malicious code. CHART C shows states in which Common Cause recommends that voters choose to vote by absentee ballot if their polling place only uses DREs. These are states with no-fault absentee voting laws in place.
Item 3: What can be done:
Common Cause recommends that citizens be aware of the voting systems in use in their locality. If a polling place is equipped with a paperless DRE, voters may seek to vote on a paper ballot. Given that paperless DREs present the highest security risk, Common Cause urges voters to identify what kind of voting equipment is used at their polling place. Voters can their secretary of state’s office, county clerk, registrar, or local board of elections. Voters who discover that their polling place will use voting machines with no voter-verifiable paper record should vote by absentee ballot, if their state allows no-excuse absentee voting [see chart C on page 21]. Voters who will vote by absentee ballot should check with their Secretary of State’s office to make sure they are aware of the rules around absentee voting. For example, there may be deadlines and requirements for witnesses and other criteria .
Item 4: Absentee Ballot application use form for the State of Georgia:
http://www.sos.state.ga.us/elections/elections/voter_information/absentee_ballot_app.pdf
ABSENTEE BALLOT APPLICATION
County or Municipality: __________________________________________________________ Date: _____________________________
Name as registered: _________________________________________________________________________________________________
Address as registered: _______________________________________________________________________________________________
(CITY) (STATE) (ZIP)
Date of birth: ________________________ Date of Primary, Election, or Runoff: _______________________________________________
(For a primary ballot, select political party by checking appropriate box) ! DEMOCRATIC ! REPUBLICAN
PLEASE CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX:
! ABSENTEE VOTING (In Person Only): See reverse side for appropriate reason code and circle here: OP D CG EO RH PS E
! ADVANCE VOTING (In Person Only): Monday - Friday of the week immediately preceding the election; not required to provide a reason.
! NO REASON ABSENTEE (By Mail Only): Requesting an absentee ballot by mail; not required to provide a reason.
MANNER IN WHICH ABSENTEE BALLOT SHALL BE PROVIDED:
! I request that I be allowed to vote my ballot in the registrar’s office at this time;
! I request that ballot be mailed to: __________________________________________________________________________________
! I request that ballot be delivered to voter in hospital. Name of hospital: ___________________________________________________
SIGNATURE (OR MARK) OF VOTER: _________________________________________________________________________
Signature of person assisting disabled or illiterate voter: _______________________________________________________________
NOTE: Each voter must make their own application by mail, by fax, or in person unless he or she is residing temporarily out of the county or
municipality, or is a voter with a disability residing within the county or municipality. A disabled or illiterate voter may receive assistance.
IF YOU ARE VOTING BY ABSENTEE BALLOT BECAUSE YOU ARE: (check appropriate box below)
A member of the Armed Forces or Merchant Marines of the United States or a spouse or dependant living outside the county or municipality
in which the election is held,
! MST – military stateside ! MOS - military overseas ! OSC - overseas civilian (permanent)
! A voter age 75 or older, or
! A voter with a physical disability, you may choose to submit one application and receive a ballot for the Primary, Primary Runoff
Election, and Election Runoff by completing the information below:
I CHOOSE TO RECEIVE:
! All absentee ballots as allowed by law
FOR VOTERS RESIDING TEMPORARILY OUT OF COUNTY/MUNICIPALITY OR VOTERS WITH A PHYSICAL
DISABILITY RESIDING WITHIN COUNTY/MUNICIPALITY:
In the case of a voter residing temporarily out of the county/municipality or a physically disabled voter residing within the county/municipality,
application may be made by mother, father, grandparent, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, spouse, son, daughter, niece, nephew, grandchild, son-inlaw,
daughter-in-law, mother-in-law, father-in-law, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law of the age of 18 or over upon completing the following oath:
I, the undersigned, do swear (or affirm) that the above named voter is:
! residing temporarily out of the county/municipality
! a voter with a physical disability residing within the county/municipality and that the facts included within this application are true.
Signature and relationship of relative requesting ballot
Office Use Only
! The voter named is eligible to receive an absentee ballot ! The voter named is ineligible to receive an absentee ballot
Date Application Received: ________________________ Date Ballot Mailed: ___________________________
Date Ballot Returned: _____________________________ Voter Registration #: __________________________
Precinct ID: ______________ Combo#: _________
Reason for rejection:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
GA: defined as HIGH RISK re: Voting Malfeasance by Verified Voting Foundation, Election.org" re: no paper trails ballot; use of Diebold DRE's (exclusively); no mandated audit of vote.
http://www.commoncause.org/atf/cf/{FB3C17E2-CDD1-4DF6-92BE-BD4429893665}/MALFUNCTION%20AND%20MALFEASANCE%20REPORT.PDF
Item 1 taken from report:
"The number of counties nationwide using DREs more than tripled in the last six years, jumping from 320 counties in November 2000 to an expected 1,050 counties in November’s mid-term elections. About 39 percent of registered voters are expected to use DRE voting machines on Election Day 2006."
