Five Weeks
We’ve been out canvassing in East Austin, within Rep. Lloyd Doggett’s district (TX-35) for a few weeks now. In rain and shine both, we’ve spoken with residents young and old, consistent voters and skeptics, those following political news and those keeping closer tabs on maintenance at their local elementary school. (Spoiler alert: we haven’t found many fans of Sen. Ted Cruz.)
We believe turnout in this election depends upon everyone’s hard work. Yes, even yours: come join us in these conversations because the best antidote to anxiety, fear, or anger about our present is tangible action to impact our future. And because we have good leave-behind swag, great #BeATexasVoter t-shirts for every volunteer, and even better company. Pick at least one Saturday between now and Nov. 6th, put it on your calendar, and RSVP today (see our web page, Facebook, or Indivisible.org’s map).
Ongoing #BeATexasVoter Activities
- Join us for a neighborhood canvass every Saturday.
- Join our Tuesday night pizza, postcards, and phone banking parties.
- Support progressive candidates with your time and money
- Check our community calendar for more ways to get involved
And most importantly, make sure you are registered and have a plan to vote. Got both covered? Help anyone you know do the same.
Important Dates
- October 9: Last Day to register to vote
- October 22 – November 2: Early voting
- November 6: Election Day
It’s time to step up
Midterms are fast approaching. We need to elect better people. And that starts with you.
Beto O’Rourke (U.S. Senate)
In sharp contrast to the incumbent, who seems to spend more time in Iowa than in Texas, O’Rourke has met with thousands of Texans, welcoming questions from people of all political stripes, and rejecting PAC and large donations.
Donate | Volunteer | Read our endorsement
Mike Siegel (U.S. House District 10)
Instead of hiding from constituents out of fear they might ask hard questions and demand actual answers, Siegel is on the street knocking doors, talking to voters face-to-face, holding town halls, and treating his future constituents with common decency and respect.
Donate | Volunteer | Read our endorsement
Rick Kennedy (U.S. House District 17)
Rick Kennedy is an experienced problem-solver, who will bring much-needed pragmatism, empathy, and technical acumen to Congress.
Donate | Volunteer | Read our endorsement
Joseph Kopser (U.S. House District 21)
TX21 residents have a choice in this election: A veteran who served his country and now fights for progressive causes, or another GOP Swamp Creature. Staying home is not an option.
Donate | Volunteer | Read our endorsement
Julie Oliver (U.S. House District 25)
Julie Oliver goes everywhere, listens to and learns from anyone, and fearlessly explains how she is fighting for them, even if they aren’t supporting her yet.
Donate | Volunteer | Read our endorsement
Lloyd Doggett (U.S. House District 35)
Rep. Lloyd Doggett has consistently shown an openness and willingness to engage with and represent all Austinites, regardless of which congressional district they call home.
Donate | Volunteer | Read our endorsement
Mike Collier (Lt. Governor)
Mike Collier supports property tax reform, opposes gerrymandering and voter disenfranchisement, and supports policies that would close the income inequality gap.
Donate | Volunteer | Read our endorsement
Justin Nelson (Attorney General)
Nelson’s campaign has brought serious focus to issues that matter to Texans—and to the serious ethical malpractice committed by the incumbent.
Donate | Volunteer | Read our endorsement
Kim Olson (Agriculture Commissioner)
Olson is a retired Air Force pilot and an organic farmer who is listening to the concerns of Texans in all of our 254 counties.
Donate | Volunteer | Read our endorsement
Joi Chevalier (Comptroller)
Small-business owner Joi Chevalier would bring experience and humanity to the important role of managing the state budget.
Donate | Volunteer | Read our endorsement
Congress Critter(s): Special Edition
Both of our Senators—Ted Cruz and John Cornyn—are on the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, which is in charge of evaluating and voting on every federal judicial nominee. Last week, as most know, the committee met for a hearing on the heartbreaking sexual assault allegations facing Judge Kavanaugh. Unfortunately and unsurprisingly, both of our Senators acted disgracefully.
Neither had the guts to question Dr. Blasey Ford directly, but both went out of their way to fawn over Judge Kavanaugh.
Ted Cruz proved himself a liar—again—by falsely saying that all parties Dr. Blasey Ford had named had denied the assault took place. They did not.
John Cornyn disrespected survivors across the country when he worked himself up into hysterics by claiming a hearing on sexual assault was roughly the same as the McCarthy investigations.
Their behavior underscored just how important it is to vote Beto O’Rourke into office in November. These two men—full of power and financial might at home—choose to mindlessly back Donald Trump over demonstrating even a hint of leadership. It was pathetic, and so are they.
Texas deserves better.
How your voices are making a difference
- The American Bar Association, a group of Mormon women, the dean of Yale Law School, and finally—finally—the U.S. Senate determined that serious, multiple, credible allegations of sexual abuse of Brett Kavanaugh must be investigated by the FBI before he can be confirmed.
Showing Love and Support for Survivors of Sexual Assault and Abuse
We recognize how difficult it can be for survivors to react and digest the news—and correspondingly hateful words about survivors—that continues to emerge. For anyone struggling, or anyone with a loved one who is struggling, we encourage them to reach out to the following organizations (or one of the many other support networks in our region):
- Military-specific resources can be found here.
In addition:
National Human Trafficking Resource Center/Polaris Project
Futures Without Violence: The National Health Resource Center on Domestic Violence 1-(888) 792-2873
Events
Join us with our partner, Run for Something, to celebrate young people running for office
October 11, 6-8pm
The Market & Tap Room
319 Colorado St, Austin, Texas 78701
Indivisible Austin will be giving away tickets to the first five who contact us at: run@indivisibleaustin.com
Dancing Away Detention, hosted by Grassroots Leadership with all proceeds toward Hutto Bond Fund
October 4, 6:30-9:30 PM
Taylor Station Bar
108 East Second Street, Taylor, Texas 76574
Your Moment of Zen
Did you know capybaras are really good at being friends with other animals? We didn’t, either–but now we want to be like capybaras. Enjoy this one stoic among lively duck pals:
スタッフがカピバラの上に乗せたエサを鳥がついばみ、カピバラは鳥にマッサージされて気持ちよくなり、見てる客は盛り上がる? pic.twitter.com/VaFb4jjyNt
— ちまちゃん (@nn930310) September 29, 2018
Funding the Fight
“Stay angry, little Meg,” Mrs Whatsit whispered. “You will need all your anger now.”
You’re furious right now. So are we.
Now is the time for the fight.
Volunteer to phonebank, post card, and text on Tuesdays. Canvass neighborhoods with us and talk to potential voters on Saturdays.
Be a contributor now to help us do it all.
And don’t just vote, make sure your friends and family vote too.
Fight for the rights and justice that are truly due to all of us. We owe it to ourselves and others to use today’s anger to change our course and make tomorrow better.
“I give you my love, Meg. Never forget that. My love always.”
Quotes from A Wrinkle in Time, novel by Madeleine L’Engle. Image of Storm Reid as Meg Murray from film of the same name directed by Ava DuVernay