87 days until voting begins
The racial oppression at the founding of our nation continues to hurt us all.
I’ve just finished reading, “Never Caught” by historian Erica Armstrong Dunbar, the story of Ona Judge Staines, one of George and Martha Washington’s enslaved persons. Staines escaped and fled north in 1796 , living in New Hampshire for half a century, pursued by Washington until his death in 1799. She lived a life of extreme poverty and loss, yet when asked if she regretted her choice by the person Washington sent to capture her, she responded (according to a letter he wrote) that she had “a thirst for compleat freedom.”
The story is a critical reminder of the toxic infection at the heart of our founding, the contrast between ideals of liberty, justice for all and racial dehumanization. It has once again surfaced in a fulminant manner, threatening the life of our democratic republic.
I bring up Ona Judge Staines today because I am tired in this fight and I imagine many of you are, as well. Her story, her courage, persistence and fierce determination was just the inspiration I needed right now to keep going.
Just one example. When the NC Board of Elections,now under corrupt Republican control, eliminates voting sites in predominantly Black neighborhoods and at HBCUS, when they eliminate Sunday early voting to end “Souls to the Polls”, it impacts us all. If we support voter turnout everywhere, we can prevail.
We need turnout in numbers too big to rig. Two really powerful ways you can help are by dropping literature for judicial races with FlipNC and/or signing up to do Field Team Justice canvassing. Both can be done on your own schedule.
Or find a canvass or phone bank. Every vote you find, even if it is only one a shift, will make a difference.
We have 87 days until early voting begins. We need all of us, together, to get every voter to the polls.
Calls:
use 5calls.org
Please continue to call Senator Tillis about Todd Blanche. Senator Tillis is good at getting press for saying things that appear he has a spine, but he always backs down. My guess is he getting his name recognition out there for a future, post-MAGA run. I don’t trust him at all. Still, let’s call.
Tillis Phone: (202) 224-6342
Script: This is (name) from (address, zip). I want the Senator to oppose Todd Blanche for Attorney General. Blanche supported January 6 rioters who tried to overturn our election and attacked police. He signed off on 1.8 million for them. He is hiding the Epstein files and gave Ghislaine Maxwell a sweetheart deal. While he “met” with Epstein survivors, as Senator Tillis requested, they said he didn’t listen, interrupted them and offered nothing. The Senator must oppose him.
Actions and Events
For more actions and information, please check out Marilyn Hartman’s “Everyday Election Activism: the Opportunities.” and Karen Ziegler’s Democracy Out Loud newsletters
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Tue Jul 21, 6–8pm Make Phone Calls with Durham Dems
| 2634 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd, Durham
https://www.mobilize.us/durhamcountydemocrats/event/987045/
Tuesday evening phone banking is one of the best voter-contact shifts of the week — people are home, they’re reachable, and a real conversation at this stage of the cycle genuinely matters. Come join us at HQ to call voters about the judicial races and Democrats up and down the November ballot. New to phone banking? No problem — we’ll get you up to speed fast.
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Wednesday July 22 6-7 pm virtual Field Team Justice Training: Anytime Canvassing for Anita Earls & Judicial Races info and register here
Canvass wherever you are, and recruit friends to join you!
Enter a list number in MiniVAN (same one for everyone!)
Automatically receive the 16 closest doors where there are voters we need to reach.
We’ll meet monthly to share updates for everyone and welcome new volunteers.
Wed Jul 22, 6pm (doors open 5:30pm) |Durham Delegation Townhall
https://www.mobilize.us/durhamcountydemocrats/event/992175/
Hear directly from your state legislators — Senator Natalie Murdock, Rep. Vernetta Alston, Rep. Zack Hawkins, and Rep. B. Ray Jeffers — on what’s happening at the General Assembly and what it means for Durham. Ask questions, raise concerns, and stay connected to the people fighting for us in Raleigh. This is exactly the kind of civic engagement that keeps our coalition strong. Registration is required — sign up to reserve your seat.
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Thursday July 23 We Know How To Beat Voter Suppression” with Bishop William Barber and NC Democratic Party Chair Anderson Clayton, and sign up here for Rev. Barber’s 100 days of mobilization and 1000 marches to the polls. There will be a mass meeting online this Thursday, July 23 at 8 pm; RSVP at this link.
July 25 National Weekend of Action | Canvass in North and South Durham
South Durham: https://www.mobilize.us/durhamcountydemocrats/event/993005/
North Durham: https://www.mobilize.us/durhamcountydemocrats/event/993002/
Join the Durham Democrats and our Coordinated Campaign for our National Weekend of Action as we launch our canvasses in North Durham’s Precinct 34 and South Durham’s Precinct 36! We’re hitting the doors to talk with voters about the issues that matter most, strengthen our community connections, and build the momentum needed to win this election. Whether you’re an experienced canvasser or it’s your first time, we’ll provide everything you need—including training, a script, and a turf assignment.
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Sat Jul 25, 9am–12pm or 12–3pm 🚗 Drive the Vote
| 2634 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd, Durham
https://www.mobilize.us/durhamcountydemocrats/event/961478/
Not a canvasser but still want to power the field program? Drive the Vote needs you behind the wheel. Volunteers shuttle canvassers to and from their turf across Durham County — a critical support role that keeps our boots-on-the-ground operation running smoothly. Two shifts available Saturday. This runs every weekend through the fall, so sign up for as many as you can make.
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Sat Jul 25, 4–6pm 🚶 Newly Registered Voters Canvass — Precinct 24
| Crafts & Drafts NC, 3117 Guess Rd Suite B, Durham
https://www.mobilize.us/durhamcountydemocrats/event/984590/
This is the highest-impact action of the week. We’re knocking doors to welcome newly registered voters, answer their questions, and make sure they know about the judicial races on the November ballot. Newly registered voters are some of the most persuadable people in our universe — a real conversation at the door can determine whether they show up in November. Meet at Crafts & Drafts and head out from there. No experience needed.
Sunday July 26 Bull City Indivisible 3-4:30 Literature pickup from FlipNC for judicial races (at the end of the meeting)
Drop lit on your own time! More info here and register here
July 14-25 Durham Dems School Supply Drive to Benefit DPSF & USSW Sign up HERE to find your closest drop-off location. Let’s be in community.
Thursday Sept 10 Help sort those school supplies. Sign up here!
POSTCARDS TO NC FOR A CRITICAL NCGA HOUSE RACE
Markers For Democracy is now writing postcards for Evonne Hopkins -- she’s running for the North Carolina House of Representatives in western Wake County. She ran for this seat in 2024 and came within 1,800 votes of victory. Now, she’s more determined than ever to finish what she started - and we can help! There are still 1287 addresses to be written! More info here
Finally…Action makes a difference. Don’t give up.
After many protests and the withdrawal of millions in funds by religious organizations and municipalities, Citizens Bank ended its relationships with the companies running taxpayer funded concentration camps in our country.
Ona Judge Staines - yes! Part of the founding story that must be told. Absolutely.
Tillis talks big, backs down all the time. How does Mr. Tillis define integrity?
Thanks!