We're NOT Doomed: May 22, 2026
"Nothing 'just happens'"
You want elections to be safe and fair?
Here’s the BEST way to protect them:
Focus on the humanity of poll workers.
These are not politicians, they aren’t even civil servants. They are normal everyday people who either need another source of income or care about Democracy and most of the time, both.
These are your neighbors. You see them at the grocery store and taking your kids to school.
Republicans cannot demonize them when they are people. So they make them into the boogie monster. Doxxing them to make it unsafe for them to do their jobs. And convince people they are evil and trying to make elections less fair.
This doesn’t make anyone want to become a poll worker, and we can’t have safe and fair elections without poll them.
The Republicans in power know this.
That’s the goal. The Republicans would never cancel elections, but they want to make sure the outcome is predetermined and putting doubt in poll workers is the best way to do that.
The idea is to convince people that they are “career politicians.” That their goal is to make elections less fair and let undocumented Americans vote. Which is literally the opposite of their job.
Republicans are even subpoenaing them in Fulton County over the 2020 election THIS MONTH. Republicans know this is ridiculous, but remember, the goal is to make poll workers out to be the boogie monster. To scapegoat them.
This will result in making less people, especially less people on the left, even want to be a poll worker in the first place. I mean, if you’re doing it for the small paycheck, the possible harassment makes it a far less valuable source of income.
So the more Republicans remove their humanity. The more we need to focus on it and highlight it.
There’s Election Hero Day on October 20th that we can all make into a big deal. It’s about highlighting the work of poll workers, election office staff, county and municipal election clerks and directors and state and territory election officials. These are the heroes of the revolution.
And if you’re able, consider becoming a poll worker yourself. The more poll workers we have, especially who actually care about Democracy, the better off we are. And the harder it is to single them out as being inherently evil.
But, if you want to be a poll worker for the Midterms, time is running out. Poll workers go through trainings, and in some states those are already over for November. But check to see about your state. And, as you know, many states have elections throughout the year, so if you sign up now, you might be able to cover a special election, where they are absolutely also needed.
So, bottom line, if you’re scared about elections being less fair and less free, this is the best way to combat that. And seriously, if you can, consider becoming a poll worker. The more we have, the better.
It’s a great way to use your voice and make sure everyone can use our superpower, which, is of course, our vote.
Wales
Thu, April 16 - Five years ago the Church of Wales began offering blessings to same sex couples, on a trial basis and was set to expire in September. After a recent meeting, it is now permanent. This means this blessing will be added to the Book of Common Prayer.
The motion needed 2/3 of each section of the governing body to pass, and it got well over that. It was unanimous with the five Bishops. 32/44 of the Clergy, with five abstaining, and 48/58 of the laity with 2 abstentions.
This might sound like not a very big deal, given that Wales is a pretty queer friendly place, but some Anglicans will probably leave the church or try to oust the governing body as a result.
Also, it was only possible thanks to Most Revd Cherry Vann, Archbishop of Wales, who is gay herself:
I want to thank everyone for the ways in which this debate was conducted – calmly, and with mutual respect. The Bench of Bishops and I recognise that this is an issue about which people hold strong convictions. We want everybody to be able to hold their views with integrity whilst not losing sight of the image of God that resides in all of us. We want to build a church that can make space for each other whatever our different perspectives.
I love this story, because it’s so easy to just assume things are getting worse for queer rights everywhere, and this is a reminder that they’re not. We are moving two steps back, but not everyone is. And that makes me feel less Doomed.
Washington DC
Thu, April 16 - NPR received the largest single donation from a living person in their history from Connie Ballmer:
I support NPR because an informed public is the bedrock of our society, and democracy requires strong, independent journalism. My hope is that this commitment provides the stability and the spark NPR needs to innovate boldly and strengthen its national network.
And NPR said it is specifically going to supporting digital innovation.
They also received a $33m anonymous donation that same day. Which will be for keeping all of NPR sustainable and continue to have the tools and services needed to keep running at the highest level.
The donations from just these two people in one single day totaled $113m.
I can’t imagine the kind of difference this is gonna make. And I’m sure that some newsrooms that were at risk of closing will be able to stay afloat as a result.
This really makes me feel less Doomed.
Kentucky
Thu, April 16 - There were some horrible anti LGBTQ to pass in state legislatures across the country, but Kentucky passed none of them. There were 10 bills, 8 died in committee, 2 passed only one chamber.
These bills were horrible, such as banning trans people from teaching as well as bathroom and drag bans and several others.
It’s a really important reminder that just cause something is introduced does not mean it will pass and of our power for us to use our voices.
Everyday Kentuckians went to the capitol and called their legislators and made an impact. And orgs that we all know and love lobbied the legislators as well. A reminder that getting rid of lobbying is absolutely not the answer.
As ACLU of Kentucky spokesperson Eric King said:
Nothing ‘just happens’ in Frankfort.
That is why we’re not Doomed. Because people like you and me are still fighting back.
I hope these stories remind you how important is it to fight back and how much power we have.
And that our voices are our superpower, but only when we use them!