The absentee ballots will go out on time! That's the apparent result of yesterday's Wisconsin Supreme Court decision denying the Green Party a spot on the presidential ballot this time around. Kanye West also met with defeat in a ruling last Friday, although he has apparently filed an appeal to the Wisconsin Supreme Court. We expect his appeal to fail, however. Assuming the ballots go out by the legal deadline, anyone who has already requested an absentee ballot should receive it within the next week. By law, they have to be mailed on or before September 17. So watch for yours. You can find out when your clerk put yours in the mail at myvote.wi.gov. You can also see what's on your ballot there.

This last week has been a real rollercoaster in the political news, but Grassroots North Shore has kept its balance throughout. We premiered our candidate forum on YouTube on Sunday, Sept. 13. If you missed it, you can still view the show at our YouTube channel. And we continued to send 2800 postcards to voters in the North Shore who had not yet requested an absentee ballot. Beginning this week we're following up with phone calls to card recipients. The calls provide detailed information on the absentee ballot process as well as the in-person early voting process. We could use more callers, natch. Sign up to participate!

We've begun sending vote reminder postcards to ~3000 city voters this week and will be following up those cards with phone calls too. The calls are easy — offering information and assistance to Democratic voters. Think of it as an untraditional Get Out the Vote activity: untraditional because it's starting now instead of the weekend before Election Day and also because we are not able to go door-to-door as we typically would have. We'll ask people to sign up for those calls in next week's newsletter. So make a mental note to join us.

Finally, give a little something to the cause. Every Democrat running anywhere in the country, it seems, is filling my inbox with dire and or joyous news designed to pry some money out of me. I'm sure it's the same for you. But in this case, I'm not asking on behalf of any particular candidate. I'm asking you to help support the work of Grassroots North Shore for another year. Our good friend and crackerjack speaker, John Nichols, will fire us up in a live Zoom talk on Sunday, October 4, at 4:30. (Once you RSVP, you will receive further information about connecting to the Zoom meeting.) The program is free, but Grassroots North Shore — for all that it's a fully volunteer-staffed organization — needs to raise enough money to see it through each year. In case you don't know what expenses we have, here's a short list: operating expenses, this newsletter, our regular events, and of course political organizing and campaigning. You can donate before, during, and even after the event. Every dollar is deeply appreciated.

EVENTS

Wed Sep 16, 2020

On the Issues: Voting in November, 12:15pm - 12:15pm
Online
The Lubar Center presents a conversation with three key elections officials: Wisconsin Elections Commission administrator Meagan Wolfe, Milwaukee Election Commission executive director Claire Woodall-Vogg, and Brookfield city clerk Kelly Michaels. They’ll address the many questions that surround this year’s election. What impact will the pandemic have on this year’s vote? Will polling places be adequately staffed? Are we ready for the expected surge in mail-in ballots? How long will it take to count the votes, and should we be concerned about election hacking? Click on the words “Watch Now” on the webpage starting anytime after 12:15 p.m. on September 16 to view the program.

Women Lead: Meet these five pro-choice progressive women!, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Online
BYO cocktails and crudités; we'll provide the powerhouse pro-choice candidates! Emcee: Sarah Godlewski, Wisconsin State Treasurer. RSVP Today! Can't make it? No worries — you can still support the candidates right here!.

Grass Roots South Shore Virtual Meeting, 6pm - 8pm
TBA
Check the Facebook page to see if Grass Roots South Shore will have a virtual meeting. More information.

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, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Online
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.

Ozaukee County Dems Meeting, 7pm
Zoom
The next regular Ozaukee Democrats Monthly Meeting is next Wednesday, Sept. 16. In the meantime, please review the August meeting minutes . Link to the meeting.

Info: Southwest Region Dems Meeting, 7pm - 7pm
TBA
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 Sep 17, 2020

Newsmaker: Steven DeVougas, 12pm - 1pm
Online
Steven DeVougas, former chairman and current member of Milwaukee’s Fire and Police Commission, will be the featured guest at a virtual Newsmaker event presented by the Milwaukee Press Club and Wispolitics.com. He has faced broad criticism in recent months for his own actions and for the commission’s controversial dealings with former Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales. More information and RSVP.

