vote like there's no tomorrow!

Today's Election Day. If you have already voted, great! If you haven't yet, you have to get to your polling place before 8pm. You can look up where to vote at myvote.wi.gov.

But the bigger news is the announcement about speakers at the Democratic National Convention, now only six days away. You won't want to miss the addresses by such luminaries as Michelle Obama and her husband! You can review the line-up at Daily Kos and speculate with the pundit about what this cast of notables tells of us about Biden's VP pick. Go here to find out how to watch. (You can skip the uninformative video and scroll down the page for how-to links and information.) Hint: almost any internet connected device and service will get you there. Watch on your tv, your computer, your phone, your tablet. Use Roku or Alexa or one of the other devices I personally know nothing about. It may be a virtual event, but it's going to be fun and exciting nevertheless. Most of us would have seen it on television anyway, so having it be virtual is really not all that different. Let's show the enthusiasm the media keeps telling us we lack.

Still, there has been some grumbling about the fact that our nominee will not be coming to Milwaukee to give his acceptance speech. Some people are warning that his failure to do so echoes Hillary Clinton's lack of campaigning in Wisconsin after she secured the nomination. But conditions today are dramatically different than they were four years ago. For one thing, giving the speech here would have meant orating to an empty arena! Dr. Ian Gilson's letter to former Vice President Biden explains just why the decision is appropriate this time around.

VP Biden, I’m glad you are not coming to The DNC in Milwaukee

I am an internal medicine physician, and since diagnosing my first cases of COVID-19 in March, it has become increasingly apparent to me that the DNC had to be a virtual event. Now, 5 months later, Milwaukee and Wisconsin are COVID “hot spots,” and crowds of any size, especially indoors, are unsafe.

It is not essential for Joe Biden or his running mate to be physically present here to accept the nomination, and the potential exposure to SARS-2 coronavirus for the candidate, whose age puts him at high risk for potentially lethal complications, party officials, convention workers, and the press, is just not worth the risk. The very act of conducting a virtual nomination and campaign is a powerful example of the responsible leadership we need from our leaders to stop this unprecedented natural disaster.

The COVID pandemic has been unnecessarily made far worse by willful violation by President Drumpf and his associates of basic public health imperatives like masking, distancing, and avoiding mass campaign events.

While the absence of “in the flesh” campaigning — and the excitement of a national convention in our key swing state — is naturally disappointing, it is necessary.

The contrast should be obvious to Wisconsin voters this November.

Ian Gilson, MD
Shorewood

Looking ahead, there are several things you can and should be doing right now and in the near future. For one thing, we need people to volunteer for the next Weekend of Action, on August 30 and 31. I'll be sending out links to sign up in next week's newsletter, but please mark your calendars now. Shifts on the Virtual Phone Banks will begin at 9am, 12pm, 3pm and 6pm on Saturday. On Sunday, they will begin at 12pm, 3pm, and 6pm.

The changes at the US Postal Service, including the new price of stamps for absentee ballots, are disturbing and may be disruptive in November. Jamelle Bouie at the New York Times has an op-ed today, "How to Foil Drumpf’s Election Night Strategy", that is worth your time to read. He discusses how to thwart Drumpf's loudly telegraphed strategy to claim victory on November 3 and to insist that only ballots counted that day are valid. Voting absentee, however, is still the safest way to cast your ballot. And that's why we strongly recommend that everyone voting absentee do two things:

Fill out your ballot as soon as you possibly can (and don't forget you need to sign your certification envelope and you need a witness to sign it and include her address on it too);
Use a drop box or drop location in your community rather than putting your ballot in the US mail.

Just in case you're unsure about how to complete an absentee ballot, you can watch a quick video. Share it widely. And as always, sign up for an activity or event and get engaged!

EVENTS

Tue Aug 11, 2020

Primary Election Day, 7am - 8pm
Various Polling Locations
You can check your registration, see a sample ballot for your district, and find the address of your polling location at myvote.wi.gov.

