Good news: disabled voters CAN GET HELP returning their absentee ballots. On August 31, U.S. District Judge Fames D. Peterson ruled that the Voting Rights Act takes precedence over the Wisconsin State Supreme Court's decision in July that outlawed absentee ballot drop boxes and ruled voters must return their own absentee ballot in person to a clerk's office or other designated site. To those with disabilities, returning an absentee ballot in person or even getting it to a mailbox would present a huge, and in some cases an insurmountable, obstacle to casting a vote. Peterson wrote that "Voters shouldn't have to choose between exercising their federal rights and complying with state law." Unfortunately, Wisconsin law still requires that voters put their own ballots in mailboxes and Peterson's ruling did not address the issue. But it's awfully difficult to determine whether every voter put his/her/their own ballot in the mail!

Yesterday, President Biden — accompanied by the national and Wisconsin heads of the AFL-CIO, the Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh, and Governor Evers among others — came to Milwaukee's Laborfest and gave a rousing pro-labor and anti-trumpist speech. He gave Ron Johnson the treatment when he called Senators Johnson and Rick Scott out over their promises to make Social Security funding subject to annual or five year funding votes in Congress. (Middle Wisconsin has a good piece discussing the horrors of such a plan.) You can watch Walsh's intro and Biden's full speech. (Daily Kos has a synopsis.) It was strong and passionate. Our own taste of the "dark Brandon" visible in his speech last Thursday at Independence hall.

For Veterans among us: The Tony Evers campaign is looking to get a group of Veterans together to sit on an advisory council. The Veterans would have the opportunity to share issues that they care about, attend a few Zoom meetings with the campaign team, attend a Veteran event (TBD) and help shape the campaign's messaging for Veterans. You will also need to be comfortable being publicly listed as "Veterans Support of Governor Tony Evers." If you are interested, email me and I will pass the information along to the campaign.

Plan to come to our campaign kick-off rally — Save Our State — Sunday, September 18, from 3:30 - 5:30 at Doctors Park (1870 E Fox Ln) in Fox Point. We'll have a message from Governor Evers. Both Mandela Barnes and Josh Kaul will be there. As will our candidates for Wisconsin Assembly: Deb Andraca, Darrin Madison, Dan Larsen and Bob Tatterson. RSVP so we'll know you're coming.

We only have 63 more days until the election! So have you signed up to volunteer for something yet? How about donating to Evers and Rodriguez, Kaul, Richardson, LaFollette, Barnes, Moore, Andraca, Larsen, Madison, Tatterson? If you don't know anything about these people or what office they seek, visit the Grassroots North Shore Elections 2022 pages. You will also find information about early in-person voting in your community. And here's a link to join in canvassing with the Glendale Neighborhood Action Team. I will have links to sign up for other teams by next week.

You still have time to request an absentee ballot. Clerks will begin mailing ballots on September 22. If you are voting by absentee ballot, make sure you mail it back by November 1 or deliver it to your clerk's office by November 4.

Another way you can participate is to write letters to the editor. The Democrats are providing a free virtual workshop on Tuesday, September 20, with examples, tips, and issue information sheets. The workshop will be led by Haley McCoy, said to be "WisDems on-call writing expert." She will be available for questions both during the workshop and for the rest of the campaign. The workshop will take place from 6:00 - 7:00pm. Register here.

Finally, here are two voter protection opportunities, either with the Democratice Party of Wisconsin or in with Common Cause, a non-partisan organization.

EVENTS

Wednesday, September 7

Nate Jurowski for Assembly Fundraiser, 5:30 – 7:00pm
Barbiere's Italian Inn, 1021 Milwaukee Ave, South Milwaukee
Please join Sen. Chris Larson and Rep. Christine Sinicki at a fundraiser to elect attorney Nate Jurowski for State Assembly in District 21 (South Milwaukee area). More information and RSVP.

