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<h1><p>2024 <br>Democratic Candidates <br>Richland County</p><p>download below<br></p></h1>

Header

<h2>Local Councils</h2>

<h5>Columbia City Council<br></h5>

<h5>Blythewood Town Council</h5>

<h5>Town of Eastover</h5>

<h5>Irmo Town Council</h5>

<h5>Town of Arcadia Lakes</h5>

<h5>City of Forest Acres</h5>

<h5>City of Cayce</h5>

Local Councils

<h2>Precinct Executive&nbsp;<br>Committee Representatives</h2>

<h6></h6>

<h4></h4>

Headshots

<p><strong><em><span style="color: var(--color-text)">County Chair</span></em><br><span style="color: var(--color-text)">Valerie Moore</span><br><span style="color: var(--color-text)">PHONE: 803-939-5966</span><br><span style="color: var(--color-text)">EMAIL: </span></strong><a href="mailto:chair@richlandscdems.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" style="color: var(--color-text)"><strong>chair@richlandscdems.com</strong></a></p><p><strong><em><span style="color: var(--color-text)">Executive Committeewoman</span></em><br><span style="color: var(--color-text)">Margaret Sumpter</span><br><span style="color: var(--color-text)">PHONE: 803-260-1731</span><br><span style="color: var(--color-text)">EMAIL: </span></strong><a href="mailto:mwestsumpter@yahoo.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" style="color: var(--color-text)"><strong>mwestsumpter@yahoo.com</strong></a></p><p><strong><em><span style="color: var(--color-text)">Executive Committeeman</span></em><br><span style="color: var(--color-text)">Marcurius Byrd</span><br><span style="color: var(--color-text)">PHONE: 803-457-9886</span><br><span style="color: var(--color-text)">EMAIL:&nbsp;</span></strong><a href="mailto:byrd_mar_j@yahoo.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" style="color: var(--color-text)"><strong>byrd_mar_j@yahoo.com</strong></a></p><p><strong><em><span style="color: var(--color-text)">Alternate Executive Committeewoman</span></em><br><span style="color: var(--color-text)">Sherron Williams</span><br><span style="color: var(--color-text)">PHONE:803-312-3417</span><br><span style="color: var(--color-text)">EMAIL: </span></strong><a href="mailto:outofcola60@gmail.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" style="color: var(--color-text)"><strong>outofcola60@gmail.com</strong></a><strong><br></strong></p><p><strong><em><span style="color: var(--color-text)">Alternate Executive Committeeman</span></em><br><span style="color: var(--color-text)">Michael McCauley</span><br><span style="color: var(--color-text)">PHONE: 843-343-4109</span><br><span style="color: var(--color-text)">EMAIL:</span> </strong><a href="mailto:mwmccauley@gmail.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><strong>mwmccauley@gmail.com</strong></a></p>

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<h2></h2>

Long Form

<p><strong><em>Register Early for the RCDP Convention</em></strong></p>

<h2>Give Today for Democracy in the Midlands</h2>

<h4>Contribute now to support our campaign!</h4>

Landing Popup

<h1>The Mission <br>of the <br>Richland County <br>Democratic Party</h1>

<p><strong>Put an introductory paragraph to your issues page here.</strong> It could be about specific key issues the County Party is focusing on or the County Party's values in general.</p>

Issues

<h1>Richland County Democratic Party Platform and Bylaws</h1>

<h2>Voter Protection HOTLINE<br>855-785-0222<br><br><span style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text)">Need a RIDE to the POLLS?</span><br><span style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text)">803-939-5966</span><br></h2>

Call to Action

<h2>How To Run For Office</h2><p>RCDP and SCDP are here to help. This guide is meant to help you through the first few steps toward holding public office. It’s important to quickly gain a realistic expectation of what it takes to run for office, the players and resources involved, and the things that will help you win and those that won’t. We can’t give you every answer. This guide is not meant to replace your campaign plan.</p>

