by Ellen C.
The safety and integrity of the upcoming Midterm Elections are in serious jeopardy — as the Trump Administration attempts to maintain power by “waging an unconstitutional effort to subvert voters’ will.” That’s why we are asking everyone — individuals and businesses — to take and support the “Pledge to Uphold Free And Democratic Elections” (shown in the graphic above). This means that, when Trump crosses a red line by denying election results anywhere, you pledge to take to the streets (No Kings style) and stay there until the will of the voters is respected. After you take the pledge, you can next ask your colleagues, neighbors, friends and family to do the same. This is how we ensure a free and fair election.
As a resident of California, you might reasonably ask: Why bother to do this here? Election disruptions and denials happen in other parts of the country, not in California. Aren’t our elections safe here? As I have asked people to take pledge, I am taken aback by how often I am confronted with this belief that there nothing we can do in California that will make a difference. But this is simply not true.
First, despite the passage of Proposition 50, there are at least three California Congressional districts that are up for grabs — and are potentially a target for GOP manipulation of the vote. Second, perhaps more importantly, California has a long history of influencing the narrative, culture and politics of our county. The Free-Speech Movement, the Delano Grape Strike, support for the rights of migrants. They — and many other movements — all began here in California and went on to shift the politics of the entire country in new directions.
More broadly, as listed in USC Today, here are 6 significant ways that California has influenced the nation:
- Legacy of diversity in elected leadership and in the forefront of political reform
- Concerted efforts to tackle election misinformation
- Backbone of American supply chains and a gateway to global economies driving the nation’s economic trends
- A dynamic force on the world stage and vibrant hub for innovation
- Inspiring the nation’s shifting values
- Pioneering in EV technology and emissions standards
Regarding the upcoming Midterm Elections, Bay Resistance adds:
“The Bay Area has a unique responsibility ahead of the November Midterms because we host billionaires funding authoritarian infrastructure. By confronting these billionaires we gain the power to stop election rigging and sabotage nationwide.”
As we send out this pledge, we can remind people why many of us moved to California: as an expression of our belief in freedom and democratic principles. We might think of friends and family who live in other parts of the country who have been — and will be — influenced by what happens in California. We can speak about our joint effort — Indivisible and May Day Strong — to lift and motivate Election Defense Teams working all over the country. And we will be prepared to act — on a national scale — if and when a “red line” is crossed.
So as you head out to invite people to take this pledge, don’t be surprised if people ask: “Why here?” Be prepared to answer them with your personal reasons as well as the historical background. Emphasize how this moment in history could be our last chance to salvage democracy. Then urge them to uphold California’s tradition of leading the nation toward making our country a better place for all.
