So you watched the debate last night. You’re pumped. You cannot wait to vote for one of those folks on the stage. Or you’re counting the days where you can vote for their opponent.
Cool. …But you live in Massachusetts.
The peculiarities of the electoral college, as we all know, make a relatively small number of swing states ground zero for turnout-the-vote efforts and political mobilization. Candidate meet-and-greets, phone calls, knocks at the door, emails (requesting more than just money), texts, and free concerts abound – if you are in one of precious states considered viable for either a Democrat or Republican to win come November 2020. Massachusetts, that ain’t us.
How then can one – red, blue, or otherwise – have political influence in a Presidential contest when, like in Massachusetts, the outcome of the state is foregone conclusion? I’ve got some ideas. They are not perfect. I lived in Virginia, Michigan, and Ohio. Casting a ballot there is more fun in Presidential years. But political influence comes in many forms so our electoral college plight need not mean one watches 2020 from the cheap seats. Here in Massachusetts, personally red or blue, I suggests you:
- Give Money. Surprise, surprise. Give money to the party or presidential candidate you favor. Money remains the lifeblood of politics and the candidate you favor can definitely use it to help win.
- Phone Bank. Not rich? Maybe that is why you care about politics? You can phone bank in electorally competitive states from the comfort of your very own couch. Most Americans, but not all, have cell phones with unlimited calling options or access to a phone that does. Each major party has lists of persuadable voters, infrequent voters, and others positively inclined towards your preferred party. Direct contact with an honest to goodness real person still has substantial impact on getting someone to the polls. Thus, your phone calls can make a difference by getting the persuadables to the polls in those states we will be watching on election night.
- Volunteer Where it Matters. Here in MA, our neighbors to the north matter. It is the only time we look enviously to New Hampshire. NH state went for Clinton by a mere .3% meaning it will be hotly contested by Republicans looking to flip and Democrats looking to hold (and gain). Take a trip up. Knock some doors. Both parties will welcome the help – though no need to flaunt you MA license plates.
- Local Party Building. The GOP has been masterful in party-building via local elections. Sure, school board does not have the same cache as the White House but these local races are places where the electoral college has no bearing. If you identify as red in a blue state (or vice versa), focusing on “small races” has the advantage of tangible policy outcomes that are immediately felt if one wins and, just as importantly, building a party infrastructure is vital for changing a state from solidly blue or solidly red to purple. The long game is arduous but the Republican party has shown how it pays dividends.
- Be Visible. If you are a proud republican in MA, put the sign out for Trump, Weld, or Sanford. Slap a bumper sticker on your car. Contagion effects are real – visual reminder that everyone isn’t blue can help motivate like-minded others and subtly remind the Dems not to go too far. By the same token, if you’re blue wear it proud. This reminds that public sentiment in MA is strongly in your camp and that you expect state and local delegations to legislate accordingly.
- Pick a Cause. Issues matter in Presidential elections. Working to raise the profile, or salience, of a favored cause helps put that item on the agenda when voters in battleground states decide. When women’s rights or healthcare are at the top of a voter’s brain, Dems do better. Traditionally, by contrast, when foreign policy questions are at the fore Republicans have an edge. Focusing on one specific issue area you are passionate about, like the environment or guns, can help assure this issue is one the Presidential candidates must also place in the fore. Give your money supporting this cause so that those organizations can run ads and social media around it. Post on the issue yourself – your facebook and twitter have legs far beyond the Bay States. Raising the profile of the issue in these ways makes it more likely that voters in the states that tip the balance center it for their own voter calculus.
Would it be more fun if we could do all of the above as well as have more spring in our step when we cast a 2020 ballot? Sure. Do I want a free Bon Jovi concert (true story – that’s what I want) down the street as a part of GOTV efforts? Yup. They aren’t coming. But this Presidential election is as consequential as it gets. Not living in an electoral battleground state is no excuse to not go all in on the race.