In This Blog
Granny Caravan: Life On The Road
Governor Jay Inslee to Headline Yakima Democrats’ Annual FDR Dinner—A Night You Don’t Want to Miss!
Tapping Into New Voter Blocks: 4,838 Newly Registered Voters Reached Last Month
The Kamala Kick: Voter Registration Is Up, Way Up!
Potpourri
Damn, Did A Dem Say That?
History Of Racial Justice In Yakima County
Volunteer Update
Coming up in the next newsletter: Dan Newhouse shows the Tri-Cities Chamber Of Commerce How He Can Lie Like A Rug.
Granny Caravan: Tales Of Life On The Road
The Granny Caravan Unity Road Tour keeps rolling on! Shirley Grossman, 82, and Roz Luther, 86, sparked this grand adventure back in March 2024. Their mission? To hit the road, visit small rural towns in Eastern Washington, and listen. Fed up with the division that extreme political ideologies are creating in our country and driven by their deep love for America, these dynamic ladies decided it was time to take action.
Grannies on their second stop in Deer Park
With support from Rural Americans United, they zeroed in on rural communities—the places most often left out of the political conversation, making them the perfect starting point.
Armed with nothing but a trip to AAA (because old-school trip planning is the best), they mapped out a tour that would take them on a three-month adventure through sixteen towns. Donning their signature big purple hats (blue and red make purple!), and loaded with fliers and a fiery passion to make the world a bit better, they hit the road.
Left: Shirley and Roz meet Joe Pakootas Chief Executive Officer at Colville Tribal Federal Corporation and former Candidate for U.S. Congress, 5th Congressional District. Right: Roz runs into an old friend, Rod Larse.
So far, they’ve made their way through sixteen towns. And what they’re doing is vital. Small towns are too often overlooked in the political process, making them easy targets for being overrun by extreme ideologies. Whether it’s because of a lack of funds, distance, small voter bases, or just being outside the main media spotlight, these communities deserve to be heard.
L-R: Davenport, Colfax and Jesse Garrett the Mayor of Kettle Falls
While the crowds weren’t huge at first, these small towns have been giving Shirley and Roz a hero’s welcome. Local papers in every stop have celebrated their efforts, and the momentum is only growing. On August 26th, the Spokesman Review ran its second article on our Grannies, who are making waves in all the best ways.
They are far from done. With the news spreading across small towns in Eastern Washington of their mission doors are opening and welcome mats are being laid out. Please support the good work they are doing and encourage them to continue.
Governor Jay Inslee to Headline Yakima Democrats’ Annual FDR Dinner—A Night You Don’t Want to Miss!
Photo courtesy of the Washington Times
Get ready, Yakima County! Governor Jay Inslee and his wife, Trudi, are making a special visit to our city on September 14th to headline the Yakima County Democrats’ annual FDR dinner. This is a monumental event that you won’t want to miss!
After a month-long effort by a dedicated group of local citizens, including Rural Americans United, we’re thrilled to welcome Governor Inslee to Central Washington. This visit is a clear reflection of the growing Democratic momentum in our region—a movement that is gaining strength day by day.
This is more than just a dinner; it’s a celebration of progress. It has been thirty years since Governor Inslee represented Congressional District 4, and his return to Yakima shows his unwavering support for the incredible strides Democrats are making here.
For decades, Central Washington has been a Republican stronghold, but times are changing. From Doug White’s unifying congressional campaign to the historic victory of the Sunnyside Six, and the ongoing battle for fair representation in Legislative District 14, Democrats are breaking new ground. The redrawing of Legislative District 15 and the competitive race in Congressional District 5 further demonstrate the shifting political landscape.
Governor Inslee’s appearance at our dinner comes at the perfect time, shining a spotlight on the critical races in Legislative District 14. Yakima County is at the heart of these battlegrounds, and the momentum is undeniable. Senate candidate Maria Beltran, and Representative candidates Chelsea Dimas and Ana Ruiz-Kennedy, have made tremendous strides, breaking through traditional barriers and even winning over voters in Republican strongholds. Each candidate secured over 40% of the votes in their races—a testament to the growing support for Democratic values.
