Our elections need to be protected and our progressive campaigns need grassroots support, exclusive of the party system.

In this GREEGREE zoom #121 we lay out a template for our work through November, 2024 (and maybe beyond).

We look first at a list of 20+ core issues dealing with election protection that will be in varying degrees the upcoming focus of our work.  They are listed below.

We are then joined by RAY MCCLENDON of the Georgia NAACP, who explains the nitty-gritty importance of grassroots “relational” campaigning with “democracy centers” for progressive candidates everywhere.

Ray focusses in particular on Georgia, where the recent GEORGIA MIRACLE has helped swing control of the United States Senate, among much more.

HOWIE HAWKINS of the Green Party lays out the details of Ranked Choice Voting, which can constitute a major leap forward for true democracy.

RAY LUTZ of Audit USA tells us how audits can play a crucial role along with hand-marked paper ballots in guaranteeing accurate vote counts.

Below is the partial list of key issues that are core to protecting free, fair, reliable and accurate elections.

Along with safe energy, this will be the core of our work heading toward 2024. 

Part I:

Part II:
 

SOME KEY ISSUES:

X  Hand-marked digitally-scanned paper ballots must be made universally available.  Scanners must be standardized, with transparent source coding and standardized auditing procedures.

X  Paper ballots will be mailed to all eligible voters.  Ballots returnable by mail, widely available drop boxes, &/or in person or by family members or authorized agents at easily accessible election centers.

X  No photo ID or other potentially discriminatory requirements for ballots.

X  No mass challenges allowed against duly registered voters.

X  Ex-felons are eligible to vote.  

X  The Voting Rights Act must be re-instated.  

X  Allow same day voter registration, and registration at schools, Motor Vehicle agencies, social security offices, etc.

X  30 days of early voting, including Saturdays, Sunday & holidays (except Thanksgiving).

X  Folding chairs, porta-potties, food & water, protective cover against bad weather must be provided at precincts where long lines accumulate and waits exceed fifteen minutes.  

X  Citizens United must be repealed.  

X  No corporate contributions to partisan campaigns or parties, with PACs disallowed.  

X  Strict limits on personal contributions to partisan campaigns

X  No weapons allowed within a half-mile of any polling station.

X  Gerrymandering must be abolished;  Congressional and state legislative districts must be drawn by non-partisan commissions, with California as a model.

X  Statewide referenda shall be made legal and binding in all states, to be decided by simple majority. 

X  Institute ranked choice voting wherever possible.

X.  Lower the voting age to 16. 

X  Abolish the Electoral College

X  Move money donated to progressive candidates away from media advertising, toward grassroots relational campaigning.