One Week until Election Day

Well, we’re finally here - the last week before the election on November 4th. Missourians have been pulled every which way by national and state politicians (though Nixon has just trudged on toward victory undeterred) and now we’ll hear the final arguments.

Barack Obama has run a phenomenally disciplined and consistent race that has kept our little state in the running as a swing state. His incredible fundraising and prowess with the internets has given him the resources to run and unparalleled ground game as well as outspend his opponent in media four to one. His polling numbers in many swing states have propelled him to almost certainty as our next president.

But now is not the time for us to let up. Missouri progressives will have to turn out in record numbers to ensure that Barack Obama carries our state (which is polling neck and neck) and that means all of us will have to commit not only to voting ourselves, but bring as many progressive friends to the polls as possible.

Then, if after all of our efforts, Missouri turns from purple to blue, we have an even bigger task for the next two and four years. Our elected officials will continue to be some of the most important votes on progressive policies in our nation. We will be called on by many organizations to pressure those same people we are working to elect to vote for the issues we hold dear.

As November 4th approaches, remember that voting is truly the very least you can do to participate in our democracy.