Register Voters

Unsure about going door to door to canvass?? You can also “canvass” voters at hot spots!  

Indivisible CLT is setting up a regular hotspot to register voters in HD105 at CPCC-Matthews on weekdays. 

  • Please email Holly Wood if interested. 

  • You need to be trained in order to participate. Trainings are virtual and frequent. They are very valuable, especially with there being new rules to register and to vote this year. Even valuable to be trained if you plan to canvass, in the event that you register a new voter on their doorstep!

If you have a connection to a business that might be a good spot for a voter registration/education drive, please let Holly know!

(Holly Wood is our Indivisible CLT Voter Engagement Coordinator and is facilitating voter registration events for us.)

Newsletter - January 4, 2024

Indivisible Charlotte Newsletter

January 4, 2024  Volume 22

Happy New Year!

As we step into 2024, we mark a milestone moment—our 7th year anniversary. For seven years, we've invested our time, energy, and passion into building a stronger, fairer democracy. Together, we've created a political force, a movement driven by action and a vision for an equitable future.

This year is more than just an election year; it is a call to action, a summoning of our deepest strengths and wisdom. Our work has never been more critical, and our voice has never been more essential. We are the architects of change, the bearers of hope, and the guardians of the future. Are you in? — We are!

Ava and Carolyn

In this issue

Upcoming ACTION:

Event RECAP:

Group NEWS:

In the KNOW: 

Democracy is Not a Spectator Sport

Read the Full Newsletter

Understanding the US Economy: Myths and Realities

By ICLT member, Marshal Auron

The US economy is complicated and many of its workings are not widely understood. Also, the strength of the economy has a significant effect on politics and elections. The aim of this briefing is to help us:

  • Prepare to discuss economic issues with voters as we meet and engage with them in this election year.   

  • Understand some of the basic issues on the economy and counteract some widely held economic myths. 

  • Understand the Administration’s Economic Policies and advocate for policymakers and policies that can make economic opportunities more widespread. 

The U.S. economy is currently performing well, growing at about a 3% annual rate and creating jobs such that the unemployment rate is at historical lows. Inflation will likely be around 3.5% for all of 2023, down from over 5% in 2022. This should be good news for an incumbent President; so why are so many voters convinced that the economy is headed in the wrong direction?  The answer lies in people buying into some common economic myths, reinforced with a heavy dose of antipathy from the divisive political environment. Here are three key myths that don’t square with reality and feed the sense that we’re off track…

To find out the myths and realities, continue with this important briefing here…

2024 Dues Due

We have annual dues of $20/year that we ask for from members each January. You can pay your 2024 dues here. If you have just joined in the last 2 months and already paid your dues, that will count for 2024.

We are a boots-on-the-ground, all volunteer organization and operate our voter engagement efforts through your generous donations! 

THANK YOU!

Newsletter - Dec 4, 2023

Indivisible Charlotte Newsletter
December 4, 2023 Volume 21

We hope you have a wonderful holiday season surrounded with loved ones and good cheer! Rest up, in January we’ll hit the ground running to flip NC BLUE in 2024!🌊

In this issue

Upcoming ACTION:

Event RECAP:

Group NEWS:

In the KNOW: 

Democracy is Not a Spectator Sport

Read the Full Newsletter

North Carolina has Expanded Access to Medicaid - FINALLY!

Effective December 1st, 2023, North Carolina is expanding eligibility for Medicaid. If you haven’t been able to qualify for medical coverage in the past, you might be eligible now!

Medicaid Expansion will benefit more than 600,000 North Carolina residents. The change means that 300,000 residents currently enrolled in family plans (which offer fewer benefits than traditional Medicaid) will be upgraded to full coverage automatically. The remaining 300,000 residents will  mostly be affected by increased and expanded income ranges and must apply for coverage.

What does Medicaid cover?

Coverage is comprehensive offering services such as doctor visits, inpatient/outpatient hospitalization, maternity care, vision, dental and hearing services. Medicaid pays for doctor visits and check-ups, emergency care, mental health care and medical-related devices. 

What is the cost of coverage?

There is no monthly premium, but some services require a minimal copay.

Who is eligible to apply? 

Adults between the ages of 19 and 64 who earn up to 138% of the federal poverty line may now be eligible. Eligibility is based on earnings and the number of people in your family: for example, singles can earn no more than $20,120/year and families of four can earn no more than $41,400/year.