Announcement

<h2>Headline Text Here</h2>

<h2>Feb 11, 2025</h2><p>Dear RCDP Friends,</p><p>The past three weeks have been beyond concerning for anyone who cares about democracy and the rule of law in this country. Our most basic values are being tested - safety, freedom and the dignity and respect of&nbsp;ALL&nbsp;human beings.&nbsp;</p><p>During his campaign, Trump lied and denied knowledge of the “Project 2025” playbook, which he is now implementing at breakneck speed. He doesn't care if his executive orders and actions are legal, constitutional or humane.&nbsp;</p><p>The good news is that pushing back has an impact.&nbsp;We can’t wait until the midterm elections or for any one group or elected leader to “save” us.&nbsp;</p><p>We are all responsible for our democracy.&nbsp;</p><p>Let’s move beyond fear, disbelief and anger towards action. Take time to care for yourself and enjoy life, but don’t totally disconnect. One of the most fundamental differences between those who oppose Trump's actions and those who don't, is the belief that the&nbsp;government is, and can be, a force for good…if the focus is “WE” versus “ME”.&nbsp;</p><p>There will always be work to do in order to achieve a more perfect union, but going backwards towards a time when a few benefitted on the backs of the many is unacceptable. Democracy is a verb! Together, WE can make a difference.<br>Here are just a few actions to take this week....&nbsp;<a href="https://www.richlandscdems.com/rapid-response" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Click for Actions</a></p>

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<h1>How To Run For Office</h1>

<h5>The mission of the<br>Richland County Democratic Party is to elect Democratic candidates and to encourage participation in the political process by people of all backgrounds who support Democratic principles.</h5>

<h1>Messages from the RCDP Chair</h1>

<h1>Be a Democracy Builder</h1>

Bluesky

<h2>Jan 27, 2025</h2><p>During the months following the election, the RCDP team of volunteers and friends have been actively listening, reflecting and planning next steps. Intense emotions, anxieties and concerns have been hallmarks of one-on-one conversations and group listening sessions during this significant shift in the leadership of our nation.</p><p>The loss of so many notable and dedicated leaders in recent months has intensified concerns for the future. We’ve mourned the recent losses of remarkable leaders like <a href="https://www.cartercenter.org/about/experts/jimmy_carter.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">President Jimmy Carter,</a> <a href="https://scdp.org/scdp-news/press-releases/honoring-the-life-and-legacy-of-congressman-john-spratt/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Congressman John Spratt</a> and <a href="https://scdp.org/scdp-news/press-releases/south-carolina-democrats-mourn-the-loss-of-former-state-senator-kay-patterson/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Senator Kay Patterson</a>, who, as elected leaders, fought for the democratic values we hold so dear. More losses came with the passing of <a href="https://sc.edu/uofsc/posts/2024/12/james-solomon-jr-legacy.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener">James L. Solomon, Jr.</a>, <a href="https://scafricanamerican.com/dr-lonnie-randolph/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dr. Lonnie B. Randolph</a> and <a href="https://www.justiceforallsc.org/profile/thomas-gaither/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Thomas Gaither</a> who led on a local level. but had an impact reaching far beyond our state’s borders.</p><p>Now, as we move into uncertain and challenging times, we must hold onto the values of justice and equality that so many of those who came before us devoted their lives to. The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., set expectations that remain true to this day. In his words, “Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle. And so we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom.”</p><p>It may not be possible for us to see all the results of our efforts for justice and peace now, but we must carry on in our determination to realize these ideals for future generations.</p><p>I invite you to join with others who care at the Richland County Democratic Party as we continue in this work together. You can find opportunities at <a href="http://richlandscdems.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">richlandscdems.com</a> for listening sessions, surveys, social and educational opportunities, candidate workshops, actions to prepare for upcoming elections and more.</p>

<p><span style="color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary);"><strong style="color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary);">RCDP Volunteers collected food for local pantries at drop-off sites&nbsp;across&nbsp;the county.</strong></span></p>

<h2>WHAT HAS RCDP BEEN UP TO?</h2>

Gallery

<p><strong><em>Working to elect democrats up and down the ballot!</em></strong></p>

