My name is Isha Arciba de la Cruz, and I serve as a Regional Voter Registration Manager for When We Count AZ, a historic, first-of-its-kind partisan voter registration program spearheaded by the DNC. With over 700,000 unregistered Latino voters in Arizona, I am profoundly honored to direct and mentor a team of dedicated Spanish-speaking fellows focused on closing this gap.

Raised in a home where political dialogue was part of daily life, my path was shaped by my parents, who immigrated from Chihuahua, Mexico. Throughout my childhood, they sent me to Mexico each summer to deepen my connection with our family. Our family roots run deep in a rural community that was very active during the Mexican Revolution, where my grandparents still farm land granted to our family as an outcome of that historic struggle. My family has always recognized that the pursuit of justice is continuous; their unwavering advocacy for local water conservation and environmental protection inspires me every day. However, making those summer journeys without my parents always left me asking, “Why can’t my parents be here with me? I wish they were here.”

“I wish” is a phrase I have heard—and spoken —far too many times throughout my life: “I wish my parents didn’t have to work all the time,” “I wish I could afford college,” “I wish my parents had papers.” We often use “I wish” to describe circumstances that feel unattainable or beyond our control, yet desperately need changing. This reflects a deep truth about how my community experiences these challenges, but it also underscores our collective desire for meaningful transformation.

This reality is precisely why organizing within Latino communities holds a deep personal meaning for me. Looking back on the conversations my friends and I had growing up, we never labeled them as “politics,” even though policy decisions directly touched every aspect of our daily lives. Through this work, I have realized how essential it is to help young Latino voters connect those dots. These issues have already shaped their lives, giving us a powerful opportunity to show them that wishing for change is no longer enough—we must step up and make our voices heard, because often all it takes is hearing from a peer who shares your background and experiences.

That is where When We Count comes in! Our Spanish-speaking fellows have mastered engaging young Latino voters through authentic, intentional dialogue. Given what our community faces under the current administration, we lead with directness and urgency—there is simply no time to beat around the bush. Our strategic approach has driven incredible results: 45% of voters registered through When We Count in Arizona identify as Latino.

The last year and half has brought deep fear and overwhelming uncertainty to my community, forcing people to drastically alter their daily routines and take unprecedented safety measures. The threat is so intense that my father feels compelled to carry his passport at all times, even though he is now a U.S. citizen. Many of our fellows come from mixed-status households, making this cause deeply personal for our entire team. Living under such unrelenting strain is unacceptable, and our community cannot afford to remain passive. With so much on the line, we must press forward with unyielding urgency—because it truly is now or never!

Learn More About When We Count

The work of Isha and the When We Count team has made a significant impact by driving meaningful engagement, expanding grassroots outreach, and strengthening voter registration efforts. Learn more about the progress being made and how this program has empowered communities across key regions through voter registration efforts.

Read about When We Count's Impact in AZ

Support Our Battleground States

Our path to victory runs directly through battleground states, where turning out Latino voters is critical. From the skyrocketing cost of living to threats to community safety, Latino families are directly impacted and harmed by Donald Trump’s agenda. With the midterms offering a vital opportunity to flip the U.S. House and Senate, we are actively recruiting for Late Help roles in key battleground areas. Whether you’ve organized for one cycle or twenty, your experience is urgently needed in these final weeks. Sign up for a Late Help role today to mobilize, empower, and turn out Latino voters where it matters most.

Sign Up to Get Involved

Share Your Story

Stories like Isha’s are just one example of the incredible impact within our community. As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, uplifting and honoring these voices is more vital than ever. We encourage you to share your own story and join us in celebrating our shared journey.

Join the Storyteller Network

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This past May, voters across Idaho chose Terri Pickens as their Democratic nominee for governor. A fourth-generation Idahoan, award-winning lawyer, small business owner, and dedicated community advocate, Pickens has devoted her life to fighting for working families and giving a voice to abused children.

Now, her campaign is sparking a powerful movement across the state, fueled by over 2,000 donations from more than 1,000 supporters, and drawing an incredible 1.25 million social media visits last month alone.

Continue reading for an exclusive update from Terri from her time on the campaign trail, the challenges Idahoans are facing, and her unwavering belief in a government that truly works for the people:

“I started campaigning here right after Trump won 67% of the Idaho vote. Despite the steep hill, I was confident Trump would lose support. I was right. His Idaho approval has dropped below 50 percent. His supporters are demoralized.

My grassroots supporters, on the other hand, are ready to go. With more than 2,000 contributions from over 1,000 donors, we are in the position to compete in Idaho for the first time in years. This campaign VIBRATES with energy. My social media is highly active, with 1.25 million visits last month (that’s huge for an Idaho candidate!)

All the while, I HAMMER our governor for converting to full-MAGA. To kneel to the president, our governor betrays his supporters and opponents alike. He sold priceless public land to a billionaire donor. He didn’t speak up for ranchers when Trump planned to depress cattle prices by importing foreign beef. We just learned our governor wants our beautiful home to be the nation’s nuclear waste dumpsite. He welcomed ICE agents to bully citizens. He attacked LGBTQ+ rights, libraries and librarians, and women and their doctors. He is giving tax dollars to private religious schools. There’s so, so, much more.

People love what I bring to leadership. I am a mother, a small business owner, a successful attorney, an outdoorswoman, and a community leader. I volunteer legal help for abused children. I am unafraid. I believe truth matters.

Right now, this fall’s ballot gives women a chance to strike down Idaho’s vicious anti-abortion law. Those women have unprecedented enthusiasm. Those women are voting for me.

I believe the government should work for the people, not the other way around. I will tackle our housing affordability crisis. I believe workers need a break – billionaires don’t. I will end the Culture Wars and, together, we will take back our freedom.

Thanks again for your support.”

Volunteer With Terri Pickens For Idaho

Democratic candidates like Terri Pickens are fighting to deliver real results for working families this November, when we stand up against Donald Trump and show that Americans demand change.

We are full steam ahead leading up to the midterms, and grassroots supporters like you are powering campaigns across the country. Volunteer with Terri Pickens to help Idaho flip blue!

Volunteer With Terri Pickens

Follow Terri Pickens on Social Media

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My name is Lorenza Ramirez, and I’m the National Organizing Director at the DNC.

In April, we launched the inaugural Playbook, our guide for state parties and coordinated campaigns to win in November and beyond. Since its inception, the Playbook has accumulated over 14,000 unique views, 3,000 downloads, and has been downloaded and viewed in every single state in the country.

The reach of the Playbook has been astounding! We’ve received great feedback from campaigns large and small, and have helped organizing programs across the country implement new tactics to revolutionize their programs.

In the final months and weeks leading up to Election Day, we’ve been hearing from organizers that they want to learn how to apply the Playbook during GOTV season. That’s why we are introducing the Playbook Addendum.

My job is to make sure Democrats are reaching as many voters as possible. During a time focused on helping people register to vote and getting them the information they need, that principle couldn’t be clearer. Adapting our campaign strategy doesn’t happen by accident. It requires real-time learning and a commitment to providing updated guidance for campaigns of all sizes.

Through this brand-new update, we’re delivering refreshed best practices, expanded case studies, and actionable insights to strengthen our ground game nationwide. For the first time, we’re sharing important best practices on partisan voter registration through our When We Count program to register and turn out new Democrats nationwide.

The DNC has been putting in the work all year to secure our success. Thank you for being part of this journey.

Best,

Lorenza Ramirez

DNC National Organizing Director

DNC Unveils Playbook Addendum to Bolster Campaign Strategy for the 2026 Midterms

Traditional tactics aren’t enough on their own. The landscape has shifted, and we need updated tools to meet voters where they are.

When we launched the Playbook in March 2026, we built it to grow as new ideas emerged. The Addendum is that next step: updated tools, key case studies, and modern organizing standards. It includes best practices on having high‑quality voter conversations, results from our Local Listeners program and more.

On National Voter Registration Day, we’re emphasizing guidance that helps organizers turn out new Democrats. In the Addendum, we’re sharing the findings from our When We Count program, our partisan voter registration program. This provides best practices on how to effectively register and turn out new Democrats nationwide.

As we approach GOTV, sharing these learnings is critical. If we execute effectively, we can secure key victories up and down the ballot, but scaling this work depends on grassroots support.

Read The Playbook Addendum

What We’re Fighting For

Before going out in your community to turn out voters, it’s important to understand the Democratic Party’s core values and how we are fighting for the American people.

Our agenda is focused on lowering costs, improving healthcare, creating jobs, ending corruption, and protecting our democracy. While Republicans prioritize the interests of billionaires, Democrats stand firmly with working people.

Every American deserves a fair shot at the American dream. Check out our Party Platform so you can effectively share what we’re fighting for.

Learn About The DNC's Party Platform

Get Out The Vote: Volunteer Info Session

Ready to help elect Democrats up and down the ballot?

Join the DNC’s Get Out The Vote: Volunteer Info Session to find out how you can take action this fall. From phone banking high-priority voters nationwide to supporting specific battleground races or protecting the vote, we have a role for every schedule and comfort level.

We’ll guide you through flexible opportunities, while also providing insight on the most critical races. Register now to find your place on the team taking back the House and Senate this November!

Join Our Next Volunteer Info Session

Phone Bank For Democrats

Election season is in full swing, and Democrats need your support to win elections up and down the ballot.

Join us for a phone bank every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday to ensure that voters nationwide are educated about their elections, candidates, and how to make their voices heard at the polls. We provide step-by-step training for callers to ensure that you have successful conversations and make genuine connections with voters.

Interested in volunteering? Sign up today!

Sign Up To Phone Bank

Battleground Support Hub

As Election Day grows closer, critical races across the country will determine control of Congress.

We cannot afford to sit on the sidelines. That’s why we have created our Battleground Resource Hub, a critical resource for supporters nationwide to help make an impact in the most important races.

If you live in a battleground state, join your neighbors and canvass door-to-door to have meaningful conversations with those in your community. Not in a battleground state? Make an impact from home through a virtual phone bank.

Check our Battleground Resource Hub to learn how you can be the difference in these critical races.

Battleground Support Hub

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2026 Could Be Historic

In this year’s August Primary, Democratic candidates received 50%+ of the vote in 35 of Washington’s 49 Legislative Districts – that’s 71%! We are forcing Republicans to defend seats that are traditionally ruby red, including in Eastern and Southwest Washington. Four Republican State House incumbents were trailing their Democratic challengers in Southwest Washington, and Republican U.S. Representative Michael Baumgartner failed to crack 50%. It will be an uphill climb to flip this seat that hasn’t gone for a Democrat since former U.S. Speaker of the House Tom Foley lost his seat there in 1994, but the independent candidate has already endorsed the Democrat in the race, former State Department official Carmela Conroy.

