the days dwindle down to a precious few

Before we get to the all important opportunities for you to DO SOMETHING to elect Democrats to all the offices on your November 5 ballot, I want to start with a recently passed national election law that could mitigate the effects of, for example, the dozens of changes the Georgia Election Board has just made to election procedures, most of which are designed to gum up the works. Other states are also rushing to make changes even as the election draws near and early voting has already begun in many states. (Note: absentee ballots have already started to be mailed in Wisconsin. I voted and returned mine yesterday! You can still request yours online until October 16.) The media have been covering these new election rules with a slightly breathless and panicky air. But help is at hand.

So, a lot of pixels and ink have been devoted to divining the state of the presidential race. Poll after poll after poll keeps telling us that it's going to be a nail biter. Yet almost no reporting has looked at what happens between the day all the votes have been cast and the certification of the election on January 6, 2025. That period between early November and January 6, 2021, is where the Barbecued Brutus campaign did most of its consequential mischief after all. It is really worth our while, then, to learn about the Electoral Count Reform Act (ECRA). Knowing how much ECRA has clarified and changed the numerous activities that take place once the polls close might lower your anxiety level about what destructive activities the MAGAs could try. So here is the Campaign Legal Center's explanation of the law.

Electing the President: From Election Day to the Joint Session
Campaign Legal Center, September 24, 2024

American elections have long been a model of freedom and fairness for democracies around the world, with a comprehensive system of checks and balances to ensure all votes are counted and election results are honored. The Electoral Count Reform Act (ECRA) is one critical safeguard that ensures our presidential elections run smoothly.

Congress passed the ECRA in 2022, updating the antiquated Electoral Count Act. The 2024 election will be the first presidential election utilizing the ECRA’s updated rules for finalizing the presidential election.

The ECRA lays out the process and timeline for electing the president and vice president from Election Day to the Joint Session of Congress. Importantly, it also closes some of the ambiguous gaps in the prior 1887 law that governed the presidential election process.

The ECRA provides much needed clarity to the electoral count process by:

Clarifyingthat the governor must certify their state’s slate of electors – unless another official is designated – and establishing a deadline for doing so.
Providing an expedited process for federal courts to resolve disputes under the ECRA.
Clarifying the vice president’s role in the process.
Raising the threshold for members of congress to object to a state’s certified results.

That is why it is so important that the public, media and elected officials alike are all informed about how the ECRA will work in practice.

Watch the program.

Especially important, it seems to me, is the provision that any state failing to certify its results by the specified deadline will simply be subtracted from the total electoral votes cast. So, for example, if Georgia misses the deadline for certifying because, say, some county officials refuse to certify the vote in their jurisdictions, the total number of electoral votes cast will be reduced by 16, the number of electoral votes allocated to that state. As a result, the new majority number needed to win will also be reduced, from 270 to 262.

Equally important, before ECRA, challenges to Electoral College votes needed just one representative and one senator to send the House and the Senate to their respective chambers to debate the objection. ECRA now requires that challenges to Electoral College votes come from 20% of EACH house of Congress. The threshold is not, of course, insurmountable but it is much more difficult to achieve.

An article in the September 24 issue of Urban Milwaukee — Can Wisconsin Handle Election Deniers This Time? — provides a good look at the myriad conspiracy theories in Wisconsin after the 2020 election and then notes that "despite the hold that election conspiracy theories have on a subset of Wisconsin Republicans, elections experts say the state is prepared for 2024 and unlikely to see a repeat of the 2020 effort to overturn results."

So ECRA and the preventive plans already laid in place might calm some fears, but the issues in this election definitely amp them up. On September 8, Grassroots North Shore held a program to elucidate what future the MAGAites have planned for us and what we have done and can do to defeat it. In the spirit of forewarned is forearmed, you should see it: the video. Attorney General Josh Kaul, the lead-off speaker (beginning at about 6 minutes and 25), reminds us of how much Democrats and progressives have won in Wisconsin over the last seven years. He's followed by Kathleen Schluter, who lays out what White Christian nationalists are trying to achieve. The final speaker, Joe Zepecki, a seasoned political manager, pumped us all up. Please, share it widely. Also have a look at the video, Once Democracy is Gone on YouTube.

