We're one week away from what we used to call Election Day but is now better called "the end of voting day." We're unlikely to know the complete results here in Wisconsin that night because the law does not permit any processing of absentee ballots until 7am when the polls open on November 3. And as of this morning, 1,771,503 ballots have been issued, and 1,451,462 reported returned, including 352,073 in-person absentee ballots (clerk's office) cast since 10/20. In other words, about half of the 2.9 million votes in 2016's presidential election have already been cast. And, depending on where you live, there are still three to five days of early voting yet to come.

We don't know, of course, what this avalanche of early voting means: it could mean people — presumably on both sides — are just that eager to vote or it could mean that voters in Wisconsin are deeply concerned about the explosion of COVID-19 cases we're currently seeing. In any case, people are voting early in droves. If you have not voted yet, TODAY'S THE DAY TO DO SO. And if you still have an absentee ballot kicking around, fill it out, get the certification envelope signed and witnessed, and take it to the DROP BOX in your community. You can find a list of drop box locations by using the Wisconsin Democratic Party's website.

The COVID-19 situation in Wisconsin is almost catastrophic: the per capita rate of infection is the 3rd highest in the nation, according to the New York Times. And the total deaths from the coronavirus so far have exceeded 225,000 nationwide. In other words, "American carnage" for real this time. Mark Meadows, the Chief of Staff to the orange occupant of the oval office, has signaled that the administration's policy is to avoid blame for the explosion of infections by doing nothing itself but pointing to governors' policies in the states. In a CNN interview on Sunday, he said, "We're not going to control the pandemic." Although some of the press have called Meadows's statement "admitting defeat," it is in fact merely making plain what has been the de facto federal policy all along. Meanwhile, a study from Kansas University has shown that COVID-19 is spreading half as quickly in counties with mask mandates than in those without.

As we round the last turn and head down the stretch toward the end of voting, there are still plenty of opportunities to help make sure Wisconsin corrects its error of 2016.

• Phonebanking. This is the most important thing you can do to make sure the turnout in Milwaukee and all across the state is as robust as we can make it. The Biden campaign is holding phone banks for the four days of the traditional Get Out the Vote, when we would ordinarily be knocking on doors. So if you live in Milwaukee County sign up for shifts on Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. If you live in Ozaukee County, sign up for shifts for Mequon and Thiensville or Cedarburg, Grafton, and Port Washington. We need to get every last person who is going to vote for Biden (and other Democrats down the ballot) to turn out. It's how you do your part!
  
  
• Work with Supermarket Legends by handing out flyers at busy locations. Pick up flyers and a list of places to distribute them at Linea Sundstrom's home, 1320 Lake Bluff, Shorewood. Flyers are in the red box near her garage. For questions, email Terri Lowder.
  
  
• Volunteer to drive sound trucks in Milwaukee to help turn out the vote during the Final Four days (10/31-11/3), and especially Election Day, when we'll want about 10 of these trucks. Drivers will pick up the trucks the campaign is renting, large speakers and gas cards from the office, and routes to drive in high-priority, low turnout wards. The campaign would love to have people who are committed to all four days, but if that's unrealistic it would be great if volunteers could form their own teams to cover the period. To get involved, contact Millicent Cripe. She'd love to have volunteers connect with her by noon on Wednesday, October 28.
  
  
• Drop literature on behalf of the Biden Campaign:
  • Wednesday, 10/28
  • Friday, 10/30
  • Saturday, 10/31
  • Sunday, 11/1 (the last day of early voting in Milwaukee)
  • Monday, 11/2

You'll also find phone banking and lit drop opportunities for specific candidates in the events list.

EVENTS

Tue Oct 27, 2020

North Milwaukee Biden/Harris Phonebank, 4pm - 8pm
Phones
For the past four years President Drumpf has been systemically attacking democracy in America. The time has come for us to exercise our rights to hold our elected officials accountable for their lack of judgment and incompetency. Just an our or two out of your week can ensure the success of democrats in your neighborhood in such an unprecedented election. Come November 3, will you be able to say you did all you could to enforce change in Wisconsin and the rest of the United states? Now is the time to take action! The battle is not yet over and we need your help. Please join the Democratic Party of Wisconsin on Tuesday-Friday between the hours of 4pm - 6pm or 6pm - 8pm to phone bank for change in America. SIGN UP HERE.