The Washington Blueprint

In the 2024 general election, every state had major shifts towards Republicans – but not Washington. As the rest of the country saw an average shift of 6% towards Donald Trump, Washington state held the line, keeping the shift below 0.5%. We won every statewide election, added seats in the legislature, and protected all 8 of our Congressional incumbents, including in the R+5 3rd Congressional District.

We estimate that in 2024 we turned out 538,000 more core Democrats than core Republicans and 77,000 more lean Democrats than lean Republicans. How did we do it?

A few ways…

Progressive Policies are Popular

100% mail-in voting. Automatic voter registration. Paid family leave. The highest state minimum wage in the country. We were already talking about kitchen table issues that most impacted real people in our state. Voters have rewarded Washington’s Democratic lawmakers fighting for tangible policies that improve their lives.

Professional and Year-Round Team

After November 2024, we didn’t stop organizing. We continued building out our field operation in 2025. The Washington State Democratic Party is one of the largest state parties by headcount, and we were the first state party in the nation to unionize. This gave us the benefits of long-term, year-round staff who bring institutional knowledge and deep community connections to the table. In 2024, we fielded one of the largest organizing staffs in state history, hiring 30 field staff to raise an army of volunteers. This year, we launched an early coordinated campaign to build talent, volunteer, and staff pipelines sooner than ever – and then we never stopped.

Year-Round Infrastructure

Our 2026 campaign is a direct outgrowth of the 2024 coordinated campaign. In 2025, we hired our first year-round Organizing Director and worked within communities to conduct deep organizing – knocking doors and making phone calls, not to ask people to vote for a specific candidate, but to listen to them and identify the issues that are top of mind for the people we need to turn out in order to win. This work helped us deliver historic results in this year’s midterm primary, including a pathway to a supermajority in our State House. DNC Party Infrastructure funding greatly supported this effort by providing essential monthly grants directly to state Democratic parties across the country. These key investments helped build permanent campaign infrastructure, keep year-round staff, and grow local voter registration and outreach before the midterms. This formula works, as we’ve seen in Washington state and as Chair Ken Martin accomplished in Minnesota. A well-resourced, strong DNC directly translates into greater opportunities, infrastructure, and wins on the ground all year, every year.

National and Down-Ballot Advocacy

As both a State Party Chair and DNC officer, I see it as my duty and responsibility to bring state and local issues to the national stage. State parties are the nerve center that provides real-time information to our national party about the issues motivating voters, and they are also the limbs of the party that implement national strategy on the ground. State parties in every U.S. state and territory are actively expanding the Democratic map, and I could not be more proud as these efforts bear fruit and lay the groundwork to restore Democratic leadership at all levels of government.

Get Involved with the Washington State Democrats

Grassroots organizing is the heart of our victories in Washington State. Whether you can knock on doors, make phone calls, or help power our ground game in your local community, every action makes a difference. Join our year-round organizing efforts, volunteer for local campaigns, and help support our field operations across the state to keep Washington moving forward.

Find Events in Washington

Support Our Battleground States

Our path to victory runs through battleground states, and we need your help to cross the finish line. With the midterms being a crucial opportunity to regain control of the U.S. House and Senate, we are recruiting for Late Help roles in key battleground areas. Whether you’ve completed one cycle or twenty, your experience is invaluable in these final, critical weeks. Sign up for a Late Help role today to help us organize, mobilize, and turn out the vote where it matters most.

Sign Up to Get Involved

Share Your Story

With Election Day just around the corner, every voice counts more than ever. We’re working around the clock to turn out every single voter, but we need your help to amplify the stories that define this movement. Don’t just watch history happen, help us shape it.

Join the Storyteller Network

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Folks,

My name is Justin J. Pearson, and I just became the Democratic nominee for Congress in Tennessee’s 9th Congressional District.

It’s not lost on me that I won this primary exactly 61 years to the day after the Voting Rights Act was signed into law when leaders like Dr. King, John Lewis, and Rosa Parks stood with President Johnson to secure our right to be heard.

Today, that same Voting Rights Act has been severely dismantled by the Supreme Court, and the Tennessee state legislature has taken advantage of those weaker protections by separating Memphis and Shelby County, our only majority-Black congressional district, into thirds.

They are trying to dilute our voices and keep us out of the rooms where decisions are made. It’s happening right now, in our lifetime, and it’s a blatant attempt to keep the people’s power in check.

This election isn’t just about the next couple of years. It’s about what our country looks like 61 years from today. That’s true for Memphis, and it’s true for every community across the country.

In 63 days, we will face a choice: We can start to build an America that reflects the true spirit of generosity and kindness that I have always known our communities to have.

Or, we can let our country continue to be permanently scarred by two more years of unchecked power for Donald Trump. By two more years of chaos and cruelty. By two more years of the systematic dismantling of our fundamental rights and freedoms.

We can’t just wait for Election Day to see what happens. We have to decide right now, in these next 63 days, that we’re going to fight. Whether it’s knocking on doors or making calls, we have to do the work to power Democrats to the finish line.

I’ve made my choice. I’m going to do everything I can to make sure that Democrats take back the House and the Senate this November.

The DNC is doing everything they can too. They’re sending organizers out to register tens of thousands of new Democratic voters in swing states (particularly young folks), they’re going to court to defend voting rights, and they’re supporting over 10,000 Democrats running for office across the country, from the school board to the Senate.

So, if you’re in this fight with us, it is more important now than ever to take action and make an impact in the midterms. Your work will help Democrats not only win here in Tennessee, but all across the country.

In Love and Service,

Justin J. Pearson

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I’m Shelby Wiltz, the DNC’s Political Director. These are just a few of the key takeaways from thousands of voters who spoke to hundreds of volunteers throughout the DNC’s Local Listeners program.

In January, the DNC Organizing Team launched Local Listeners, a first-of-its-kind training and voter contact program designed to center listening-first conversations. This seven-week bootcamp trained volunteers to become organizers in their own communities, pairing them with a calls program aimed at reactivating voters in target congressional districts.

We hear a lot about what pollsters have to say about the state of our country. But we had a really simple, but ambitious, idea:

We know that hundreds of thousands of Democrats voted in the 2020 presidential election, but sat out the election in 2024. What if we could find them and connect with them?

And if we could connect with them, most political pundits would recommend just asking them simple questions and getting off the phone as quickly as possible. It’s a numbers game. But, what if we approached this project as organizers? What if we had open-ended conversations about what’s on their mind? What if we built actual relationships and community with these voters?

Well, that’s exactly what we’ve been doing.

This year, more than 400 volunteers joined us to make 448,295 calls to voters who voted in 2020, but not 2024. We had nearly 10,000 conversations with voters from 61 battleground districts across the country, and what we found could change the game for the midterms this year.

A statistic that may shock you: From January to July, our volunteers had more conversations with voters than the number of votes that decided the House majority in 2024.

I’m beyond proud of what our organizers and volunteers were able to accomplish with these conversations, and I’d love to share some of our findings with you today:

• During every conversation, volunteers asked voters which issues were most important to them. Across all groups, voters named the rising cost of living as a top issue, and 78% of them said the country is headed in the wrong direction under Trump.

• We also asked voters what it would take for a candidate to earn their vote this year. Consistently, they said they wanted leaders who would fight for them, their families, and their communities. They agreed that candidates should be for the working people.

• And — most importantly — 86% of these folks said that they plan to vote in the upcoming midterm elections this November.

So much is at stake this November, and reaching every voter we possibly can is going to prove critical to Democrats’ success up and down the ballot. Having these conversations doesn’t just allow us to sway people in key districts to vote; it helps us build trust with voters that Democrats may have lost in the past few years.

Here’s the truth: Building trust is key to winning elections. We’re already working to share our results with campaign staff, organizers, fellows, and volunteers on races up and down the ballot, all across the country. We hope that our findings from this program will help inform scripts for door-knocking and phone banking, campaign literature and messaging, paid media, and more.

We also plan to share our findings with YOU.

Another big truth is that the work to build trust in the Democratic Party across the country is being powered by the people. Over 99% of the donations the DNC receives are from grassroots supporters — just like you — pitching in what they can, when they can, to fuel our fight to elect Democrats this year and well into the future.

We are revolutionizing our approach to organizing because winning in 2026, 2028, and beyond requires a fundamental shift in how we connect with people. If you’re ready to help us win in November, join us for an upcoming phone bank and start connecting with voters on the issues that matter most.

Sign Up To Phone Bank

Best,

Shelby Wiltz

DNC Political Director

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Registering new Democrats couldn’t be more urgent: In recent years, Democrats have lost major ground to Republicans, particularly among young people and voters of color. Meanwhile, far-right groups like TurningPoint USA have invested millions in partisan voter registration efforts.

When We Count is the DNC’s response: Democrats’ largest-ever on-the-ground program that focuses partisan voter registration efforts where the opportunity to grow the electorate is greatest. The program meets young voters where they live, work, and gather, not just on college campuses.

The fellowship is open to college and non-college applicants ages 18–29, does not require prior political experience, and is designed for individuals who can commit to a paid, part-time voter registration program in priority communities.

This week, we are spotlighting Lani, a When We Count fellow based in Arizona who shares her on-the-ground experiences and how she’s gearing up to mobilize young voters in the final stretch.

Q: Tell us about your background. What motivated you to pursue a path in politics and organizing?

When I was 17 years old, I attended Arizona Girls State, a week-long summer camp for young women entering their senior year of high school. There, more than 300 rising seniors built a mock State of Arizona, from local city councils to the Governor’s Office. For one week, we created a government designed by women, for women. It was a utopia.

When I left Girls State, the reality of women’s representation in government began to set in: women hold only about 30% of elected offices worldwide. That disparity, and my belief in the power of women in leadership, have continued to shape my path in public service. It led me to work for the Vote for Equality campaign in 2024, supporting pro-choice candidates up and down the ballot; to serve in the office of Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari, the youngest woman currently in Congress; and now to work with the DNC’s When We Count Fellowship, mobilizing young Arizonans to vote and helping build a political future where women have a seat at every table.

Headshot of Lani going into her senior year at Arizona State University.

Q: The When We Count Fellowship aims to register new Democratic voters and engage the next generation of Democrats. Why did you decide to apply for the fellowship, and what have you accomplished so far in this position?

I recently studied abroad in Madrid, Spain, from January through May 2026, where I studied politics and feminism through a non-American lens. While I was in Europe, the political landscape in the United States was changing rapidly under the Trump administration. The constant stream of news coming from home left me feeling guilty about being temporarily removed from political advocacy in the United States, even if that distance lasted only five months. So, when I saw the When We Count Fellowship application on Arizona State University’s job board, I knew that returning to civic engagement through voter registration and conversations with Arizona voters about the upcoming 2026 midterm elections would be the perfect way to reconnect with my community, my state, and my country.