Living Liberally Waukesha, 6:30pm - 6:30pm
The Tap Yard, 1150 W Sunset Drive, Waukesha
Living Liberally Waukesha meets on the first Wednesday of the month, All attendees should be vaccinated and wear masks when not eating or drinking.

Thursday, September 8

Take Action's Justice Activist Event, 3:30 - 4:30pm
Online
Take Action is holding a series of justice activist online events in September. This first one focuses on building momentum by getting local resolutions on the ballot. Passing local resolutions helps build momentum on a local, state and national level to protect our freedom to vote from ongoing efforts by Trump and MAGA Republicans to sabotage our elections. Come learn how you can make it happen in your city, town or county! The organization will also be holding this call to action on Thursdays, Sept. 15, 22, and 29, at 3:30pm CDT. You can sign up for any or all of them.

Saturday, September 10

Ozaukee Democrats Canvass, 9:00am - 10:00pm
Ozaukee County Dems Office, 1930 Wisconsin Ave, Grafton
Join the Oz Dems for our canvass this Saturday to talk to our neighbors about how critical the 2022 midterms are, in support of Democrats up and down the ticket in November! Sign up.

Stand for Peace, 12:00 – 1:00pm
Highway 100 and Bluemound Road
Stand for Peace has resumed in-person events with masks and social distancing. Check for more information. Organized by Peace Action Wisconsin.

Ozaukee & Washington Co. Meet & Greet w/ Mandela Barnes, 1:00 - 2pm
Mequon Public Market
Hosted by Moms for Mandela. Join Mandela Barnes for a Meet and Greet in Mequon to connect with supporters across Ozaukee and Washington counties! This is a great opportunity to hear about Mandela’s campaign for U.S. Senate and his plans to ensure everyone across Wisconsin gets a fair shot. Everyone is welcome to attend! If you are a Mom, there will be folks from the Moms for Mandela coalition there that would love to get you involved in their work.

Phone Bank to Recruit Canvassers, 1:00 – 4:00pm
Anywhere
To succeed in reelecting Governor Evers and sending Mandela Barnes to the US Senate, we need to recruit MANY canvassers between now and election day (November 8). Sign up for recruiting by phone.

Deb Andraca Fundraiser, 3:00 – 5:00pm
Debbie Patel Residence, River Hills
Rep. Deb Andraca will have a fundraiser for her reelection to the Wisconsin Assembly. Address will be sent after RSVP. Levels of Support: $1,000 | $500 | $250 | $100 Contributions of any size are greatly appreciated! RSVP

Monday, September 12

Grass Roots South Shore Meeting, 6:00 - 8:00pm
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.

Tuesday, September 13

Drinking Liberally MKE, 6:00 - 8:00pm
Eastabrook Beer Garden
Come share a pint and talk progressive politics! Drinking Liberally is a nationwide network of informal, inclusive progressive social groups. Raise your spirits while you raise your glass, and share ideas while you share a pitcher. Drinking Liberally gives like-minded, left-leaning individuals a place to talk politics. You don't need to be a policy expert and this isn't a book club - just come and learn from peers, trade jokes, vent frustration and hang out in an environment where it's not taboo to talk politics.

Thursday, September 15

Liz Sumner for County Board Fund Raiser, 5:00 - 6:30pm
Scott's Wine Merchants, 4512 N Oakland Ave, Shorewood
I want to make sure you receive an invite to my upcoming fundraising event. As we saw earlier this year, Republicans will continue to run conservative candidates for the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors, including districts like mine. I want to make sure that in the next election cycle, I have the resources to run an effective campaign.

Imagine - Oz Dem Fall Fundraiser Gala, 5:00 - 8:30pm
Shully's in Thiensville
Imagine…
You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one
~John Lennon

Join us for our annual Fall Gala Fundraising event at Shully’s. The guest list is like no other - as we are in the heart of the battleground for the Nov. 8 election. The Senate, our State, and our Democracy can all be decided right here. Imagine… Get your tickets today!

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