Ozaukee Biden/Harris Phonebank, 5pm - 8pm
Phones
Join us in phone banking virtually with the Wisconsin Democrats! Volunteers will help with GOTV efforts by calling local democrats and checking in on the status of their absentee ballots. We will also contact voters in the area who have been identified as persuadable, so that we can determine who they are supporting and attempt to influence their decision if they are still undecided. There will be a Zoom call dedicated to walking through this entire process, as well as answering any questions, before volunteers begin phone banking. For volunteering in Mequon, Thiensville, and Germantown, reach out to Bayley Connors . For volunteering in northern Ozaukee county (including Grafton, Cedarburg, and Port Washington), reach out to Liv McClain to sign up.

Neal Plotkin Phone Bank, 6pm - 8pm
Phone calls
Join other supporters of Neal Plotkin for State Senate in helping to reach out to voters in the 8th District in the critical final days of the campaign. All are welcome! There will be a brief training before each event. Sign up.

Wed Oct 28, 2020

Virtual: Community Justice Council, 9:30am - 11am
Virtual
Milwaukee Community Justice Council Meeting of the Whole will have an Online/Virtual meeting. More information.

Milwaukee Press Club Virtual Luncheon, 12pm - 1pm
Virtual
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett Headlines Newsmaker Lunch Hour. Mayor Tom Barrett will be the featured guest at a virtual event set for noon on Wednesday, October 28. This Newsmaker Lunch Hour is presented by a partnership between the Milwaukee Press Club and WisPolitics.com. Barrett will take questions from a panel of journalists and from the audience at the luncheon, moderated by Milwaukee Press Club President Corrinne Hess, reporter for Wisconsin Public Radio.The panel: Alison Dirr – Milwaukee Journal Sentinel; Aaron Maybin – WITI Fox6 Milwaukee; Kent Wainscott – WISN 12 News. You must register in advance to view this event. Those who register will receive a link on the morning of the event to view it live. REGISTER HERE.

North Milwaukee Biden/Harris Phonebank, 4pm - 4pm
Phones
For the past four years President Drumpf has been systemically attacking democracy in America. The time has come for us to exercise our rights to hold our elected officials accountable for their lack of judgment and incompetency. Just an our or two out of your week can ensure the success of democrats in your neighborhood in such an unprecedented election. Come November 3, will you be able to say you did all you could to enforce change in Wisconsin and the rest of the United states? Now is the time to take action! The battle is not yet over and we need your help. Please join the Democratic Party of Wisconsin on Tuesday-Friday between the hours of 4pm - 6pm or 6pm - 8pm to phone bank for change in America. SIGN UP HERE.

Ozaukee Biden/Harris Phonebank, 5pm - 8pm
Phones
Join us in phone banking virtually with the Wisconsin Democrats! Volunteers will help with GOTV efforts by calling local democrats and checking in on the status of their absentee ballots. We will also contact voters in the area who have been identified as persuadable, so that we can determine who they are supporting and attempt to influence their decision if they are still undecided. There will be a Zoom call dedicated to walking through this entire process, as well as answering any questions, before volunteers begin phone banking. For volunteering in Mequon, Thiensville, and Germantown, reach out to Bayley Connors . For volunteering in northern Ozaukee county (including Grafton, Cedarburg, and Port Washington), reach out to Liv McClain to sign up.

Suspended: Refuel the Resistance, 6pm - 8pm
Bounce Milwaukee, 2801 S. 5th Ct., Milwaukee
Bounce Milwaukee is closed, including delivery and carryout, until the COVID-19 spread in our area is under control. More information.

Drinking Liberally Port Washington, 6:30pm - 8pm
Schooner Pub, 114 N Franklin St, Port Washington

Suspended: Drinking Liberally Glendale, 6:30pm - 9pm
Bavarian Bierhaus, 700 W. Lexington Blvd., Glendale
Check the Drinking Liberally website for meeting plans.

Thu Oct 29, 2020

On the Issues: Courts and Justice, 12:15pm - 12:15pm
Online
Mike Gousha will be talking with journalists Sarah Isgur and DavidFrench. This is the second of two conversations featuring different perspectives on the role that the Supreme Court, the U.S. justice system, and the rule of law are playing in this year’s election cycle. Click on the words “Watch Now” on the webpage starting anytime after 12:15 p.m. on October 29 to view the program. RSVP.

Deb Andraca Phone Bank, 2pm - 2pm
Phones
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 absolutely no experiende required. Zoom links will be sent out the day of your shift. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out! Shifts at 2, 4, and 6 pm. REGISTER HERE.

North Milwaukee Biden/Harris Phonebank, 4pm - 4pm
Phones
For the past four years President Drumpf has been systemically attacking democracy in America. The time has come for us to exercise our rights to hold our elected officials accountable for their lack of judgment and incompetency. Just an our or two out of your week can ensure the success of democrats in your neighborhood in such an unprecedented election. Come November 3, will you be able to say you did all you could to enforce change in Wisconsin and the rest of the United states? Now is the time to take action! The battle is not yet over and we need your help. Please join the Democratic Party of Wisconsin on Tuesday-Friday between the hours of 4pm - 6pm or 6pm - 8pm to phone bank for change in America. SIGN UP HERE.

