FAQs
What is a Runoff Election?
What is a Runoff Election?
In some states, when no candidate reaches 50% of the votes, the election is considered undecided and another election is held at a later date, with the top two candidates running [thus run-off] against each other. Runoff elections are called “Runoffs” for short.
In some states, when no candidate reaches 50% of the votes, the election is considered undecided and another election is held at a later date, with the top two candidates running [thus run-off] against each other. Runoff elections are called “Runoffs” for short.
Which runoffs are happening, and whom is running for which position?
Which runoffs are happening, and whom is running for which position?
The current US Senators from Georgia, David Perdue (incumbent/elected) and Kelly Loeffler (appointed by the governor), both republicans, are being challenged for their seats by democrats Jon Ossoff (against Perdue) and the Reverend Doctor Raphael Warnock (against Loeffler). Incumbent Lauren “Bubba” McDonald (republican) is being challenged by democrat Daniel Blackman for the Georgia Public Service Commission seat (the PSC regulates utilities and decides on our power bills and oversees telecommunications/cable and high-speed internet). For more information, check this link on the GA Volunteer Hub site.
The current US Senators from Georgia, David Perdue (incumbent/elected) and Kelly Loeffler (appointed by the governor), both republicans, are being challenged for their seats by democrats Jon Ossoff (against Perdue) and the Reverend Doctor Raphael Warnock (against Loeffler). Incumbent Lauren “Bubba” McDonald (republican) is being challenged by democrat Daniel Blackman for the Georgia Public Service Commission seat (the PSC regulates utilities and decides on our power bills and oversees telecommunications/cable and high-speed internet). For more information, check this link on the GA Volunteer Hub site.
Why do the Georgia US Senate Runoffs matter?
Why do the Georgia US Senate Runoffs matter?
The outcome of the two senate races determines who will have a majority in the U.S. Senate. Republicans will retain control of the Senate if they win either seat, but control will loose their if Democrats win both seats. Democrats stand to gain control of all 3 branches of Federal Government come 2021 if they are able to win both Senate seats, while retaining Senate control will allow Republicans to check Democratic power.
The outcome of the two senate races determines who will have a majority in the U.S. Senate. Republicans will retain control of the Senate if they win either seat, but control will loose their if Democrats win both seats. Democrats stand to gain control of all 3 branches of Federal Government come 2021 if they are able to win both Senate seats, while retaining Senate control will allow Republicans to check Democratic power.
What does the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) Runoff matter?
What does the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) Runoff matter?
The individual who wins the Public Service Commission race will be in power for the next 6 years. This role is part of a 5-person team that regulates public utilities within the state of Georgia.
For more on the PSC and why they matter, check out the Georgia PSC Accountability Project and the People’s PSC (IG, FB, TW), as well as the GA Volunteer Hub.
How can I volunteer? What are the best ways to help?
How can I volunteer? What are the best ways to help?
You can get involved in any capacity you choose! Read through these FAQs to learn more and educate others personally. You can also volunteer to: wave signs, phone bank, text bank, friend bank (relational organizing), door-to-door canvass, shop the party, donate, possibly snag a paid position, join events, or share the GA Volunteer Hub with your communities personally. All in-person commitments will adhere to locally imposed Covid guidelines. Here are volunteer opportunities!
How can I connect with others about the Runoffs?
How can I connect with others about the Runoffs?
GA Volunteer Hub aims to bring the best resources into one site.If you find something that we should add, please let us know! gavolunteerhub@gmail.com
GA Volunteer Hub aims to bring the best resources into one site.If you find something that we should add, please let us know! gavolunteerhub@gmail.com
You can reach out to organizations directly via this BIPOC-led GA voter outreach org list from They See Blue or the org list on the GA Volunteer Hub. Many organizations have multiple calls or trainings every week!
You can reach out to organizations directly via this BIPOC-led GA voter outreach org list from They See Blue or the org list on the GA Volunteer Hub. Many organizations have multiple calls or trainings every week!
What is Relational Organizing (Friend Banking)?
What is Relational Organizing (Friend Banking)?
Relational Organizing or Friend Banking allows you to use your social networks to get out the vote, which is an alternative and may be a better way to reach voters. Here is a video about a software that has been used by Bernie Sanders and AOC called REACH.
Relational Organizing or Friend Banking allows you to use your social networks to get out the vote, which is an alternative and may be a better way to reach voters. Here is a video about a software that has been used by Bernie Sanders and AOC called REACH.
What is deep canvassing?
What is deep canvassing?
Deep Canvassing is an in-person or virtual canvassing method that focuses on deeply listening to the audience and speaking to their concerns and desires. This increases connectedness, receptiveness and enables us to cross political barriers and create openness to new ideas. This may be the most effective form of canvassing by 102x.
Deep Canvassing is an in-person or virtual canvassing method that focuses on deeply listening to the audience and speaking to their concerns and desires. This increases connectedness, receptiveness and enables us to cross political barriers and create openness to new ideas. This may be the most effective form of canvassing by 102x.
What kind of organizing and conversations are already happening?
What kind of organizing and conversations are already happening?
- Coordinated Campaigns
- GA C3 table
- GA C4 table
What is the Coordinated Campaign? What are they doing well? How can they do better?
What is the Coordinated Campaign? What are they doing well? How can they do better?
The Coordinated Campaign is a group of political organizations that include candidates' campaigns, political strategists and other major democratic organizations. It is focused on developing the overall narrative and general action plan for the candidates. They can improve by being more transparent and open to all grassroots orgs and the public. They are working for the people, and it should be more inclusive and responsive.
