???? Final Election Thoughts & Opportunities to Act

Hi y’all,

I have been worried for many, many months about the possibility of a second Trump term because of how bad it would be for so many people in the present and future.

However, over the last few days, I have become increasingly optimistic about the election. I think we’re on the verge of a historic win for Harris because enough people are stepping up. I think we’re on the verge of being done with Trump for good.

But we need to finish strong.

The main things you can do right now are to:

1. Make sure you vote if you haven’t already (info and resources here ).
2. Help increase the chances that other people vote, especially in swing states, for Harris/Walz.

More than anyone else, you have the best chance of influencing and mobilizing the people you know to vote. You have more power than you realize. Use it - even if you’re uncomfortable bringing up politics. Because this is bigger than you, me, and any social discomfort we may have.

This is about making the best possible choice for our future, given the two options, and being on the right side of history (for basic rights and freedoms, democracy, climate, decency, and so much more).

So call or text your family and friends (especially those living in important states or districts). Ask them if they’re voting. And if they’re planning to vote for Harris. Gently encourage them to if they’re not. Ask if you can share something with them (see videos below) or share why you are voting the way you are.

And if you’ve done that already, consider volunteering to help get out the vote in key places. Personally, I’m a fan of phone banking with Climate Changemakers or the Environmental Voter Project . They help get environmentalists who are unlikely to vote to the polls. So far, over 500,000 of the environmentalists they are encouraging to vote have already voted (including 100,000+ in the swing states). These are people voting for the first time ever. These first-time climate voters could literally swing the election.

Many more phone banking opportunities today and tomorrow (basically throughout the day). No experience needed. It’s a little nerve-wracking but you get used to it/it’s worth it. You can find a time that works for you and sign up here!

Some things to keep in mind and/or pass on

• You can register to vote on Election Day in the following states: CA, CO, CT, HI, ID, IL, IA, ME, MD, MI, MN, MT, NV, NH, NM, UT, VT, VA, WA, WI, WY, and Washington, D.C.
• If you are turned away at the polls, your response should be as follows: “Please give me a provisional ballot with a receipt, as required by law.”
• For anyone in your life who has voted for Trump in the past, consider sharing this 21-minute montage of dozens of former Trump voters explaining why they cannot and will not vote for him again. A significant percentage of former Trump voters have already left him. Others may just need a little nudge from you.
• For anyone you know who is on the left and considering voting for Jill Stein or leaving the top of the ticket blank, this 2-minute video from AOC may be worth a watch. Or this John Oliver clip .
• I’m an independent. But it’s clear that we need Democrats to win the house and senate in addition to the presidency. The house is especially important because it will help thwart Trump’s attempts to overturn the election via the certification process. That means voting everywhere is important - especially in places you might not think of like NY and CA where there are a lot of house seats up for grabs. And we need to win the senate so congress can actually get things done - so basic freedoms like women’s reproductive rights can be put into law.

Be prepared. Trump is going to claim victory even if he loses. He'll probably say it was rigged and try to overturn the election again.

Be wary of misinformation.

Be hopeful.

Be active.

And let’s make history.

Much love,

Ryan

P.S. I will keep publishing the newsletter here on LinkedIn for some time, but I would love it if you subscribed to the newsletter on substack . It's free and I believe it will be better for both you and me going forward - thank you!