Sent in by: HRC Youth College staffer Eric in Arizona
My job responsibilities for HRC endorsee Gabrielle Giffords for Congress have grown. I've gone from Field Organizer to Canvass Director for Giffords. And for the last month I've served as Canvass Director for Congressional District 8 - Arizona Democratic Party.
And yet, at 5:45 p.m., we knew that Precinct 70 had low Democratic turnout. My Youth Outreach Coordinator and I hopped in the car and cut through rush hour in Tucson to knock on 50 doors.
At 6:35 p.m., I knocked on Elma's door, and she sheepishly answered. Claiming old age and frustration with American politics, I was told that the Democrats wouldn't receive Elma's vote this year. She wasn't going to vote for anyone.
"You have to vote! You must vote! We need your vote today! Right now, Elma!" I exclaimed, surprised at my response to this feeble woman in her mid-eighties.
"Well, I don't have a ride," she responded.
"I'll run and get my car."
"No no, young man. Judy will take me."
"Who's Judy?"
Thirty seconds later I'm at Judy's door, just one house over, begging her to hop in her car and take Elma to the polls. On her way out, keys in hand, she responds, "I'm glad you stopped by. I'd almost forgotten to vote as well."
That's why grassroots field organizing and canvassing-houses-in-the-dark rocks.
Cheers to all! Peace and Progress.
