Well, it’s official. The nightmare is real, and we’ll be living under a Trump presidency for the next four years. But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing we can do until 2020. Currently, all three branches of government will be Republican controlled. Along with donating to at risk organizations and continuing to protest, one of the most important things we can do is make sure this doesn’t last. In 2018, Democrats have the opportunity to take back the majority in Congress. Here are five ways we can help make this happen.
- 1. Find out if your senator is up for re-election in 2018.
2018 will see a lot of Democrats and two Independents defending their seats (including Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren), and a few Republicans at risk of losing theirs (including Ted Cruz). Find out if any of your state senators are up for reelection. If so, make sure you’re ready to get out there and support Democrats. If not, choose nearby candidates to support, even if you can’t vote in the state election. Reach out to any friends you have in states that do have Senate elections and make sure they’re voting!
- 2. Get involved with Congressional campaigns.
No matter which state you live in, you’re gonna have at least one House member up for election. Getting involved with Congressional campaigns is easy, most campaigns have a website where you can sign up to volunteer. This can range from phone banking, canvasing, putting up posters, holding events or just sharing stuff on social media. Getting just as excited for a Congressional candidate as you would for a President can help motivate others to get excited too.
- 3. Figure out what issues matter to you
Affordable healthcare? Equal pay? Environmental protection? Determine what issues motivate you and make sure the candidate(s) your party supports will advocate for the issues that matter to you. If you have any questions, websites like ontheissues.org can help identify a candidate’s stance. If you have any concerns, campaign staffs are more than happy to answer emails or calls to clarify.
- 4. Stay motivated
If Trump has a Democrat-controlled Congress, the next two years of his Presidency are practically useless. Though the Democrats do have the numbers to filibuster in the Senate right now, tipping the majority would mean Democrats could, without a doubt, halt any legislation Trump wanted. Remember, a President can’t make laws, only Congress can. We take Congress, we take the power back. Though it’s not a presidential election, it’s still extremely important.
- 5. Vote!
I know this election was beyond discouraging. We lost a lot, but if we don’t vote in 2018, we’ll lose even more. Democrats have often struggled getting the numbers they need for Congressional elections that aren’t on a Presidential election year. In 2018, we can’t risk not having the numbers. Too much is at stake. Encourage your friends to vote, get involved with organizations like Rock The Vote, and when election rolls around, get out there yourself and have your voice be heard.
