We need to turn non-voters into voters...but that STILL means being more progressive.

[Ken Burch]

Last edited Sat Dec 2, 2017, 06:21 PM - Edit history (2)

Note: this is in reference to VOLUNTARY non-voters, not those who sought to vote but were prevented from doing so by voter suppression.

If non-voters were fine with what we already offer, they'd be voters and vote for us.

But they aren't, so we have to recognize that and learn from it.

Those who could have voted for us but didn't vote at all, chose not to vote because they didn't feel any party was on their side or fighting their corner. Therefore, if we run future campaigns without making at least some changes to incorporate their needs(many if not most of which will be bound up in our taking their side against the rich), we're not going to win those voters.

Therefore, the approach we'd take to appealing to non-voters would not be significantly different than the approach to making sure we got a higher turnout from voters who identify as being a bit to our left:

1)Listen to those PEOPLE(go door-to-door and talk to them if we have to) and understand what they want;
2)Incorporate at least some of what they want-doesn't have to be all, but a significant amount-into our platform;
3)Invite them into the party and make it clear that it will be a place where they are welcome to work for what they want-so long as what they want doesn't harm or exclude any of our existing voters;
4)Run fall campaigns that emphasize, over and over, that we've added things that matter to current nonvoters to our program in every part of our campaign communications, from the stump speeches to(most importantly)the campaign ads. Run FOR what they want and what we will do, rather than focusing on running AGAINST what the Right is doing.

The only thing that turns non-voters into voters is when politics comes to THEM-when it approaches them, validates their concerns, respects them as people, and makes itself relevant to them.

[DangerousUrNot]

1. Exactly

The thing is money in politics. Policitans listen to their billionaire donors more than constituents, just look at universal health care. They see that a lot of us want it but there are still many dems politicians who are fighting to save the ACA. It was originally a republican policy that benefits the private health companies who donate to politicians all the time.

The dems need to be more specific when running. Talk about policies! Talk about specifics that will benefit the working class not just saying how republicans are horrible people. Russia and Trump are very important issues but there needs to be a balance regarding policy.

[tazkcmo]

2. I agree. nt