One of the most important skills I have developed as a When We Count Fellow is how to conduct partisan voter registration. The work is not easy; it challenges nearly every social norm we are taught to follow: talking to strangers, talking about politics, and, perhaps most intimidatingly, talking to strangers about politics. But regardless of the outcome of a conversation, I try to leave each interaction on a positive note. As Fellows, our goal is not simply to register voters; it is also to remind people that their participation in our democracy matters and that they have the power to shape the communities they live in.

Lani registering someone who just moved to Arizona to vote at the Downtown Phoenix Farmer’s Market.

Q: You are not only registering voters, but building a connection with them to ensure they cast their ballot on election day. What does the process of registering voters look like in this fellowship?

I typically begin a shift of “high-traffic canvassing” (HTC) by being sent to a third space somewhere in the greater Phoenix area. As When We Count Fellows, we specifically target spaces where young people naturally gather, including malls, concerts, festivals, and community meetings. Working in pairs or small groups, Fellows approach potential voters with a positive attitude and confidence.

I always introduce myself by name and ask for the potential voter’s name as well. This simple exchange helps turn what could otherwise feel like a transactional interaction into a genuine conversation. I’ve also found that eye contact and a handshake can go a long way toward establishing trust with potential voters.

When you approach someone with respect, patience, and genuine eye contact, they are much more likely to feel comfortable engaging with you and asking questions about the voting process.

For follow-up, I also provide voters with resources that can help them navigate their first or early experiences at the ballot box. Depending on their needs, I share voting guides and advocacy resources, including organizations such as Arizona List or EMILY’s List, so that new voters have additional information available when making their own decisions.

Q: The When We Count Fellowship is reaching the next generation of Democrats and meeting young voters where they are. Why is it important that we’re changing the way we’re reaching young voters?

Traditionally, voter registration efforts have concentrated heavily on college campuses, which can unintentionally exclude young people who are in the workforce, attending trade school, serving in the military, or otherwise outside of traditional four-year college environments from conversations about civic engagement. As I mentioned earlier, When We Count is helping change that model by meeting young voters in the “third spaces” where they already spend their time and where community-building naturally takes place. Some of my most successful voter registration shifts have been at World Cup watch parties, LGBTQIA+-owned coffee shops, and indoor malls. Approaching people during their free time, particularly in spaces where they already feel comfortable, often creates a more natural and receptive conversation about voting.

The fellowship also incorporates a significant digital component, particularly through relational voter registration. For me, that means going through my phone contacts one by one and making sure my friends, coworkers, classmates, and acquaintances are registered to vote at their current addresses and have access to the information they need to participate in the upcoming election.

The When We Count Fellowship is just one example of how the Democratic Party is creating opportunities for young people to become more directly involved in politics. Personally, I am a Democrat in large part because of the diversity of the party and its emphasis on protecting the many different communities that make up the United States. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I am proud to be part of a political movement that advocates for my right to live openly and authentically. Being able to share that personal connection with potential voters has made many of my conversations especially meaningful. I am not simply asking people to participate in politics; I am sharing why political participation matters to me and why I believe our democracy is strongest when everyone has the opportunity to be represented.

Lani registering a first-time voter at a local mall.

Q: When We Count is a partisan voter registration program. Why is it so important to register new Democratic voters as opposed to traditional voter registration?

Here in Arizona, a critical battleground state, we have a history of super-tight-margin elections. For example, in 2022, our Democratic Attorney General, Kris Mayes, won in the general election by 280 votes. This year in 2026, Attorney General Mayes is back on the ballot, this time running against an election-denying MAGA Republican, making registering new voters as “Democrats” that much more important.

Contrary to popular belief, Arizona does not have an “Independent Party.” Instead, a large share of Arizona voters are registered with no party preference, often referred to as “independent” voters. Because Arizona has a semi-closed primary system, voters who are not affiliated with a recognized political party face different rules for participating in partisan primary elections. One of the goals of the When We Count Fellowship is to encourage unaffiliated Arizona voters who identify with Democratic values to register as Democrats, giving them the opportunity to participate directly in the Democratic primary and have a voice in shaping the candidates and priorities of the party.

When I speak with Arizonans who are uncertain about which party, if any, they want to affiliate with, I often begin with a simple question: “How do you feel about Donald Trump?”, with most answers stemming from a deep distaste. We are building a party of independent, moderate, and progressive voices all united in stopping Trump’s and his enablers’ corruption.

One of the most memorable conversations I have had during the fellowship was with a 2024 Trump voter I met at a mall. He told me that shortly after the 2024 election, his father was deported, an experience that fundamentally changed the way he viewed the Republican Party and its immigration policies. I shared some of my own experiences working on immigration cases in Congressman Ansari’s office here in Arizona, and we had a thoughtful conversation about immigration, political identity, and the issues that shape how people vote. By the end of our conversation, he was checking the “Democrat” box on the Arizona voter registration form.

That interaction reminded me why I find voter registration work so meaningful. Political identity is not always fixed, and people’s experiences can fundamentally reshape how they understand their communities and their place within the political system.

Lani and a group of other When We Count Fellows doing a post “HTC” shift debrief at the Arizona Democratic Party Office.

Q: Share your goals for the rest of the program. What do you hope to accomplish leading up to the midterm elections in November?

With school starting again this month, I am looking forward to returning to high school and college campuses for voter registration while continuing to engage young people in the “third spaces” where they spend their time. As I did in 2024, I am also working to present to my own sorority and other Greek organizations on campus about civic engagement and what is at stake in the 2026 election. I am excited to bring the lessons I have learned through When We Count back to my own campus community and encourage more young people to see themselves as active participants in our democracy.

I am incredibly thankful to be part of the ever-evolving Democratic movement here in Arizona. When We Count has made me a stronger leader, more confident organizer, and even more passionate advocate for the values that guide my political work. Most importantly, this fellowship has reminded me that meaningful political change begins with conversations between people in our own communities.

I am also deeply grateful to everyone who donated to the Democratic Party and supported this work. Those contributions have a tangible impact on the ground: they help put water, cooling supplies, and other heat-mitigation resources in the hands of Fellows working through Arizona’s 110-degree-plus summer days. Every additional donation also helps When We Count hire more Fellows, reach more communities, and register more voters.

When We Count is only the beginning, and I cannot wait to ride the blue wave.

Lani K.

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DISCLAIMER: This article may contain outdated information for, or links to opportunities and other events that may have already passed. Please continue to stay updated with The Blue Print’s most recent posts for the most up-to-date information.**

We are Aly McCormick, Vertical Platforms Manager, and Hannah Merrick, Vertical Video Producer, at the DNC. Our job is to build and cultivate our vertical video program, with a large emphasis on increasing our reach among young Americans on TikTok.

Hannah Merrick (left) and Aly McCormick (right) speaking about their work at a local college.

As a new generation of Americans becomes eligible to vote, the Democratic Party recognizes the importance of meeting young people where they’re at — online! With so many people scrolling, it’s important we tailor our content and mission to ‘fit in’ on the internet. This way, we can connect with young Americans who might otherwise not be politically inclined or active. Making politics accessible to young voters is one of our top priorities and a leading reason why we place such emphasis on our TikTok program!

To reach these voters, we follow trending topics and engage with cultural moments to spread the Democratic message. We are always strategizing on unique ways to link trending audio to the current news cycle and to find creative ways to poke fun at the Trump administration. The goal is to highlight the destruction MAGA policies have caused for Americans everywhere.

To do this properly, we spend a lot of time online to ensure we have a proper grasp of what the internet is talking about. Otherwise, our content may come off as inauthentic and miss the mark of what we’re trying to accomplish.

Recent Wins Online

One of our more successful stories has been our video highlighting prominent Democrats to the KATSEYE song “Gnarly.” This video used a popular song that was trending on TikTok and combined it with the Democratic brand and its most powerful messengers. This video got 838k likes and 4.4 million views.

@democrats🌊

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Kahoot, a game-based learning platform, was a prominent learning tool for Gen Z in the classroom. We capitalized on that by taking a Trump clip from November 2025, where he called a reporter a “piggy,” and turning it into an interactive game that Gen Z could resonate with. Not only did this resurface the older Trump clip, but it was also a massive hit, garnering 8.1 million likes and 45 million views. As of now, it is our most liked TikTok!

@democratstrump trivia

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The last success story we’ll share is a video highlighting Rep. Seth Magaziner’s confrontation of Kristi Noem’s deportation of an American war veteran by bringing him to the hearing via a Zoom call. This showed our young audience that Democrats are constantly fighting against the Trump administration’s dehumanizing actions. This video got 905k likes and 6 million views, making it one of our most successful clips overall.

@democratsWow.

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These videos are a success story of how digital content is shaping the political landscape. We’ve reached millions of current and potential voters through TikTok to educate them about the party and current events through media that resonates with them. This will continue to be critical as we approach November.

Bringing Breaking News Into the Algorithm

Aly and Hannah with DNC Rapid Platforms Manager McKinley Lettre (right)

Beyond the Democrats’ TikTok, we also run an account for FactPostNews, which we launched in May. FactPost is the DNC’s rapid response social media operation. Through this brand, we are able to post news and content that pushes forward the Democratic mission, without being directly affiliated with the Democrats’ traditional platform.

While the Democrats’ account uses more fun, meme-based formats, we use FactPost to focus on breaking news and holding the Trump administration accountable. FactPost has been an innovation project as we learn how to keep news relevant on an app like TikTok. Since the platform isn’t typically used as a traditional news outlet, we’ve done a lot of trial and error to make this breaking news format resonate.

Why Grassroots Support Matters

Since we started at the DNC, the Democrats’ TikTok account has skyrocketed from 2.9 million followers to 5.7 million followers. This sort of growth isn’t just an accident. We are laser-focused on reaching young voters nationwide and delivering the message that the Democratic Party will fight for all Americans.

We couldn’t do this work without the millions of supporters who watch, like, and share our content each day. Engagement from grassroots supporters like you allows us to amplify our work and ensure young Democrats know they have a place in the party. Leading up to this year’s midterms, turning out the youth vote is more important than ever. Your support powers this critical work.

Hannah and Aly celebrating hitting five million followers on TikTok

Every single day, the Trump administration shows that they have no real interest in moving the country forward. The younger generations are our future, and it is our job to show them that they are the blueprint of a better future for our country, and we don’t take that lightly.

If you’re interested in seeing our content, make sure to check out @Democrats and @FactPostNews on TikTok.

See you online!

