“This is the best canvassing ever. Everybody’s home and everybody wants to talk.”– Chris, SURJ member canvassing in North Carolina
I’m writing to you from outside Asheville in Western North Carolina, where the community is still reeling from Hurricane Helene. I’m proud that after the storm, SURJ pivoted our canvassing efforts in the region towards mutual aid and helping organize to get residents’ basic needs met.
Last weekend, myself and a group of Appalachian SURJers traveled to knock on doors, check in on residents, and distribute information about the upcoming election. The response was overwhelmingly positive: nearly every person we spoke with expressed immense gratitude for voting information and a deep desire to talk about the political implications of the storm.
As you know, North Carolina is going to be a pivotal state in the election and locals are clear about the stakes, but there’s a huge need for reinforcements to help get out the vote. We’ve got a big ask: can you come to the area between now and election day to help turn the tides of this election and support the community’s recovery efforts? We’ve got your travel and lodging costs covered– sign up to learn more about logistics.
The impacts of the hurricane have severely undermined voting. Polling locations have been destroyed, forcing tens of thousands of voters to figure out a new place to vote. Vote-by-mail is virtually impossible.
In just over a week, North Carolina could decide the election. Buncombe County has the potential to tip the scales for the rest of the state– if we make sure people can get to the polls.
Sign up to receive more information about lodging, travel, and logistics.
Can’t make it? Can you forward this email to anyone you know who might be interested?
With gratitude,
Taryn
SURJ Co-National Organizing Department Director
PS: you can also join hundreds of others on our ongoing phonebanks through election day.
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