General Meeting Minutes—Saturday, August 24, 2024, 11:00am at HQ

Welcome -- Julie called the meeting to order at 11:05am and welcomed attendees. She thanked volunteers for their involvement and donors for their financial contributions.

Minutes – There were no questions about or edits to the minutes from the May 22, 2024 meeting.

Financial Report – There were no questions about the latest financial report.

Canvassing and Phone banking

·      Studies have shown that canvassing is the most effective way to motivate voters. All volunteers are requested to participate in canvassing and/or phone banking.

·      Joe Shane read the memo about canvassing, “Walking to Election Victory 1976” by his father, Bill Shane and offered the following advice:

o   Start in friendly territory – the talking points are the same for the canvasser, but every conversation is unique.

o   Canvass with an experienced partner.

o   He’s had approximately five out of hundreds of conversations that were confrontational. When it happens, don’t dwell on it, just move on.

o   He carries a clipboard, campaign literature, and his phone with the Minivan app., which outlines canvassing turfs.

o   Question – How to stay motivated?

§  Do a “show” for Ring cameras

§  Leave literature; write a personal note to the recipient.

§  Try canvassing on different days/times.

§  Wear comfortable clothing/shoes and be safe.

·      Liz from CCDC mentioned that she may receive Janelle Stelson lawn signs today. It could be September before official Harris/Walz signs arrive; she offered a strategy to DIY them. Signs can be purchased on Etsy, but the Harris/Walz campaign will benefit if signs are purchased from them.

·      Re: phone banking, sign up for Tuesday, Saturday, and/or Sunday sessions via www.carlislepadems.org and click on “Events.”

o   How effective is phone banking? The Coordinated Campaign likely has data. Rick Coplen suggested leaving a voicemail when no one answers.

Fundraiser on September 14 – “Paint the Town Blue” – Rachel James, a recent Dickinson Law graduate, is the event coordinator.

·      Will be food, music, candidates, raffle prizes, opportunities to donate, etc.

·      Bring a dish sign-up form was circulated.

·      Rachel was asked if Dickinson Law has a Democrats’ group; it does not.

·      Barrie Ann George asked for donations of items for raffle prize baskets—wine/gift cards/coffee have been popular. Please get items to her by September 6; her address is 501 W. North St.

Postcards – Jerry Stirkey is leading the postcard-writing campaign. He has packets of 28 cards with scripts and instructions; cards are to be handwritten; postage and lists of names and addresses will be provided. Cards will be sent to approximately 2000-3000 voters who didn’t vote in 2020 and some Independent voters. Handwritten cards are one of the most effective ways of motivating voters. Cards need to be mailed by October 20 and can start going out right away.

Voter Protection – Jake Sternberger (jsternberger@2024victory.com / 724-244-8054) is the Regional Voter Protection Director for the Harris/Walz campaign. Job is to implement pro-voter advocacy practices.

·      Cumberland County has a Pro-voter Board of Elections that seeks to identify ballots with deficiencies and notify those voters so they can cure them.

·      833-PAVOTES – voters can ask any questions about their ballots.

·      The RNC has directed there to be a large number of poll observers. Democrats will train and credential poll observers to match Rs’ numbers of observers.

·      After election day, volunteers will be needed to canvass mail-in and provisional ballots at the Board of Elections office; shifts are overnight.

o   Go to PADems.org/voterprotection to volunteer.

·      Questions for Jake:

o   ID requirements? Voter ID is only required if it’s your first time at that polling place; there are eight or nine types of ID that will work.

o   Should we be checking voter registration status regularly? Not in Cumberland County.

o   Should I re-register if I’ve moved? You’re allowed to vote at your old site one time. There are several places where voters can change their registrations.

o   Last day to register to vote in the November election is October 21. Last day to apply for a mail-in or civilian absentee ballot is October 29.

o   How are Dickinson College students being informed about election information? They have a non-partisan student organization that provides information.

§  There is also a Dickinson College Democrats group that is working to turn out students.

Announcements

·      Stay connected by following CADC via carlislepadems.org, on Facebook and/or Instagram.

·      Postcard party in Sept. (see website events page); CVR is also planning a postcard party.

·      Wendy Whitesell will notify PCPs when doorhangers are available (in next couple of weeks.)

·      Kathleen Gorak (Carlisle 3-3) is having a house party—please RSVP with her.

·      Jill Bartoli (jillsundaybartoli@gmail.com) mentioned the possibility of a virtual fundraiser for Rick Christie in September – electrickchristie.com.

·      To donate to down-ballot candidates, go directly to candidates’ website or Act Blue search by candidates’ names.

·      Pat Cipolla asked for one volunteer/precinct to assist with delivering lawn signs.

·      Rick Coplen thanked volunteers for their help with two events at his home recently.

Julie adjourned the meeting at 12:05pm.