Today David Plouffe sent out the following message to supporters, inviting them to attend one the many grassroots house meetings taking place throughout the country later this month:
Exactly one month ago, you made history by giving all Americans a real opportunity for change. Now it's time to start preparing and working for change in our communities. On December 13th and 14th, supporters are coming together in every part of the country to reflect on what we've accomplished and plan the future of this movement. Your ideas and feedback will be collected and used to guide this movement in the months and years ahead. Join your friends and neighbors -- sign up to host or attend a Change is Coming house meeting near you. Since the election, the challenges we face -- and our responsibility to take action -- have only gotten more urgent. You can connect with fellow supporters, make progress on the issues you care about, and help shape the future of your community and our country. Learn what you can do now to support President-elect Obama's agenda for change and continue to make a difference in your community. Take the first important step by hosting or attending a Change is Coming house meeting. Sign up right now. To get our country back on track, it will take all of us working together. Barack and Joe have a clear agenda and an unprecedented opportunity for change. But they can't do it alone. Will you join us at a house meeting and help plan the next steps for this movement? Thanks, David David Plouffe Campaign Manager Obama for America
"I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to – it belongs to you." - Barack Obama, Election Night 2008
Read the full speech, as prepared for delivery . . .
Right now, while volunteers work to Get Out The Vote in key states, thousands of grassroots supporters across the country are helping out from home by using our online voter contact tools to call voters.
Our target today is to make 1,000,000 calls to voters in battleground states before the close of polls tonight. As of 1:00 PM Eastern, we've made 214,187 calls. However, our staff on the ground are telling us that we need to reach the 500,000 call mark by 3:00 PM Eastern Time.
These calls provide our supporters with information about when, where and how to vote today, and by helping identify which voters have already cast a ballot, we can dramatically reduce the number of houses our volunteers on the ground need to reach before polls close.
If you have even thirty minutes to spare in the next three hours, when can use your help. Simply select the state you want to call from the map below, and we'll provide you with an easy to use script and a targeted list of voters to call.
The largest voter contact operation ever attempted is underway right now. This is your chance to be part of it.
In Delaware, polls are open today from 7:00 AM until 8:00 PM local time. Anyone who is in line by 8:00 PM will be allowed to vote. You can find your polling location now.
For additional information or for any issues you may have with voting visit our Voter Information Center or call 1-877-US-4-OBAMA (877-874-6226). Answers to some of the most common voting questions are below:
Do I need to bring ID with me when I go vote?
Identification is required if you registered using the National Voter Registration Form and thus did not supply it originally. ID is also required the first time you vote in person or with an in-person absentee ballot. In these cases, the voter must present current identification which includes a current and valid photo ID that shows full name and address.
What time will the polls be open on November 4?
Delaware polls are open from 7 AM - 8 PM.
What about voters with disabilities?
The State of Delaware provides handicapped accessible polling places and voting machines. Voters with special needs can inform the Election Officers at the polls, who are ready to provide assistance upon the voter’s arrival. Voters with special needs may also bring someone with them to help in the voting process. Voters who believe that their polling place is not accessible to them should contact the Department of Elections for their county before the day of the election to make other arrangements to vote. For voters who are deaf or hard of hearing, all election materials, announcements and forms are available on this website. You may also use the State’s free TDD relay service to obtain election and voting information. Simply dial 711 and give the operator the toll free help line number for the county from which you are calling: New Castle County 577-3000; Kent County 800-464-4357; Sussex County 800-464-4357; and outside Delaware 800-273-9500.
All across the country, volunteers have been gathering in local Obama field offices, Union halls, and private homes to make calls to voters in battleground states since Saturday morning. These phonebanks have been brimming with enthusiasm, as people pull together to make thousands and thousands of calls through their collective dedication.
At the CWA Hall in Christiana, Delaware, more than 150 volunteers have shown up over the course of the day, and when we last checked in they'd already made over 20,000 calls over the course of three shifts. At this moment, they are still going strong, making calls into Colorado until 11pm EST.
To keep everyone motivated, the volunteer staff has been holding pep rallies every few hours, allowing everyone to stretch out with a hearty chant of, "Fired up! Ready to go!" Tomorrow, they'll be back on the phones doing it all over again.
No matter where you are, you can find a phonebank near you tomorrow or on Election Day. We have two days left to make a difference.
On Wednesday, the Delaware Call Team reached their call goal by making over 2,300 calls in seven days. This is a great achievement, but we have a lot of work left to do as we had into the most important weekend of the election.