Ozaukee Biden/Harris Phonebank, 5pm - 8pm
Phones
Join us in phone banking virtually with the Wisconsin Democrats! Volunteers will help with GOTV efforts by calling local democrats and checking in on the status of their absentee ballots. We will also contact voters in the area who have been identified as persuadable, so that we can determine who they are supporting and attempt to influence their decision if they are still undecided. There will be a Zoom call dedicated to walking through this entire process, as well as answering any questions, before volunteers begin phone banking. For volunteering in Mequon, Thiensville, and Germantown, reach out to Bayley Connors . For volunteering in northern Ozaukee county (including Grafton, Cedarburg, and Port Washington), reach out to Liv McClain to sign up.

Neal Plotkin Phone Bank, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Phone calls
Virtual phone bank to help bring Neal Plotkin to victory in the 8th Senate District! There will be a brief training before each shift, no experience necessary! Sign up.

Emily Siegrist Kick-off Virtual Event, 7pm - 7:30pm
Online
Join AFT Wisconsin and Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes for a virtual GOTV Volunteer Kick-off event. Volunteers will hear from Mandela and Emily about the importance of reaching out to supporters to ensure they have voted or have a plan to vote on Nov. 3. There will also be training for volunteers who want to participate in a virtual phone bank over the weekend. RSVP.

Fri Oct 30, 2020

BLOC Jeopardy, 12pm - 2pm
Online
Join BLOC Ambassadors as they compete so see which teams are the most knowledgeable when it comes to civics, politics and history! Gaffes, laughs, and learning will no doubt ensue. Live on Facebook every Friday in October from 12pm to 2pm. Link.

Budgets in a Pandemic: MKE and Madison, 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Online
The Wisconsin Policy Forum will explore Milwaukee’s and Madison’s proposed budgets and the implications of both. Milwaukee Common Council President Cavalier Johnson and Madison Common Council President Sheri Carter will share their thoughts and insights on their respective cities’ 2021 budgets and overall fiscal conditions. Registration (required).

Ozaukee Biden/Harris Phonebank, 5pm - 8pm
Phones
Join us in phone banking virtually with the Wisconsin Democrats! Volunteers will help with GOTV efforts by calling local democrats and checking in on the status of their absentee ballots. We will also contact voters in the area who have been identified as persuadable, so that we can determine who they are supporting and attempt to influence their decision if they are still undecided. There will be a Zoom call dedicated to walking through this entire process, as well as answering any questions, before volunteers begin phone banking. For volunteering in Mequon, Thiensville, and Germantown, reach out to Bayley Connors . For volunteering in northern Ozaukee county (including Grafton, Cedarburg, and Port Washington), reach out to Liv McClain to sign up.

Sat Oct 31, 2020

Ozaukee Biden/Harris Phonebank, 5pm - 8pm
Phones
Join us in phone banking virtually with the Wisconsin Democrats! Volunteers will help with GOTV efforts by calling local democrats and checking in on the status of their absentee ballots. We will also contact voters in the area who have been identified as persuadable, so that we can determine who they are supporting and attempt to influence their decision if they are still undecided. There will be a Zoom call dedicated to walking through this entire process, as well as answering any questions, before volunteers begin phone banking. GOTV in Mequon and Thiensville. GOTV in northern Ozaukee county (including Grafton, Cedarburg, and Port Washington).

Deb Andraca GOTV Phonebank, 9am - 9am
Phones
Help us Get Out The Vote by calling voters in the 23rd district before they vote on Election Day! These will be done completely virtually, and trainings will be conducted at the beginning of each shift. Shifts at 9 am, 12 noon, 3 pm, and 6 pm Register Here.

Get Out The Vote, 9am - 9pm
Phone Banks and Lit Drops
Many GOTV actions, on the phone and on the ground, will be taking place in the last few days between now and Election Night. We will be phone banking and dropping literature on Sat., Sun., Mon., and Tues. Find many possible ways you can help defend our democracy and win this election by going here.

Emily Siegrist Halloween Lit Drop, 10am - 3pm
Nicolet HS Parking Lot, 6701 N Jean Nicolet Rd, Glendale
Join the Halloween themed GOTV lit drop for Emily Siegrist!. Meet inthe Nicolet High School parking lot and deliver door-hangers, highlighting all of the Democratic candidates on the ballot, to supporters’ homes. Volunteers can choose to wear a Halloween costume and enjoy donuts from local small business, Donut Monster, before heading out into the community. Two shifts: 10am-12pm and 1pm-3pm.Please RSVP.