Sincerely,

Aly and Hannah

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While Republicans remain focused on policies that prioritize billionaires and big corporations, while raising costs for Americans, Democrats are standing alongside those who served to ensure their sacrifices are honored with action, not just words. This commitment to our veterans is reflected in the work of leaders like Senator Mark Kelly (AZ) and Tammy Duckworth (IL) and in our efforts to elevate the lived experiences of those who continue to fight for our ideals, such as Vietnam War veteran William Mitchell Ellerby.

To understand the stakes of this moment, we look to the individuals leading this charge on the ground. Peter, a Marine Corps veteran, is one such voice whose journey from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar to organizing in Minnesota exemplifies this enduring ethos of responsibility. Read on for his story.

Q: Can you share a bit about your background and what led you to serve?

I am a Marine Corps veteran and a Twin Cities native, born and raised here in Minnesota. I served four years in aviation supply and logistics out of Miramar, California, and after my service, I went on to get my degree in supply chain management. I recently moved back home to the great state of Minnesota, where I now work in supply chain.

When I was young, I saw the Marine Corps as a great challenge, the path less taken, and honestly, that is why I joined. But the Marine Corps gave me something I did not expect. It gave me a completely different perspective on things than I had before. You serve alongside people from every background and every corner of this country, you carry real responsibility at a young age, and you see what people are capable of when they put the mission and each other first. You come out seeing the world and this country differently than when you went in.

And that perspective led me to the values and virtues I hold today. Liberty, democracy, equality, and the rights of every American stopped being words and became things I had seen people live out and sacrifice for. It was really after my service that those ideals became more evident to me, and they have only grown clearer as I continue to grow myself. Above all, serving in the Marine Corps gave me a strong ethos.

Q: How do you view the role and responsibility of military veterans in protecting American democratic institutions once their time in military service has ended?

When you join the military, you swear an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. You do not swear it to a President, or to a party, or to a flag. You swear it to the Constitution. Not to an identity or an ego, but to an idea. And I do not believe that oath expires when the uniform comes off, and the beard comes in.

I want to be clear that when I talk about defending democratic institutions, this goes beyond politics. Due process, equal protection, free and fair elections, a government answerable to its people. These are not partisan positions. They are the fundamental things American democracy is built on, ideals that trace back through the Enlightenment and into the American Revolution itself.

I want to be on the side of that fight that uplifted these ideas. And I believe that standing up for our democratic institutions when they are challenged is the patriotic thing to do. Patriotism is not a bumper sticker. Demanding that this country live up to its own founding ideals is not an attack on it. It is the highest thing you can do for it.

For veterans, I see this as a duty. Not because we hold some special status, but because it is a duty to your nation within the shared ideals of American democracy. We already answered that call once. The responsibility to those ideals did not end when our service did. That is why I am building a coalition here in Minnesota. Just as we once served this country in uniform, we have a responsibility to stand up and engage now. This is what serving looks like for me today.

Q: For veterans who sacrificed to uphold the U.S. Constitution, how does the Supreme Court’s approach to voting access impact you and your peers on a personal level?

Two years ago, I wrote a commentary about the Supreme Court allowing Arizona to require proof of citizenship for voter registration. I said then that the Court was siding with the powerful over the people, and that the operatives seeking to suppress the vote for political advantage were making a mockery of the Constitution I swore an oath to defend.

I wish I could say I was wrong.

This April, the Court decided Louisiana v. Callais. In a six-to-three ruling, it functionally gutted Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, the provision that allowed voters to actually challenge discriminatory maps and voting rules, to the point that Justice Kagan wrote in her dissent that it is now “all but a dead letter.” Within days of that decision, states were calling special sessions to redraw their maps before the midterms. That is not a prediction about what might happen someday. It already happened.

On a personal level, I joined the Marines to fight for this country, its democracy, and its people. You are willing to give your life for that. So you come home, and you watch the legal protections for the most fundamental right in our democracy get stripped away, and there is no enemy to point at. There is just a decision. It is hard to serve your country when your country does not serve you.

And this goes far beyond veterans. It lands hardest on the communities that already face the most barriers at the ballot box, the same communities that fought the longest for fair representation in the first place. Every voice deserves an equal opportunity to be heard. That is not a partisan idea. That is the thing we served for.

Q: In what ways is the current political climate concerning for veterans and active military members?

There are a few things that really concern me, and I believe they are all connected to that same fight I have been talking about.

The first is what is being done to the Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA lost 40,000 employees in a single year, 88 percent of them in healthcare, which is the first net workforce loss in its history. Around 75 percent of new medical care funding is being routed to private providers while funding for the VA’s own direct care drops. And this is not abstract for us here in Minnesota. In Minneapolis, we have a five-star VA facility serving over 107,500 veterans, one of the best-performing VA facilities in the entire country, and it has already been hit. To me, this goes against something fundamental about who we are as a country. The promise made to the people who serve is one of the oldest promises America makes, and a country that stands by its ideals stands by the people who defended them. That promise is not a benefit to be trimmed. It is a debt.

The second is what happened here in my own state. This past winter, Minnesota went through Metro Surge, a large-scale federal enforcement operation in the Twin Cities. A federal judge here found that ICE violated at least 96 court orders in this state in under a month, and another federal judge said the overwhelming majority of cases brought before him involved people who were here lawfully. Our own Attorney General sued the Department of Homeland Security, and more than a dozen federal prosecutors resigned rather than go along with it. I did not need to form an opinion on any of that, because federal judges put it on the record. But what I saw on the ground was people in my community terrified, and many of them not even knowing what their rights were. Due process and equal protection are not political positions. They are the fundamental ideals this country was built on, and when the rules stop applying to the government itself, that is exactly what we swore to stand against.

And the third is the open threat of armed federal agents at polling places. Deploying troops or armed men where an election is held has been illegal in this country since 1865, and yet this administration has repeatedly declined to rule it out. I believe the threat itself is the point. Nobody has to actually show up if the possibility alone keeps people home. And there it is again, the powerful over the people, aimed directly at the ballot box. The consent of the governed only means something if the governed can vote without fear.

All of this should concern every veteran and every service member, no matter where they land politically, because none of it is about politics. It is about whether this country holds to its own founding ideals. Our oath names domestic threats specifically, and using fear to keep Americans from voting is exactly the kind of thing that language was written for. And I will say this too. No service member should ever be put in a position where following their orders and keeping their oath point in two different directions.

Q: What keeps you hopeful?

My fellow Americans.

This past winter, during Metro Surge, people in my community were targeted based on their physical appearance, based on who they are. I have friends who were pulled over because of how they looked and questioned about their immigration status. That is not an abstract concept to me. It happened to people I know, here in Minnesota.

But what I watched that winter was hate met with love, reason, and compassion. My fellow Americans did not wait for permission, and they did not wait for somebody to come lead them. They held public Know Your Rights trainings, everyday people in community rooms, teaching each other what the Constitution of the United States actually says, because that was the thing in front of us that we could do. I saw people stand up not only for the values of this country but for humanity itself, standing up for virtue in a time of fear and hate. It was a winter I will never forget.

In the dark of that winter, I saw light. And that is not new in America. There was light in the winter at Valley Forge, when a ragged army froze and starved and held on to an idea anyway. There was light in the lanterns that guided people north to freedom. There was light in the church basements of Montgomery and on the bridge at Selma, where ordinary people met hatred with discipline and love and changed this country forever. Our darkest moments have always been where Americans find out who we really are, and the light has always come from ordinary people who refused to stay home.

I have never felt so American as I did this winter, fighting for my neighbors through peaceful means, and watching the ordinary people I have known almost my whole life step up and meet the moment in greatness.

That is also why I am building this coalition here in Minnesota, because I have seen what those same ordinary people can do when they come together, and I want to give that somewhere to go.

I sign everything I write with two words. Amor Fati. It is an old Stoic idea that means love of fate. You do not get to choose the moment you live in, you only get to choose what you do with it. I did not choose this moment for our country, and I will not pretend it is not a hard one. But there is work right in front of us, and there are good people to do it with.

Amor Fati.

Your Voice is Essential

Peter’s story is just one of many veterans who are committed to serving their country by the ballot box. By sharing your story, you help shape the national narrative and drive policies that protect the benefits and healthcare services our service members have earned. Join the DNC Storytellers Network today to ensure the voices of those who served lead the way toward a future that honors their sacrifice and supports their well-being.

Share Your Story

Make a Plan to Vote

Just how veterans serve our country and look out for their teammates, we now have a duty to ensure our communities are ready to be heard. Take five minutes today to verify your registration, then reach out to five fellow veterans, family members, or neighbors to make sure they are ready to vote as well. Our democracy relies on us to stay engaged and ensure every voice has the chance to be counted.

Check Your Voter Registration

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Thanks for fighting with us! Together, we can make a difference.

In solidarity,

Jenny

**DISCLAIMER: This article may contain outdated information or links to opportunities and other events that may have already passed. Please continue to stay updated with The Blue Print’s most recent posts for the most up-to-date information.**

In national politics, it’s far too easy to get stuck inside the beltway, buried in polls, press releases, and spreadsheets. But our democracy isn’t saved inside office rooms or fancy social events in Washington, D.C. It’s protected at kitchen tables in Milwaukee, community centers in South Los Angeles and East Las Vegas, local unions in Pennsylvania, and in Tribal nations.

My name is Eddie Taveras, and as the National Coalitions Director at the Democratic National Committee, my core belief is simple: Our party is only as strong as our relationship with everyday people.

The Coalitions team, pictured from left to right: Jenny, Katie, Eddie, Aryan, and Asia.

As a Dominican New Yorker raised on a proud immigrant lineage, I was taught early on that leadership starts with kindness, honesty, and a clear commitment to serving others. That ethos guides everything our team does. We are a small but mighty group of six (Atoyia, Aryan, Asia, Jenny, and Katie), serving as the in-house advocates for communities across America.

We exist to ensure the DNC remains deeply rooted in the needs, wants, and lived experiences of everyday voters — especially those who have been historically marginalized. We don’t just show up to ask for votes every two or four years; we are here to support building durable, year-round organizing infrastructure. Every single day, we bring people’s stories, their joy, their hardship, and their dreams unapologetically to the highest tables in national politics.

What It Looks Like To “Touch Grass”

Eddie presenting during a NextWave Regional Bootcamp in Charlotte, NC.

Living up to the high expectations of our movement takes relentless, intentional presence in the communities we represent. In the second quarter of this year alone, our six-person team doubled down on reaching everyday people where they live, work, and organize.

We didn’t just step up our pace; we doubled the amount of partner engagements from quarter one to quarter two this year, speaking to youth, seniors, women, LGBTQ, interfaith, and other groups. We surged community contact to 5,000+ during the same time period.

These are real people and communities we are engaging with and reaching across the country who, in turn, not only mobilize but also provide us with perspective on what we are doing right and what we need to be doing. Whether bringing together hundreds of voters online or sitting down in intimate regional forums, our events are designed to turn shared values into collective action from constituencies that represent and/or intersect with rural, Black, Latino, Native, AAPI, disability, and other communities.