From now until Election Day, we are asking Delaware to make at least 4,000 more calls to help Get Out the Vote in battleground states. This means that we need everyone to step up and try to make more phone calls than ever before during these last five days.
In a recent conference call, Pennsylvania's Field Director, Paulette Aniskoff, talked about why your calls are so critical as we try to bring this election home for Barack. You can listen to this highlight below.
Earlier this month, almost 200 volunteers showed up for a Get Out The Vote organizational meeting at Obama-Biden Headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware. Guest speakers included Sam Lathem, President of Delaware AFL-CIO, and Missy Owens, Joe Biden's niece and campaign manager for his Senate campaign. With standing room only, these folks were fired up and ready to go.
The entire meeting was devoted to laying out the plan for how Delaware will help the key battleground state of Pennsylvania with their Get Out The Vote strategy. Delware has been asked to supply 1,500 volunteers for the last weekend before Election Day, which means that Delaware can make a huge difference in this critical state. So, if you're not signed up yet, call the Wilmington HQ at 302-428-1615. We need everyone to play their part in this historic movement for change.
Janet, one of the volunteers in attendance, was thrilled to see how this campaign has grown over the past two years.
It was very exciting. I have been involved in the campaign since the earliest days of getting Obama's name on the primary ballot in Delaware, working on the petition signing drive. I remember the first meeting when we had 25 people at most. And, to now go to this meeting with more than 200 people all fired up, it was just great to see.
As Janet explained, a field organizer from Pennsylvania spoke about the importance of Delaware's activity between now and November 4th.
The strategy is to send Delaware volunteers to Pennsylvania, and he talked about how to get involved, knocking on doors, making calls. And, he talked about how that even though the polls are showing us up, we can't stop now. It's time to keep going. This is too important.
If you can give even a day for Barack in Pennsylvania, call the Wilmington HQ at 302-428-1615. Delware has set a goal of sending at least 1,500 volunteers to this crucial state, and with you help, we can make sure we don't wake up after Election Day wishing we had done more.
If you live in a non-battleground state you can play an important role in deciding this election in key battleground states. Especially tonight.
The campaign will be airing a 30-minute special tonight called Barack Obama: American Promises from 8-8:30pm EDT.
Tonight supporters are gathering at Last Call for Change phonebanks across the country, calling voters in swing states to tell them where their polling location is.
There are only 6 days left to bring the change we need.
Barack is counting on your incredibly important phone calls. You can make sure Obama supporters know where to vote on Tuesday. Their polling location may have changed, or they may have never voted before.
No experience is required. You'll have a script to work from, and our staff will help you every step of the way.
On Wednesday, we challenged the Delaware Call Team to make 2,000 calls in seven days to help get out the vote in Pennsylvania. Your calls allow in-state staff and volunteers to focus on face-to-face, door-to-door voter contact.
So far, Delaware has made almost 700 calls in just two days. This is a great start, but we can't afford to let up now. As we head into the final week of this historic election, it's time to work together and push each other across the finish line at full speed.
On Thursday night, Montana's Field Director Carrie Glenn gave an inspiring call to action for all the callers out there using Neighbor to Neighbor to make phone calls from home, or for anyone still hesitating to pick up the phone.
You can listen to it below:
If you haven't done calls before, I'm gonna ask you to pick up the phone and make a couple more than you really think you have time to do. 'Cause no one's ever woken up on November 5th and said, 'I wish I'd done less.' We've got less than two weeks right now to actually make this happen and it's got to be a little bit more than you think you can do. If you've been doing a hundred calls a week, that's incredible, thank you so much for that. We need you to do 200. If you've never made a phone call before, we need you to make 100...
Almost two years of work comes down to these last two weeks, but we know what we need to do to win.
With less than two weeks left in this election, one of the best ways supporters in Delaware can help is to make calls into the key battleground state of Pennsylvania.
These calls provide essential support for field organizers on the ground, as they go door to door to Get Out The Vote.
In yesterday's Get Out The Vote strategy call with the Delaware Call Team, Pennsylvania's Field Director, Paulette Aniskoff, talked about the ground operation in Pennsylvania and explained why your calls are so essential for this campaign. Also, veteran caller Sue Shimer offered some helpful advice on making calls using the Neighbor to Neighbor tool.
The Delaware Call Team has set a goal to make at least 2,000 calls in the next seven days. This means we need everyone to step up their efforts and make a commitment to reaching out to as many voters as possible.
