Delta Count Unified Newsletter 9/18/2026
"The vote is the most powerful instrument ever devised by human beings for breaking down injustice and destroying the terrible walls which imprison people because they are different from others." —Lyndon B. Johnson
NOTES FROM LEAH B:
Tomorrow is a big day at Ludington Park. The Family Fun Day Event will start at 10 am and the Delta County Unified Informational Rally will begin at noon. Our MC will be Christiana Reynolds. Speakers are Monica Peach, Lauri Kaski-Hamar, Rachel Keys, Andrew Hayse, and Kelli van Ginhoven. I hope to see all of you there!
Wednesday, September 23rd is our next in person meeting (more information below). We have a special guest speaker! Betsy Coffia will discuss the Money Out of Politics Initiative. The is an important proposal, given the repeated price increases we have faced from our energy companies.
Finally, speaking of energy prices, the United States has reached a record high for diesel fuel. This will drive up the cost of pretty much everything we buy. I was shopping yesterday and discovered that my husband's favorite coffee creamer has literally doubled in price, to $6 for a small container. Yes, we can live without it. But it is a good example of just how much prices have risen this year. There is no end in sight for these price increases. If you are interested in a workshop on how to stock up, shop sales, preserve foods, and prepare healthy but inexpensive meals, please let me know. Now is the time, before things become even worse.
Election Workers Needed
This is where the rubber hits the road! We are EVER so close to what is likely the most critical election in our lifetime. If you have ever thought about serving in this role, or even preparing in case you are needed, this is the time - WEDS, SEPT 23: Escanaba City Hall, 9:00am. Our local precinct clerks are having difficulty recruiting election workers. This is the first time we have been directly asked to help.
We need to inform Nancy how many people are interested. Please email deltademsmi@gmail.com if you are interested in serving in this role.
Election Protection
If you or someone you know experiences voter intimidation, harassment, or any problems at the polls, you can call the nonpartisan Election Protection Hotline. Keep this number with you: 866-687-8683.
From Greg Bruff:
If you are not aware of Judge Michael J. Luttieg’s recent article in The New Republic, I urge you to read it on Judge Luttieg’s Substack in the very near future. Tonight I watched Katie Couric discuss that article with Judge Luttieg on katie's substack. I wish every american - including each of you- would watch that broadcast. It is very, very, very important that we all know the potential for a serious election crisis -not on November 3rd, but on January 3rd. During the interview, Judge Luttieg discusses the potential for Republicans to refuse to seat duly elected democrats to the house of representatives, which could/would throw the U.S. into an existential constitutional, economic, and societal crisis. Please, please watch this interview. thank you,
IMPORTANT DATES:
Rally for Delta County
Saturday, September 19
Noon
Ludington Park Bandshell
Candidate speakers include Rachel Keys, Kelli van GinHoven, and Andrew Hayse. Other speakers will discuss mental health and the homeless shelter proposed for Escanaba.
Family Fun Day
Saturday, September 19
10 AM - 5 PM
Ludington Park Pavillion
Escanaba, MI
This will be a non-partisan event, geared toward families and kids. It will include bouncy houses, face painting, a sensory area, and more.
Take Action Tuesday Protests
Every Tuesday
12-1:30 PM
SW corner of Lincoln & Ludington, in front of Walgreen's
Escanaba, MI
Take Action Tuesday protests take place every Tuesday in front of Walgreen's in Escanaba. Please do not park in the Walgreen's lot.
Delta Unified Monthly Meeting with Guest Speaker Betsy Coffia regarding Money out of Politics
Wednesday, September 23
5:30 PM
Memorial United Methodist Church
Please bring your own beverage and a dish to pass if you are able. We have a guest, State Rep. Betsy Coffia, coming to speak about getting money out of politicis (flyer attached
Power to the People Fundraiser
Sunday, September 27
2-4 PM
Northern Sun Winery
Hosted by Delta Dems. Get motivated for Midterm season! Music by the Make-Believe Spurs
Support for Hope on the Horizon 906
Thursday, October 1st
6 PM
Escanaba City Hall
Certain members of the Escanaba City Council are trying to block the opening of a homeless shelter/transitional housing by refusing to rezone a building that has been vacant for 9 years. The building is already in an area zoned for mixed use. We are planning a rally in support of the shelter in front of City Hall at 6 pm to show our support for this project. After the protest, we can also attend the meeting, which starts at 7 pm.
Postcard Writing Party
Saturday, October 3
3-5 PM
Dewdrop Family Restaurant
Gladstone
We'll be writing postcards to progressive-leaning voters in purple states who consistently vote in Presidential elections but not in the Midterms, encouraging them to vote in November. Postcards and names/addresses will be provided by Porter Kelly, postage will be the responsibility of participants. Please plan to order something from the restaurant so we're not just loitering. LOL
If interested, RSVP to Porter Kelly at porter@porterkelly.com so we can make sure we have enough postcards, and also to give the Dewdrop a heads up if we're going to have a large group.
"No Kings: Vote Early" March for Democracy
Saturday, October 17
1 PM
In front of the fairgrounds, across the road from Gordon Foods
Escanaba
The next Indivisible National Event is on October 17th and is geared towards reminding people to vote and vote early. We determine what comes next by who we vote for. We will March from the fairgrounds (on the sidewalk) for about a mile and then back. Bring signs reminding people to vote. Bring signs with the names of your favorite candidates.