As we rush headlong into getting all of our supporters to vote, you should be aware that there is more on the ballot than the candidates. We face yet another ballot question that directly addresses our voting rights. The League of Women Voters has been a leader on the Vote No campaign to defeat the ballot question/constitutional amendment: make sure you read the Vote No November landing page and watch a recording of their recent webinar on the topic. And then talk to your family, friends, and neighbors about voting NO on this ballot question.

As a key part of Grassroots North Shore's efforts to inform voters and to get like-minded people to the polls, we are beginning to phone the women in the North Shore and in the entire 8th Senate District to whom we sent post cards. While the cards promoted voting for key candidates, the calls focus on the ballot question and on absentee and early voting. It's quite a large number for us to try to accomplish. Some of you have already volunteered to make these calls, but we need many more. If you can take a call list, please contact Nancy Kaplan, [email protected].

Now here are some of the things you could and should be doing (in addition to all the canvassing opportunities you will find in the events listing):

Coming right up: the VEEP debate on Tuesday, October 1. You won't want to miss the chance to watch seasoned Governor Tim Walz waltz all over the least popular VP pick in forever. He's no hillbilly. More like a starched shirt: wrinkle free but really unpleasant to wear. The festivities are being held at the Bavarian Bierhaus, 700 W Lexington Blvd, Glendale, from 6:30 - 10:00pm. The show is free! So Sign up.

Voter Registration Volunteers with Supermarket Legends
Lisbon Avenue Health Center 3522 W. Lisbon Avenue, parking lot next to the building Tues., Oct 1, 9-11, 11-1, 1-3. or other days during the week Work with a partner to talk to voters and help them register to vote. To volunteer, contact Linea Sundstrom, [email protected].	Clinton Rose Senior Center 3045 N. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Tuesday, October 15, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Pass out early vote flyers as attendees arrive at the Main Street Agenda Town Hall on Inflation. To volunteer, contact Linea Sundstrom, [email protected].
Kinship Community Center 924 E. Clarke Street Saturdays 8:30-10:30 a.m. Tuesdays 4:00-6:00 p.m. During food distribution hours work with a partner to help clients register to vote and distribute our early vote flyers. To volunteer, contact Terri Lowder, [email protected].	Rooted and Rising Chili Fest and Resource Fair 3910 W. Lisbon Avenue October 11, 4:00-6:00 p.m. Two volunteers needed. Set up a table display. Pass out our early vote schedules and help attendees register to vote. o volunteer, contact Terri Lowder, [email protected].

The events list includes numerous campaign opportunities, especially canvassing, the gold standard for turnout elections like this one. Although it's happening nearly every day from now until November 5, the listings focus on weekend canvassing. I cannot stress enough how important it is to help. A lot of us, myself included, cannot manage the physical stamina it takes to walk a turf. If that describes you, then sign up to make calls instead, even if you have to move outside your comfort zone. Do not leave this work to others. It will take all of us to win.

EVENTS

Wednesday, September 25

Meet and Greet with Jodi Habush Sinykin for State Senate! 5:00 - 7:00pm
712 E Green Tree Road, Fox Point
Hear from Jodi and ask questions about her vision for Wisconsin and the 8th Senate District. The event is hosted by Peggy Dickson & Randy Stevens and Kathie Spencer & Mike Fabishak. Working across the aisle, Jodi will fight to:
    •  Protect a woman’s right to make her own reproductive decisions;
    •  Keep our communities safe;
    •  Invest in our state’s schools and the University of Wisconsin System;
    •  Ensure that all families benefit from safe drinking water and a healthy environment.
Please feel free to share this invitation with friends, family and colleagues. RSVP to [email protected]. Checks can be made payable to Jodi for State Senate, PO Box 170843, Milwaukee, WI 53217 or donate online.