<h2>RCDP <br>County Party Officers</h2>

<h6>Valerie Moore</h6>

<h4>Chair</h4>

<h6>Sam Johnson</h6>

<h4>1st Vice Chair</h4>

<h6>margaret sumpter</h6>

<h4>2nd Vice Chair</h4>

<h6>Austin Jackson</h6>

<h4>3rd Vice Chair</h4>

<h6>marcurius byrd</h6>

<h4>Executive Committeeman</h4>

<h6>Mckenzie Watson</h6>

<h4>Executive Committee woman</h4>

<h6>mike Mccauley</h6>

<h4>Alternate Executive Committeeman</h4>

<h6>Emily Scott</h6>

<h4>Alternate Executive Committee woman</h4>

<h6>Melzina cannon</h6>

<h4>Treasurer</h4>

<h6>Secretary</h6>

<h4>Ashley West-Fee</h4>

<p>Valerie Moore</p>

<p>Chair</p>

<p>Sam Johnson</p>

<p>1st Vice Chair</p>

<p>Maryann wright</p>

<p>2nd Vice Chair</p>

<p>myles taste</p>

<p>3rd Vice Chair</p>

<p>marcurius byrd</p>

<p>SCDP Executive Committeeman</p>

<p>margaret sumpter</p>

<p>SCDP Executive Committeewoman</p>

<p>mike Mccauley</p>

<p>Alternate SCDP Executive Committeeman</p>

<p>sherron Williams</p>

<p>Alternate SCDP Executive Committeewoman</p>

<p>Melzina cannon</p>

<p>Treasurer</p>

<p>thomasina gary</p>

<p>Secretary</p>

RCDP Officers

<h1><span style="color: var(--color-text)">Changemakers</span></h1>

<h1>Richland County Democratic Party</h1>

<p></p><span class="image image-framed image-left image-tilt-left" style="width: 40%;"><span class="image-inner-wrapper"><img src="https://run.imgix.net/3f13fcb4-b342-470f-973d-721701325898/e1c46c76-7c79-4608-b0a0-fcfc39985afe/e1c46c76-7c79-4608-b0a0-fcfc39985afe.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C157%2C697%2C383&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed"></span><span class="caption" style="display: none"></span></span><p>The 2024 RCDP Convention activities kicked off with a special celebration on February 27th at the “Mansion on Blanding”. Special guest Anderson Clayton (D-NC), the youngest state party chair in the nation shared her enthusiastic message and a charge to take action, getting the crowd fired up in the process. A great time was had by all: good food, good music, dancing and Democrats! We raised money to fund both the convention and the new ”Fund a Bold Future” campaign. Hat tips to Bre Spaulding, Sam Johnson, Fannie Lott and Sherron Williams for making it happen!</p><p>The RCDP Convention convened on the morning of March 2nd at Brookland Baptist Church in West Columbia. The accommodations were spacious, with comfortable chairs, good acoustics and other amenities to support the over 200 participants.</p><p>Convention volunteers, led by Della Coulter, did an excellent job of planning and setting up the check-in and credentialing process. Voting credentials were assigned to registered Richland County voters who had not voted in the Republican primary and who signed a statement saying that they considered themselves to be Democrats.</p><p>Prior to the start of the program, a light breakfast was served and informational tables provided everyone with an opportunity to interact with regional groups and other Democratic organizations.</p><p>The Blythewood High School Junior ROTC presented the colors in the opening ceremony. Chairwoman Valerie Moore gave a brief review of the activities of the RCDP over the past eight months, including activities surrounding the Senate District 19 Special Election, the First in the Nation Presidential Primary and other initiatives. She reiterated Anderson Clayton’s call to action and warning that “no one is coming to rescue us”, making the case that taking action now is imperative, but also an important part of building a strategic and lasting infrastructure for Democrats in SC.</p><p>The convention was then turned over to be chaired by the Honorable Tina Herbert who serves on the Columbia City Council. Christale Spain, SCDP Chair, outlined initiatives like Project Roadmap and recapped many of the state level actions taking place.</p><p>Throughout the program, many members of Richland County’s elected delegation and Democratic candidates for public office were given 3 minutes each to share their messages and/or platforms. Rep. Leon Howard brought greetings from Congressman Clyburn and was followed throughout the morning by more than 20 speakers.</p><p>A standing vote was conducted for the RCDP Chair and the three Vice Chairs who will serve a one-year term. Beginning in March, 2025, county conventions will return to a two year cycle occurring in odd years (not presidential or midterm years!). The only contested officer’s race was for 3rd Vice Chair with two very qualified candidates, Myles Taste (incumbent) and Mckenzie Watson, who shared their visions for the role of young leadership via this office. Myles prevailed in a close vote.</p><p><strong>RCDP Officers, March 2024-March 2025 <br>Valerie Moore, Chair<br>Sam Johnson, 1st Vice Chair<br>Maryann Wright, 2nd Vice Chair<br>Myles Taste, 3rd Vice Chair</strong></p><p><strong>Existing Officers finishing the second year of their three-year terms:<br>Margaret Sumpter, Executive Committeewoman<br>Marcurius Byrd, Executive Committeeman<br>Sherron Williams, Alternate Executive Committeewoman<br>Mike McCauley, Alternate Executive Committeeman</strong></p><p>Per the RCDP By-laws, the positions of Treasurer and Secretary will be approved to serve a one-year term at the next Executive Committee meeting.</p><p><strong>Mini Precinct Reorganization</strong></p><p>Another highlight of the convention was the inclusion of a mini "precinct reorganization". New SCDP by-laws this year removed the requirement to hold precinct organizing meetings prior to county conventions. In order to encourage and determine leaders for each of the 149 precincts in the county, signs were posted throughout the assembly room so attendees could gather with neighbors at a designated spot and discuss their precinct’s representative and alternate on the RCDP Executive Committee. As the governing body of the county party, representation from each precinct is important. Precincts with multiple people interested in serving were voted on via electronic ballot. Unopposed precinct leaders will be officially voted on at the April 1st Executive Committee meeting. A robust ninety-two precincts will now be represented, with a continuing goal of finding representatives for the remaining precincts.</p><p><strong>SCDP Delegates</strong></p><p>In addition to pre-submitted nominations for SCDP Delegates, nominations were accepted from the floor and at check-in. Nominees were divided by congressional district and gender and electronic ballots were emailed to credentialed voters according to their district. Paper ballots were readied, but several names were omitted from the ballot and/or were listed incorrectly. Attendees were notified that a corrected ballot would be emailed and paper ballots delivered before the end of the day. Once corrected, the ballots were successfully distributed via email and returned within 24 hours. Paper ballots were offered, but none were needed. Delegates and alternates were notified once all the ballots were submitted.</p><p><strong>Resolutions</strong></p><p>Resolutions don’t always get the attention they deserve, but they are an important step in forming the party’s platform. Resolutions submitted in advance and approved by unanimous voice vote at the convention included:<br>● A call for a study to identify and promote an effective means of regulating the misuse of artificial intelligence without infringing on our protected First Amendment rights.<br>● A call for comprehensive campaign finance reform at both the state and federal level.<br>● A call for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza and condemnation of the rising antisemitism and anti-Islamic hate in the world.<br>● A call for humanitarian aid, restoration of UNRWA funding to Palestine and a permanent ceasefire in Gaza<br>● Support of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021 at all levels of government.<br>● A call for abolishment of the death penalty<br>● Support for President Biden and his administration’s efforts and successes.</p><p>In summary, the 2024 RCDP Convention was a success in terms of engaging Richland County Democrats in the political process of choosing leadership, developing our value statements, hearing from our delegation and candidates, and for providing avenues for organizing on a very local level.</p>

