On the day of an historic vote for health insurance reform in the US House of Representatives, hundreds of supporters came to the State House in Concord this afternoon to bring home the message that NH needs health insurance reform now!
Waving handmade signs representing their home towns, constructing makeshift billboards, and proudly wielding Organizing For America placards, New Hampshire residents joined Senate Majority Leader Maggie Hassan, NHDP Chairman Raymond Buckley, Congressman Paul Hodes’ wife Peggo, and NH doctors and small business owners from across the state to voice their support for health insurance reform, and the delivery of fair and affordable health insurance for all Americans.
“Bringing It Home: New Hampshire Unites For Health Insurance Reform” was the work of volunteers here in New Hampshire who know the power that many voices can have in making change happen. Check out the pictures below to see what can happen when Americans come together the reverse the status quo!
While the countdown to a final health reform bill is on in Washington, thousands of New Hampshire residents are without health insurance or are paying too much for too little. Over the past few months, supporters of health insurance reform have made phone calls to Members of Congress, hosted organizing and informational house parties, they've knocked on doors and emailed their friends.
And on November 7th, we'll have an opportunity for every supporter across the state of New Hampshire to make their voices heard at the State House in Concord. On Saturday November 7th, New Hampshire residents, elected officials and supporters from all corners of New Hampshire will gather to represent for their neighbors, family and friends, how widespread and fervent the demand for affordable and accessible health care is in New Hampshire.
Please join us on November 7th at 2pm in front of the State House in Concord to hear from Representative Carol Shea-Porter, State Senate Majority Leader Maggie Hassan, and other distinguished guests about the need for speedy and responsible health insurance reform for New Hampshire. We are closer now than ever to see health insurance reform become a reality. This movement has been hard fought and it's not over yet. Come join us and let your voice be heard, and let's bring health insurance reform home to New Hampshire!
RSVP or invite others using the following link: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpcmmp
"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 . . .
The polls are now closed in the east, but the election isn't over yet. We've come so far, we've come this close, because of our volunteers like you around the country. Until the polls close everywhere, we can't let up for one second, not when there's so much at stake. Now we have to race the sun across America and call into states where the election is still being contested. This is our chance to change America, and we can't stop until there's nowhere left to fight. Please select a state to call now.
The networks have just announced that they now project that Barack Obama will win the state of New Hampshire and its 4 electoral votes. Thank you New Hampshire.
Thanks you also to the many grassroots supporters who have been with us from the beginning, including New Hampshire for Obama, New Hampshire Women for Obama, Upper Valley for Obama, Exeter NH for Obama, Keene for Obama 2008 and more.
Voting is still underway in a number of key battleground states, and we still need your help making phonecalls to voters to get our supporters to the polls:
Across the country, Americans have already gone to their polling locations in droves to elect Barack Obama. They know that he’ll work hard to bring the change we need to Washington, from ending the Bush-McCain economic policies to giving a $1,000 tax cut to 95% of families. Time is running out fast – there are only a few hours left before the polls close. If you haven’t yet, it's time to get to your polling place and cast your ballot. Find your polling place here: http://NH.voteforchange.com/ Make sure you know your rights before you head out, in case you run into trouble at the polls:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/bradleyportnoy/gGg8Yp Then help the campaign get out the vote. Find out what you can do: http://my.barackobama.com/november
23 months ago, Barack Obama began his campaign for the presidency. Asking us not just to believe in his ability to bring the change we need to Washington, but to believe in ours, the campaign has grown into a movement that is millions strong.Today is the day we've all been waiting for. It's time to get to your polling place and cast your ballot, and then join volunteers across the country in helping others do the same.Find your polling place here:http://NH.voteforchange.comMake sure you know your rights before you head out, in case you run into trouble at the polls:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/bradleyportnoy/gGg8Yp
Then find out how you can volunteer to get out the vote:http://my.barackobama.com/november
Today is the day - the moment we've been waiting for, our chance to bring the change we need to Washington. Do you know where your polling place is? Are you a first time voter, recently moved or haven't voted in a few years? Double check where your polling place is before you head out. You can use the Vote for Change box below to do it without going anywhere.
We'll even give you directions!
Do you need a ride to the polls? Call 1-888-NH-CHANGE.
Jamie, one of the New Hampshire founders of Women for Obama nearly two years ago, just sent us this message about how she's helping to get out the vote:
How do Obama Mamas and kids in New Hampshire help out with the GOTV effort? Bundle up and move playgroup to the busiest intersection in our state capitol. The campaign has been a presence in our lives for some time. We've taken the kids to enough rallies that their favorite "song" is "Obama 08, Fired Up Ready to Go!" Cate wore both of her children in baby carriers (one in front, one on back) while we canvassed as families Saturday afternoon. Kids made custom Obama "peace, love, hope" t-shirts at the birthday party for Katie's daughter this weekend. Perhaps our biggest contribution is teaching our children that one person, no matter how young, can make a difference. We believe in the power of hope and know that a vote for Senator Obama is a vote for our children's future.