Port Washington Canvass with Team Jodi Habush Sinykin for State Senate! 5:00 - 7:00pm
Java Dock, 116 W Grand Ave, Port Washington
Knock on doors with Team Jodi in Port Washington! We will talk to voters in Port about issues important to them as they head to the polls this year and share our excitement for Jodi Habush Sinykin, Dana Glasstein, Kamala Harris, Tammy Baldwin, and Democrats up and down the ballot! Never canvassed before? No problem! We'll provide training! Sign up.

Thursday, September 26

Canvasser Training, 6:00 - 73:00pm
North Shore Public Library Community Room, 6800 N Port Washington Rd, Glendale
Join Talia Gottlieb, Team Jodi's Field & Volunteer Organizer, for a canvasser training as we are closing in on the November 5th election! We will have so many opportunities for volunteers and supporters to get out and knock on doors to talk to voters in the 8th Senate District about how Jodi plans to move us forward! Sign up. *This is not a North Shore Public Library sponsored event.

Friday, September 27

2024 Wisconsin Student Voting Summit, 12:00 - 3:00pm
Virtual
Join us for the 4th Annual Wisconsin Student Voting Summit, hosted by Campus Vote Project and Milwaukee Area Technical College. Friday, September 27th, will be a hybrid program from 12 - 3 PM, join on Zoom or in-person at MATC. Saturday, September 28th will be in-person at MATC from 10 AM - 5 PM. Learn how to inspire students to vote and have a great election! Thank you to our partners and sponsors: Voter Riders, Students Learn Students Vote, All Voting is Local, Do Something, Common Cause, Braver Angels, Action for Climate Emergency, League of Women Voters of Wisconsin, Souls to the Polls, and the Fair Maps Coalition. Register.

Menomonee Falls Canvass with Team Jodi Habush Sinykin for State Senate! 5:00 - 7:00pm
Fiddleheads, N88W16621 Appleton Ave, Menomonee Falls
Knock on doors with Team Jodi in Menomonee Falls! We will talk to voters in the Falls about issues important to them as they head to the polls this year and share our excitement for Jodi Habush Sinykin, William Walter, Kamala Harris, Tammy Baldwin, and Democrats up and down the ballot! Never canvassed before? No problem! We'll provide training! Sign up.

Neighbor Night with Dana Glasstein, 6:30 - 8:30pm
Mequon (exact address upon RSVP)
Meet and Greet at Jennifer Mackinnon's home in Mequon. Learn about how you can help make the NEW Assembly District 22 Blue on November 5. Sign up.

Saturday, September 28

Canvassing with Democrats, various 3-hour shifts
various locations
Wisconsin is a battle ground and you can help right here in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, and Waukesha counties. We will be knocking on doors and ringing bells. Dropping off literature and talking with voters. Please come join us and get in the fight. Because "When we fight, we WIN"!!!
Senate District 8 Canvasses
    • Fox Point/Bayside
    • Brown Deer
    • Mequon
    • Grafton & Cedarburg
    • Port Washington
    • Germantown
    • Menominee Falls
Senate District 10 Canvasses
    • Glendale
    • Shorewood
Ozaukee County Dems
    • Ozaukee Canvass

Sunday, September 29

Monday, September 30

North Shore Library Voter Registration 10:00am - 12:00pm
6800 N Port Washington Road Glendale
Voter registration assistance from the League of Women Voters.

Brown Deer Canvass with Team Jodi Habush Sinykin! 2:00pm & 5:00pm
Urban Beets Cafe & Juicery, 5091 Brown Deer Rd, Brown Deer
Knock on doors in Brown Deer with Team Jodi! We will talk to voters in Brown Deer about issues important to them as they head to the polls this year and share our excitement for Jodi Habush Sinykin, Deb Andraca, Kamala Harris, Tammy Baldwin, and Democrats up and down the ballot! Never canvassed before? No problem! We'll provide training! Sign up.