Elevating Real Stories To Protect Democracy

Aryan staffing a AANHPI Community Event in Las Vegas, NV

Democracy isn’t an abstract ideal; it’s personal. When rights are under attack, real people feel the burden. That is why our team is relentlessly focused on elevating storyteller voices — like Branisha during our Weekend of Action, or Santiago during Immigrant Heritage Month — whose daily experiences with healthcare, housing, food prices, and dignity shape how the Democratic Party organizes and communicates.

We are in the business of people; what we do must be rooted in the human experience of everyday working people. When Chair Martin travels the country, recently to Arizona, Wisconsin, Illinois, California, and Pennsylvania, we make sure those visits aren’t photo ops or meetings with people with fancy titles. They are deep, targeted conversations with tribal members, local labor advocates, and grassroots organizers.

Why Your Grassroots Support Matters

We are a small team of six, but our reach is massive because of you!

Every single event, organizer bootcamp (like our NextWave Regional Bootcamps training the next generation of campaign leaders), voter protection hotline, When We Count Fellow, and community rights and registration clinic happens because grassroots donors back this vision. Your contributions directly fund the pipeline that turns a local conversation in a church basement into national party policy and victory at the ballot box.

As we prepare for the critical midterm elections, the threats to our voting rights and freedoms are real. But so is our power when we stand together. Expanding our work into more rural counties, supporting multi-ethnic coalitions, and training hundreds more field organizers requires resources on the ground today — not days before the election.

Join Us at the Table

Chair Ken Martin at a community event in San Xavier, NV.

We are fighting every day to make sure the Democratic Party remains the political home for working people, marginalized communities, and everyone striving for a better future.

If you believe in a party grounded in real community relationships, authentic storytelling, and year-round organizing, please consider making a contribution to the DNC today. Your support ensures our team can keep organizing, keep listening, and keep bringing everyday voices straight to the center of our democracy.

Donate To The DNC

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DISCLAIMER: This article may contain outdated information for, or links to opportunities and other events that may have already passed. Please continue to stay updated with The Blue Print’s most recent posts for the most up-to-date information.**

For three decades, Democrats have been steadfast in building a nation where every American can thrive. Today, that commitment is more critical than ever, as the Trump Administration and Republicans threaten the very programs — Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security — that Americans with disabilities rely on every day.

This Disability Pride Month, we celebrate the ADA’s legacy while acknowledging that our work is far from over. People like Leslie fuel our fight for a nation that truly embraces, uplifts, and invests in every American. Read on for her story.

Q: Tell us about your background and what led you to your current involvement.

In my almost 30 years, I’ve learned that disabled people like me are too often treated as talking points and photo ops rather than leaders, decision-makers, and candidates. I’ve spent my life challenging that.

A few years ago, I spent three months mostly in bed. Luckily for me, I had Medicaid, so I could focus on getting better instead of on how I’d pay for it. Without it, I don’t know what I would have done, yet that same coverage that made my recovery possible had been designed, debated, and voted on almost entirely by people who had never needed it. That’s the pattern I see everywhere: the policies that shape disabled people’s lives get written in rooms we’re rarely invited into.

Like so many disabled people, I’m constantly told what I am and what I need, but rarely asked. So I set out to change who’s in the room. Today, I’m Chair of the Young Democrats of America Disability Caucus, campaign manager for disabled congressional candidate Dr. Mariah Lancaster, and Youth President of the International Network of Liberal Women. I’m working to change our community from a talking point to the people leading the change and making the decisions. Nothing about us without us.

Q: What is commonly misunderstood about disability rights or accessibility? Does this change for invisible disabilities?

The biggest misconception? We passed the ADA, put in a few ramps, and accessibility got solved.

Unfortunately, that isn’t the case. It isn’t as simple as installing a ramp for things to be accessible. Accessibility is a practice. Needs can differ, sometimes conflict, and can change over time. Real accessibility isn’t about guessing what people need and building it once; it’s about asking and working with our community to improve and change. A space isn’t accessible because it meets a code written decades ago; it’s accessible because the people in it can actually be there, fully, without having to fight to be there.

Accessibility gets even more complicated with invisible disabilities. When you can’t see someone’s disability, access also becomes about belief. People with non-apparent disabilities are made to prove they’re disabled enough to deserve an accommodation and not just that they are ‘gaming the system.’ This is even more true for disabled people who are also marginalized by race or gender, whose needs get second-guessed the most.

Accessibility helps everyone, so why do we keep fighting it? During the pandemic, remote work kept the economy afloat, the exact flexibility disabled people had been requesting for decades, long before Zoom, and were told was impossible. That’s the curb cut effect: access built for disabled people ends up serving everyone. Disability is the one group any of us can join at any moment, no warning and no choosing. Accessibility isn’t a favor you do for someone else; it’s something you may have to fight for yourself in the future.

Q: What barriers do voters with disabilities face, and how can voting become truly accessible?

When you go to the polls, you park, get out of the car, walk in, look at your ballot, fill it out, and hand it back. Simple, unless any one of those steps is something you can’t do. What if there’s no accessible parking? No ramp? What about a voter who is blind or who can’t grip a pen and can’t mark a paper ballot alone? They may have to rely on someone else to help cast their vote, giving up the privacy every other voter takes for granted. Accessible machines are required by law, but they’re routinely broken, unplugged, or run by staff who were never trained on them. “Accessible in theory” isn’t accessible.

On top of that, some of us don’t get a ballot at all. In many states, being placed under guardianship or conservatorship can strip your right to vote, sometimes automatically or at a single judge’s discretion. Things like Photo ID laws can hinder a disabled person’s ability to vote. When you can’t drive, getting an ID becomes its own obstacle course, so “just show your ID” isn’t as simple.

So how do we fix it? We need to train poll workers and make sure the accessible machines actually work, with someone knowing how to run them. We need to expand mail-in voting, early voting, and accessible ballot return. We need to audit polling places and make accessibility front of mind when picking locations, not just as an afterthought. We need to push back against things that disenfranchise voters, like voter ID laws.

When disabled people make up 20-25% of the population, our votes can be a powerful voting bloc. We just need the system to invest in us so we can show up.

Q: Beyond policy, what cultural shifts and daily actions make someone a better ally?

I have a few simple things you can do:

• Disability isn’t a dirty word, so stop reaching for weird euphemisms to avoid it. “Differently abled,” “special needs,” “handicapable,” those exist to manage other people’s discomfort, not to serve us. Disabled is the word that carries our rights, our history, and our power. Every time someone uses a euphemism to ‘soften’ it, they are chipping away at our rights.

• There’s no such thing as disabled enough. Allergies, anxiety, a substance use disorder, and mobility issues are all disabilities. Disability is vast, and it doesn’t come with a threshold you have to clear before you’re allowed to claim it. Don’t be afraid to identify as disabled. We are one disability community, and we can be a powerful movement when we all work together.

• Talk to us, not the companion, interpreter, or aide beside us. Look us in the eyes and allow us to make our own decisions; don’t assume we can’t.

• Pay us for our labor. Our expertise and our emotional labor aren’t free.

These are really easy ways to make a huge difference for the disability community in the party and beyond. Thank you for your time and happy Disability Pride Month!

Your Voice is Essential

Your lived experience is vital to this movement. By sharing your story, you help shape the national narrative and drive policies that center disability justice and accessibility. Join the DNC Storytellers Network today to ensure our community’s experiences lead the way toward a more equitable future.

Share Your Story

Share, Subscribe, and Support Ground Game

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Thanks for fighting with us! Together, we can make a difference.

In solidarity,

Jenny

**DISCLAIMER: This article may contain outdated information or links to opportunities and other events that may have already passed. Please continue to stay updated with The Blue Print’s most recent posts for the most up-to-date information.**

We are less than 100 days away from the most consequential midterm elections of our lifetime.

97 days until we can dismantle the MAGA trifecta. 97 days until we can bring Trump’s agenda to a grinding halt. 97 days until we can take back Congress.

With so much on the line in November, Democrats have been fighting tooth and nail on the campaign trail to reach voters where they are, mobilize communities, and strip MAGA from power at every level of government.

Likewise, the DNC is currently working to execute the largest midterm operation in party history. We’re investing early to organize nationwide, hire the strongest talent, and strengthen our state parties on the ground. We’ve built the infrastructure, and now it’s time to deploy it.

This week, we’ll be highlighting how Democrats are fighting as we pass the milestone 100-day mark and how you can get involved in this critical stretch. From organizing initiatives to key strategies, the DNC is sprinting towards the finish line.

Best,

Olivia

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Supporting our State Parties

Goldwyn casting North Dakota’s votes for Kamala Harris at the DNC Convention, Chicago, August 20, 2024

With 97 days until Election Day, the Democratic Party is building the critical, lasting infrastructure our state parties need to strengthen our power on the ground in 2026, 2028 and beyond. Under the leadership of Chair Ken Martin and the ASDC President Jane Kleeb, the Party is investing in all 57 state and territory parties to ensure that every state is competitive, not just traditional battleground states.

With this monthly investment, state parties are able to open organizing offices, hire exceptional talent, build voter registration programs, host community events and programming, scale up voter protection efforts, support down-ballot candidates, and organize on the ground year-round. In these critical 100 days, our state parties are fighting around the clock to reach every corner of their communities and ensure voters are ready to get to the polls on Election Day.

Want to hear from some of our state party chairs? Check out our interviews with Kentucky Chair Colmon Elridge and North Dakota Chair Adam Goldwyn.

Registering Young Democrats

Earlier this year, the DNC announced When We Count, the DNC’s first partisan voter registration program. In April, our first cohort in Arizona began the work of reaching the next generation of Democratic voters by meeting them where they are.

From making connections in third spaces, and on social media, we are ensuring that young voters know they have a place in the Democratic Party. Most recently, fellows were at World Cup watch parties registering their neighbors to vote Democrat.

After the widespread success in Arizona, we are excited to share that the When We Count Fellowship is officially expanding to Nevada! The fellowship is launching in the Silver State and will register Democrats statewide from Reno to Las Vegas to get out and vote.

The DNC’s Organizing Team is laser-focused on closing the voter registration gap to take back states we may have previously lost ground in 2024.

Chair Martin on the Road

Earlier this month, Chair Ken Martin visited the Silicon Valley Asian Pacific American Democratic Club for a candid discussion on the critical role of AANHPI voices and voters in the upcoming midterms.

With Election Day approaching, Chair Martin is fulfilling his commitment to take the DNC out of the boardroom and directly into communities nationwide.

