Send “Christmas in Autumn” Cards to GOTV in your network
by Rose Maura Lorre
The election’s got you super-stressed and the still-raging pandemic has ratcheted your anxiety to an all-time high. One thing you’re probably not feeling now that fall’s upon us? The holiday spirit.
But here’s a surefire way to channel your fears into something we promise will feel both festive and productive: Send out “Christmas in Autumn” cards that double as get-out-the-vote activism. (Of course, feel free to substitute the seasonal holiday of your choice!)
That’s just one of the genius pieces of advice that fundraising consultant and SOMA Action trustee Jessica James shared with SOMA members on Tuesday, 9/15 in her Zoom tutorial, “Talk Out the Vote: Organizing Within Your Own Network.”
“I just sent mine out a couple of weeks ago. It’s sort of a way to check in with people, just with voting info on the back,” James explained. “Mine went to everyone on my holiday list, all over the country: Staunch Republicans, QAnons, people I haven’t worked with in 10 years — everyone.”
Front of Jessica James’ 2020 “Xmas in Autumn” card
The premise is simple: Design a card just like you do every holiday season on sites like Zazzle or Minted, complete with a cute family photo on the front. (Notes James, “Look at these kids’ faces; it’s gonna be hard to say no or throw this out or be mad at me.”) On the back, James’ card “articulates what I’ve heard from voting rights activists about the importance of voting to our democracy.”
For inspiration, check out the message that Jessica James included in her card (and feel free to borrow as much of the language as you’d like), below. If you don’t want to design and print your own card, you can request special SOMA Action VOTE postcards — complete with stamps! — HERE.
Dear _____,
Whatever pain, loss, hardship, loneliness, frustration or anger you've felt during the pandemic, our hearts are with you.
The stakes of the November election have never been higher. Our lives and futures are on the line.
Republicans, led by the President, are attempting to prevent you from voting.
It is imperative that we each make a plan to vote, reach out to as many friends and family as we can to communicate our plan and ensure they have a safe plan as well.
Voting rights lawyers and activists have recommended these options in order of preference and depending on what your state offers:
1) Vote early in person
2) Request a mail in ballot (in many states, including NJ, you are automatically enrolled in mail in voting) but do not mail it. Instead use one of hundreds of drop boxes to deliver your ballot.
3) If your state does not have drop boxes, hand deliver your ballot to your county clerk or election office.
4) Vote, using proper protocol, in person on Election Day.
If you’re not sure about voting options and timing in your state, visit vote.org, search your state, and find all the info you’ll need!
Please contact me to discuss your voting plan, with any questions or concerns, or to get involved in voter outreach.
May we meet on the other side of this dark time, both stronger and more tender than before.
With love, and in solidarity always,
(Your name here!)
Merry mobilizing!