Mequon Meet and Greet for Jodi Habush Sinykin, 6:30 - 8:00pm
Address provided upon RSVP
This is a unique opportunity hosted by Katya Zelenovskiy and Ulyana Blitman to meet our extremely well-qualified candidate. Working across the aisle, Jodi will fight to:
    • Protect a woman’s right to make her own reproductive decisions;
    • Keep our communities safe;
    • Invest in our state’s schools and the University of Wisconsin System;
    • Ensure that all families benefit from safe drinking water and a healthy environment.
Please feel free to share this invitation with friends, family and colleagues. RSVP to Carrie.

Tuesday, October 1

Port Washington Canvass with Team Jodi Habush Sinykin for State Senate! 2:00 & 5:00pm
116 W Grand Ave, Port Washington
Knock on doors with Team Jodi in Port Washington! We will talk to voters in Port about issues important to them as they head to the polls this year and share our excitement for Jodi Habush Sinykin, Dana Glasstein, Kamala Harris, Tammy Baldwin, and Democrats up and down the ballot! Never canvassed before? No problem! We'll provide training! Sign up.

Cheering on Coach Walz 6:30 & 10:00pm
Bavarian Bierhaus, 700 W Lexington Blvd, Glendale
Let's bring this home! Walz versus Vance. Let's watch Coach Walz take the stage. Let's GO!

Wednesday, October 2

Dire Consequences: Impact of Abortion Restrictions 6:30 - 8:00pm
NO Studios, 1037 W McKinley Ave, Milwaukee
In recent years, laws restricting access to reproductive healthcare and abortion have imperiled women's lives, health and fertility. Maternal deaths have increased, especially for Black women. The Reproductive Rights Committee of the League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County presents this public issues forum to learn more about this critical issue from medical and legal experts. PRESENTERS:
    • Kathy D. Hartke, MD Obstetrician/Gynecologist
    • Dalvery Blackwell, Executive Director, African American Breastfeeding Network
    • Cheri Taylor, Philanthropy Officer, Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin
    • Rep. Robyn Vining, Ranking Member, Assembly Committees of Family Law and Mental Health
Register.

Saturday, October 5

Democratic Canvasses in the North Shore, shifts at 9:00am, 12:00pm, 3:00pm
Various locations
• Fox Point/Bayside
• Shorewood

Fox Point Meet and Greet for Jodi Habush Sinykin, 10:00 - 11:30am
The Porticos, 500 W. Bradley Rd, Bldg C 3rd Floor Party Room, Fox Point
This is a unique opportunity hosted by Mickie Bodner to meet our extremely well-qualified candidate. Working across the aisle, Jodi will fight to:
    • Protect a woman’s right to make her own reproductive decisions;
    • Keep our communities safe;
    • Invest in our state’s schools and the University of Wisconsin System;
    • Ensure that all families benefit from safe drinking water and a healthy environment.
Please feel free to share this invitation with friends, family and colleagues. RSVP to Carrie.

Sunday, October 6

Democratic Canvasses in the North Shore, shifts at 12:00pm, 3:00pm
Various locations
• Fox Point/Bayside

Wednesday, October 9

Grafton Meet and Greet for Jodi Habush Sinykin, 6:00 - 7:00pm
2161 Yuma Street, Grafton
This is a unique opportunity hosted by Karin Jamel and Casey Didier to meet our extremely well-qualified candidate. Working across the aisle, Jodi will fight to:
    • Protect a woman’s right to make her own reproductive decisions;
    • Keep our communities safe;
    • Invest in our state’s schools and the University of Wisconsin System;
    • Ensure that all families benefit from safe drinking water and a healthy environment.
Please feel free to share this invitation with friends, family and colleagues. RSVP to Carrie.