Convention

<p><a href="/files/3f13fcb4-b342-470f-973d-721701325898/Newsletter_01.27.2025-f1b4.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Download the Newsletter HERE!</a><br></p>

<h2>True Blue Newsletter Jan 2025</h2>

01.27.2025

<p><a href="/files/3f13fcb4-b342-470f-973d-721701325898/RCDP_Newsletter_10.03.2024-9d6b.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Download the Newsletter HERE!</a></p>

<h2>True Blue Newsletter <br>Oct 2024</h2>

10.03.2024

<h1><u>Helpful Voter</u> <u>Information Below</u></h1>

<h1>WE ELECT DEMOCRATS!</h1>

<h1>Follow Us!</h1>

<h2>Richland County State House Representatives</h2>

<h6><span style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text)">Democrat - District 74</span><br><br><span style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text)">Minority Leader</span></h6>

<h4>Representative J. Todd Rutherford</h4>

<h6><span style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text)">Democrat - District 75</span></h6>

<h4>Representative Heather Bauer</h4>

<h6><span style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text)">Democrat - District 78</span></h6>

<h4>Representative Beth E. Bernstein</h4>

<h6>Democrat - District 77</h6>

<h4>Representative Kambrell H. Garvin</h4>

<h6><span style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text)">Democrat - District 73</span></h6>

<h4>Representative Christopher "Chris" Hart</h4>

<h6><span style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text)">Democrat - District 76</span></h6>

<h4>Representative Leon Howard</h4>

<h6><span style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text)">Democrat - District 52</span></h6>

<h4>Representative Jermaine L. Johnson, Sr.</h4>

<h6><span style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text)">Democrat - District 41</span></h6>

<h4>Representative Annie E. McDaniel</h4>

<h6><span style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text)">Democrat - District 72</span></h6>

<h4>Representative Seth Rose</h4>

<h6><span style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text)">Democrat - District 79</span></h6>

<h4>Representative Hamilton Grant</h4>

<h6><span style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text)">Republican - District 71</span></h6>

<h4>Representative Nathan Ballentine</h4>

<h6><span style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text)">Democrat - District 70</span></h6>