NOTES FROM INDIVISIBLE "WHAT'S THE PLAN?" NATIONAL MEETING (08-21-26):
The main topic of the meeting was the existential crisis posed by Artificial Intelligence, and most of the questions were about election integrity. Not really anything new was discussed, although they did reiterate that No Kings events are non-partisan.
Link to podcast version of meeting:
What's the Plan podcast - new episodes every Friday
Link to next week's national "What's the Plan?" call:
Indivisible What's the Plan - Sep 24, 2026
REQUESTS, INVITATIONS AND INFORMATION FROM OTHER ORGANIZATIONS:
From Delta Dems:
What: Family Fun Day https://www.facebook.com/share/1DKFDMM8WA/
When: Saturday, September 19 from 9am – 4pm
Where: Ludington Park Pavilion Area
Contact: Kristi Humphrey, FamilyFunDay49829@gmail.com or 906-280-4132
Greetings, Delta Dems,
Let’s make this a SMASHING SUCCESS!! Visit the Facebook event page to see the wide array of activities planned, including bouncy houses, play stations, physical and table games, a multitude of food trucks, and more! SPREAD THE WORD - recruit friends to help or families to attend; forward this email and/or the Facebook link. Share the Daily Press article that will be coming out soon, or catch the radio ad. Time is short, make the most of it!
Kristi Humphrey is our highly motivated, creative, and fun-loving leader who put together a committee and has worked tirelessly planning this Delta Dems sponsored event that is co-sponsored by: Vagabond Resort and Campground; The Tovar Co.; We Rock the Spectrum; Escanaba Downtown Development Authority; Humphrey Home Renovations; Nicole Nelson; and T&T True Value Hardware.
Kristi needs our help!
1) Volunteers for minimum 2-hour shifts
2) Donations of kid stuff for all ages and/or money
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VOLUNTEER – contact Kristi at FamilyFunDay49829@gmail.com or 906-280-4132
Help her with set up or take down
Dress up in a costume at the event and take pics with kids!
Restock supplies and hand out water at the event!
Be the person who announces the winner at the finish lines!
Help in advance with distributing signage, making calls or picking up donations!
DONATE – Drop off any time during daylight hours at 507 So 11th St, Escanaba, or contact Kristi for pickup
There is a FAMILY FUN DAY DONATIONS bin on their front porch to receive donations at any time during daylight hours. They have little ones at home, so PLEASE no knocking or bell ringing if just dropping off.
Any materials not used at the event that are in working condition will be donated to organizations for children afterward.
· New or gently used board and card games
· Craft supplies of all types, including broken chalk and crayons!
· Hobby tools & supplies
· Athletic or work out equipment: think hiking, running, ice skates, snow shoes, bocce ball sets, soccer balls, weightlifting, balance boards bop-its, hoola-hoops, jump ropes etc
· Money (used to fund the event and buy prizes)
From Lake Superior Region Indivisible:
Monday Sep. 21, 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm EDT
This a local Indivisible virtual training event sponsored by
Lake Superior Region Indivisible. Join from anywhere!
WHAT IS DEEP CANVASSING?
Maybe you've heard of "deep canvassing" before or perhaps it's completely new to you. It's a voter contact method that shifts people's hearts and minds on an issue and/or candidate. It involves compassionate listening, personal story exchanges and crafting curious questions.
WHY DOES IT WORK? Research shows deep canvassing is 100 times more effective than traditional canvassing. (Yes, you read that right.)
It has a measurable impact on long-term persuasion, reducing polarization and increasing empathy — because it meets people where they are, not where we wish they were.
It’s a bridge to process people’s cognitive dissonance and connect new meaning to issues and/or candidates.
Click HERE to watch a short video that explains the value of Deep Canvassing. (Please note: At 5 minutes in, the SAVE act becomes the topic in the video. Our canvassing script will not focus on the SAVE act. It will focus on the mid-term elections and start with the voter’s thoughts about voting for Abdul El-Sayed for U.S. Senate and downballot candidates).
ABOUT OUR TRAINER: Jill Murphy is the M1-10 Regional Organizing Director with Michigan Families for Fair Care, where she works to hold Reps. John James and Tom Barrett accountable around the Republican Tax law. She has extensive experience training people throughout Michigan in deep canvassing and in a variety of rural advocacy efforts. Jill trained with the Deep Canvass Institute with The People’s Action and with the New Conversation Initiative. She leads these deep canvassing trainings in her personal time, and this training is hosted independently of her employer. She will help us create our canvassing script.
Click HERE to register for this event through Mobilize. You’ll receive sign-on information by email a week before the event. Questions? Contact us at lsr-indivisible.org.
Another From Delta Dems:
This chart was adapted from the Houghton County Dems newsletter. All thanks to them!
FALL ELECTION DATES
DATE
WHAT’S HAPPENING
September 24
Absentee ballots and drop boxes become available
October 19
Last day to register to vote online or by mail (registration in person at your local clerk’s office is still available up to and including Election Day.)
October 24
Early in-person voting begins. The early voting site for all Delta County precincts is the Wells Township Hall at 6436 N. 8th St, Wells.
November 3
Election Day
3-MINUTE CALL TO ACTION:
Look over the calendar section and choose at least two events that you will attend, including our monthly meeting. Add them to your calendars and, when appropriate, invite friends! With less than two months until the Midterms...HOME STRETCH! Let's get out there and get 'er done!