Call to Action: May 14, 2018


PROTECT OUR VOTES


We may never know the full extent of Russia’s infiltration of U.S. electoral systems in 2016.  We are just beginning to understand the influence of the Kremlin’s disinformation campaign. Cybersecurity experts agree that this is just the beginning.

Trump remains quiet while a hostile foreign power is seeking to destabilize our Democracy.

Congress must act!

In 2016 Russia hacked election systems in 21 states, probably more.  Many local officials may not know their systems were attacked because they didn’t examine them.  Last week we learned that in some state’s systems, hackers reached a level sufficient to alter or delete voter registrations had they chosen to do so.

Russia produced thousands of anonymous inflammatory ads, carefully targeted and often racist, on Facebook and other social media. Their goal was to sow discord and affect voter turnout in the election.  Most were directed at voters in swing states.

The Election Security Act and the Secure Elections Act would create cybersecurity guidelines for election systems and provide funds to implement them.  The Honest Ads Act (Senate and House versions) requires payment disclosure for digital political ads.

Our Members of Congress must do everything they can to . . .

Protect our elections! 


**ACTION ONE: CALL OUR SENATORS**

SAMPLE SCRIPT FOR MERKLEY AND WYDEN:

(Leave a message if you can’t get through)

“My name is [–] and I’m a constituent and voter from [city], Oregon [zip code].  I am calling because the integrity of our elections is in jeopardy.  Russia has spread disinformation online and hacked our voting systems. We know they will try again in the midterms and in 2020.  Please tell the Senator to protect our elections by endorsing both the Secure Elections Act (S.2261) and the Honest Ads Act (S.1989) and pushing for their passage. Thank you.”


**ACTION TWO: CALL COMPLICIT GREG WALDEN**

SAMPLE SCRIPT FOR REPRESENTATIVES:

(Leave a message if you can’t get through)

“My name is [–] and I’m a constituent and voter from [city], Oregon [zip code].  I am calling because the integrity of our elections is in jeopardy.  Russia has spread disinformation online and hacked our voting systems.  We know they will try again in the midterms and in 2020.  Please tell Mr. Walden to put country before party and protect our elections by endorsing both the Election Security Act (H.R. 5011) and the Honest Ads Act (H.R.4077) and pushing for their passage.  Thank you.”


**ACTION THREE: THE PRIMARY CLOSES TOMORROW—GOTV!**

It has become clear that we need a different Congress to restore integrity to our elections.

That means replacing Greg Walden with someone who will . . .

Protect OUR VOTES!

VOTE in the Primary for the progressive candidates of your choice. Be sure you and all of your progressive friends return their ballots by May 15—TOMORROW! It’s way too late to mail them! 

Don’t forget to VOTE the ENTIRE BALLOT! In Jackson County, we have two progressive women running for County Commissioner—Lanita Witt and Amy Thuren. Let’s get progressive voices into ALL LEVELS of Government!

Help us Get Out the Vote—GOTV all the way to November 6th!

If you are not already working with the Neighborhood Leader Program to GOTV, sign up by visiting:

http://www.jcdemocrats.org/get-involved/neighborhood-leaders-program/

It really is that simple. And guess what? By doing that simple thing you will help increase voter turnout significantly. In the Oregon January 2018 Measure 101 Election progressive voter turnout was increased by 34 points! That’s how elections are won!

If you are already participating, recruit five of your friends to join the program!

The 2018 elections will be the most important of our lives!  To save democracy and protect our commitment to a just society, no one can afford to sit on the sidelines. You can make a difference. Every vote counts!


TRUMP ENABLER GREG WALDEN 
DC (202) 225-6730, Medford: (541) 776-4646,
Bend (541) 389-4408, La Grande (541) 624-2400
https://walden.house.gov/contact-greg/email-me

SENATOR JEFF MERKLEY 
Portland: (503) 326-3386, DC: (202) 224-3753
Salem: (503) 362-8102, Eugene: (541) 465-6750
Medford: (541) 608-9102, Bend: (541) 318-1298
Pendleton: (541) 278-1129
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/contact/

SENATOR RON WYDEN 
Portland: (503) 326-7525, DC: (202) 224-5244
Salem: (503) 589-4555, Eugene: (541) 431-0229
Medford: (541) 858-5122, Bend: (541) 330-9142
La Grande: (541) 960-7691
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/contact/