Our Time Is Now

1. Voter suppression threatens democracy and disproportionately affects marginalized communities

Voter suppression works its might by first tripping and causing to stumble the unwanted voter, then by convincing those who see the obstacle course to forfeit the race without even starting to run.

Tactics of suppression: Modern voter suppression employs various tactics to limit access to the ballot:

• Restrictive voter ID laws
• Polling place closures and consolidations
• Purges of voter rolls
• Limited early voting options
• Challenges to absentee and provisional ballots

These methods disproportionately impact:

• People of color
• Low-income individuals
• Young voters
• Elderly voters
• Disabled voters

Consequences: Voter suppression not only denies individuals their constitutional right but also skews electoral outcomes and policy decisions. It creates a cycle of disenfranchisement where underrepresented communities have less say in the policies that affect them, perpetuating systemic inequalities.

2. The U.S. Census shapes political representation and resource allocation

The census sources the numbers and data points that construct our picture of America, which led us beyond the borders of Georgia with the Fair Count crusade, but the challenges posed to an accurate count in Georgia and across the country are significant and have been highlighted in an in-depth study by the Urban Institute.

Census impact: The decennial census has far-reaching consequences:

• Determines congressional apportionment
• Guides redistricting at all levels of government
• Directs over $1.5 trillion in federal funding annually
• Informs business and economic development decisions

Undercount risks: Certain populations are at high risk of being undercounted:

• Communities of color
• Immigrant communities
• Rural areas
• Low-income urban areas
• Young children

An accurate census is crucial for fair representation and equitable resource allocation. Efforts to manipulate the census, such as adding citizenship questions or underfunding the process, can lead to systemic undercounting of vulnerable populations, further marginalizing these communities for a decade or more.

3. Identity politics is essential for inclusive democracy and policy-making

I embrace identity politics because for the marginalized, the disadvantaged, and the minority groups still grappling for purchase in our politics, identity is the strongest defense against invisibility.

Reframing identity politics: Rather than a divisive force, identity politics should be understood as:

• A tool for representation of diverse experiences
• A means to address systemic inequalities
• A way to ensure policies reflect the needs of all constituents

Policy implications: Embracing identity in politics leads to:

• More comprehensive policy solutions
• Increased civic engagement from marginalized groups
• Better understanding of intersectional challenges
• Stronger coalitions built on shared experiences and goals

Identity politics doesn't negate universal concerns but enhances our ability to address them by considering diverse perspectives. It's not about exclusion, but about ensuring everyone's voice is heard in the democratic process.

4. Early and sustained investment in voter outreach is crucial for electoral success

Demography is not destiny; it's opportunity.

Effective outreach strategies:

• Reject myths about "swing voters" and focus on expanding the electorate
• Invest in long-term, consistent engagement with communities
• Utilize diverse communication channels (digital, field, mail, media)
• Tailor messaging to specific community concerns while maintaining consistent values
• Empower local organizers and build lasting infrastructure

Case study - Georgia 2018: Abrams' campaign demonstrated the power of this approach:

• Tripled turnout among Latino and AAPI voters
• Increased youth participation by 139%
• Achieved highest percentage of white voters for a Democrat in a generation
• Nearly doubled Democratic votes in traditionally Republican areas

This strategy not only impacts single elections but builds a foundation for sustained political engagement and progress.

5. Gerrymandering and the Electoral College undermine fair representation

Partisan gerrymandering was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2019, which will allow politicians to pick their voters rather than protecting the right of citizens to pick their leaders.

Gerrymandering tactics:

• "Packing" - concentrating opposition voters into few districts
• "Cracking" - spreading opposition voters across many districts
• Using prison populations to inflate district numbers

Electoral College issues:

• Disproportionate weight given to less populous states
• Potential for a president to win without popular vote majority
• Campaigns focus on swing states, ignoring most of the country

Both gerrymandering and the Electoral College distort the principle of "one person, one vote," leading to:

• Uncompetitive elections
• Decreased voter turnout
• Policies that don't reflect majority will
• Erosion of faith in democratic institutions

Reform efforts, such as independent redistricting commissions and the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, aim to address these issues and restore fair representation.

6. Authoritarian populism poses a global threat to democratic institutions

Democracies rarely fall today because of military coups or foreign invasion. Instead, their death is gradual, coming slowly and over time with an erosion of rights and an accumulation of attacks on the institutions that form their backbone.

Populist playbook:

1. Charismatic leader emerges, claiming to represent "the people"
2. Polarize politics into moral, us-vs-them narratives
3. Attack democratic institutions (media, judiciary, election systems)
4. Implement patronage politics and cronyism
5. Gradually erode checks and balances

Global examples: Hungary, Turkey, Poland, India, Brazil, Philippines

This trend is not limited to developing democracies. Even established democracies like the United States are susceptible to authoritarian populism, as evidenced by the Trump administration's actions and rhetoric.

Combating this threat requires:

• Strengthening democratic institutions
• Promoting civic education and engagement
• Addressing underlying economic and social grievances
• International cooperation to support democratic norms

7. Rebuilding trust in government and restoring America's global leadership is imperative

America's role as a model of democratic norms, moral leadership, and global problem-solving are required now more than ever.

Challenges to overcome:

• Erosion of faith in democratic institutions
• Politicization of science and expertise
• Undermining of international alliances and agreements
• Retreat from global leadership on issues like climate change

Steps forward:

• Restore competence and integrity to government agencies
• Reinvest in public health and disaster preparedness
• Re-engage with international partners and institutions
• Lead by example on issues of democracy and human rights
• Address domestic inequalities and injustices

Rebuilding America's credibility requires more than a change in leadership. It demands a renewed commitment to democratic values, evidence-based policy-making, and global cooperation. This process will take time and sustained effort, but it is essential for addressing global challenges and preserving democratic norms worldwide.

Last updated: October 29, 2024