Not everyone can do everything, but everyone can do something

It’s been a few days since the election, and I’m slowly easing back into everyday life: I did a little grocery shopping, caught up on laundry, and took several naps. After a year of get-out-the-vote work for the primary and general elections, I was tired. 

I am grateful that so many of you have reached out to thank me for the work and commitment. I’m grateful for your support. Now I want to offer a challenge.

We have two years

I know how full lives are—with work, school, kids, sports, travel, and everyday responsibilities. I get it.

But the work ahead will take all of us.

I have heard from many of you - you can’t knock on doors, make calls, send texts, or work elections. I hear you. When everyday life already feels full, taking on more is a big ask.  

Here’s the thing. Not everyone can do everything, but everyone can do something. 

Some ideas. 

Serve your community

All politics are local. Consider serving on a library board, planning commission, or board of trustees. Talk with local leaders about where help is needed.

Why this is important: I serve on the planning commission in Iosco County and have learned so much about how our township works. You will see up close and personal how your taxes are invested, community priorities, how property is designated and allocated, and what concerns your neighbors have. 

As we continue to have ongoing conversations about AI, data centers, alternative energy, and affordable housing, local leaders will be involved in all these conversations. You should, too.  

Know your representatives

Get to know the people who represent you, from local commissioners to your state representative and senator, and congressional representative.

• Attend county commission meetings or meet-and-greet events.
• Listen to the work your representatives are doing on your behalf.
• Tell them what matters to you, especially if your concerns aren’t being addressed.
• If you can’t attend in person, reach out to their staff.

Why this is important: Most representatives want to hear from you—it’s their job. I know many in our circles who work hard to connect with constituents. They write laws, approve budgets, provide constituent services and represent YOUR district. 

And as I mentioned for local representatives, the same holds true for our House and Senate. Conversations about AI, data centers, alternative energy, and affordable housing will include our representatives, too. 

Support your local party

If you don’t have time to volunteer, consider a recurring donation to your local Democratic party.

Why this is important: Our state party does a lot of good work, but they do not fund our local Democratic party. We raise our own money for rent, utilities, insurance, internet, and candidate support. 

We are also the organizing arm for state and federal candidates. As candidates gear up to run, they rely on local Democratic parties to help canvass, call, hold fundraisers, distribute signs, and organize.

Recurring donations of any amount help us plan and budget for current and future expenses.

Help your community vote

Work as an election inspector

I know, I sound like a broken record. And many of you know how strongly I advocate for election workers. One of my proudest accomplishments is recruiting people to work elections—including friends who serve in other states. 

Before you rule it out, consider this:

• Michigan has nine days of early voting.
• Many communities offer shifts rather than requiring a full day.
• A few hours of your time can help your community vote.

*One important consideration: poll workers must identify their political party so teams can include equal numbers of members from the major parties. This requirement may prevent some people from serving.

Why this is important: The most important reason to work elections is to help refute the ongoing lies of voter fraud. These is no voter fraud. None. And seeing the process, with all the incredible checks and balances up close and personal, helps spread the truth that our elections are safe and secure. I also knew they were, and now I can tell you, with specifics, HOW and WHY they are safe.  

If you know new or first-time voters, you are in a terrific position to help them understand how voting works. I will write more on this later, but many people don’t understand that if you vote straight party, some of you ballot is left empty. Or the difference in the primary or general election. Or how early voting works if you have an AV (Absentee Voter) ballot. 

Consider serving as a poll challenger

If your position prevents you from working as a poll worker, consider becoming a poll challenger. Nonpartisan organizations offer training and credentials.

Only you and the local clerk will know which organization credentialed you; those of us working the election will not know your organizational affiliation. As a challenger, you help ensure that election procedures are followed correctly.

Why this is important: Like working as an election inspector, poll challengers can bring a credibility to the process with an outside perspective. You can stand behind us and watch us work, watch us work the tabulators, help voters, and close out the polls. 

Help others register and vote

Finally, help people in your circles register and get out to vote. We have some abysmal voting numbers. Find the voting statistics in your area, it’s public information. Make a concerted effort to help get people registered to vote. 

Why is this important? Because it will take all of us in 2028. Start now.  

Why we knock on doors

Someone asked me why I canvass - what’s the purpose? So you knock on doors to help GOTV. What’s the point? Does it make a difference?

Yes it does. Here is why.

A few days ago, we canvassed a small neighborhood in a neighboring community. We talked to a retired medical doctor who came here from Croatia and told us he didn’t leave a dictatorship to sit by and watch it happen here. He took signs for our candidate (Callie Barr) and literature for some of the residents in his apartment building. We had a lovely talk.

We talked to a young woman, first year at a Michigan university and home on fall break, who sheepishly admitted that she didn’t know where to register to vote. She was a text string with her friends, all of them posting their “I voted” stickers. We showed her where to go to vote, what she needed to register, and where she can vote during early voting. It was so much fun to talk to her!

We talked to a retired UAW worker who didn’t know that he could take his AV ballot, fill it out at home, and cast it during early voting or on voting day. Many people don’t know this!

We had a Navy veteran who chatted with Paul about all things Navy. Then got his wife, a retired teacher. We spent time with them on the judicial candidates and early voting options.

We talked to a new resident, a young man who saw us canvassing, and approached us. He had questions about where to register to vote, who and what was on the ballot, and wanted to know when he could vote. He worked in community mental health and as he said, “so much is on the line.”

We talked to so MANY people about early voting. One woman had just moved to Michigan and knew nothing about it. Another woman had just moved in to the house and she had no idea where early voting was located. She wanted to take her mother to early voting, too.