The Coordinated Campaign is a group of political organizations that include candidates' campaigns, political strategists and other major democratic organizations. It is focused on developing the overall narrative and general action plan for the candidates. They can improve by being more transparent and open to all grassroots orgs and the public. They are working for the people, and it should be more inclusive and responsive.
What can we do as a coalition outside of the Coordinated Campaign?
What can we do as a coalition outside of the Coordinated Campaign?
This Grassroots Table can start with the GA election and coordinate with the local c4 table to make sure to publicize the successes of the grassroots efforts. The more impact we make, the more influence we have politically. Exposure creates power, if it is widely known. We can take collaborative grassroots action and control the narrative that aligns with the people’s vision. This starts with coordinating our efforts and resources so we save time, money and become more effective, for this special election and beyond. Taking a holistic approach, we can coordinate messaging for the media that focuses on the people’s movement to inspire voters to vote and hold our candidates accountable. When mass engagement and action happens, the people win over corporate interests.
This Grassroots Table can start with the GA election and coordinate with the local c4 table to make sure to publicize the successes of the grassroots efforts. The more impact we make, the more influence we have politically. Exposure creates power, if it is widely known. We can take collaborative grassroots action and control the narrative that aligns with the people’s vision. This starts with coordinating our efforts and resources so we save time, money and become more effective, for this special election and beyond. Taking a holistic approach, we can coordinate messaging for the media that focuses on the people’s movement to inspire voters to vote and hold our candidates accountable. When mass engagement and action happens, the people win over corporate interests.
Can there be a hub for organizations to better coordinate?
Can there be a hub for organizations to better coordinate?
Welcome to the Georgia Volunteer Hub’s weekly Grassroots Table which meets virtually each Tuesday evening at 7:04pm ET.
Welcome to the Georgia Volunteer Hub’s weekly Grassroots Table which meets virtually each Tuesday evening at 7:04pm ET.
What organizations are doing the work?
What organizations are doing the work?
Georgia BIPOC-led Voter Outreach Groups. Plus many national democracy-focused organizations are turning their resources to these senate races. You can join the Volunteer Hub Chats on Telegram
Georgia BIPOC-led Voter Outreach Groups. Plus many national democracy-focused organizations are turning their resources to these senate races. You can join the Volunteer Hub Chats on Telegram
*IF YOU LIVE IN GA* join the Telegram chat here: https://bit.ly/GAhubchat
*IF YOU LIVE IN GA* join the Telegram chat here: https://bit.ly/GAhubchat
*IF YOU LIVE OUTSIDE OF GA* join the Telegram chat here: https://bit.ly/USAhubchat
*IF YOU LIVE OUTSIDE OF GA* join the Telegram chat here: https://bit.ly/USAhubchat
How did we get here where we had record breaking turnout in Georgia, and have potential to raise the bar even higher?
How did we get here where we had record breaking turnout in Georgia, and have potential to raise the bar even higher?
Through the efforts of people like you. Being educated about the issues, knowing you matter, and most of all informing and mobilizing marginalized voters to ensure they know that their vote matters..
Through the efforts of people like you. Being educated about the issues, knowing you matter, and most of all informing and mobilizing marginalized voters to ensure they know that their vote matters..
What is the likely outcome of this runoff election?
What is the likely outcome of this runoff election?
The better question is how do you view potential for progress in Georgia, and how a better Georgia can make a better America by empowering our communities to help build a state and nation for all of us.
The better question is how do you view potential for progress in Georgia, and how a better Georgia can make a better America by empowering our communities to help build a state and nation for all of us.
Who cuts our turf? Why are there inaccuracies and so much overlap?
Who cuts our turf? Why are there inaccuracies and so much overlap?
The GA Grassroots table provides a greater public insight to which organizations are doing what, how, where and when. Our role is to help create synergies and clarity between and among all groups. We are more public facing and cast a wider net than other tables. We help funnel organizations [orgs]across the country into the Georgia C4 table when applicable. In addition, we help the overflow of organizations sync with other orgs, some of whom might not have a direct way to assist the C3/C4 table to use their time and resources in proactive ways that are still generally coordinated with the C4 best practices and recommended volunteer focus.
The GA Grassroots table provides a greater public insight to which organizations are doing what, how, where and when. Our role is to help create synergies and clarity between and among all groups. We are more public facing and cast a wider net than other tables. We help funnel organizations [orgs]across the country into the Georgia C4 table when applicable. In addition, we help the overflow of organizations sync with other orgs, some of whom might not have a direct way to assist the C3/C4 table to use their time and resources in proactive ways that are still generally coordinated with the C4 best practices and recommended volunteer focus.
Inaccuracies and overlap happen because there is an intense national focus from all democracy-focused orgs into 2-3 candidate’s races. This rare situation highlights the need for increased visibility and coordination.
Inaccuracies and overlap happen because there is an intense national focus from all democracy-focused orgs into 2-3 candidate’s races. This rare situation highlights the need for increased visibility and coordination.
Is turnout up significantly from voter registration reminders to vote? Or is this simply population growth?
Is turnout up significantly from voter registration reminders to vote? Or is this simply population growth?
Yes, without a doubt. It is up significantly from local grassroots organizations’ efforts, making real connections within the vulnerable communities. (Reference: Interviews with members of the GA C4 table)
Yes, without a doubt. It is up significantly from local grassroots organizations’ efforts, making real connections within the vulnerable communities. (Reference: Interviews with members of the GA C4 table)
What is working/not working for turnout?
What is working/not working for turnout?
Working:
Deep canvassing
Organizing events with influencers, customizing messaging for each community’s culture/lingo, the messenger is relatable (from that culture).
Online relational organizing using Reach software
Not working:
Standard phone and text banking
Emails from candidates or orgs