Item 2:
CHART A shows the status of each state regarding the use of DREs and which, if any, security safeguards are in place.CHART B characterizes states on a risk level from 1 to 3.A state is considered a low risk state if they do not use DREs but instead use another voting system. A state is also considered low risk if the state uses DREs but the DREs produce a voter verified paper ballot that will be counted in an audit. A state is considered medium risk if the voting systems produce a paper record but no audit is required. In these states, there will be paper record back ups if machines malfunction, but because there is no audit required, there is no systemic way to detect whether the machines are systematically adding, dropping or switching votes due to programming errors or malicious code. A state is considered high risk if the DREs are in use but they do not produce a paper record at all. In these states, votes will simply be lost if machines malfunction or votes are compromised due to programming errors or malicious code. CHART C shows states in which Common Cause recommends that voters choose to vote by absentee ballot if their polling place only uses DREs. These are states with no-fault absentee voting laws in place.
Item 3: What can be done:
Common Cause recommends that citizens be aware of the voting systems in use in their locality. If a polling place is equipped with a paperless DRE, voters may seek to vote on a paper ballot. Given that paperless DREs present the highest security risk, Common Cause urges voters to identify what kind of voting equipment is used at their polling place. Voters can their secretary of state’s office, county clerk, registrar, or local board of elections. Voters who discover that their polling place will use voting machines with no voter-verifiable paper record should vote by absentee ballot, if their state allows no-excuse absentee voting [see chart C on page 21]. Voters who will vote by absentee ballot should check with their Secretary of State’s office to make sure they are aware of the rules around absentee voting. For example, there may be deadlines and requirements for witnesses and other criteria .
Item 4: Absentee Ballot application use form for the State of Georgia:
http://www.sos.state.ga.us/elections/elections/voter_information/absentee_ballot_app.pdf
ABSENTEE BALLOT APPLICATION
County or Municipality: __________________________________________________________ Date: _____________________________
Name as registered: _________________________________________________________________________________________________
Address as registered: _______________________________________________________________________________________________
(CITY) (STATE) (ZIP)
Date of birth: ________________________ Date of Primary, Election, or Runoff: _______________________________________________
(For a primary ballot, select political party by checking appropriate box) ! DEMOCRATIC ! REPUBLICAN
PLEASE CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX:
! ABSENTEE VOTING (In Person Only): See reverse side for appropriate reason code and circle here: OP D CG EO RH PS E
! ADVANCE VOTING (In Person Only): Monday - Friday of the week immediately preceding the election; not required to provide a reason.
! NO REASON ABSENTEE (By Mail Only): Requesting an absentee ballot by mail; not required to provide a reason.
MANNER IN WHICH ABSENTEE BALLOT SHALL BE PROVIDED:
! I request that I be allowed to vote my ballot in the registrar’s office at this time;
! I request that ballot be mailed to: __________________________________________________________________________________
! I request that ballot be delivered to voter in hospital. Name of hospital: ___________________________________________________
SIGNATURE (OR MARK) OF VOTER: _________________________________________________________________________
Signature of person assisting disabled or illiterate voter: _______________________________________________________________
NOTE: Each voter must make their own application by mail, by fax, or in person unless he or she is residing temporarily out of the county or
municipality, or is a voter with a disability residing within the county or municipality. A disabled or illiterate voter may receive assistance.
IF YOU ARE VOTING BY ABSENTEE BALLOT BECAUSE YOU ARE: (check appropriate box below)
A member of the Armed Forces or Merchant Marines of the United States or a spouse or dependant living outside the county or municipality
in which the election is held,
! MST – military stateside ! MOS - military overseas ! OSC - overseas civilian (permanent)
! A voter age 75 or older, or
! A voter with a physical disability, you may choose to submit one application and receive a ballot for the Primary, Primary Runoff
Election, and Election Runoff by completing the information below:
I CHOOSE TO RECEIVE:
! All absentee ballots as allowed by law
FOR VOTERS RESIDING TEMPORARILY OUT OF COUNTY/MUNICIPALITY OR VOTERS WITH A PHYSICAL
DISABILITY RESIDING WITHIN COUNTY/MUNICIPALITY:
In the case of a voter residing temporarily out of the county/municipality or a physically disabled voter residing within the county/municipality,
application may be made by mother, father, grandparent, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, spouse, son, daughter, niece, nephew, grandchild, son-inlaw,
daughter-in-law, mother-in-law, father-in-law, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law of the age of 18 or over upon completing the following oath:
I, the undersigned, do swear (or affirm) that the above named voter is:
! residing temporarily out of the county/municipality
! a voter with a physical disability residing within the county/municipality and that the facts included within this application are true.
Signature and relationship of relative requesting ballot
Office Use Only
! The voter named is eligible to receive an absentee ballot ! The voter named is ineligible to receive an absentee ballot
Date Application Received: ________________________ Date Ballot Mailed: ___________________________
Date Ballot Returned: _____________________________ Voter Registration #: __________________________
Precinct ID: ______________ Combo#: _________
Reason for rejection:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
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