<h4>Representative Robert Reese</h4>

<p>Democrat - District 74<br><br>Minority Leader</p>

<p>Representative J. Todd Rutherford</p>

<p>Democrat - District 75</p>

<p>Representative Heather Bauer</p>

<p>Democrat - District 78</p>

<p>Representative Beth E. Bernstein</p>

<p>Democrat - District 77</p>

<p>Representative Kambrell H. Garvin</p>

<p>Democrat - District 73</p>

<p>Representative Christopher "Chris" Hart</p>

<p>Democrat - District 76</p>

<p>Representative Leon Howard</p>

<p>Democrat - District 70</p>

<p>Representative Jermaine L. Johnson, Sr.</p>

<p>Democrat - District 41</p>

<p>Representative Annie E. McDaniel</p>

<p>Democrat - District 72</p>

<p>Representative Seth Rose</p>

<p>Democrat - District 79</p>

<p>Representative Ivory Torrey Thigpen</p>

<p>Republican - District 71</p>

<p>Representative Nathan Ballentine</p>

House Delegation

Events Post

<h2>MAKE A PLAN TO VOTE!<br>in the upcoming ELECTION<br>-Tuesday Nov 3rd-</h2>

Newsletter Action

<h1>RCDP NEWSLETTERS</h1>

<p><a href="/files/3f13fcb4-b342-470f-973d-721701325898/08.01.2024-e675.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Download the Newsletter HERE!</a></p>

<h2>True Blue Newsletter <br>Aug 2024</h2>

08.01.2024

<p><a href="/files/3f13fcb4-b342-470f-973d-721701325898/RCDP_Newsletter_03.04.24-0453.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Download the Newsletter HERE!</a></p>

<h2>True Blue Newsletter <br>Mar/Apr 2024</h2>

03.04.2024

<h1>Volunteer<br>With Us<br></h1>

<p><strong><span style="color: var(--color-text)">See what's happening in Richland County</span></strong></p>

Events

<h1>Our Local Richland County Officials</h1>

<h1>The 2024 Richland <br>County Democratic Party Convention was a Success!</h1>

<h2>How do YOU <br>want to help?</h2>

<h1>What Democrats<br>Are Doing</h1>

<p><a href="/files/3f13fcb4-b342-470f-973d-721701325898/RCDP_Newsletter_11.12.2023-b83c.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Download the Newsletter HERE!</a></p>

<h2>True Blue Newsletter <br>Nov 2023</h2>

11.12.2023

<h1>Register & Vote copy</h1>

Find your polling location

<p><span style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text)"><strong style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text)">Together, WE can make a difference. Remember, democracy is a verb!</strong></span></p><p><span style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text)"><strong style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text)">Pushing back has an impact.</strong></span><strong><br></strong><span style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text)"><strong style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text)">Move beyond fear and disbelief </strong></span><br><span style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text)"><strong style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text)">and take action.</strong></span></p>

<h2>Here are <br>ACTIONS you can take.</h2>

<h6>Call your <br>Congressional leaders</h6>

<h2>Download <br>the "5 CALLS" <br>app</h2>

<h6>Let them know <br>what you think</h6><p>Thank a Democrat who is working hard or weigh in on issues YOU care about.</p>

<h2>Contact <br>your <br>local leaders</h2>

<h6>Hold a Town Hall!</h6><p>Your constituents deserve to hear from you and share their concerns with you.&nbsp;</p><p></p>

<h2>Petition Senator Lindsay Graham</h2>

<h6>regional <br>Democratic <br>groups</h6>

<h2>Join other Democrats at local events</h2>

<h2>Petition Senator Tim Scott</h2>

<h6>Find helpful resources surrounding your rights <br>and ICE enforcement.</h6><p>You’ll find flyers and red cards in Spanish &amp; 17 other languages. We have red cards in Spanish at the RCDP office.</p><p></p>

<h2>Know YOUR rights <br>and IMMIGRANT rights</h2>

<h6><strong>Thirty lonely but beautiful actions you can take right now which probably won’t magically catalyze a mass movement against Trump, but that are still wildly important.</strong></h6><p></p>

<h2>Thirty lonely but beautiful actions</h2>

<h6><strong>Support Ukrainian </strong><br><strong>President Zelensky’s </strong><br><strong>United24</strong></h6><small><h6><span style="color: var(--color-text)">People from all over the world have united in their will to help Ukraine. The UNITED24 goal is to increase donations to Ukraine and ensure the efficiency and transparency.</span></h6></small>

<h2>Support Ukraine <br>donate to <br>United24</h2>

<h2>Protect <br>your personal <br>information</h2>

Org Cards

<p>The Richland County Democratic Party provides many opportunities for you get engaged in both the local and state democratic parties and your own communities. Click the button below to visit our mobilize link and find the opportunity that works best for you.</p>

Help us transform the way we talk to our neighbors, build community, turn out voters, and flip seats.