Marquette Poll Discussion Online, 12:15pm - 12:30pm
Online
Results of the Marquette Law School August poll on the presidential election campaign and where voters stand on a number of issues. In addition to the vote choice, it looks at likely turnout, preferences for vote by mail or in-person and views of President Trump’s handling of the economy, the coronavirus epidemic and the ongoing Black Lives Matter protests.. The entire poll results will be posted at 12:30 p.m. following the discussion. Instructions for watching the discussion.

Drinking Liberally Grafton/Mequon, 6:30pm - 8pm
Zoom
This Tuesday we are honored to welcome back James L. Santelle, former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin (U.S. Department of Justice). Jim's presentations on Justice issues have been particularly popular at DL Grafton. This time Jim is digging into the most significant decisions rendered by the Supreme Court in the term that just ended. These include important rulings on everything from civil rights to immigration to presidential immunity to religious freedom to abortion rights and more. Join.

Virtual Drinking Liberally MKE, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Zoom
Drinking Liberally MKE will get together on Zoom. More information.

350 Milwaukee Virtual Meeting, 7pm - 8:30pm
Online
350 Milwaukee is part of the global organization building a grassroots movement in 188 countries to address global warming and solve the climate crisis. 350 Milwaukee meets every month on the second Tuesday. More information.

Wed Aug 12, 2020

League of Conservation Voters Virtual Training, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Zoom sent after sign-up
Conservation voters have fought hard to win key victories for cleanwater and clean energy in Wisconsin these past few years – and we need to protect Governor Evers’ veto power to make sure those victories stand. In times like these, we can't use our normal face-to- face tactics to help candidates win. We have to get creative and go virtual. Politics is personal, and sharing our stories with the people who trust us can be more compelling when explaining why voting is important, how to register to vote, or where to find information on a pro- conservation candidate.This year, we're starting a Relational Voter Program using the Empower (MyRVP) phone app to make it as easy as possible for you to help conservationists win in November. All you have to do is download the app on your phone and enter the code: wcv. The app is available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. OR you can go to get empower.com/wcv on your computer. Join us at our next training on how to effectively tell your story, how to talk to your friends and family about the November elections, and how to operate the Empower (MyRVP) app. Sign up here.

Weekly Wednesday Phone Banks with Team Deb! 5pm - 8pm
Virtual Phone Bank
Join Team Andraca on Wednesdays to call voters and to make sure we flip this seat! A training will be provided at the beginning of the shift, so there is no experience necessary. Zoom links will be sent out the day of your shift. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.Sign up.

Info: Refuel the Resistance, 6pm - 8pm
Bounce Milwaukee, 2801 S. 5th Ct., Milwaukee
Refuel the Resistance is canceled for now, but Bounce is currently open for delivery and carryout. And check out "Apocalypse Drive-In," when movies are shown every Friday and Saturday in the parking lot and food and beverages can be brought out to your car. Much more information on how this new program works.

Ozaukee County Phone Banking for State Legislature Candidates, 7pm
Online
Join us virtually in phone banking for our three great state legislature candidates! We will have a kickoff event through Zoom at 7pm on August 12 (link to be emailed). On the call, you will hear each of the three candidates give a five-minute informative talk about their candidacy. You'll then be given instructions about accessing the phone bank(s), understanding the script, and how and when to make calls. You can make calls for candidates of your choosing on your own schedule over the next four days (8/12-16)! To add to the fun, we will announce a prize for the volunteer making the most phone calls. The candidates are Deb Andraca for State Assembly District 23, Emily Siegrist for State Assembly District 24, and Neal Plotkin for State Senate District 8. Click here to register.

Grass Roots South Shore Virtual Meeting, 7pm - 9pm
Zoom
Grass Roots South Shore will have a virtual meeting. Please take the time to attend this meeting and be part of the solution. More information.

Thu Aug 13, 2020

Info: Drinking Liberally West Allis, 6:30pm - 9pm
TBD
Drinking Liberally West Allis may join the Drinking Liberally MKE virtual event. For information, check here.

