"Voting isn't marriage, it's public transportation. You're not waiting for 'the one,' you're getting on the bus. And if there isn't one going exactly to your destination, you don't stay home and sulk. You take the one that's going closest to where you want to be." —Unknown
Notes from Leah B.
Last week was phenomenal. On Wednesday we had the League of Women Voters candidate forum. Kelli van Ginhoven was the clear winner of the Senate debate. She was the only one of the three candidates who was not tripped up by any of the questions. She was able to respond to every one with knowledge of the issue, no matter the topic.
Rachel Keys also performed very well. She stood firm on issues regarding the economy, healthcare, natural resources, and data centers. No wavering and no waffling.
Thursday, Abdul El Sayed was in Escanaba with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. A smattering of counter-protestors showed up, but there were no issues. The rally was not only very informative, but it was also a lot of fun. From there, El Sayed traveled to Iron Mountain, Marquette, and Sault Ste. Marie (where he went to see the Bit Coin Mining operation that is disrupting a nearby school). The Upper Peninsula is FINALLY on the map. Lansing and our federal elected officials are finally noticing us!
We rounded the week off with our March for Democracy. We had about 75 people show up, which is pretty spectacular given the number of competing events taking place. Republicans again showed up to counter-protest. All 10 of them. Again, we had no issues or confrontations. We outnumbered and outlasted them.
Next up is the most important step. VOTE! If you can vote early, do it. If you can't, make sure you show up on November 3rd. If you need transportation, let us know. If you know others who need transportation, let us know!
IMPORTANT DATES:
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. Participants are invited to join Unitarian Universalist Social Action Committee organizers at Stone's Deli after the event.
Delta County Unified In Person Meeting
Wednesday, Oct. 21
5:30 PM
United Memorial Methodist Church in Gladstone
Please bring your own drinks and a dish to pass if you are able.
Delta County Democrats - Choose Your Own Adventure
Saturday, October 24th
11 am
Carpenters Hall
1219 First Avenue South
Escanaba, MI
Choose your adventure for this day of action. Take to the streets to pass out literature. Pick up a phone and make some calls. Write some postcards.
Pizza will be served at noon, while we get fired up with Senator Debbie Stabenow, Candidate Callie Bar, Candidate Kelli van Ginhoven, and Candidate Rachel Keys.
Please RSVP so they know how much pizza to order: deltademsmi@gmail.com
November 3rd. VOTE!!!!!!!!!!!
NOTES FROM INDIVISIBLE "WHAT'S THE PLAN?" NATIONAL MEETING (08-21-26):
The meeting was, once again, about election integrity and No Kings: Vote Early. Not much new ground covered but good reminder to all of us to VOTE EARLY!!
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 - Thursday Oct 22, 2026
REQUESTS, INVITATIONS AND INFORMATION FROM OTHER ORGANIZATIONS:
From Indivisible National regarding No Kings: Vote Early:
With nearly 3,000 events in all 50 states and across the globe, No Kings: Vote Early was the single largest early vote activation in US history.
The events were joyful, fun, and defiant. We had protests, rallies, county-wide car parades, marches to the polls, cheer squads and marching bands, and even a doggie parade. But no matter what kind of event you joined (or hosted!), you helped send a clear signal to the regime: If they try to sabotage this election, they’ll be met with a grassroots force of millions of people ready to resist them.
This movement is making history, and what we do next will shape the future of our democracy. Join us this Wednesday at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT for a mass call where we’ll outline how we funnel the power of this movement into an unstoppable election defense force capable of overcoming any attempt by Trump to sabotage the midterms.
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:
Help shut down Line 5 permanently...Oil and Water Don't Mix! Please call Gov Whitmer’s office at 517-373-3400 and say something like:
"I’m _____, ZIP code is _____. I applaud your decision to recommit to shutting down Line 5. Please take the following actions before your term as governor ends to help make the closure of Line 5 a reality:
File a state alternative and transition analysis
Direct State agencies to support decommissioning Line 5
Freeze spending by the Mackinac Straits Corridor Authority which has already wasted millions of taxpayer dollars on consultants.
Protect the Great Lakes as you promised you would--Line 5 is an immense and imminent threat. The tunnel was never a solution."