Organizing on the Ground

As we begin the final sprint to November, our organizing team has been ramping up the action! From phone banks to voter registration drives to local involvement opportunities, we are working to reach voters in every corner of the country.

This cycle, we are rethinking the ways we reach voters. We’ve refreshed our approach to organizing by focusing on meaningful conversations with voters about the issues that matter most to them. Now, our volunteers are training to make genuine connections with voters over the phone and when they knock on doors in their communities.

Reaching these critical voters would not be possible without the support of our volunteers. Want to get off the sidelines and take action? Sign up for a volunteer shift today!

Sign Up To Volunteer

2026 NextWave Midwest Regional Bootcamps

Looking to join a campaign in 2026? Apply for the DNC’s NextWave Regional Bootcamp, a FREE training program designed for campaign staff of all experience levels.

The DNC NextWave Regional Bootcamp is a new, free training program that serves to strengthen the pipeline of the next generation of campaign and party staff and prepare them to win down-ballot races in 2026 and beyond.

Applications will be accepted through Monday, August 3, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Applications will be reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis, so early applications are strongly encouraged.

Apply today to join us in Chicago on August 26–28:

Learn More

Apply Now

If you’re interested in learning more about the brains behind our NextWave Regional Bootcamps, read Morgan Hine’s guest post!

🔥 Staying Hot on the Campaign Trail 🔥

Each month, new Democratic candidates win their primaries and progress to the next step of helping us take back Congress. Check out some of our latest nominees and learn how you can get involved:

Jonathan Nez Wins Primary for Arizona’s 2nd Congressional District

Congratulations to Jonathan Nez on his victory in the Democratic Primary for Arizona’s 2nd Congressional District!

In a critical race that will help flip the House blue, Nez is fighting tirelessly to connect with Arizonans and fight for his neighbors. As the former President of the Navajo Nation, Nez will be a champion for rural Arizonans, accessible healthcare, and lower costs across the state.

Volunteer for Jonathan Nez

Katie Hobbs Wins Democratic Nomination for Governor of Arizona

Congratulations to Katie Hobbs on clinching the Democratic nomination to run for a second term as governor of Arizona!

Hobbs is a proven fighter for all Arizonans. From standing up to the GOP-controlled legislature to protecting Arizona voters, she has fought back against Trump and Republicans time and time again.

In her second term, Hobbs will continue to fight to lower costs, make communities safer, and stand up against Trump’s disastrous agenda.

Volunteer for Katie Hobbs

Join Our Digital Network

Our Digital Volunteer Hub is where we’ll send out regular toplines and updates on opportunities for you to amplify the work the DNC and Democrats are doing across the country to ensure we’re ready to win in November.

Join

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DISCLAIMER: This article may contain outdated information for, or links to opportunities and other events that may have already passed. Please continue to stay updated with The Blue Print’s most recent posts for the most up-to-date information.**

With the midterms quickly approaching, Democrats have been organizing and securing major victories at the local, state, and national levels. From fighting in Congress to winning in the courts, we are taking every opportunity to hold the Trump administration accountable, deliver real change for hard-working families, and unseat MAGA politicians at every level.

This week, let’s take a look at recent Supreme Court victories, spotlight our Democratic nominees, and expose the impact of Trump’s One Big Ugly Bill one year later.

Democrats are committed to delivering real change for American families and preserving the values that truly make this country great. When we stand together, we succeed. We’re grateful to have you stand by our side.

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One Year Later: Trump’s Big Ugly Bill Continues To Wage War on Working Families

Last week marked one year since Donald Trump signed his Big Ugly Bill into law, the largest wealth transfer from low-income Americans to the top 1% in history.

One year after their bill, healthcare was stripped away from eight million Americans, 95% of families saw their taxes increase, and more than two million children are set to lose food assistance. The bill was the most unpopular bill signed in decades. Trump’s bill took $1,200 per year from the poorest households while giving the wealthiest Americans nearly $14,000. This billionaire-first legislation stripped necessities away from working families, all while giving massive tax breaks to big corporations.

Last week, Trump even admitted his allegiance to billionaires like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos. Hear what he has to say about his billionaire buddies:

It’s a policy of cruelty and corruption, and Democrats are fighting tooth and nail in Congress and at the state level to lower the costs that Trump is skyrocketing. Earlier this year, House Democrats forced Republicans to pass legislation that would restore Affordable Care Act premium tax credits to lower healthcare costs. Additionally, Democrats passed a war powers resolution in the House directing Trump to end his war with Iran and ease the sky-high cost of gas prices.

When we win back majorities in Congress, we’ll put an end to Trump’s agenda for good.

Supreme Court Protects Birthright Citizenship

The Supreme Court has reaffirmed what we already knew, that the 14th Amendment contains a promise that anyone born on American soil is an American citizen, with only the smallest of exceptions.

Since taking office, the Trump administration has incessantly used anti-immigrant, racist arguments in various attempts to strip citizens of their constitutional rights. The White House argued that children who are born on American soil are not citizens according to the Constitution, despite over a century of precedent.

In Trump v. Barbara, the Supreme Court rejected his efforts to strip away these 14th Amendment protections of birthright citizenship, affirming a core American principle: Anyone born in the United States is a citizen of the United States.

The decision follows yet another failure for the GOP. In RNC v. Watson, our legal team just beat the RNC at the Supreme Court to protect mail-in voting. This major win will protect eligible voters from losing their rights because of postal delays, ensuring that every American can make their voice heard in elections.

Our team at the DNC is fighting every day to protect your rights in the face of Trump and his authoritarian allies.

We will continue to wage our battle in the courts, in Congress, and on the campaign trail to protect the constitutional rights of American citizens and fight back against a Republican Party hellbent on rolling them back.

Congratulating Our Democratic Nominees

Another Tuesday, another election day! Here are some of the newest candidates and information on how you can get involved in their campaigns.

Phil Weiser Wins the Gubernatorial Nomination in Colorado

Congratulations to Phil Weiser on winning the Democratic primary to be the next governor of Colorado!

Weiser is an experienced lawyer and the current attorney general who has dedicated his career to helping others. As governor, Weiser will work tirelessly to make housing and healthcare affordable for families across the state, support small businesses, and fight for the rights of every Coloradan. We’re so excited to support him through the general election and elect a governor who will fight for a better Colorado.

Volunteer With Phil Weiser

John Hickenlooper Secures Colorado Senate Nomination

Congratulations to John Hickenlooper on winning the Colorado Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate!

A former geologist and small business owner who rose to become the mayor of Denver and governor of Colorado, Hickenlooper has spent his time in politics expanding healthcare access, fighting to protect the environment, and enacting community safety legislation. Let’s protect this seat and send him back to Washington in November!

Volunteer With John Hickenlooper

Follow @FactPostNews on Social Media

Stay up to date on the latest breaking stories and on how we’re holding Trump accountable. Follow our rapid response account, FactPost, on X, Threads, Facebook, BlueSky, and Instagram!

Phone Bank For Democrats

Election season is in full swing, and Democrats need your support to win elections up and down the ballot.

Join us for a phone bank to ensure that voters nationwide are educated about their elections, candidates, and how to make their voices heard at the polls. We provide step-by-step training for callers to ensure that you have successful conversations and make genuine connections with voters.

Interested in volunteering? Sign up today!

Sign Up To Phone Bank

Spread the Word on Social Media

You can take a stand right from your phone. Using social media to amplify our message is a great way to get involved and spread the word on what Democrats are fighting for. Check out our toolkits to celebrate the wins and hold Trump accountable on your own page.

Social Media Toolkits

Best,

Olivia

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DISCLAIMER: This article may contain outdated information for or links to opportunities and other events that may have already passed. Please continue to stay updated with The Blue Print’s most recent posts for the most up-to-date information.**

The self-dealing is staggering. The president has added $2.2 billion to his personal fortune since taking office. You’re paying for a $1 billion ballroom project decked with marble floors and gilded ceilings. In return, the people face soaring grocery costs and gas prices.

Meanwhile, Democrats are fighting tooth and nail to restore the American Dream and lower costs for everyday Americans — and we’re gaining real momentum. With the midterms rapidly approaching, we are flying through the summer with serious wind at our backs. We are seeing major Democratic wins in critical state and local seats across the map.

The energy from our grassroots supporters is driving us forward as this election season intensifies. This landmark Fourth of July serves as the perfect moment to celebrate our progress and connect with our communities. Together, we are building the strength needed to win big this November and start a new chapter in America’s story.

We are incredibly grateful to have you in this fight on our side!

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On Fourth Anniversary of Dobbs Decision, Democrats Continue to Fight for Reproductive Freedoms

June 24 marked four years since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, a date that Vice President JD Vance compared to Abraham Lincoln’s abolition of slavery. Since then, states across the country have restricted access to abortion or banned it entirely.

We’re shedding light on the truth, releasing a new mini-documentary showcasing how the decision allowed Georgia Republicans to enact one of the harshest abortion bans in America. Since 2022, this ban has threatened the lives and health of women in Georgia every year by limiting access to lifesaving care.

Women’s health advocates in Atlanta are emphasizing the importance of the upcoming midterms to elect leaders in Georgia who will work to protect women’s lives, safeguard their freedoms, and reduce maternal mortality rates in the state.

Click here to read a statement from DNC Chair Ken Martin and DNC Women’s Caucus Chair Alicia Andrews.

Congratulating Our Democratic Nominees

If it’s a Tuesday, it’s an election day! As primaries continue to finish up around the country, voters made their voices heard to select their Democratic nominees. Meet some of the newest candidates, then learn how you can get involved in getting them elected in November.

Hannah Pingree Secures Gubernatorial Nomination in Maine

Congratulations to Hannah Pingree on winning the Democratic nomination to be the next governor of Maine!

Pingree has a long track record of serving her community and fighting for local families. As a former State House Speaker who has spent almost 25 years in public service, she’s built a reputation for working to expand affordable healthcare and housing for residents of Maine, as well as spearheading innovative climate work.

This November, let’s keep the governor’s mansion blue and elect a governor who will fight for every Mainer.

Volunteer With Hannah Pingree

Janeese Lewis George Wins the Democratic Primary for Mayor of Washington, D.C.

Congratulations to Janeese Lewis George on winning the Democratic primary for mayor of Washington, D.C. — a monumental victory that will protect home rule in our capital.

As a third-generation Washingtonian and DC Councilmember, Lewis George knows firsthand what citizens of DC experience every day. As an attorney by trade who grew up in a working-class family, she knows the significance of leaders who side with working people and listen to the concerns of residents everywhere. We’re excited to support Lewis George as she finishes strong into the general election!

Volunteer With Janeese Lewis George

Follow @FactPostNews on Social Media

Stay up to date on the latest breaking stories and how we’re holding Trump accountable. Follow our rapid response account, FactPost, on X, Threads, Facebook, BlueSky, and Instagram!

