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Oh, that sucks, but thank you for sharing the story. It is a very important lesson and the type of situation you describe is very, very common in US local elections.
We get fed hopium stories about how one person can make a difference, but those simplistic stories don't usually explain how one person can make a difference. We only get to see the stories of exceptional leaders who are buoyed up by the invisible efforts of the people who made their own humble difference in their local area.
I happened to be in DC on an unrelated lobbying trip during the Bush II administration on the day they reauthorized the voting rights act in 2006. Jesse Jackson was wandering around doing photo ops as is the norm. What didn't make it on to TV was the veritable army of formidable organizers who themselves were representing their own local constituencies. Mr. Jackson's power and visibility was directly derived from the humble and tireless work of supporters, just like any other political figure.
Yes, absolutely. And I think that makes the important point that in addition to voting, it’s also important to take other political actions. But I think right now many people don’t even know what’s happening locally, so they first need to tune in and start paying attention. Seeing a ballot with names you don’t recognize can be a useful kick in the butt to do some research and talk to your community about what’s going on.
In my friend group we used to do a ballot party where each person would research one issue or candidate and then report back to the group. It was a fun way to lighten the load and get multiple perspectives on what’s going on. Then everyone had babies and it kind of fell apart but maybe I’ll bring it back this fall.
That's a great idea and I think I will suggest it to our local party as a theme for house parties that the more engaged volunteers can throw. People hate door-knocking and it's not the most effective thing to do anyway, so we are always searching for more impactful activities.
I hate to say this, but 'think of the children' and include them if they are old enough to not be a complete distraction. My views on democracy were formed from very young listening to my parents discuss politics amongst themselves and others. My household was 'divided' politically in that my mother was a labor Democrat active in her union governance and my father an Eisenhower-type Republican who once ran for a county office unsuccessfully. Seeing them disagree about politics, but still have a generally loving relationship was extremely influential. You never know who is watching.