Hello everyone, 

It’s election season! As many of you may have seen, I am stepping into a new role here at the DNC as the Political Director. I am ready to work hand in hand with you as we aim to elect Democrats up and down the ballot.

With that in mind, we are in full swing mobilizing voters in key states ahead of the 2023 elections in Virginia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Pennsylvania. With every seat in the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates up for grabs in this cycle, the stakes of these races couldn't be higher with Governor Youngkin ready and waiting to sign extreme legislation into law should Republicans gain control of both chambers. You can find a phone banking opportunity near you HERE and canvassing opportunities in Virginia HERE. 

We really need your help, below you’ll find ways to get involved in the upcoming election and be a vital part of the movement to get out the vote in 2023. Your voice carries immense power, and together we can ensure every eligible voter's voice is heard. Below, you will find ways you can do your part in securing wins for Democrats in Virginia. Please take a moment and sign up for a volunteer shift below and review some additional updates from our Political and Coalitions teams.

Sincerely,
Brencia Berry

ICYMI: VICE PRESIDENT KAMALA HARRIS INTERVIEW ON 60 MINUTES

Last night, Vice President Kamala Harris spoke with CBS’s 60 Minutes. NBC Contributor Anthony Coley tweeted "VP Harris is on her A game in this 60 Minutes interview—sharp, crisp, charming. Easily the best TV interview of her tenure."

The Vice President covered a range of topics, showing strong and thoughtful leadership, sweeping knowledge of multiple policy areas, and clear focus on what is at stake in the 2024 election and how we're going to win:

• "Fight for Our Freedoms" College Tour

• Gun violence, voting rights, reproductive freedom, climate change 

• Foreign policy and conflict abroad 

• Ways this admin has delivered on healthcare, support for small businesses and creating jobs

• This election - talking about what is at stake and how we're going to win

Find highlights of the interview below:

VIRGINIA VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Phone Banking

Making phone calls is one of the most impactful methods for voter outreach. Through direct, one-on-one conversations with voters, we can address questions, provide clarity on candidates' platforms, and encourage voter turnout. You can find a phone banking opportunity near you HERE 

Canvassing

The Democratic Party of Virginia is knocking on doors to help get out the vote and inform residents of the importance of the upcoming election. Canvassing is a great opportunity for those looking to get involved in person. You can find a canvassing opportunity near you HERE

Kentucky Dems GOTV Phonebank

We are phone banking to talk to voters and gain support for Governor Beshear and the down ballot candidates running in the 2023 election!

When you sign up, we'll send you info on our script and how to use the Hubdialer system, and you'll be on your way! We can't thank you enough for committing to join the team and impact this critical election.

Across the country members of the United Auto Workers have been making sacrifices and walking picket lines in the fight for fair agreements. Six weeks ago the UAW launched a historic Stand Up Strike which has now led to tentative agreements covering 150,000 workers at America’s Big Three automakers. The deals include the biggest gains workers have seen in decades: salary increases, cost of living adjustments, and the elimination of tiered positions. The solidarity and dedication to securing a fair share for America’s autoworkers is a testament to the power of unions and collective bargaining. 

Read President Biden’s statement on the UAW’s tentative agreement with Ford, Stellantis, and GM. 

During the DNC Fall Meeting in St. Louis, Missouri, Chairman Jaime Harrison, along with more than 100 DNC members, joined the workers of UAW Local 2250 on the picket line. 

Chairman Harrison Interview:

DNC highlights support of labor unions, working-class voters

LGBTQ+ LEADERS ENDORSE JOE BIDEN AND KAMALA HARRIS

The following is a statement from Biden-Harris Campaign Manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez on today’s announcement of the historic joint endorsement by Human Rights Campaign PAC (HRC PAC), Equality PAC, and the National Center for Transgender Equality Action Fund (NCTE AF):

"Next year’s election will determine whether LGBTQ+ Americans have more freedoms or less. Across the country, MAGA Republicans are hell-bent on taking away LGBTQ+ Americans' hard-fought freedoms and are using our fellow Americans’ identities for political warfare. It’s shameful and not who we are as a country. The stakes of this election could not be higher for LGBTQ+ Americans, and President Biden and Vice President Harris are committed to fighting for every American’s fundamental freedoms. We are deeply honored to earn this historic, unified endorsement from the nation’s leading LGBTQ+ groups. With their support, we will activate the more than 60 million equality voters nationwide to reelect President Biden and Vice President Harris, and equality legislators up and down the ballot."

On October 10, Equality PAC, Human Rights Campaign PAC (HRC PAC), and the National Center for Transgender Equality Action Fund (NCTE AF) endorsed Biden-Harris 2024 – the first time the groups have jointly endorsed a presidential ticket. This endorsement comes ahead of National Coming Out Day and amidst an unprecedented spike in anti-LGBTQ+ state legislation, with more than 550 bills introduced in 43 states, and more than 80 signed into law — more than doubling last year, which was previously the worst year on record. In their endorsement, leaders of these groups highlighted President Biden and Vice President Harris’ actions to strengthen protections for LGTBQ+ Americans, and their steadfast commitment to passing additional federal legislation to strengthen LGBTQ+ rights.
 

