Political candidates will only fight for Democracy reform only if you and I hold them accountable. Common Cause is an interesting spot – we do not endorse candidates in any capacity. Because of this, representatives and volunteers from Common Cause have ears of folks in all parties and ideologies to make change. Especially in an age of a pandemic where nearly everything is digital, we need all the help we can get to pressure them.
The number one reason why candidates respond to Our Democracy 2020 survey is because voters have asked them to. This survey puts candidates on the record so, if elected, we can hold them accountable to democracy reforms they’ve promised. Some candidates only need to hear from a few voters – and some will need to hear from many. That’s where we need your help.
STEP 1: Join our Action Team.
Now, more than ever, we need to be organized online so we can safely hold our representatives accountable. Join our action team digital headquarters by going to www.commoncause.org/joinslack , create an account, and then join our #birddogging-squad channel. Here, we’ll post day by day opportunities to reach out to folks, go over our targeted representatives, anf build a campaign plan to accomplish the big democracy reforms we’re pushing for.
Step 2: Build Public Attention.
Candidates and their staff read their local papers to see what’s on voters’ minds in key states and races. One of the most effective tactics to get candidates’ attention is to write to the editor to your local paper about Our Democracy 2020 survey. Our simple tool will set you up with all the information you need, and connect you directly with the papers in your community.
Step 3: Engage candidates.
The more that candidates are called out in public, the more likely they will take action quickly. Because of the pandemic, we want to ensure that all activists are staying safe and bird-dogging online. Showing up to the campaign’s zoom events or town halls will be crucial to hold them accountable to take this survey. This is how change happens – and the candidates need to know they will be held accountable if elected.