The election is here - the polls open in ten minutes in Hart's Location and Dixville Notch, New Hampshire. We need all hands on deck until the polls close - volunteer at your local office now, and help us make history.
Tomorrow is election day, and before you head to the polls, it's important to know your rights. Your right to vote is a right - don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
Recently moved?
If you are registered to vote at your current address, just show up and vote. Call 1-888-NH-CHANGE (1-888-642-4264) or go to VoteForChange.com to find your correct polling location and hours.
Need to register? ID Required?
You can register to vote on Election day at your polling place. Bring a photo ID, such as a driver's license, student ID, or work ID. Or, bring a document with your name and address like a utility bill, phone bill, or another piece of mail.
If you don't have an ID, you can still register and vote after filling out short sworn statements.
Problems at the polling place?
If you are in line when the polls close you can vote.
If a poll worker says you are not registered, you can register at the voter reistration table at your polling place.
If you're age 18, a U.S. citizen living in New Hampshire, and are in the correct polling place, you have the right to vote -- if your vote is challenged, you should answer questions but insist on voting. You will be asked to fill out a "Challenged Voter Affidavit," but you still have the right to cast your vote and have your vote counted. If you are challenged, be sure to tell an Obama Voter Protection Volunteer or call 1-888-NH-CHANGE (1-888-642-4264, select the option to speak to a voter protection specialist).
Poll workers cannot ask you about personal financial matters. You have the right to vote even if you have unpaid bills, parking tickets, overdue taxes, or a home at risk of forclosure.
If you have been convicted of a felony but are on parole or probation, you have the right to vote. Only those who are currently incarcerated for a felony may not vote.
Disabilities, age, or medical concerns?
If you are elderly or have disabilities, you have the right to vote in a way that is accessible to you by having someone assist you.
Any other questions?
Call 1-888-NH-CHANGE (1-888-642-4264). Blue Hampshire also has a helpful FAQ on voting in New Hampshire.
Dean from Blue Hampshire posted this early this morning:
A flatlander, I moved up to New Hampshire in 1999. From an apolitical upbringing, I had only voted once before for Bill Clinton in 1992. I didn't even bother in 1996, and I had no idea there was such a thing as mid-term elections, despite being vaguely aware of the Gingrich uprising.All of that changed when I lived through my first First-in-the Nation Primary. Seeing how the candidate visits energized the electorate was eye-opening for me. I voted in a tiny, picture perfect olde-timey town hall, on a paper ballot, a far far cry from the ugly public buildings, long lines, and big machines of my New York days. Appearances do count: it felt like my vote actually mattered.On primary day, I thought I might vote for John McCain. The chief reason was that Bush the Younger seemed to me even more fake than Ronald Reagan - and I had vivid, negative childhood memories of that actor on the TeeVee. Not really feeling a preference (or interest) for either Gore or Bradley, I thought I could do more good in keeping the cowboy down and out. In the end, though, I came to my senses and voted for a Democrat.Next November, I could barely believe my eyes as the Florida hanging chad fiasco unfolded across CNN. When SCOTUS settled it, I thought, "eh, the country's sick of Democrats after eight years of Bill. Bush's son is an obvious clown, but there's no way he'll win a second term. And then I put politics out of my mind again...
A flatlander, I moved up to New Hampshire in 1999. From an apolitical upbringing, I had only voted once before for Bill Clinton in 1992. I didn't even bother in 1996, and I had no idea there was such a thing as mid-term elections, despite being vaguely aware of the Gingrich uprising.
All of that changed when I lived through my first First-in-the Nation Primary. Seeing how the candidate visits energized the electorate was eye-opening for me. I voted in a tiny, picture perfect olde-timey town hall, on a paper ballot, a far far cry from the ugly public buildings, long lines, and big machines of my New York days. Appearances do count: it felt like my vote actually mattered.
On primary day, I thought I might vote for John McCain. The chief reason was that Bush the Younger seemed to me even more fake than Ronald Reagan - and I had vivid, negative childhood memories of that actor on the TeeVee. Not really feeling a preference (or interest) for either Gore or Bradley, I thought I could do more good in keeping the cowboy down and out. In the end, though, I came to my senses and voted for a Democrat.