We'll be updating you on our progress here on the Delaware blog throughout the week. By working together, you can make a huge impact in Pennsylvania and bring Barack that much closer to victory on November 4th.
With only two weeks until Election Day, we need everyone to work harder than ever before and give everything they can during this final stretch. We can't take anything for granted if we want to bring the change we need this November.
Some dedicated supporters in Delaware are keeping up the fight with Drive for Change canvassing trips to Pennsylvania, a key battleground state which the McCain campaign continues to target.
Joanne from Wilmington recently traveled to Media, Pennsylvania along with her husband to help knock on doors for Barack.
I thought it was really important that we do everything we can. So my husband and I signed up online for a trip to Pennsylvania. Then we recruited about four of our friends and neighbors to come along. We also went to the riverfront office in Wilmington to pick up people who needed rides.
Although Joanne admitted that it can be intimidating at first, she was glad to discover all the great support and encouragement that the canvassers receive.
Anyone can do this, even if you're not a professional. I was a little anxious about it at first, but you just have to jump in. The support that the campaign office gives you is great. It makes you feel very comfortable.
Joanna shared a story that reveals the great diversity of volunteers working together to spread Barack Obama's message of change:
A young woman joined our team on Saturday, who was introduced as a student. At the end of the day, we had a chance to really talk with her, and it turned out she was a high school student. She was only 15 years old. It shows that you can be any age and make a difference in this campaign. We're in our mid 60s... At the Media office, I was inspired by the diversity of everyone getting involved.
Sign up today for a Drive for Change canvassing trip to make a huge difference in this campaign. Don't wait for your opporunity to become a part of this historic moment.
Barack Obama believes that real change must happen from the bottom up, as ordinary people stand together to do extraordinary things. In this election, simple voter to voter contact will make the biggest difference in helping elect the next president.
The most effective way to spread Barack's message of change is through ordinary people reaching out to their neighbors and talking one on one about the issues we face in America. Our Neighbor to Neighbor tool makes it easy to get in touch with voters in crucial battleground states:
No matter where you live, you can make a huge impact in this election. If you can make calls anytime between now and Election Day, sign up now and make a commitment to join this grassroots movement for change.
Jon Carson, the National Field Director, is urging supporters across the country to get together for the final presidential debate this Wednesday. Sign up today to host a Debate Watch Party - or attend one near you.
The final presidential debate is this Wednesday, October 15th, at 9:00 p.m. Eastern. It's the last chance for undecided voters to see Barack and John McCain side-by-side and determine who will bring the change this country needs. And it will be the final time before election night to come together in this way with your friends, family, and fellow supporters. Make the most of this opportunity by signing up to host a Debate Watch Party -- or attend one near you.If you've joined us for an event before, you know how powerful they can be to help build support and grow our movement. If you haven't, it's a terrific way to connect with fellow supporters and folks who may just be making up their minds. If you can host an event, we'll make sure you have everything you need to make it a success. We're having a special conference call for Debate Watch Party hosts on Tuesday, when we'll give you ideas for how to get your guests involved in the rest of the campaign. In these final weeks, each of us needs to do whatever we can to keep strengthening this campaign and encourage undecided voters to cast their votes for change. Sign up to host or attend a Debate Watch Party now: http://my.barackobama.com/debate-watch-party Thanks, Jon Jon Carson National Field Director Obama for America
Earlier today National Field Director Jon Carson sent our this important email to supporters in Delware:
This weekend, Obama supporters in your community are coming together to call voters in key battleground states. People are already casting early ballots in a number of states, which is why they need to hear from you now. You can make a big difference in states where the race is neck-and-neck by sharing crucial information about early and absentee voting. Sign up to join a Last Call for Change event near you. With just 25 days left before the election, time is running out to make direct personal contact with potential supporters. And there is no more powerful way to sway an undecided voter than a one-on-one conversation with a supporter like you. That's why we're organizing Last Call for Change events all over the country this weekend. As the McCain campaign tries to smear Barack's character and distract voters from the issues that matter, your phone calls are more important than ever. No experience is required, but please bring your cell phone. Staff will give you everything else you need to succeed. Attend a Last Call for Change event near you. And please tell your friends about the Last Call for Change event this weekend. Bring them along. The more voters we reach, the better our chances on November 4th. Thanks, Jon Jon Carson National Field Director Obama for America
This Saturday, October 11th, is the last day you can register to vote in Delaware. Visit VoteforChange.com to get registered and make sure your voice is heard in this movement for change. Simply fill out your registration form, and then get it postmarked and addressed to your local County Clerk by Saturday.
