FAWCO’s US Voting Committee has always asked overseas Americans who are FAWCO members to vote and promote voting in US elections in several ways. In the last few years, we have suggested some new actions to take, as threats to US democracy have risen. This article gives my answers to the best question I was asked at FAWCO’s Interim Meeting in March: “How can I talk about the threats to US democracy?”
Familiar tasks – and new ones
The US Voting Committee has advised overseas Americans to take part in US elections in the following ways:
- Make a plan to both register and vote in every US election for which you are eligible. Always register as early as possible. Safe, secure and nonpartisan sites – such as those of the US Vote Foundation and the Federal Voting Assistant Program (FVAP) – are one click away from your computer screen.
- Ensure that you get accurate information about events, so that you base your vote on the facts. (Vote smart, check sources!)
- Spread this advice through your communications (e.g. email signature) and social media, in your FAWCO club and in every local social, sports, school and religious group or community to which you belong.
- Volunteer to join FAWCO’s US Voting Committee (email ) to get and share information and tips, and organize voter registration and assistance events.
In the last few years, however, the Committee has both raised the alarm about threats to US democracy and urged FAWCO members to combat them by, for example:
- combatting misinformation about overseas voting and the Big Lie about the 2020 election in particular;
- regularly contacting members’ elected representatives to express their views, preferably by phone or email (see instructions on the Committee homepage); and
- identifying pro-democracy candidates for office and supporting them with time and/or money.
Our motto is: “Don’t agonize; organize!”
“How can I talk about the threats to US democracy?”
That was the best question asked by the participants in the US Issues session at FAWCO’s Interim Meeting in Porto. The answer will vary with the skills and resources of the people who respond. This article differs from others issued by the US Voting Committee: it gives my view on possible answers to that question – to offer yours, and suggest additions and improvements, contact the US Voting Committee at .
1. Decide to speak up for democracy – take and use your power as a citizen.
Authoritarian movements take the power that people give them. While we face frightening threats, saying nothing about them, or only bewailing them, allows authoritarianism to advance.
Many of us were raised with the instruction, “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” Though the situation we face isn’t nice, we need to talk about it. And that can include both praising pro-democracy actions, movements, candidates and officeholders and criticizing those threatening or opposing democracy.
2. Speak out in the ways that best suit your personality and skills.
We can speak out in many ways, ranging from conversations to club/FAWCO events to social media to formal discussions and debates and to writing letters, opinion pieces and more. Choose those that suit you best – and recognize that skill in communication comes only with practice. Nobody does the job perfectly from the start.
Many years of – sometimes painful – experience as a teacher, trainer and voting advocate lead me to offer the following tips on communicating effectively and safely, no matter what method you use. And of course you can consult many guides on effective communication.
Be factual, clear and calm.
Make factual arguments using clear language and solid information sources, and never use rude or personal language. Maintain a calm and firm tone and stick to the topic. Refuse any attempts to distract you, change the subject (“But what about …?”) or start a fight (verbal or physical).
For example, the facts show the falsity of the Big Lie. Anybody wanting to dispute that needs to show evidence to do so. If you are communicating with someone who has no facts or evidence to offer, consider ending the discussion – and saying why.
Pick your battles.
This advice applies to both picking your preferred form of communication and taking part in particular discussions.
I’m used to writing for my club and FAWCO, and speaking at their events. I’ve expanded to posting more often on social media and on comment threads. I also take precautions to protect my privacy and avoid receiving part of the avalanche of online abuse too often aimed at women who speak up in public forums.
Speak up about the threats to US democracy, for example, when a discussion touches on politics. Stick to the subject until: you’ve made your point, the conversation comes to a natural end, you are requested to do so or you see that the people you’re talking to are hostile, argue in personal terms or use falsehoods.
When talking, posting or writing, think most about giving the facts of a situation, and informing or convincing those who may listen or read without commenting. Aim to tell the truth, not to defeat another person; it’s about facts, not feelings or competition. When leaving a discussion because of false information or personal attacks, point out the lack of evidence and say goodbye, remaining factual, clear, non-personal and calm. Starving trolls is the best way to beat to them.
Pace yourself; this is a marathon, not a sprint.
If the forces of democracy win the 2024 elections, as we hope, the struggle will continue until anti-democratic forces accept defeat. That will take time (though probably less than the 72 years it took American women to win the right to vote!). To quote Florynce Kennedy, “Freedom is like taking a bath: You got to keep doing it every day.”
Every election will be the most important of our lives for the foreseeable future, so all of us who support democracy need to be able to stay in the struggle until we win it. That requires us to maintain our ability to contribute and avoid burnout. Some ways to do that include the following.
- Stay informed, but avoid doomscrolling. Take pleasure in the good news that comes along.
- Band together with pro-democracy allies to share information, tactics and encouragement. (Avoid playing the harmful game, “Ain’t it awful?”.)
- Continue to do hobbies and activities that you enjoy.
- Recognize that practice makes better, not perfect.
Where and how do you/will you speak up for US democracy?