Progressive donor group announces $59M vote-by-mail campaign

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

By BRIAN SLODYSKO

WASHINGTON (AP) — A network of deep-pocketed progressive donors is launching a $59 million effort to encourage people of color to vote by mail in November, a step many Democrats view as crucial to turning out the party’s base during the coronavirus pandemic.

A nonprofit arm of the donor network Way to Win is working with philanthropic organizations including the Ford Foundation and George Soros’ Open Society to raise the money. The network has already donated $50 million this cycle, which has largely gone to groups in battleground states including Michigan, North Carolina, Florida, Georgia and Arizona.

But the group says more is needed because the coronavirus — which has led to a shortage of poll workers, contributed to long lines and forced the closure of some polling sites — could alter the outcome of November’s presidential election.

“We need to meet the urgency of this moment ... we need everyone to keep their foot on the gas pedal,” said Nicole Boucher, a senior adviser to the group’s nonprofit, Way to Rise. “We’re challenging others and our partners in the sector to help fill critical funding gaps for communities of color, who have long been under-resourced in philanthropy.”



FILE - In this May 27, 2020 file photo, processed mail-in ballots are seen at the Bucks County Board of Elections office prior to the primary election in Doylestown, Pa. A network of deep-pocketed progressive donors are launching a $59 million effort to encourage people of color to vote by mail in November, a step many Democrats view as crucial to turning out the party's base during a global pandemic. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)


Read more: https://apnews.com/7515f532e065d46491f96cce1c333688

[PatrickforO]

1. This might be the game changer!

Thanks for posting!

[ohtransplant]

2. There's already a coordinated barrage of fraud claims regarding mail-in ballots.

Last edited Thu Jun 18, 2020, 04:30 PM - Edit history (1)

I've seen what looks like a concerted effort to create a groundswell on social media using fake news sources and misleading claims to discredit mail-in voting.

This will be a real battle and will largely be decided on a state-by-state basis as far as I can see - especially without federal guidance.

Countering all this propaganda will be a necessary evil and use up resources but it must be done.

Apparently these same people feel that voting machines are flawless but we know it's not really about accuracy - it's about who and how many vote.

And it's coming from the top.

(edited typo)

[diva77]

3. Glad to see this. However, $59 million is merely a drop in the bucket.

Elections officials are bathed in corporate voting equipment money. The $59 million might help in a few counties here and there.

I hope the campaign builds momentum and starts to bring in more funding.

K&R for exposure