Next November, I could barely believe my eyes as the Florida hanging chad fiasco unfolded across CNN. When SCOTUS settled it, I thought, "eh, the country's sick of Democrats after eight years of Bill. Bush's son is an obvious clown, but there's no way he'll win a second term. And then I put politics out of my mind again...
Read the rest of the post over at Blue Hampshire, then volunteer to get out the vote tomorrow.
"Don't believe for a second this election's over. Don't think think for a minute that power concedes. We have a lot of work to do. We have to work like our future depends on it in this last week, because it does depend on it this week." - Sen. Barack Obama
Here it is, our moment - the election is tomorrow. In 35 hours, the polls will be closed across the country. Watch this message from Barack:
Can you knock on some doors for Barack? Can you make some calls? Will you talk to your neighbors and convince your friends? Will you give Barack your vote? Together, we can win this election and change this country and change the world. We only have 35 hours. Let's get to work.
Here at state headquarters in Manchester, we just finished up calling for the night. Check out this father-son calling team working their way through a call packet:
Volunteers will be in again tomorrow, canvassing and making calls so that we can make history on election day. Can you join us? Take the day off work - take two days off work. We only have 48 hours until the polls close. Sign up here to help get out the vote in the final two days.
Actor Kal Penn will return to the Granite State on Monday, November 3rd for round two of the New Hampshire College Tour. Penn, who's best known for his roles in Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle and the television series House M.D., was in New Hampshire a few weeks ago. Check out the video from his last appearance when he discussed the importance of volunteering and how Barack's policies will help students struggling with loans
This time, Penn will be joined by actress Rachel Leigh Cook from the movie She's All That.
The last two elections were decided by less than 9,000 votes in New Hampshire, a state with over 48,000 college students. Young voters have the power to tip this important swing state in favor of Barack. Appearing at Franklin Pierce College and Keene State College, Penn and Cook will reach out to this crucial voting bloc in order to get out the vote between now and Election Day.
12 PM, Monday, November 3rd. Franklin Pierce College, Cheshire Hall, Community Room. Rindge, New Hampshire. Map.1:30 PM, Monday, November 3rd. Keene State College, Young Student Center, Flag Room. Keene, New Hampshire. Map.
12 PM, Monday, November 3rd. Franklin Pierce College, Cheshire Hall, Community Room. Rindge, New Hampshire. Map.
1:30 PM, Monday, November 3rd. Keene State College, Young Student Center, Flag Room. Keene, New Hampshire. Map.
This election will depend on the efforts of volunteers of all stripes - from famous actors to college students. Even if you can only give an hour or two, find the time to volunteer at your local campaign office over the next 48 hours.
Ask your professors for an extension on that paper and make sure that you find the time to vote. In New Hampshire, students can register and vote at the same time at their local polling station, so don't worry if you're not registered yet. Click here to learn more about your voting rights.
The campaign just sent out this e-mail:
This Sunday, November 2nd, please join President Bill Clinton and Jeanne Shaheen in Manchester, where they will talk about Barack's vision for creating the kind of change we need. Unite for Change Rally with President Bill Clinton and Jeanne Shaheen Manchester Central Highschool Gymnasium 207 Lowell Street Manchester, NH Sunday, November 2nd Doors Open: 4:00 p.m. Program Begins: 4:30 p.m. http://nh.barackobama.com/UniteManchester The event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required; however an RSVP is strongly encouraged. For security reasons, do not bring bags or umbrellas. Please limit personal items. No signs or banners allowed. Find your polling location: http://nh.voteforchange.com
This Sunday, November 2nd, please join President Bill Clinton and Jeanne Shaheen in Manchester, where they will talk about Barack's vision for creating the kind of change we need.
Unite for Change Rally with President Bill Clinton and Jeanne Shaheen Manchester Central Highschool Gymnasium 207 Lowell Street Manchester, NH Sunday, November 2nd Doors Open: 4:00 p.m. Program Begins: 4:30 p.m.
http://nh.barackobama.com/UniteManchester
The event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required; however an RSVP is strongly encouraged. For security reasons, do not bring bags or umbrellas. Please limit personal items. No signs or banners allowed.
Find your polling location: http://nh.voteforchange.com
At the New Hampshire State Headquarters, volunteers have been pouring in from all over the northeast as the get out the vote operation kicks into high gear. At this late stage, getting out the vote is the most important thing in the battlegrounds, and we need all hands on deck to get it done.
Maria has come to New Hampshire from New Bedford, Massachusetts. She remembers helping to get out the vote for John Kerry four years ago.
It's very engaging, very exciting...we're energetic, we love the energy people have here. It's very motivating and empowering. I find that people are more energetic this time than four years ago.