Stand For Justice, 12pm - 1:30pm
South 27th Street & West Oklahoma Avenue, Milwaukee
"Stand for Justice." Let's ALL exercise our right to support Black Lives Matter in ways both large and small. Come "Stand" with us rain or shine every Wednesday and Saturday. Bring your own sign and chair if you like. This small protest is perfect for folks like me who are unable to attend long protests and rallies. Remember: EVERYTHING WE DO MATTERS. Organized by Karen Hartwell, Kathleen Kat Hickman-Turner, and Rachel Adair.

Thursday PhoneBanks for Neal Plotkin!, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Your Home
Join us for a virtual phone bank to help elect Neal Plotkin win this November! Every call made is critical in making sure we flip the 8th Senate District Blue! Register Here.

MPS Civil Rights Report, 6:30pm - 8pm
Zoom
The first in a series of sessions for MPS parents, staff, students and the community about the MPS Office for Civil Rights Resolution Report. This session will present findings on student behavior support and interventions, and on anti-bias, race, and classroom climate training for staff. Participants will be given a chance to reflect and share on what they learn in breakout meetings. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Register in advance.

Emily Siegrist Virtual Fundraiser, 7pm - 8pm
Zoom
Please join several local female leaders and elected officials for a virtual fundraising event focused on women’s issues in support of Emily’s campaign. A special guest, Francesca Hong, is running for the 76th Assembly District, which includes Madison. Join in for an evening of inspiring conversation between these two young, progressive activists running for office to make Wisconsin a better place for our families and future generations. Zoom link will be sent after RSVP. Sponsorship levels: Marvel $1,000 | Superwoman $500 | Wonderwoman $250 | Ironwoman $100. RSVP.

Waukesha County Dems Meeting, 8pm
Zoom
This month we are having a small check in just to give an update to folks about what we are doing with less than 50 days to go. We will also give an update on Biden yard signs and other swag. Join.

Sat Sep 19, 2020

Stand for Peace, 12pm - 1pm
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 Sep 21, 2020

Milwaukee Dems Virtual Meeting, 6pm - 8pm
Zoom
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. Information about how to access the meeting will be sent after registration. RSVP.

Wed Sep 23, 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.

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

Info: Drinking Liberally Glendale, 6:30pm - 9pm
Bavarian Bierhaus, 700 W. Lexington Blvd., Glendale
Check the Drinking Liberally website for meeting plans. Drinking Liberally Glendale normally meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month. A monthly meetup to eat, drink, and talk politics with like-minded people.

Thu Sep 24, 2020

Stand For Justice, 12pm - 1:30pm
South 27th Street & West Oklahoma Avenue, Milwaukee
"Stand for Justice." Let's ALL exercise our right to support Black Lives Matter in ways both large and small. Come "Stand" with us rain or shine every Wednesday and Saturday. Bring your own sign and chair if you like. This small protest is perfect for folks like me who are unable to attend long protests and rallies. Remember: EVERYTHING WE DO MATTERS. Organized by Karen Hartwell, Kathleen Kat Hickman-Turner, and Rachel Adair

Info: Mental Health Board Meeting, 4:30pm - 4:30pm
TBA
This meeting is posted as a Telemeeting (see Agenda for details). Milwaukee County Mental Health Board Meeting. Public Comment: none. More information.

Thursday PhoneBanks for Neal Plotkin!, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Your Home
Join us for a virtual phone bank to help elect Neal Plotkin win this November! Every call made is critical in making sure we flip the 8th Senate District Blue! Register Here.

Fri Sep 25, 2020

Voces Virtual Gala 2020, 6pm - 7:15pm
Online
This Onward to Victory Virtual Gala 2020 will be a night of celebration to recognize accomplishments, honor grassroots leaders, and focus on mobilization of the 2020 Latinx vote for victory on November 3rd! Your tickets, support, and donations are critical for Voces in supporting their work and securing the November elections. Please purchase tickets by September 11 to reserve your place. Ticket prices and RSVP.

Sat Sep 26, 2020

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

Stand for Peace, 12pm - 1pm
TBA
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.