What a year 2023 has been. Through multiple congressional fights and absurdities, we have averted a government shutdown twice. Still, we are closing out 2023 with a deadlocked Congress and a House led by MAGA extremists. Congress will adjourn Friday, December 15, and as it appears no legislative progress is possible, we have nothing to ask.
Instead, we want to prepare for next year, when two more monumental fights for the future of our country await.
First, the continuing fight to fund the government and avoid a shutdown: Congress will return from recess on January 9 with only ten days to pass a new funding bill. We may have to bring our Government Shutdown Clock back out again. If not averted, the government shutdown will begin its first phase on January 19. On February 2, more departments of the government will lose their funding. We will need to remind our Members of Congress to stay strong and prevent any right-wing poison pills from being added into funding legislation.
And speaking of February: Voting in the primary election starts in February; the last day to vote is March 5. Check your voter registration now.
If you are registered as a Democrat, you will have Democratic primary races, including the Presidential, on your ballot. Otherwise, you will need to take additional steps if you want to vote in the Democratic primary. If you are registered with a different party and you want to vote in the Democratic primary, then you will need to re-register to vote as a Democrat; if you are registered as No Party Preference, you’ll need to re-register as a Democrat or request a crossover ballot.
Make sure your registration is current and correct no later than January, and look for that ballot in your mail in early February.
With that, we’re taking the rest of this year off. We’ll be back in January with new asks and hot get-out-the-vote opportunities.
It’s not too late: Get your 2023 vaccines to protect yourself and your loved ones
We hope you and yours came through Thanksgiving safe and healthy.
To keep ourselves, our loved ones, and our neighbors safe from respiratory illnesses that can cause long-term complications, it's important that we keep up with our annual vaccinations. There are at least two shots you should get: one for COVID-19 and one for flu. If you’re sixty or older, you should also get the new vaccine for RSV.
By now, you should certainly be able to get a COVID-19 vaccination. Most places have Pfizer, Moderna, or both, and Costco and Rite Aid have the new third option, Novavax.
The COVID-19 vaccines are still free, but the details have changed. People with insurance will have to present their insurance, and their insurance will be billed. People without insurance can get the new vaccine for free via the CDC’s Bridge Access Program.
For more information on where to get the shot and how to get it for free if you’re uninsured, see our blog post.
Get another round of free COVID-19 tests
Following the USPS’s September availability of free COVID-19 tests, they’ve now made another round available as of November 20, and folks have started receiving them this week. Each package contains at least four tests.
If you missed the September drop, you can still order those, and then place a second order which will come from the November release. Two orders will yield at least eight tests.
Use these rapid antigen tests before attending (or hosting) a gathering or other event; if you test positive, cancel—or wear a good (N95) mask and gather outside if possible. Get your tests today!
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If you’re interested in participating in activities like drafting letters to our Members of Congress and developing our strategy for influencing them, the Indivisible SF Federal Working Group is where it happens.
Indivisible SF Federal Working Group: Thursday, Jan. 11, 7:30–9 PM. Planning meeting where we discuss strategy to influence our Members of Congress and the Biden administration to enact a progressive agenda. Meeting starts promptly at 7:30 PM. All are welcome. Register here!
In the Struggle Together — Central Valley Matters Talk & Fundraiser: Wednesday, Dec. 6, 5–6:15 PM. Join us before the holidays for an informational gathering and fundraiser to support Central Valley Matters’ grassroots groups! Learn about the fight to improve conditions for working-class people in the Central Valley. Register here!
Can't attend? Please support CVM grassroots groups here.
Meet the Candidates: Kim Nguyen-Penaloza for CA-45: Wednesday, Dec. 6, 7:00–8:30 PM. The road to the House in 2024 lies through California. Join the SoCal MEET THE CANDIDATES Series to meet Kim Nguyen-Penaloza, a candidate for CA-45. RSVP here.
Meet the Candidates: Melissa Hurtado for CA-22: Wednesday, Dec. 14, 7:00–8:30 PM. The road to the House in 2024 lies through California. Join the NorCal MEET THE CANDIDATES Series to meet Melissa Hurtado, a candidate for CA-45. RSVP here.
Meet the Candidates: Cheyenne Hunt for CA-45: Wednesday, Dec. 20, 7:00–8:30 PM. The road to the House in 2024 lies through California. Join the SoCal MEET THE CANDIDATES Series to meet Cheyenne Hunt, a candidate for CA-45. RSVP here.
Meet the Candidates: Derek Tran for CA-45: Wednesday, Jan. 3, 7:00–8:30 PM. The road to the House in 2024 lies through California. Join the SoCal MEET THE CANDIDATES Series to meet Derek Tran, a candidate for CA-45. RSVP here.
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If you’ve seen our newsletter posts on social media, you might have noticed that we include a photo or graphic with each issue.
Today’s graphic is a photo of a San Francisco ballot dropbox at City Hall, taken by one of our members.
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Keep Fighting,
The Indivisible SF Team
If you'd like to support our all-volunteer team:
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