This is often the most confusing for people – the early voting location is likely NOT your regular election day polling location. We have a small handout with all the information – location, hours, and the dates of early voting. We have handed out hundreds of these.

We have talked to people about who and what is on the ballot. One woman had just picked up her ballot recommendations from the LWV and we left her ours to compare. Many people don’t know that the judicial candidates APPEAR on the ballots as non-partisan. They ARE partisan, endorsed by the party, but there is no party affiliation for them. We have what’s called a slate card with all our party’s candidates as well as the proposals.

We have talked, too about the proposals and why we recommend No on 1 and Yes on 2.

People want signs so we put them up. Some people aren’t home, so we leave literature. Some people aren’t happy we are on their porch so we leave. Some don’t answer the door.

I received a nice note from a friend who said that we must LOVE this. Truth is, I don’t. I don’t like disturbing people. In rural communities, we are driving from house to house. I would rather be at home writing or calling people. But it is SO CRITICAL to meet people where they are - I am willing to forgo all else to help turn this country around.

And in the past few weeks, we have helped educate, inform, and GOTV. It’s why we do it.

Early Voting starts NOW

  

Iosco County Democratic Party Slate

Let's GOTV! 

Governor and Lt Governor Jocelyn Benson and Winnie Brinks 

Secretary of State Garlin Gilchrist II

Attorney General Eli Savit

U.S. Senate Michigan Abdul El-Sayed 

U.S Congressional Representative Callie Barr

Michigan Supreme Court Megan Cavanagh and Noah Hood

Michigan State Senate District 36 Mark Yonkman 

Michigan House Of Representatives District 99 David Forgione

Michigan 4th District Court of Appeals Michelle Rick, Allie Greenleaf Maldonado and Michael J. Kelly

Michigan State Board of Education Tiffany Tilley and Judith Pritchett

University Of Michigan Board of Regents Amir Makled and Paul Brown

Wayne State University Board of Governors Shereef Akeel and Richard Mack

Michigan State University Board of Trustees Brianna Scott and Kelly Tebay Zemke

Vote NO on Proposal 1 Constitutional Convention

Vote YES on Proposal 2 Utility & Government Contractor Campaign Finance Regulations Initiative 

Let’s talk about voting!

Hey Iosco! 

Voting is essential to a functioning democracy. That’s why your vote matters—it is one of the most powerful ways to make your voice heard.

Some important notes for Iosco County: 

• Thursday September 24 - AV ballots start to drop 
• Saturday October 24 - Early voting is open. In Iosco County, you can vote early at the Tawas Township located at 27 McArdle Rd in Tawas City
• Sunday November 1 last day of early voting 
• Tuesday November 3 VOTE in person at your precinct! 

Answers to a few questions: 

• What’s an AV ballot? Absentee Voting ballot. It is mailed directly to you.  
• Where is the Early Voting site? In Michigan, we have nine days of early voting. The early voting does not take place at your local clerk (unless you live in Tawas Township), rather it’s consolidated in one place. For Iosco County, early voting is held at 27 McArdle Rd in Tawas City.
• When am I able to vote during early voting? The early voting site will be open for Saturday October 24 to Sunday November 1. Voting hours will be from 0900 to 1700.  

During early voting, you can vote with the traditional ballot OR you can take your AV ballot and cast it during early voting.  

We continue to pay close attention to recent whistleblower reports and serious concerns about USPS handling of mailed ballots. While SCOTUS denied the administration’s request to implement parts of its mail-in voting rule, we do not recommend mailing your ballot back to your clerk. If you absolutely must return your ballot by mail, current guidance from voting organizations is to allow 14–16 days for it to arrive. Yes, you read that correctly: 14 to 16 days.

We strongly encourage all voters to return your ballot directly to your clerk's drop box, hand it to your local clerk, or cast it in person during early voting. If you need help with transportation, we can help! We have drivers ready to help you get to the polls. 

Are you registered to vote? Visit SOS online: michigan.gov/vote

Have questions? Send us a note at info@ioscocountydems.org. 

 

Hey Jack Bergman, where are you hiding today?

 I am writing as a voter and resident of Michigan’s 1st Congressional District to express serious disappointment with Representative Jack Bergman’s record and his lack of accountability to the people he is elected to serve.

Representative Bergman is absent when we need him most. Public service requires showing up, listening directly, and answering hard questions – not avoiding the people whose lives are affected by decisions made in Washington. He has not hosted a meet-and-greet or town hall in eight years.

I am troubled by reports about “pay-to-play” politics and possible staff misconduct. The ethics complaint filed highlights our Rep. Bergman regularly endorsed and campaigned for Republican candidates in Michigan who had hired his aides’ consulting firm, raising conflict-of-interest and pay-to play concerns. We can’t afford a representative who gives special access, influence, or constituent services based on political connections; we deserve full transparency, independent review, and direct answers from Representative Bergman’s office.

Representative Bergman’s votes and legislative priorities also raise alarms for seniors, working families, and veterans. He supported congressional budget resolutions that will cut funding to Medicare, Social Security, Medicaid and other essential programs. These are not abstract numbers on a spreadsheet; these programs are lifelines for Iosco County.

As a district with many veterans and military families, we should also be especially wary of his efforts to shift veterans’ services away from the Veterans Administration and toward private companies; these companies may charge vets for their services. Our veterans earned their benefits through service and sacrifice. They should not have to navigate a privatized maze or pay extra to access what they are owed.

Representative Bergman owes his constituents more than press releases and talking points. He owes us accessible town halls, honest answers, clean government and votes that protect Medicare, Social Security and veterans’ care. We deserve representation that is present, transparent, and accountable to everyone – not just donors, insiders and private interests.

–Deirdre Honner
Au Sable Township

Original letter to the Iosco Newpaper