Help Get Out the Vote — Up and Down the Ballot — This Fall

Sign Up To Become a Neighborhood Leader Now

by Denise Kulawik

“All politics is local,” said the legendary Tip O’Neill. Recent national elections have proven the timelessness of O’Neill’s insight.

In this, the most consequential election of our lifetimes, the difference between winning and losing will be determined state-by-state, county-by-county, and precinct-by-precinct. Just a few votes here and there can mean the difference between a future marked by hope; sensible, people-first policies; and capable leadership or a reactionary turn that threatens not only our nation’s future success, but our safety, security, Constitution, and the rule of law.

In this context, it’s easy to imagine that the most important political work occurs at big splashy events, or on social media and other online forums. Nothing could be further from the truth. The winning candidates will be those with “the best ground game,” those who reach the most people, in-person, face-to-face, peer-to-peer, neighbor-to-neighbor — one meeting and handshake at a time — in order to ensure voter turnout. That’s why serving as a Neighborhood Leader is the single most important thing you can do to help Democrats not only retain the White House and Senate, but also return the House to Democratic leadership, and maintain the strength of the Democratic Party in Oregon.

On the national level, beyond the presidential election, there are critical races on the ballot in Oregon this year, including an especially important race in Congressional District 5 between Democrat Janelle Bynum and incumbent Republican Lori Chavez-DeRemer. Now polling in a statistical dead heat, a win for Bynum is crucial to helping Democrats regain the House. But there is far more on the state, county, and local levels for Oregonians to be excited about. To help voters, the MultDems will soon post the November 2024 Election Hub with continually updated information on all candidates and ballot initiatives up for vote in Multnomah County.

Neighborhood leaders working in Multnomah County are especially important. Democratic candidates on the ballot in Oregon for both national and state-wide office depend on maximum voter turnout in Multnomah County to ensure victory. Otherwise, Republican strongholds in other parts of the state can and will have an outsized influence on election results.

One way or another, the US is on the verge of making history. The question is what form that history will take. In this most perilous of times, the opportunity to serve as a force for good is right outside your door in your own neighborhood. Be a part of history. Become part of the Multnomah County Neighborhood Leader Program and encourage your neighbors to get involved in the political process.

Denise Kulawik is a volunteer with the MultDems Communications Committee