Applicants must be residents of North Carolina and US citizens. Qualified non-citizens are eligible and there are exceptions for refugees and undocumented non-citizens in certain circumstances.  Please refer to the program information link below for additional information.

How do I apply?

The most efficient way to apply is through ePASS which is a website you can use to apply for services like Medicaid. You can apply in person, by phone or by mail at your local North Carolina Division of Social Services office (DSS); go to ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/local-dss-directory to find your local office.

Libraries across the state have stepped up to help community members apply by serving as “Medicaid Ambassadors.”  If you don’t have internet access, are not comfortable using a computer, or would like assistance applying, you can start the process with your local library. A list of participating libraries is available from DSS and many can help you navigate the ePASS website.

Application processing time can be as long as 45 days, but ePASS processing may be faster. If your application is processed after December 1st, coverage may be retroactive to that date.

For additional information, please go to the NC Medicaid Site here for program information and to this link for background information. 

*Share this information with friends and family in case they or someone they know may be eligible.*

(Briefing compiled by ICLT member, Marshal Auron. Thank you, Marshal!)

Newsletter - Nov 9, 2023

Indivisible Charlotte Newsletter
November 9, 2023 Volume 20

Election 2023 is in the bag. The 2024 Election is upon us!

Thank you to all who ran for office, supported candidates and campaigns, registered voters, worked the polls, wrote postcards, canvassed voters, organized their precincts and engaged their networks to vote! You are the foundation of our democracy. Now put on your track shoes, we will be out there nonstop until Nov. 5th, 2024!

In this issue

Upcoming ACTION:

Event RECAP:

Group NEWS:

In the KNOW: 

Democracy is Not a Spectator Sport

Read the full newsletter

Who Am I? Mike Johnson - the new Republican Speaker of the House

Much has been written and said about Mike Johnson in the weeks since he became Speaker. Here’s a recap of his background, what he stands for, what challenges he faces, and the implications of his speakership.

Who is Mike Johnson?

  • Johnson has served nearly seven years in Congress representing Northwest Louisiana (Shreveport is the major city). He’s never Chaired a committee or been the primary sponsor of any successful legislation. He held a minor role as Chair of the Republican Study Committee, which is a caucus of conservative Republican House members that advocates socially conservative legislation,  supports gun rights, and favors significant cuts in non-defense spending.

  • Johnson was elected because many in the Republican Caucus were tired of the embarrassing search for Kevin McCarthy’s replacement and Johnson had fewer enemies than the other candidates. Former President Trump’s endorsement also helped his candidacy. Despite the opposition by more moderate members to various Speaker candidates , in the end they selected a pro-Trump Conservative: his Congressional supporters have nicknamed him “MAGA Mike.” 

  • Johnson believes that the bible should be applied to public affairs. He’s done work for the Alliance Defending Freedom, a well-organized conservative Christian legal advocacy group that works to expand Christian practices in public life. The group is anti-abortion and challenges LGBTQ rights. Johnson has called homosexuality a “dangerous lifestyle,” opposes same-sex marriage and supports a national abortion ban.

  • The Speaker voted against certifying the 2020 Election and lobbied the House Republican Caucus to support an unsuccessful lawsuit invalidating the electoral college results in several states that President Biden won. Johnson claims to be a strong supporter of Israel; but is less supportive of military aid for Ukraine. He is a strong supporter of the NRA and dismisses climate change.

So, what challenges will Johnson face and what are the implications of his selection as Speaker?  

Major challenges:

  • The fractious Republican caucus - Recent Republican Speakers have had a difficult time holding the Republican caucus together. A motion to vacate the Speaker’s chair can be proposed by any member and discourages building coalitions with the opposition. This makes the Speaker’s task impossible, since the Republicans’ slim majority requires near unanimity to get anything done. Johnson’s limited experience in Congressional leadership will likely force him to rely more heavily on core MAGA Republicans.

  • Funding the government - The current continuing resolution temporarily funding the government is set to expire on November 17th. Failure to pass a long-term funding package (or another temporary funding measure) will shut down the government, which will undermine the military, national security, social programs and could weaken economic growth. Johnson voted against the current continuing resolution, but he’s shown signs that he may need another extension beyond November 17, since the clock is ticking. Any funding deal needs to pass the House and the Senate, which supports the previously negotiated deal with the Biden Administration.