Governor Inslee’s visit isn’t just about boosting morale; it’s about uniting Democrats across Washington State. His presence sends a powerful message that whether in urban or rural areas, Democrats are standing together, ready to fight for a better future.
Don’t miss this chance to be part of something big. Join the Yakima Democrats for an unforgettable evening, and let’s keep the momentum going!
Get your tickets now! For more information or to purchase tickets for the FDR dinner, please visit: Yakima County Democrats FDR Dinner.
Another 4,838 Newly Registered Voters Reached Last Month
Rural Americans United At Work
Rural Americans United focuses on three key tactics to identify, persuade, and engage voters.
1. Immunize Against Far-Right Rhetoric
We target newly registered voters with alternative information and ongoing dialogue to counter MAGA influence. Our Newly Registered Voter Outreach program ensures that every new voter in Central and Eastern Washington is contacted and informed about voting. With over 30,000 newly registered voters expected by the next election, this is a significant voting block that moves us closer to our goal of 50% +1.
2. Educate and Represent
In areas like Yakima County, 80% of people have never heard a pro-Democratic message. This lack of representation leads to isolation and hopelessness among Democrats. Rural Americans United launched the first-ever pro-Democratic messaging campaign in Central Washington, reaching over twenty million radio impressions. We aim to continue this effort by purchasing local radio and print businesses, bringing back sensible politics and countering far-right gaslighting. By providing alternative viewpoints, we energize Democrats and inform independents and moderate Republicans.
3. Embrace Ballot Harvesting
Ballot harvesting involves collecting ballots from voters at non-official locations. Republicans excel at this, while Democrats do not. Washington State's ambiguous laws on ballot harvesting mean anyone with a receptacle can do it. We should encourage ballot harvesting at churches, community organizations, bars, and clubs. Instead of relying solely on ballot parties, we should incentivize people to bring their ballots to places they already frequent, increasing voter turnout. Security is crucial, as MAGA supporters may attempt to disrupt the process. We're working with music venues to create ballot harvest events targeting youth, using incentives like free drinks and no cover charges.
The Goal
Getting out the vote isn't enough. Progressives and moderates need new, cost-effective ways to engage a larger portion of the voter base. Rural Americans United is working hard to close the gap and reach 50% +1, with the support of many dedicated organizations and individuals.
Let's unite, innovate, and secure those crucial votes to make a real difference in our communities. Together, we can create a brighter future for all.
Goal: $43,000 by September 30th!
The Kamala Kick
Insights firm TargetSmart reports to CBS News that voter registration among young Black women is up 175% from 2020—an unprecedented increase. Significant increases are also seen in other minority groups.
Potpourri
Damn, Did A Dem Say That?
We recently reported that a high-ranking member of the Washington Democrats guaranteed the failure of a Democratic candidate in the primary. It doesn’t stop there. In a recent conversation with a high-dollar donor, I was told that a Congressional representative candidate, while dialing for dollars, said to her, 'Don't waste your money over there,' referring to Central and Eastern Washington. I continue to say that we in rural America are on our own. The Democratic machine, which caters to the densely populated and deep-pocketed urban centers, will throw us under the bus and to the wolves in one fell swoop. There is only one way we will get respect and a place at the table, and that is to take it. And we do this by winning elections.
History Of Racial Justice In Yakima County shared by Dulce Gutierrez
Volunteer Update
Thank you to all who offered to assist Rural Americans United with the Newly Registered Voter project. Since we did not require postcard writers, with the consent of the volunteers, we provided their contact information to other groups. We hope they will be contacted and able to provide assistance during this exciting election year.
Needed Ballot Harvesting Organizers. We would like to organize Ballot Harvesting Parties in coordination with local businesses. We are looking for assistance in the Tri-Cities, Sunnyside and Yakima to help with coordination and groundwork.
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