Fri Aug 14, 2020

Child Care and Covid-19, 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Online
Wisconsin Policy Forum will present a virtual discussion on how the Covid-19 pandemic has affected children, parents, and businesses. Guest speakers will be Wisconsin Department of Children and Families Secretary Emilie Amundson and Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce President Tim Sheehy. Registration (required).

Sat Aug 15, 2020

Info: NAACP Monthly Meeting, 11:30am - 1pm
2745 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Dr., Milwaukee
The NAACP meeting is probably canceled. Call 414.562.1000 for further information. Monthly membership meeting of NAACP Milwaukee Branch. The meeting is held in the basement conference room.

Stand for Peace, 12pm - 1pm
N. Sherman Boulevard & W. North Avenue
Stand for Peace is resuming their presence with careful precautions (more information on this). Stand for peace in the streets of Milwaukee, every Saturday at noon. Organized by Peace Action Wisconsin.

Saturdays Are for the Calls,2pm - 5pm
Virtual Phone Bank
Join Team Andraca on Saturdays to call voters and to make sure we flip this seat! A training will be provided at the beginning of the shift, so there is no experience necessary. Zoom links will be sent out the day of your shift. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.Sign up.

Sun Aug 16, 2020

Emily Siegrist -- Social distance FUNdraiser, Cycling with the Candidate!, 2pm - 4pm
Oak Leaf Trail
We are excited to announce our next social distance FUNdraiser, Cyclingwith the Candidate! On Sunday, August 16 from 2-4pm, join Emily and other supporters for a bike ride on the Oak Leaf Trail. We’ll meet at Brown Deer Park and bike to Foxtown Brewing in Mequon for a cold drink on the patio. The route is approximately 10 miles round-trip. The cost to participate is $50 per person and donations can be made here. We are excited for this fun, active outdoor event! Please email if you plan to join us!

Peace Billboard Rally, 3pm - 4pm
Wells & Lovell Streets
Peace initiative event before the Democratic convention, with prominent Democratic leaders speaking on the issue at the Peace Billboard, located at the corner of Wells and James Lovell St. This will be an in-person rally (with masks and social distancing required) that will be broadcast on the internet as well.

Wed Aug 19, 2020

Info: Drinking Liberally Wauwatosa, 6:30pm - 9pm
Camp Bar, 6600 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa
For information on whether the meeting will occur check here.

Info: Laughing Liberally MKE, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Art Bar, 722 E. Burleigh St., Milwaukee
On the first and third Wednesday of every month, host Matthew Filipowicz and a different Laughing Liberally MKE comedian will discuss and joke about a news story, and talk a bit about the craft of comedy. The podcasts will be available on the website. More information.

Info: Southwest Region Dems Meeting, 7pm - 7pm
TBD
Southwest Dems (Region 5) cover Franklin, Greendale, Greenfield, Hales Corners, Milwaukee (Southwest), West Allis, West Milwaukee. For information on when a meeting may be held check Facebook or email.

Thu Aug 20, 2020

Thursday Phone Banks for Neal Plotkin!, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Cancelled
Watch our Presidential Candidate, Joe Biden, accept the nomination of the National Democratic Party instead. Convention coverage begins at 8pm Central Time. Show former Vice President the love! See all the ways you can connect.

Sat Aug 22, 2020

Community Brainstorming, 8am - 11am
Suspended
Community Brainstorming Conference will suspend its monthly breakfast forums until further notice. More info.

Stand for Peace, 12pm - 1pm
State Highway 100 & W. Bluemound Road
Stand for Peace is resuming their presence with careful precautions (more information). Stand for peace in the streets of Milwaukee, every Saturday at noon. Organized by Peace Action Wisconsin.

Mon Aug 24, 2020

Milwaukee Dems Virtual Meeting, 6pm - 6pm
Zoom
Membership meetings will resume by means of Zoom. Mayor Tom Barrett will help us kick off the fall campaign. Once you sign up, you will receive an email with the information you need to connect to the Zoom meeting. Milwaukee County Democrats meet monthly to discuss party business, hear speakers on current topics, pass resolutions, and network with other progressives. All interested Democrats are invited.

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