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John,
As one of our most engaged volunteers, you know the fight against creeping authoritarianism is a game of whack-a-mole. GOP extremists will test every seam of our democracy in order to thwart it, and what does the trick in any one state will surely be exported to others.
Right now, a key battle is shaping up in the Buckeye State. There, the MAGA-dominated state legislature is seeking to make it much harder for Ohio voters to amend the state’s constitution through ballot initiatives. Specifically (through a ballot initiative of their own!) they aim to raise the threshold required to pass such measures to 60%, tossing out the simple majority rule that has existed since 1912. To tilt the table, they’re staging their special during the hottest, sleepiest time of year, in the hope that most voters (except for theirs!) will stay away from the polls.
To thwart this attack on direct democracy, our Abe Team plan is simple: rustle up every NO vote we can get to bury this measure in its authoritarian cradle. That means engaging our mighty ground game, starting yesterday. So suit up, Abe team and let's get to work.
Here are some actions you can join this week from anywhere. The special election is August 8. Early voting begins Tuesday, July 11. There’s no time to lose—please see what you can do.
Monday, July 10, Noon - 2 p.m. Eastern - Text Bank to GOTV: With early voting about to begin, join our partner Field Team 6 to contact eligible voters in Ohio and make sure they’re registered, ready to cast their ballots, and know they can vote safely from home. https://www.mobilize.us/ft6/event/570515/
Mondays and Wednesdays, 3-5 p.m. Pacific, 6-8 p.m. Eastern - Phone Bank to GOTV: Join Activate America and Commit to Democracy to call voters in Ohio to get them to the polls, As they put it: “Ohio voters have just one question on their ballot: should we permanently abolish our right to majority rule?” https://www.mobilize.us/activateamerica/event/569758/
Friends, the Ohio legislature’s objective is, on the face of it, to stop voters from enshrining reproductive freedom in the state’s constitution in November. But the chilling truth is that this subtle form of suppression is not specific at all. Once in place, it would hinder any effort to amend Ohio’s constitution by popular vote—no matter what the issue. Just as worrisome, if it works, it will surely become a model in every red state that allows ballot initiatives.
Thanks for listening. As ever, we are extraordinarily grateful for the work you do!
Together,
The Union Abe Team
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