Options for action February 18, 2025
Such a great turnout at the rally last night, where we got to hear from locals who did nothing wrong but found out theirs were among the 60,000 votes defeated candidate Jefferson Griffin wants the courts to throw out. If we do not stand against this attack on legally-cast votes, future elections across this country could be corrupted to the point that election day matters less than the candidates' day in court. Read more about the rally here.
THREE SUGGESTIONS FOR THE WEEK AHEAD
A quick contact list to aid in making these calls:
NC Representative Ray Pickett 919-733-7727
NC Senator Ralph Hise 919-733-3460
US Representative Virginia Foxx 202-225-2071 or Boone ofc 828-265-0240
Senator Ted Budd 202-224-3154
Senator Thom Tillis 202-224-6342
Here is a possible script, if you need one:
"Hi, my name is ___ and I live in ___ zip code ____. I am so concerned about a case of blatant voter suppression taking place in my county and across the state in the meritless case being pushed by defeated candidate Jefferson Griffin. 60,000 people (over 500 in my county alone) did nothing wrong yet are still being told their votes may not count. I want to know what the representative/senator will do to protect our right to have our votes counted."
(Wait to see if there is an answer)
Please urge the representative/senator to respect the will of North Carolina voters and reject baseless attempts to disenfranchise 60,000 of our people.
2. ATTEND WATAUGA COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING Quick reminder that the Watauga County Commission meeting is tonight at 5:30 pm at the Watauga County Administration Building at 814 W. King Street. It is our goal to attend and monitor the work of the gerrymandered board (find out more here).
3. VISIT OR CONTACT REPRESENTATIVE VIRGINIA FOXX
This week is a Congressional recess--a good time to drop by U.S. Representative Virginia Foxx's home district office in person at 400 Shadowline Dr, Suite 205, Boone, NC 28607 Phone: (828) 265-0240 Hours: Monday - Friday 9 am to 6 pm.
Representative Foxx tends to ask for specific concerns regarding legislation, so here are a few options to consider, in addition to mentioning the need for her help in protecting our votes from disappointed candidates like Jefferson Griffin.
Strongly condemn her vote for H.R. 8281, which the Brennan Center said would be one of the worst voting laws in congressional history. Tell her that many married women could lose their right to vote because their last name is not the same as what is on their birth certificate. In addition, the obstacles created by this bill would make it harder for at least 9% of the population to exercise their legal right to vote.
Protect Medicaid: The Feb 13 House Budget Committee approved a proposal to cut $2 trillion dollars that could affect Medicaid and other essential health care services. 1 in 3 Medicaid recipients have a disability; 18.2 million Americans 50 and older rely on Medicaid; Medicaid funds nearly half of long-term facility care; 1 in 5 women rely on Medicaid, and half of all children are on Medicaid or CHIPS; almost half of all births are covered by Medicaid. Everyone in our community would be affected by Medicaid cuts, either directly or indirectly. Click here and here for sources.
Say no to vouchers: The Educational Choice for Children Act (S. 292/H.R. 817) would create a voucher-inspired tax credit scheme that costs $10 billion a year and weakens the public schools that educate 9 out of 10 Americans. Find out more here.