• From DNC Chair Jaime Harrison: Love this! @JoeBiden  and @KamalaHarris represent unity, equality, and hope – and they will never stop fighting until all LGBTQ+ folks are welcomed, loved, and celebrated. Excited to work alongside @HRC and @HRC_President to finish the job!

• From the Human Rights Campaign: We’ve seen how much of a difference four years can make in the fight for full equality — that’s why we’re endorsing President Biden and Vice President Harris for re-election.  Let’s continue to move forward with the Biden-Harris administration. #EqualityIsWorthVotingFor 

• From Equality PAC: BREAKING: Equality PAC is proud to join @HRC in endorsing the Biden-Harris ticket in 2024. #LGBTQ rights are on the ballot and @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris are the only candidates we can put our faith and trust in next year. #EqualityIsWorthVotingFor

• From HRC President Kelley Robinson: Today, we proudly endorse Biden-Harris for 2024! President Biden & Vice President Harris have been champions for LGBTQ+ rights, securing historic victories. Let's protect our freedoms & support pro-equality candidates. Together, we can ensure a future free from discrimination!

• From NCTE Action Fund Executive Director Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen: Biden's reelection is critical because his administration has been strongly supporting transgender Americans. The 2024 election stakes are incredibly high. @NCTEActionFund will be making sure trans people get out the vote!

DNC STATEMENT ON HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

DNC Chair Jaime Harrison and DNC Hispanic Caucus Chair Iris Martinez released the following statement marking Hispanic Heritage Month:

“This Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the diversity of the Hispanic and Latino communities and honor the countless contributions that they have made throughout the history of our nation. As a country built by immigrants, we cherish the activism and sacrifices that Latinos have made to ensure that our country lives up to its ideals of freedom, liberty, and equality for all. From fighting for a more just immigration system to marching for workers’ rights, Latinos have made this country a better nation for all Americans."

On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, the DNC released a joint statement to “honor Indigenous Peoples of the 574 federally recognized tribes as well as Native Hawaiians and Native Pacific Islanders for their countless contributions to our society.”

During the DNC’s annual Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration, the DNC Native Caucus’ Chair Clara Pratte and Secretary/Treasurer Ruth Anna Buffalo introduced three surprise guests who talked about the importance of engaging Native communities:
 

• New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, 

• Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, and

• U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota. 

Jordan James Harvill, the National Program Director for Advance Native Political Leadership, provided an insightful overview on the State of Native Representation. 

Thank you to everyone who joined us during this wonderful celebration! 

Sign up to receive the DNC Native Coalitions Newsletter for important updates and events.

DNC STATEMENT ON FILIPINO HISTORY MONTH

As Filipino American History Month continues, DNC Chair Jaime Harrison and AAPI Caucus Chair Bel Leong-Hong released the following statement:

“This month, we celebrate the unique history and contributions of Filipino Americans to the United States. From the cannery workers in Alaska and farm workers in the Pacific Northwest who fought for workers’ rights and fair wages, to the Filipino frontline workers who helped power our country through the pandemic, Filipino Americans have been integral to our country’s growth, health, and prosperity. Today and every day, we celebrate the history and culture of Filipino Americans and honor the sacrifices they have made to our country.”

GETTING OUT THE YOUTH VOTE IN VIRGINIA

The DNC is working with the Virginia coordinated campaign and key target races to uplift and support youth and campus vote efforts. We know that youth turnout - especially on some of these key campuses are going to be key to Democratic success.

Wanting to get involved to help get out the youth vote in the final stretch?

• Call young voters with Blue Future, Grassroots Dems HQ, and Voters of Tomorrow: https://www.mobilize.us/grassrootsdemocratslahq/event/579063/

• Text young voters with Blue Future, Grassroots Dems HQ, and Voters of Tomorrow: https://www.mobilize.us/grassrootsdemocratslahq/event/588416/

• Based in or near Virginia? Email Eve at [email protected] to get connection to a college campus in a key district that could use additional support on election day!

You can check out more of the incredible youth vote and youth-led work happening in this thread.

President Biden Issues Executive Order on Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence

President Biden issued a landmark Executive Order to ensure that America leads the way in seizing the promise and managing the risks of artificial intelligence (AI). The Executive Order establishes new standards for AI safety and security, protects Americans’ privacy, advances equity and civil rights, stands up for consumers and workers, promotes innovation and competition, advances American leadership around the world, and more.
 

The Executive Order directs the following actions:

• Protecting Americans’ privacy

• Advancing equity and civil rights

• Standing up for consumers, patients, and students

• Supporting workers

• Promoting innovation and competition

• Advancing American leadership abroad

• Ensuring responsible and effective government use of AI