September 29, 2026
What Role Will You Play?
Hello Indivisible Citizens of Catawba Valley,
It’s another Take Action Tuesday from the ICCV Legislative Committee. The midterm elections are now five weeks away; early voting in North Carolina begins in SIXTEEN DAYS, on October 15, and runs through October 31, 2026. We are continuing with election related information over the next few weeks.
As a reminder, be sure to check your voter registration and encourage your family and friends to do so as well. The voter registration deadline is October 9, although one stop registration and voting is available during Early Voting. https://vt.ncsbe.gov/RegLkup/
As you may have heard, the Supreme Court ruled that the administration can use an unproven and questionably accurate database to determine citizenship for purposes of purging “ineligible” voters. We have discussed previously that the incidence of non-citizen voting is extremely rare. However, this decision creates the possibility of many citizens having their eligibility questioned immediately before the midterm elections. Even though we are in the 90 day “Quiet Period” enacted by the National Voter Registration Act, which prohibits systematic or mass voter purges, the majority in this week’s decision said that states are still permitted to check the citizenship status of individual voters.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ck05rrj3jeylo
WHAT TO DO and HOW TO DO IT
There are many opportunities to participate in ensuring free and fair elections this midterm cycle. This is an all hands on deck effort. One hour, one day, however much you can help.
1. First and foremost, VOTE! We highly recommend voting early and in-person. Make it a party and take your friends and family members with you. If mobility is an issue for you or a member of your party, curbside voting is available at every early voting site in Catawba County.
2. Join the ICCV Election Defense Corps. It’s not too late to get signed up, trained, and grab one of the cool yellow t-shirts provided by Democracy NC. For more information, or to get involved, contact Lynn Dorfman lynndorfman@gmail.com or Melanie Katz katzmom@me.com. Please provide your name, e-mail, and phone number. We will get back to you with details on how to sign up with Democracy NC and get training.
3. Help people get to the polls. Offer rides to neighbors and friends who may lack transportation. Offer to watch children for working parents who may not have childcare to go vote. Some of our neighbors may feel hesitant or frightened of intimidation at the polls; offer to go with them and escort them to the door of the polling place.
4. Work as a poll greeter for the campaign or political party of your choice. These are the people outside the polling place, but in the “electioneering zone,” who provide literature and can answer questions about the political party or candidate. If there is a particular candidate whose platform aligns particularly well with your concerns or interests, please contact them.
5. Be an inside poll monitor. These are people formally appointed by the political parties. If you are interested in this role, please reach out to your party headquarters.
6. Be a poll worker. These are paid positions through the County Board of Elections. If interested in this role, please reach out to the Catawba County Board of Elections: aduncan@catawbacountync.gov
7. Educate yourself on who and what is on your ballot. When you check your registration (see introduction for link), scroll to the bottom for your sample ballot. Share what you learn with others. We will be discussing important races and ballot initiatives in Take Action Tuesday over the next several weeks.
8. County political parties often have websites that provide information about volunteer opportunities, events, and candidates. If there is a newsletter, subscribe to get the most up to date information.
9. Remember that this is not all or nothing, and that we can wear multiple hats - just not at the same time. It’s a bit like a menu at a restaurant. I want to try several items, so I will choose one today, and come back another day to try the other.
10. Finally, SAVE THE DATE! Our next national day of action will be “No Kings: Vote Early” on October 17, the first Saturday of Early Voting in North Carolina. There are already multiple events planned by various local organizations that day, and ICCV is busily working to plan our event. If you’re interested in helping plan and are available TODAY, Rally Committee will be meeting at 6:00 PM “Under the Sails” in downtown Hickory. Grab a beverage and join us! If you can’t come this evening, but would like to help, reach out to Lynn lynndorfman@gmail.com
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT:
Voter turnout is key to election integrity. Every vote matters. Ballotpedia reports that 660 elections from 2018 through October 2025 were decided by 10 or fewer votes, including 273 in North Carolina. Some were decided by as little as ONE VOTE. https://ballotpedia.org/Elections_decided_by_10_votes_or_fewer
A Creighton University political scientist explained the importance of the midterm elections as deciding “which issues receive attention, how policies move forward and the direction of government during the second half of a president’s term.” In addition, state and local elections have a significant effect on daily living, education, and local infrastructure and policy.
https://www.creighton.edu/news/why-midterm-elections-matter-political-scientist-explains
The Brennan Center discusses in detail the ongoing efforts to undermine the election but summarizes on a hopeful note: “(T)he effort to undermine the election is failing. It will succeed only if citizens stay home.”https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/election-interference-wont-work-if-americans-vote
Our primary focus will continue to be on elections between now and Election Day. If there is a particular election-related issue you would like us to research and address, please e-mail us at iccvlegislation@gmail.com
This week’s quote:
Thinking will not overcome fear, but action will.
~ W. Clement Stone
Thank you for everything you do to protect our democracy!
ICCV Legislative Committee
“With Liberty and Justice for ALL”