While the presidential election has captured the spotlight, it’s essential to recognize the significance of the upcoming Georgia Senate runoff elections in January. In this crucial contest, candidates must secure 50 percent of the vote to win, a threshold unmet in previous races. Jon Ossoff and Reverend Raphael Warnock are challenging incumbent Republican Senators David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler for their Senate seats. Should they emerge victorious, the Senate will be evenly split at 50-50, which is critical for President Joe Biden to advance his agenda. Even if you don’t reside in Georgia, there are numerous ways to contribute.
Cast Your Vote
The most vital action for individuals is to vote. If you live in Georgia, ensure you’re registered by the December 7th deadline. Registration can be completed online, by mail, or in person at designated state offices. For those opting to vote by mail—an advisable choice amid COVID-19—request an absentee ballot. Counties are dispatching these ballots, and requests must be made by January 1st. If voting absentee, your ballot must be received by 7 PM on Election Day. Early in-person voting starts on December 14th, with Election Day set for January 5th.
Support Georgia Initiatives
Stacey Abrams and her organization, Fair Fight, played a pivotal role in flipping Georgia during the Biden election. After her 2018 gubernatorial loss, Abrams has tirelessly fought against voter suppression and has mobilized people to vote. As they continue their efforts for the runoff, contributing to Fair Fight is an excellent choice. Abrams has emphasized the power of collective action: “We have seen what is possible when we work hard and when we work together.”
In addition to Fair Fight, many grassroots organizations are actively working to increase voter turnout, particularly among demographics that usually underperform at the polls. Supporting these groups, especially those led by BIPOC individuals, can substantially enhance their outreach and effectiveness.
Engage with Grassroots Movements
Jade Brooks, an organizing lead for a grassroots organization, highlights the importance of supporting long-term efforts rather than just key races. Groups like the Black Male Voter Project aim to engage non-voters who did not participate in previous elections. Their founder, Mondale Robinson, stresses that traditional campaigning methods fail to deliver results in diverse communities.
Financial contributions can be directed to both Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock’s campaigns, and for those unable to donate, consider volunteering your time. Campaigns are actively seeking volunteers to help spread the word, and even if you’re out of state, options like phone banking are available through organizations such as Black Voters Matter.
Leverage Social Media
Social media can be a powerful tool for supporting these initiatives. Retweeting and sharing posts from Georgia organizations can amplify their visibility and encourage voter engagement. Julius Thomas, chairman of People’s Uprising, underscores that social media helps maintain enthusiasm for voting and keeps the dialogue alive, particularly among young people.
Motivate Georgia’s Youth
Engaging young voters is critical for the Georgia runoff. Many 17-year-olds who were ineligible to vote during the presidential election will be eligible by January. Organizations like The Civics Center and New Georgia Project are utilizing innovative strategies, including gaming platforms, to reach younger audiences and encourage them to vote.
Become a Poll Worker
If you’re in Georgia and want to contribute beyond canvassing or phone banking, consider becoming a poll worker. There’s always a need for poll workers, especially now amidst the pandemic, and it often comes with financial compensation. Check with your county’s board of elections for more details.
With so much at stake, it’s crucial to treat this as a collective effort. Regardless of where you live, there are myriad ways to make a difference. Let’s rally together and take action!
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Summary:
The Georgia Senate runoff elections are critical for shaping the future of American politics. With the potential for a 50-50 Senate, the outcome will significantly influence President Biden’s agenda. Residents are urged to register and vote, while supporters from outside Georgia can contribute through donations, volunteering, and social media engagement. Mobilizing young voters is essential, and grassroots organizations are key players in this effort.