  • National Security Proposal - Also at stake is the $105 billion national security spending package the Administration recently requested including funding for Ukraine, Israel, anti-China influence in Asia (i.e., Taiwan), the immigration crisis, and humanitarian aid to Gaza. Speaker Johnson has recently introduced a supplemental appropriations bill for $14.3 billion in aid to Israel only, in return for a corresponding reduction in IRS funding provided under President Biden’s signature Inflation Reduction Act. This is confusing since it ties support to an ally to fiscal responsibility and the IRS funding was aimed at enhancing tax collections. According to the Congressional Budget Office, reducing IRS funding may actually increase the deficit. The proposal is contrary to Republican Senate Leader Mitch McConnell’s position to provide aid to both Ukraine and Israel.

Implications:

  • Campaign Fundraising - One of the major roles of the Speaker in the run-up to a Congressional Election is to raise money to support Republican Congressional campaigns. Johnson’s lack of an effective fundraising network may make this difficult or slow the pace of fundraising

  • Two Heart Beats Away - The Speaker of the House is second in line to succeed the President in the event President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris cannot serve. 

  • Role of the Speaker in Counting Electoral Votes - The Speaker has important powers over the function of the House of Representatives; but  worries that Johnson might interfere with the vote count are less plausible, since the President of the Senate (sitting Vice President Kamala Harris) presides over the Congressional electoral vote count. If the Republicans remain in control of the House after the 2024 election (and Johnson remains Speaker), the Republicans could organize an objection to the count, but would face more challenges than in 2021 due to The Electoral Count Act, passed after the events of January 6th.

  • Social Issue Implications - Johnson’s support for abortion bans and distaste for gay marriage and gun control, may affect support for Republican candidates in certain marginal Congressional districts. 

  • 2024 Election - As Speaker, Johnson will likely be dedicated to furthering former President Trump’s conservative/MAGA  agenda. American First Populists and the Heritage Foundation are organized and working to ensure that if Trump is elected in 2024,  the focus will be aimed at furthering the party’s isolationist and socially conservative views. (See details here on the MAGA agenda)

Interested in more on the MAGA agenda or article sources? Visit here.

(Briefing compiled by ICLT member, Marshal Auron. Thank you, Marshal!)

Policy Briefing: NC Voter ID Law - The Rules and the Impact

This year’s election cycle is the first to require voter identification: 

  • Why do we need photo IDs, when voter fraud is extremely rare and…If the ID law is a “done deal” why should we continue to fight to overturn it?

  • What should you know about the type of ID required to cast your vote? What if you don’t have a photo ID?

IMPORTANT! 

If you’re in doubt about whether you have a valid ID or have forgotten yours, please go to the polls and vote as you always have. Election workers will do their best to help you cast a ballot. 

Note that poll workers cannot ask a voter to remove their mask. Please temporarily remove your mask while the poll worker is checking your ID.

Why: Voter identification is aimed at addressing a non-existent fraud. It’s really just another form of voter suppression that targets communities of color and pockets of opposition. It’s another tool in the voting restriction toolbox, like gerrymandering and limitations on early and mail-in voting. 

Supporters argue Voter IDs are a tool to combat voter impersonation fraud and point to the alternative ID and exception process as relief for the disadvantaged.

  • Research indicates this fraud is very rare: one US study indicates it’s happened 31 times in 1 billion votes cast.

  • Obtaining an alternative ID can be burdensome and costly. Since there are minimal instances of voter fraud, the law requires the state and counties to devote limited resources to manage a complicated process that addresses a non-existent fraud issue.

  • Seven percent of voters, mostly in the South, do not even have birth certificates since they weren’t born in a hospital. This makes obtaining alternative IDs even more challenging.

Voting restrictions like these are the result of intense partisanship. 

  • Following a change in the NC Constitution, the Republican NC Legislature passed the enabling Voter ID law in 2018 over our Democratic  Governor’s veto. 

  • The law was declared unconstitutional by the Democratic majority on the NC  Supreme Court in 2021. 

  • The Republicans regained the Court’s majority in the 2022  election and promptly reversed the Court’s ruling, now requiring photo Voter IDs. 

Voter ID requirements are targeted toward suppressing the vote of communities of color. 

  • 11% of US citizens do not have a government issued photo ID and Voter ID requirements affect minority voters disproportionately: Up to 25% of African-American US citizens of voting age lack a government-issued photo ID, compared with 8% of whites.