She's been doing everything from phonebanking to canvassing, and plans on staying in New Hampshire through election day. She's taking the week off from work, but says it wasn't a difficult decision to make.
No, it wasn't tough at all. I realized how important it is, so I took part of my vacation off so I can volunteer.
You can join Maria and help make history - sign up for an event near you or make phone calls tonight.
Unprecedented numbers of young voters have joined the political process this year, inspired by the Obama/Biden campaign's message of change. The vote in New Hampshire - and the election - could be decided by the participation of this crucial voting bloc of Granite Staters.
In order to encourage college students to help get out the vote, Rachel Dratch, star of NBC's Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock, will hold rallies at Colby-Sawyer College and Dartmouth College (her alma mater) on Sunday, November 2nd.
Come see Rachel and then hit the pavement, knocking on doors and making sure that the Granite State goes blue on November 4th!
10:45 AM - Colby-Sawyer College, Best Hall. New London, NH.12:45 PM - Dartmouth College, Hinman Forum/Rockefeller Center. Hanover, NH.
10:45 AM - Colby-Sawyer College, Best Hall. New London, NH.
12:45 PM - Dartmouth College, Hinman Forum/Rockefeller Center. Hanover, NH.
Tomorrow, President Bill Clinton will rally voters in New Hampshire by telling them how an Obama/Biden White House will bring the change we need. This campaign has been based on bringing more people into the political process than ever before. Now, with only three days left before Election Day, it's time to make sure that voters - new and old - make their voices heard. Join President Clinton and Jeanne Shaheen, candidate for U.S. Senate, at one of their three in-state appearances and learn how you can get involved in the final days of this campaign.
Rochester Opera House, Rochester - Doors open at noon. Map.Greely Park Bandstand, Nashua - Doors open at 2:30 PM. Map.Manchester Central High Gymnasium, Manchester - Doors open at 4:00 PM. Map.
Rochester Opera House, Rochester - Doors open at noon. Map.
Greely Park Bandstand, Nashua - Doors open at 2:30 PM. Map.
Manchester Central High Gymnasium, Manchester - Doors open at 4:00 PM. Map.
You can RSVP for any of the events here.
Mindy Myers, New Hampshire State Director, just sent out this e-mail:
Bradley -- With only 3 days left until Election Day, Granite Staters have a choice. We can get to work right now making sure that New Hampshire's pivotal electoral votes go to Barack Obama. Or we can sit back, relax, and risk facing four more years of the same failed Bush-McCain economic policies. I don't think it's a hard decision. Now is the time to help get out the vote in New Hampshire. This is our chance to make change a reality. Joe Biden recently recorded a message for New Hampshire supporters. Take a moment to hear Joe talk about why it's so important to get involved right now, and then sign up to help get out the vote. This campaign has come a long way in the past 21 months. Now that we're in the final, crucial days, letting up is simply not an option. It's up to us to make sure that New Hampshire voters get to the polls -- and all New Hampshire residents need to know that they can register and vote on Election Day, even if they've never registered before. This is our chance for a brighter future. Please sign up to help get out the vote: http://nh.barackobama.com/gotvNH Thanks for everything you're doing, Mindy Mindy Myers New Hampshire State Director Obama for America P.S. -- Visit our online Election Headquarters to look up polling locations, learn about your voting rights, and find answers to any questions you might have: http://nh.barackobama.com/NHelectionHQ Volunteer to get out the vote.
Bradley -- With only 3 days left until Election Day, Granite Staters have a choice. We can get to work right now making sure that New Hampshire's pivotal electoral votes go to Barack Obama. Or we can sit back, relax, and risk facing four more years of the same failed Bush-McCain economic policies. I don't think it's a hard decision. Now is the time to help get out the vote in New Hampshire. This is our chance to make change a reality. Joe Biden recently recorded a message for New Hampshire supporters. Take a moment to hear Joe talk about why it's so important to get involved right now, and then sign up to help get out the vote.
This campaign has come a long way in the past 21 months. Now that we're in the final, crucial days, letting up is simply not an option. It's up to us to make sure that New Hampshire voters get to the polls -- and all New Hampshire residents need to know that they can register and vote on Election Day, even if they've never registered before. This is our chance for a brighter future. Please sign up to help get out the vote: http://nh.barackobama.com/gotvNH Thanks for everything you're doing, Mindy Mindy Myers New Hampshire State Director Obama for America P.S. -- Visit our online Election Headquarters to look up polling locations, learn about your voting rights, and find answers to any questions you might have: http://nh.barackobama.com/NHelectionHQ
Volunteer to get out the vote.
When Robots Attack:
Fight the Robo-Calls by getting involved today!
