Once again, California leads the way for the nation. In an election widely seen as an indicator of Democrats' momentum heading into 2022, Californians delivered a powerful repudiation of Trumpism. With some 9.1 million ballots counted thus far — 64% of voters opted to keep Newsom in office, compared to 36% who wanted to recall him, according to a CalMatters live tracker of election results.
Members of IndiMarin, along with volunteers led by the California Democratic Party, union workers, and members of many other grassroots citizen action groups, rose to meet this crucial moment. For every one of you who wrote a postcard, made a phone call, sent a text message, knocked on a door, and/or gave a dollar, thank you! YOU made this victory possible!
The inspiring speech our governor delivered last night will guide and motivate us as we look toward 2022. “We said yes to science. We said yes to vaccines. We said yes to ending this pandemic. We said yes to all those things that we hold dear as Californians and I would argue as Americans. Economic justice, social justice, racial justice, environmental justice are the values where California has made so much progress — all of those things were on the ballot this evening.” He closed with a quote from his political hero, Robert Kennedy. "Let us dedicate ourselves to what the Greeks wrote so many years ago: to tame the savageness of man and make gentle the life of this world.”
Now, we at IndiMarin will resume our work to ensure passage of the Freedom to Vote Act, formerly the For the People Act. After many setbacks, this crucial legislation is within our grasp. But only if citizen advocates keep up the drumbeat with our elected officials. Please sign up to join us on Friday at noon for "An Hour of Action for Filibuster Reform," and also sign up for instructions and scripts to "Contact Senator Feinstein to Ask that She Call for a Carve Out to the Filibuster to Pass Voting Rights Legislation."
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being citizens who take action. We are proud to work alongside you. Onward in the fight!