Here is a short web video about one unregistered voter:
Also, please remind your friends and family to get registered so they can take a part on November 4th in one of the most important elections in history.
This Sunday, October 5th, at 3:00pm EDT, Delaware supporters are encouraged to join an official conference call with campaign staffers to learn more about Neighbor to Neighbor and how you can make a huge impact on this election over the next 30 days.
In addition to learning the basics of Neighbor to Neighbor, you wil hear from special guests who will talk about our ground game in the battleground states that you'll be calling into.We'll be doing a conference call and a webinar (an online seminar), so you can follow along with the training on your own computer and ask questions. Even if you're not able to join the webinar, you can still listen in on the conference call.
Here are the details:
Phone Number: 718-709-0655Access Code: 333098537If you can join us for the webinar, RSVP now:http://my.barackobama.com/webinar3I hope you can join us!
If you can't make this special conference call, learn more about Neighbor to Neighbor by watching these training videos. Then, make sure you are signed up so you can start making calls as soon as possible. Every call plays a part in this campaign and puts us one step closer to our goal in November.
Drive for Change to Pennsylvania Wilmington Obama Headquarters 1000 Justison St. Wilmington, DE 19801 Saturday, October 4th Meet at 9:00 a.m. Sunday, October 5th Meet at 11:00 a.m. http://de.barackobama.com/CaravanPA
If you can't make it to Pennsylvania, sign up to make phone calls sometime between now and the Election through our Neighbor to Neighbor phonebank tool. The information we gain from these calls plays a crucial role in helping field organizers on the ground. Every call, no matter what the outcome, brings us one step closer to our goal in November.
On Sunday, almost 80 people attended a day long Camp Obama training session at the Wilmington HQ in Delaware. All are now Deputy Field Organizers and are ready to be deployed to battleground states as early as this weekend.
Chris Coons, the New Castle County Executive, ran the training session along with Aadil Ginwala, Delaware State Field Director, and Erik Kollig, Field Director for the Biden Senate Campaign.
Renita, one of the Camp Obama trainees, was already an active volunteer in the Wilmington office, but she was looking to do even more for this historic campaign.
I currently run the phone bank, train new volunteers, and make sure people are comfortable. But I decided that maybe there was more I could do. Right now, I'm unemployed, and I represent a lot of things that Obama talks about when he is out on the stump. I need to do what I can, because the situation has got to get better.
Hoping to learn the necessary skills for field organizing, Renita was very pleased with Camp Obama.
It was a nice training. The pace was really good, and it used a lot of good concepts. There were opportunities for small groups and a good discussion from people with all their different stories. It had all of the elements needed for a good training. The people were very passionate about what they were doing.
Due to her job situation, along with a grandson to look after, Renita still has to see if she can travel to another state. But, no mater what, Renita is giving everything she can to help elect Barack the next President.
I'm willing to do whatever I can... Eveyone needs to give something, even an hour, even 10 dollars. People ask me how I can afford to contribute. I say, how can I afford not to? ...Some people don't understand the urgency of now. We really need to move forward. We have to be active. There is a role for everybody in this campaign.
Contact the Delaware State Headquarters to see what role you can play in this campaign for change.
You can also sign up for a Drive for Change canvassing trip to Pennsylvania, or start making calls to voters using our Neighbor to Neighbor phonebanking tool.
There was news this morning that tonight's presidential debate will proceed as planned, with both candidates in attendance. Last night, National Field Director Jon Carson sent out a message inviting supporters to attend debate parties, and explaining what comes next for the campaign . . .
The election is less than 40 days away, and the American people deserve to hear directly from the candidates about how they intend to lead our country. You're invited to join a Debate Watch Party in your community and discuss the issues that are most important to you and your family, friends, and neighbors. Find a Debate Watch Party in your area and RSVP today. These parties will allow you to to get to know folks in your community, and continue building this campaign from the bottom up by reaching out to even more supporters using our Neighbor to Neighbor tool. If you can't attend a party, you can still use our Neighbor to Neighbor tool to reach out to swing voters in a crucial battleground state who need to hear from you. It's an extremely powerful way to build support for Barack. Whether you can attend a Debate Watch Party or not, it's a great way to connect with fellow voters. Get your list of potential supporters right now and start making phone calls today. Neighbor to Neighbor gives you everything you need to get started. As Barack prepares for the presidential debate, we'll be preparing, too -- by laying the groundwork for victory on Election Day. Let's get to work. Thanks, Jon Jon Carson National Field Director Obama for America
