Election – What Now?
The ‘red mirage’ and ‘blue shift’ scenario that we talked about in our election plan where we wouldn’t know full results on election night seems to have come true, which means ensuring that every vote is counted is our nation’s greatest priority right now.
As we hold our breath, take a moment to center yourself in a vision of a just world, the world we will continue to create after this election, no matter what.
Trump’s premature declaration of victory last night was a signal to his supporters – members of the media, government officials, and the public – that he needs their collaboration to attempt a coup. This moved the needle closer to an attempted coup, but the good news is that we’re not in coup territory yet.
If those supporters decide to support the president and move to stop counting votes then an immediate massive response will be necessary to preserve our democracy and make sure every vote is counted.
National and local coalitions that we’re a part of are monitoring the situation closely to determine if and when a massive mobilization is called for. The trigger point for this could be: the GOP or media saying that vote counting should stop; a Supreme Court challenge stopping or threatening to stop vote counting; or perhaps a Trump reaction if Biden declares victory.
As things stand, the local Defend Democracy coalition march is happening today, but it may be in the coming days after one of the above triggers that all hands on deck sustained mobilizations will be needed.
We’ll keep you updated of developments and what that means here for local action, so watch this space! Together we will make sure every vote is counted and the result of this election is respected.
Electoral Justice is Racial Justice
Today Wed Nov 4, 3PM
Revolution Hall, March to Waterfront
Be Prepared – Upcoming Online Trainings
Nov 4 | 4:00 – 6:00 PM PT | Know Your Rights and De-escalation 2.0 | Register HERE
Hosted by Count Every Vote, Beautiful Trouble and ACLU. This training is for folks who will be showing up to demonstrations, and want to upskill their de-escalation skillset through the ABC’s of de-escalation response. The second part of this training will focus on how to be thoughtful and creative about actions taken at protests, as well as actions that help keep events safe and calm. Finally, this training will also include a segment on Know Your Rights.
Nov 5 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM PT | Media and Messaging Training for Faith Leaders | Register HERE
Nov 5 | 4:00 – 6:00 PM PT | Know Your Rights and De-escalation 2.0 | Register HERE
Hosted by Count Every Vote, Beautiful Trouble and ACLU. This training is for folks who will be showing up to demonstrations, and want to upskill their de-escalation skillset through the ABC’s of de-escalation response. The second part of this training will focus on how to be thoughtful and creative about actions taken at protests, as well as actions that help keep events safe and calm. Finally, this training will also include a segment on Know Your Rights.
Nov 6 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM PT | Nonviolent Civil Action and De-escalation for People of Faith | Register HERE
Things To Celebrate
With so much information and uncertainty to absorb nationally, it’s good to take a moment to breathe in what we won here locally.
- Universal preschool measure passes, meaning new income tax for Multnomah County’s highest earners
- Portland voters approve creating new civilian-run police oversight board
- Oregon decriminalizes possession of street drugs, becoming first in nation
- Oregon becomes first state to legalize psychedelic mushrooms
In solidarity,
350PDX