WAVE Art Reception and Meet-the-Artist, 6:00pm - 4900pm
5 Points Gallery and Studios, 3514 N Port Washington Rd, Milwaukee
With so many people gathering on October 10 for the Emergency Gun Violence Summit, we wanted to offer an opportunity for people to come together the night before and spend some time with others who are inspired to help create a safer Wisconsin. When artist Claudia Maysen invited us to her art exhibition that delves into the societal, economic, and political factors contributing to gun violence in America, we knew it was the right place for us to gather. RSVP by October 1 to secure your spot.

Thursday, October 10

2024 Emergency Gun Violence Summit, 8:00am - 4:00pm
Baird Center, 400 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee
Register for Wisconsin's largest gun violence prevention event, organized by Forward Latino and the 80% Coalition, a group of nearly 40 advocacy, business, faith-based, and service organizations! Come hear from survivors, national and local experts, faith-based leaders, elected officials, and advocates to learn what you can do to be the change we need. These presenters will share proven ways to prevent gun violence, including evidence-based policy reforms and violence intervention strategies. You'll leave the summit knowing how to become an even more effective gun violence prevention advocate. This summit is free for supporters of Grassroots North Shore.

SAVE THE DATE

Wednesday, October 16

Mequon Meet and Greet for Jodi Habush Sinykin, 3:00 - 4:30pm
Address provided upon RSVP
This is a unique opportunity hosted by Marianne Arpe and Susie Apple to meet our extremely well-qualified candidate. Working across the aisle, Jodi will fight to:
    • Protect a woman’s right to make her own reproductive decisions;
    • Keep our communities safe;
    • Invest in our state’s schools and the University of Wisconsin System;
    • Ensure that all families benefit from safe drinking water and a healthy environment.
Please feel free to share this invitation with friends, family and colleagues. RSVP to Carrie.

Oz Dems Monthly Meeting, 7:00 - 8:00pm
1930 Wisconsin Ave, Grafton
Join us at our monthly general meeting, the 3rd Wed of each month at 7 pm at our Grafton Office. Get caught up on the latest local politics while helping us elect people to office. Thanks to Fair Maps, we have an opportunity to elect people to the 22, 23, and 59 Assembly Districts as well as the 8th and 20th Senate Districts and 6th CD. Zoom links for the meeting are sent to paid DPOC members.

Thursday, October 17

Mequon Meet and Greet for Jodi Habush Sinykin, 4:30 - 6:30pm
Hickory Hollow Barn, 9801 North Old Barn Road, Mequon
This is a unique opportunity hosted by Liz Weir, Amy Hopkins and Betsey Woody to meet our extremely well-qualified candidate. Working across the aisle, Jodi will fight to:
    • Protect a woman’s right to make her own reproductive decisions;
    • Keep our communities safe;
    • Invest in our state’s schools and the University of Wisconsin System;
    • Ensure that all families benefit from safe drinking water and a healthy environment.
Please feel free to share this invitation with friends, family and colleagues. RSVP to Carrie.

Wednesday, October 23

Bayside Meet and Greet for Jodi Habush Sinykin, 5:00 - 6:00pm
Address provided upon RSVP
This is a unique opportunity hosted by Sherry and Bob Bourgeois to meet our extremely well-qualified candidate. Working across the aisle, Jodi will fight to:
    • Protect a woman’s right to make her own reproductive decisions;
    • Keep our communities safe;
    • Invest in our state’s schools and the University of Wisconsin System;
    • Ensure that all families benefit from safe drinking water and a healthy environment.
Please feel free to share this invitation with friends, family and colleagues. RSVP to Carrie.

Wednesday, October 23

Wisconsin Justice Initiative Hosts Supreme Court Candidate Susan Crawford, noon
Milwaukee Bar Association, 747 N. Broadway, Milwaukee
Dane County judge and Supreme Court candidate Susan Crawford joins WJI for its October Salon. She'll discuss her background, qualifications, and why she's running for the Supreme Court,. You'll then get to ask her questions. Please join us! $15 buffet lunch includes a sandwich, sides, and beverage. You don't need to buy lunch to attend, but we ask that you still register so we know how to arrange the room. Register.