Stand for Peace, 12pm - 1pm
76th Street & Layton Avenue, Greenfield
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.

Sun Nov 1, 2020

Get Out The Vote, 9am - 9pm
Phone Banks and Lit Drops
Many GOTV actions, on the phone and on the ground, will be taking place in the last few days between now and Election Night. We will be phone banking and dropping literature on Sat., Sun., Mon., and Tues. Find many possible ways you can help defend our democracy and win this election by going here.

Ozaukee Biden/Harris Phonebank, 5pm - 8pm
Phones
Join us in phone banking virtually with the Wisconsin Democrats! Volunteers will help with GOTV efforts by calling local democrats and checking in on the status of their absentee ballots. We will also contact voters in the area who have been identified as persuadable, so that we can determine who they are supporting and attempt to influence their decision if they are still undecided. There will be a Zoom call dedicated to walking through this entire process, as well as answering any questions, before volunteers begin phone banking. GOTV in Mequon and Thiensville. GOTV in northern Ozaukee county (including Grafton, Cedarburg, and Port Washington).

Deb Andraca GOTV Phonebank, 9am - 9pm
Phones
Help us Get Out The Vote by calling voters in the 23rd district before they vote on Election Day! These will be done completely virtually, and trainings will be conducted at the beginning of each shift. Shifts at 9 am, 12 noon, 3 pm, and 6 pm. Register Here.

Mon Nov 2, 2020

Get Out The Vote, 9am - 9pm
Phone Banks and Lit Drops
Many GOTV actions, on the phone and on the ground, will be taking place in the last few days between now and Election Night. We will be phone banking and dropping literature on Sat., Sun., Mon., and Tues. Find many possible ways you can help defend our democracy and win this election by going here.

Deb Andraca GOTV Phonebank, 9am - 9pm
Phones
Help us Get Out The Vote by calling voters in the 23rd district before they vote on Election Day! These will be done completely virtually, and trainings will be conducted at the beginning of each shift. Shifts at 9 am, 12 noon, 3 pm, and 6 pm. Register Here.

Deb Andraca Lit Drop, 9am - 9am
Lit Drop
Help us Get Out The Vote with a contactless lit drop in the 23rd district the day before Election Day! We will have door hangers divided at the beginning of each shift. Social distancing guidelines will be enforced. Masks are mandatory, and will be provided if you don't have one. We will use MiniVAN, and will provide trainings at the beginning of each shift. Register.

Tue Nov 3, 2020

ELECTION DAY, 7am - 8pm
Find your polling place
If you have not yet cast your ballot, TODAY'S THE DAY!

Get Out The Vote, 9am - 9pm
Phone Banks and Lit Drops
Many GOTV actions, on the phone and on the ground, will be taking place in the last few days between now and Election Night. We will be phone banking and dropping literature on Sat., Sun., Mon., and Tues. Find many possible ways you can help defend our democracy and win this election by going here.

Deb Andraca GOTV Phonebank, 9am - 9pm
Phones
Help us Get Out The Vote by calling voters in the 23rd district before they vote on Election Day! These will be done completely virtually, and trainings will be conducted at the beginning of each shift. Shifts at 9 am, 12 noon, 3 pm, and 6 pm. Register Here.

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

Wed Nov 4, 2020

Suspended: Refuel the Resistance, 6pm - 8pm
Bounce Milwaukee, 2801 S. 5th Ct., Milwaukee
Bounce Milwaukee is closed, including delivery and carryout, until the COVID-19 spread in our area is under control. More information.

Info: Laughing Liberally MKE, 8:30pm - 9:30pm
Podcast
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.

Thu Nov 5, 2020

Postponed: DPMC Issues Committee Meeting, 4:30pm - 4:30pm
Amalgamated Transit Union, 734 N. 26th St., Milwaukee
The Democratic Party's Issues Committee holds its meeting on the first Thursday of each month. All Democrats are welcome to participate.

Sat Nov 7, 2020

Stand for Peace, 12pm - 1pm
Capitol Drive & Oakland Avenue, Shorewood
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 Nov 9, 2020

Grass Roots South Shore Meeting, 6pm - 8pm
Cudahy Library, 3500 Library Dr. , Cudahy
Grass Roots South Shore holds its monthly meeting on the second Monday of each month. For more information call Jim Balk, 414-218-5944.

Virtual Drinking Liberally Waukesha, 6:30pm - 6:30pm
Virtual
Drinking Liberally Waukesha may be held virtually with Zoom. Check for updates.