Phone Bank For Democrats

Election season is in full swing, and Democrats need your support to win elections up and down the ballot.

Join us for a phone bank every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday to ensure that voters nationwide are educated about their elections, candidates, and how to make their voices heard at the polls. We provide step-by-step training for callers to ensure that you have successful conversations and make genuine connections with voters.

Interested in volunteering? Sign up today!

Sign Up To Phone Bank

Best,

Olivia

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Thank you so much for reading The Blue Print! If you enjoyed this week’s newsletter, let us know with a like, restack, and make sure to share it with your friends so we can keep bringing you weekly updates from the DNC’s Grassroots Team!

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DISCLAIMER: This article may contain outdated information for, or links to opportunities and other events that may have already passed. Please continue to stay updated with The Blue Print’s most recent posts for the most up-to-date information.**

No president can change this fact.

While Republicans continue to stoke fear and treat our immigrant neighbors like political props, Democrats remain steadfast in their defense of immigrant communities. We know that our nation’s prosperity, culture, and future are tied directly to the generations of immigrants who power our country. We’re fighting for humane, common-sense policies that protect families and keep America a symbol of hope.

But policy isn’t just theory — it’s lived experience. To understand why this fight is so urgent, I want to share a conversation I had with someone who knows this struggle firsthand. Santiago’s story is a powerful reminder that the American story is still being written, and it’s up to us to make sure everyone has a seat at the table. Here’s what he had to say.

Q: Tell us about your background and what led you to your current involvement.

I moved from Mexico City to the United States in 2017 when I was 15. I didn’t know much about American politics, but I saw the first Trump administration commit reprehensible acts against communities like mine. After discussing it with my classmates, I realized many didn’t know what to do about it.

A few years later, after building a sizable social media following, I decided to try to use it to show young people what they could achieve. I chose to start an organization led entirely by young people because Gen Zers understand how to engage their peers best. That effort became Voters of Tomorrow, which is now the largest Gen Z-led voter registration and civic engagement organization in the country.

The work started because I saw a gap between how much young people cared and how disconnected they were from the actual machinery of democracy. That gap hasn’t fully closed, but we’re making good progress to show young people that they truly can shape the future of American politics.

Q: What does Immigrant Heritage Month mean to you personally? How does that tie in to your experience voting for the first time as a U.S. citizen?

Immigrant Heritage Month is personal in a way that’s hard to articulate clearly. I built eight years of work around the idea that everyone deserves a voice in the democracy they live in. For most of that time, I advocated for a system I wasn’t fully part of. That’s a specific kind of complicated — and I say that without resentment, because the work was always real regardless. But the tension was real, too.

When I became a citizen a few weeks ago, I genuinely didn’t expect the feeling it brought. I’ve stood outside polling locations helping voters navigate the process. I’ve helped register hundreds of thousands of young people. I know exactly how the machinery works. And yet, none of that prepared me for the actual feeling of registering myself.

What Immigrant Heritage Month means to me is that the American story isn’t finished being written. Immigrants built this country and keep building it — and in a democracy, that building happens at the ballot box. I spent years believing that before I could participate in it. Now I can. That’s not a small thing.

Q: How do you see community involvement and a willingness to engage impacting your work?

Everything we build at Voters of Tomorrow starts with community relationships. You can’t show up two weeks before an election and expect people to trust you with something as consequential as their civic participation. The organizations that actually move voters are the ones that have been part of the community for years — not because they needed something from it, but because they were integral to it.

For young people, especially, getting them to vote isn’t transactional. The people who succeed aren’t those who know the most about policy, or who are most committed to electing a certain candidate — they’re the ones who focus on building a community of like-minded Gen Zers, who have fun, enjoy each other’s company, and then turn the conversation towards politics.

Gen Z can tell immediately when an organization is parachuting in versus when it’s genuinely invested in them. If we want them to be part of democracy, voting cannot be a transaction. It must be a cultural moment that their community participates in.

My background as an immigrant is part of this, too. I know what it feels like to be in a place where your voice doesn’t formally count. I now know how to make an impact regardless.

We want to hear from you!

The story of Santiago is only one of many across our country, and your perspective is vital to this movement. Authentic voices are the bedrock of our democracy — when you share your lived experience, you help shape the national narrative and the policies that affect us all. Join the DNC Storytellers Network today to ensure your voice is heard and your story becomes part of our collective impact.

Share Your Story

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Thanks for fighting with us! Together, we can make a difference.

In solidarity,

Jenny

**DISCLAIMER: This article may contain outdated information or links to opportunities and other events that may have already passed. Please continue to stay updated with The Blue Print’s most recent posts for the most up-to-date information.**

This weekend, we’re launching our “Stuff Costs Too Much” Weekend of Action — a nationwide mobilization dedicated to confronting the reality that everyday essentials are becoming increasingly unaffordable for working people.

But let’s make one thing clear: Trump promised to bring down costs on “Day One,” yet a year and a half later, everything is more expensive, and Americans are working harder and harder just to make ends meet. Between his war with Iran, which has caused gas prices to spike, and his cuts to healthcare and food assistance that have made life harder for working families, Trump and Republicans are directly responsible for stuff costing too much.

This reality hits working families, like Branisha Jones’s, especially hard as soaring healthcare and childcare costs make navigating daily life a struggle. Learn more about her story below.

Q: Branisha, you’ve shared how the compounding costs of childcare and medical emergencies have made it challenging for your family. Can you tell me more about your experience and the ways this has impacted you and your family?

Childcare costs are the new birth control.

Walking into the realm of 2-under-2 when needing childcare was a fever dream. Suddenly, I’m wondering if the career that I love is worth spending almost two-thirds of what I make to put my kids in daycare. Would it be better to stay home and get an evening job? Groceries are high, taxes for our mortgage climb, and birth control is, well, unreliable and costly in my case.

In 2023, I was excited to learn that I would be having my first child. It was a dream come true. My husband and I both worked full-time, and the costs of child-rearing were not yet apparent. It set in quickly when my daughter did not latch well, and the plan to exclusively breastfeed and pump went out the window. At about $40 a can for a can of formula that would last us two weeks, then soon just one week, and, as you can imagine, only days as she grew, an unspoken fear grew about our finances and food prices.

In the middle of this revelation, we were met with another issue: I was pregnant... again, five months postpartum due to the progesterone-only birth control pill not being a forgiving method of birth control. Needing to be taken at the same time each day for a new mother still tracking how many dirty diapers the baby had, it felt impossible.

My husband and I strapped in and held our breath, wondering how we would be able to afford food [and] a doubling of childcare bills for two children. It’s a complicated web that seems to want to devour us.

For a while after the birth of our second daughter, our family of four qualified for the WIC program, but after increasing work hours to keep up with daycare costs, we once again phased out of that help. But a new problem had arisen.

Desperate to add a guardrail to our family planning, I had an IUD (Intrauterine device) placed. It seemed to be the safest and most effective way to ensure our family wouldn’t grow any bigger until we were ready. For a year and a half, I suffered in silence with terrible cramps and irregular cycles that got increasingly longer. Then, finally, after waiting nine months to establish care with an OBGYN, I was able to voice my concerns. One ultrasound later, it was confirmed that the IUD was embedded in my uterus. My doctor said she could remove it and replace it, but I knew I wouldn’t be getting another one put in. When I finally made the decision to get it removed after months of two-week periods, I was told that the cost of an ultrasound-guided removal would be $592.

On top of that, there’s the $1,400 crown that my insurance says I “didn’t need,” having to pay an extra $600 out of pocket after already paying $800 for the procedure. It’s times like these when I wonder if I will eventually drown under the cost of living.

Q: Branisha, you’ve described feeling strapped with your finances between the rising costs of fundamental necessities — like childcare and unexpected medical care — and the limitations of saving money when those expenses are unavoidable. What do you want policymakers to understand about the structural barriers that force families to choose between their long-term health, their stability, and their basic survival?

I felt trapped. I didn’t have the money to address this healthcare issue. It was the cost of a month’s worth of groceries for my family. Should I have to suffer for trying to be responsible and failing? Surely an embedded IUD was a medical issue that I owed it to myself to fix, but I felt bad.

Adding on to the pain of dental dread, my husband has avoided the dentist for years, saying, “they just want my money.” I finally convinced him to go to the dentist. He has two teeth that need to be pulled, and the dentist recommended he get a bridge. All of this will cost about $2,500 out of pocket. I want to argue with my husband that preventative maintenance would have saved him money, but it’s too late for that. He hasn’t scheduled dental care, and he frequently says it just costs too much.

Our financial advisor friend, an older, kind gentleman, says to cut back where we can, don’t eat out, find cheaper cell service, cancel the Netflix subscription, give up the gym membership, and walk outside, use the snowball method for your debt, but that doesn’t help when a gallon of milk cost almost $6 and the kids drink two gallons a week. With daycare costing us a quarter of our income, food costs becoming a maze to navigate to stay within budget, and inevitable medical events, I often do not know where to turn for relief.

So, we continue to agree that things just cost too much.

Learn More About Our Stuff Cost Too Much Weekend of Action and Get Involved

Across the country, Democrats are mobilizing for our “Stuff Costs Too Much” Weekend of Action. Will you join the fight? Here’s how you can get involved:

Join us on Monday, June 29, at 7 PM ET for a National Community Call on Black Workers on Stuff Costs Too Much. Across the country, Black workers and working-class families are bearing the heaviest burden of the cost-of-living crisis. From skyrocketing rent to higher grocery prices, your hard-earned dollars are being stretched to the breaking point. This isn’t just about “affordability” — it is a fight for economic justice.

RSVP

Join us for a phone bank on Saturday, June 27, starting at 1 PM ET, to call voters in states most affected by rising costs under the Trump administration. We’ll kick off the phone bank with an overview of who we’re calling and a step-by-step training for our new callers. After that, you’ll have dedicated time to make calls and connect with voters.

Sign Up to Make Calls

Working families are being crushed by skyrocketing prices. This Weekend of Action is our moment to expose the Trump administration’s failed economy and demand change. Use our Stuff Costs Too Much Graphics Toolkit, featuring ready-to-share graphics, to mobilize your network.

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Thanks for fighting with us! Together, we can make a difference.

In solidarity,

Jenny

**DISCLAIMER: This article may contain outdated information or links to opportunities and other events that may have already passed. Please continue to stay updated with The Blue Print’s most recent posts for the most up-to-date information.**

I’m Akeima Young, the DNC’s Video Director. Following the fourth anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, I’m humbled to share the stories of Olama, Zuri, and Shanette in the DNC’s newest mini-doc.

On June 24, 2022, Donald Trump’s hand-picked Supreme Court Justices stripped women of their fundamental right to make decisions about their health and their bodies. Now, 41 states have abortion bans in place, 13 of which are total bans. Across the nation, far-right allies continue to lobby and fight for continued bans.