  • It’s believed that African American voters in NC are 39% less likely than white voters to have appropriate IDs.

Requiring IDs can be considered a form of voter intimidation and can discourage political involvement.

  • Minority and economically disadvantaged voters may be intimidated and feel they are not sufficiently qualified to vote. 

  • This includes voters who are not able to obtain an ID as well as those who have IDs and are fearful of sharing their personal information due to legal, economic, or health challenges.

What: Photo IDs are required for both In-Person and Mail-In Voting.  So, aim to have one of the following types of current IDs when you vote: 

  • Driver’s License Non-Driver ID Card (No Fee Card) from NC Department of Motor Vehicles or any state, territory or District of Columbia if you are a registered NC voter.

  • US Passport or Passport Card.

  • College or University ID approved by the NC Board of Elections.

  • State or Local Government or Charter School ID approved by the NC Board of Elections

  • NC Voter Photo ID from County Board of Elections

  • A voter 65 or older may use an expired form of acceptable ID if the ID was unexpired on their 65th birthday

  • Military or veterans ID card (with photo) issued by the U.S. government.

  • Tribal enrollment card (with photo) issued by a tribe recognized by the State or federal government

  • U.S. government or State of North Carolina photo IDs issued for a public assistance program

Mail-In Voters: A photocopy of an acceptable ID must be submitted with your Mail-In ballot, enclosed in the “photo ID envelope” that comes with your ballot.  

If you don’t have one of these types of Photo IDs or are not able to obtain one:

  • Vote as usual and fill out an ID Exception Form at the polling place.

  • Mail-In Voters include the Exception Form in their absentee ballot return envelope.

  • Voters must select from a list of acceptable exceptions listed in the additional detailed information.

Interested in more information? See additional detailed information here.

(Briefing compiled by ICLT member, Marshal Auron. Thank you, Marshal!)

Newsletter - Oct 3, 2023

Newsletter - Sep 5, 2023

Indivisible Charlotte Newsletter
September 5, 2023  Volume 18

Hello Activists!

We hope you've had a rejuvenating summer, finding moments to unwind and recalibrate. The ICLT Leadership Team took some precious  down-time this summer to enjoy family and personal grounding. This respite is crucial as we gear up to strategically shape the political landscape in anticipation of the pivotal 2024 elections. Ready to dive in together? Let's make an impact!

In this issue

Upcoming ACTION:

Event RECAP:

Group NEWS:

In the KNOW: 

Democracy is Not a Spectator Sport

Read the full newsletter

Policy Briefing: Election Redistricting and Gerrymandering

Why do Democrats win half the votes in NC state-wide elections while Republicans have a supermajority in the state legislature and are positioned to regain control of the state’s Congressional delegation in 2024? 

Intense partisanship has resulted in gerrymandered voting districts that weaken our democracy and election results by:

  • Suppressing the vote in communities of color and pockets of opposition; leading to voter apathy and weakened political involvement.

  • Producing Legislative majorities (or even supermajorities) that discourage compromise, negotiation and:

    • Undermine Constitutional checks and balances (e. g. weakening Governors’ veto authority, and judicial review of election challenges)

    • Thwart key initiatives that ignore voters’ views and needs (e. g. gun control, abortion, health care expansion)

    • Threaten expulsion, censure, and investigations of opposition members who hold differing policy views. 

The stakes are high in every election: the NC redistricting process after the 2030 Census and beyond needs to be truly representative of the voters. Federal and North Carolina court decisions have limited the ability of courts to remedy unfair voting districts. Also, Republicans in Congress are unwilling to support election reform legislation. 

The best path for pro-Democracy forces is for grassroots organizing to:

- Short term: use your voice on social media, in your community and  lobbying your legislators to shine a light on how unfair maps put partisan power politics over people’s needs and contribute to the loss of our rights, resources and representation. 

***AND join Indivisible CLT and All On the Line for our upcoming event to help with this in our community!

- Mid term: engage the electorate by running strong candidates for all critical offices, and by sponsoring robust voter education, registration and turnout operations.

- Long term: advocate for an independent redistricting commission in North Carolina. Senate Bill 642, which was introduced this year by Democrat Val Applewhite, would establish an independent redistricting commission  according to best practices learned from other states.

Interested in learning more details of redistricting and gerrymandering? See the full  briefing here. 

(ICLT member, Marshal Auron, has pulled together this amazing brief to shine light on this critical topic! Thanks, Marshal!) 

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