There’s really no other way to say it: the past several weeks have been grim for our country and our world. Sickness, death, job loss, and struggle are everywhere. Life as we know it is upside down, and we have no idea when we’ll get back to normal—assuming “normal” is possible again for those who’ve lost loved ones, businesses, or livelihoods to this pandemic. And, the kicker—we must all manage this “new normal” without the people and institutions we’ve come to rely on: our extended families, friends, colleagues, and community organizations. We will make it through, but wow, is this a tough time for all of us.
Amid the chaos, it’s easy to forget that 2020 is an election year, and probably the most impactful one of our lifetimes at that. This pandemic has shown us what happens when we choose leaders who don’t value science, who believe that “big government” does more harm than good, and who exist to serve themselves above all. As voters, we must stay informed no matter how bad things get, as our votes play an important role in shaping our government to truly represent and protect our people in critical moments like this.
If we don’t make every effort to turn out in spite of the current situation, we will effectively be voting for four more years of policies that damage
1. our vital institutions of government,
2. the checks and balances that maintain our democracy,
3. our environment and natural resources, and
4. the health and well-being of many Americans. To say the stakes are high is putting it lightly.
Our candidates, however, are also facing unique constraints. In any other election year, they’d be knocking doors and hosting events to garner as much support as they can before the primaries. Instead, they are challenged to inspire hope in their neighbors and constituents who are reaching the breaking point. Candidates are not immune to illness or hardship either, but they must weather those crises while reassuring their constituents that they have what it takes to tackle an imminent recession, deal with the healthcare needs of our communities, and yes, handle the “business as usual” tasks that are part of public service. To top it off, they get to do all of this vital communication from a distance, which requires some last-minute creativity and innovation.
If there’s any silver lining, it’s that our society has more tools for digital communication at its disposal than ever before. The “digital door-knock” is possible through everything from virtual town halls to social media posts and even texting fundraisers. Candidates who effectively use these tools to engage their constituents can achieve their polling goals while also creating something valuable for the community as a whole: a space to feel “heard” during the biggest pandemic of our lifetimes, and the kind of grassroots “leadership” that gives citizens a sense of control over conditions that otherwise feel helpless.
As with any campaign initiative, choosing the right tactics involves strategy. You must know your community members and either meet them where they already are (virtually) or find a good reason for them to join you somewhere else. At the Guerrilla Politic, using creativity to get candidates ahead of the pack is our modus operandi, and as a fully-virtual agency, we’re used to making the most of technology to do so. We know that consistency and authenticity are key, and we help you be at the right place at the right time with a message your constituents can understand and relate to.
Empowering candidates to effectively market themselves has been our business for over three years now, but it’s also our passion. We believe that the best way to create a better world is by helping Democrats win elections up and down the ticket. This pandemic, and the haphazard response from our federal leadership, has only added fuel to our fire. We need a government that puts people first, period, and the people we work with and support are committed to that goal. If you’re a voter, do your best to stay informed and to show up at the polls in November. If you’re a candidate who could use our help, get in touch—we want to see as many Democratic victories as possible this fall. And to everyone, stay home, and stay safe. Reach out if you’re feeling overwhelmed. And remember that this, too, shall pass.