Now, 53 years after the Court’s decision in Roe v. Wade, women still live in fear, not knowing whether they will have control over their bodily autonomy or the ability to receive lifesaving care. Make no mistake: we are fighting each day to protect the right to choose and uplift the stories of those suffering under the GOP’s callous attacks on our freedom.

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The Latest From The DNC Video Team

My team and I have been traveling across the country to spotlight authentic voices through long-form content. You might have seen my last Substack highlighting the experiences of soybean farmers navigating Trump’s botched tariff war.

We recently hit the road to Atlanta to speak with Georgians suffering from the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s devastating Dobbs decision. The team compiled their powerful stories into a new mini-documentary highlighting how their lives have changed since June 24, 2022.

Each of these women has experienced firsthand what it is to live as a Black woman in the South with limited reproductive freedom.

Olama was denied critical care during a miscarriage because of the strict ban on the procedure she needed.

Zuri, an OBGYN in Atlanta, now faces a new level of fear and uncertainty in her practice, as many procedures have been made a felony in the state.

Shanette lost her daughter, Amber, after doctors severely delayed her necessary care — one of many preventable deaths at the hands of anti-choice legislators.

Shedding light on the lived experiences of healthcare professionals, patients, and advocates who have been impacted by the Dobbs decision is a crucial form of how we resist far-right schemes to control the bodies of women.

As we observe the fourth anniversary of this disastrous decision, take a moment to listen to these stories, share with your communities, and have important conversations about how you can get involved in the fight.

My team and I will continue to travel on the ground this election season to spotlight the experiences of Americans suffering at the hands of Trump’s callous agenda. Your contribution helps power work like this and allows more authentic stories to be shared this year.

Check out our YouTube channel to see more of the team’s work, and stay updated on the latest stories.

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

Best,

Akeima

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DISCLAIMER: This article may contain outdated information for, or links to opportunities and other events that may have already passed. Please continue to stay updated with The Blue Print’s recent posts for the most up-to-date information.**

Today is Juneteenth, a day of celebration, remembrance, and resolve. On June 19, 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce that the last enslaved Black Americans in the state were free. Juneteenth is a powerful reminder of the resilience, strength, and centuries of injustice faced by Black Americans.

More than 60 years after President Lyndon Baines Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act into law, we are now seeing an aggressive reversal as Republicans move to dismantle representation for communities of color. Following the Supreme Court’s Louisiana v. Callais decision, Republicans are redrawing maps to break up minority communities. This undermines districts represented by Democrats, giving Republicans opportunities to take seats.

As we honor this day, we’re committed to continuing the fight for civil rights and dismantling the systems in our country that promote racial discrimination. This Juneteenth, we’re using every tool at our disposal to uphold fair elections and the right to vote.

Here’s how you can take action this weekend:

Take Action In Your Community

From learning how to have meaningful conversations with those in your life to canvassing for candidates who will fight to protect our minority communities, there are endless events in your area to get involved in. Find a volunteer opportunity near you this weekend to take action and help defend the right to vote.

Find An Event Near You

Check Your Voter Registration

As Republicans continue their power grab nationwide, it is more important now than ever to make your voice heard at the ballot box. Take a few minutes to make sure your registration is up to date, and reach out to your community to encourage them to check their registration. The key to fighting back is showing up to the polls this year and letting Republicans know we won’t tolerate their reckless scheme.

Check Your Voter Registration

Make sure you know your rights at the polls. Download our guide and share it with your community to be prepared on Election Day.

Know Your Rights

Volunteer With The Voter Protection Team

The DNC’s Voter Protection team is doing critical, on-the-ground work to ensure our elections remain free and fair this November and beyond. Interested in working with us? Fill out the interest form to get involved today.

Volunteer Interest Forn

Share, Subscribe, and Support Ground Game

Thank you so much for reading Ground Game! If you enjoyed this week’s newsletter, let us know with a like, restack, and make sure to share it with your friends so we can keep bringing you weekly organizing updates!

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Best,

Herly

DISCLAIMER: This article may contain outdated information for, or links to opportunities and other events that may have already passed. Please continue to stay updated with The Blue Print’s recent posts for the most up-to-date information.**

The stakes of the midterms are high, and every day, Democrats are fighting to organize across the country, protect our elections, and campaign for powerful candidates who will turn Congress blue in November. Democrats are delivering real change, and voters across the country are working to elect candidates who will address the issues that matter most.

As this election season approaches, the continued dedication from grassroots supporters like you is critical. Volunteer for your local candidates, make your voice heard, and get to the polls. This is what will drive us to victory this November.

Thank you for taking a stand in this fight.

Subscribe now

NEW: DNC Launches New Website

Last week, the DNC launched our new website, making information and opportunities more accessible for supporters. We’ve heard your feedback, and this website is designed to strengthen our relationship with supporters like you and ensure that we are delivering the information that matters most. Check out the website today!

Democrats.org

Celebrities Speak Out Against ICE and Trump Administration

As ICE and the Trump administration continue to wage their cruel and reckless deportation campaign, celebrities are using their platforms for good to take a stand against Trump.

After using her song in a video without permission, singer Olivia Rodrigo spoke out against ICE, calling their actions “barbaric and cruel.”

Most recently, singer Ariana Grande took a stand against the White House after they used her song “bye” in a video that depicted ICE agents making arrests. In response, she said that their actions are “barbaric, inhumane, heinous nonsense.”

These actions prove the importance of using your voice to take a stand against this administration and the power of meaningful conversations. Truth travels fastest by word of mouth, and these conversations are one of the most effective tools we have to fight back. If you want to take a stand, have a conversation with your friends, family, and community about the issues that matter most.

Congratulating Our Democratic Nominees

If it’s a Tuesday, it’s an election day! Last Tuesday, another round of primaries took place, and voters made their voices heard to select their Democratic candidates. Check out some of the newest nominees and learn how you can get involved in getting them elected in November.

Dr. Annie Andrews Secures South Carolina Senate Nomination

Congratulations to Dr. Annie Andrews on winning the South Carolina Democratic Primary for U.S. Senate!

Dr. Andrews is a pediatrician who has spent nearly two decades caring for South Carolina’s children and is running for Senate because she has seen firsthand how our kids’ wellbeing is impacted by those in elected office. In the Senate, she will fight to protect healthcare and lower costs to build a more affordable South Carolina.

This November, let’s send Dr. Andrews to Washington to retire Lindsey Graham.

Volunteer With Dr. Annie Andrews

Randy Villegas Advances to the General Election for California’s 22nd Congressional District

Congratulations to Randy Villegas on advancing to the general election for California’s 22nd Congressional District — a critical race that will help flip the House of Representatives in November.

Villegas has constantly served his community and fought for local families. He has a proven track record of organizing to win at the local and state level. As an educator who grew up in a working-class family, he knows how important it is to have leaders who expand healthcare, lower costs, protect public education, cut taxes for working families, and support farmers and producers. Let’s flip this seat from red to blue this November!

Volunteer With Randy Villegas

Aaron Ford Wins in the Nevada Gubernatorial Primary

Congratulations to Attorney General Aaron Ford on winning the Democratic nomination to be the next governor of Nevada!

As a public school teacher, accomplished state senator, and dedicated attorney general, Aaron Ford has always fought for the people. As governor, he will work to create jobs, support small businesses, and fight for Nevada families. We’re fired up to organize across the state and elect a governor who will work for every Nevadan.

Volunteer With Aaron Ford

Follow @FactPostNews on Social Media

Stay up to date on the latest breaking stories and how we’re holding Trump accountable. Follow our rapid response account, FactPost, on X, Threads, Facebook, BlueSky, and Instagram!

Phone Bank For Democrats

Election season is in full swing, and Democrats need your support to win elections up and down the ballot.

Join us for a phone bank to ensure that voters nationwide are educated about their elections, candidates, and how to make their voices heard at the polls. We provide step-by-step training for callers to ensure that you have successful conversations and make genuine connections with voters.

Interested in volunteering? Sign up today!

Sign Up To Phone Bank

Share, Subscribe, and Support The Blue Print

Thank you so much for reading The Blue Print! If you enjoyed this week’s newsletter, let us know with a like, restack, and make sure to share it with your friends so we can keep bringing you weekly updates from the DNC’s Grassroots Team!

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Olivia

DISCLAIMER: This article may contain outdated information for, or links to opportunities and other events that may have already passed. Please continue to stay updated with The Blue Print’s most recent posts for the most up-to-date information.**

This summer, it is critical that we are all hands on deck to organize everywhere so we can win big in the midterms. Donald Trump’s disastrous agenda is affecting communities nationwide, and we need to work together to take a stand against his administration.

When we organize everywhere, we can win anywhere. Democrats have proven that time and time again, and we’re ready to prove it this November. This week on Ground Game, we’ll share three actions you can take this summer to organize in your communities and help lead Democrats to victory in the midterms. Thank you for taking action!

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1. Volunteer for Your Local Candidates and State Parties

Whether it’s contacting voters to remind them of upcoming primaries or door-knocking for your local Democratic candidates, volunteering is key to winning big this year. State parties are the backbone of Democratic power — and they need our help to win now and build for the future. Click below to find opportunities to take action in your area. Can’t make an in-person event? Check out virtual opportunities to get involved!

Take Action Today

2. Make Sure You and Your Friends are Registered to Vote

In order to take back Congress this year, we need to show up at the polls. Take five minutes to check your voter registration and make sure it’s up to date. Want to further the impact? Reach out to your friends, family, and community to make sure their registrations are up to date. We’ll see you at the polls!

Check Your Voter Registration

Be sure to check out our When We Count fellowship, the first-of-its-kind paid, part-time youth fellowship that trains supporters to organize and register new Democratic voters on the ground. Learn more information and apply today.

When We Count Fellowship

3. Host or Attend a Voter Registration Drive

Another great volunteer opportunity is hosting or participating in a voter registration drive. Voter registration drives are one of the most powerful tools we have to grow the electorate and build long-term Democratic power. By connecting with our community and neighbors about the importance of voting, we build a stronger democracy. Get some friends together and host a drive this summer!

Host A Voter Registration Drive

Find A Voter Registration Drive

Share, Subscribe, and Support Ground Game

Thank you so much for reading Ground Game! If you enjoyed this week’s newsletter, let us know with a like, restack, and make sure to share it with your friends so we can keep bringing you weekly organizing updates!

Subscribe now

Share

Volunteer

Donate

Best,

Olivia

DISCLAIMER: This article may contain outdated information for, or links to opportunities and other events that may have already passed. Please continue to stay updated with The Blue Print’s most recent posts for the most up-to-date information.**