Engaged Defenders for Democracy - ED4D

10/17/2026

Good morning, Defenders of Democracy!

Today is No Kings! We are trying to have the largest day of early voting in US history. Let’s do this! Please bring your umbrellas as it will be raining in Durham today. In Durham, we will march and vote. And importantly, we will have opportunities for you to sign up to help others vote. We can do this!

Early voting on Day 1 in Orange County was up 69% from 2022 Day 1! 4,293 votes cast!

Chatham County had numbers on their first day at their biggest voting site that exceeded 2024!! Let’s goooooo!!!!

Johnston County had a 53% difference. Go Joco!

You can track the daily ballots cast in NC. Thanks, Mindy for sending.
https://citizenco.com/ballot-tracker

Zoe had 5 of the usual suspects at their Freedom Friday: Sanford. Three thumbs down but many many more times positive reactions. https://www.mobilize.us/engagedefendersfordemocracy/event/925827/

Sarah, Clark, and Tom had 7 at their ICE is not Welcome demonstration outside the ICE office in Cary. Mostly vote signs and positive feedback. https://mobilize.us/s/HRijyx

Ellen and Cathy had 35 at their Freedom Friday: Cary. DJ Agent 86 was spinning the tunes. Young man’s rhythm had a hold on us. Cary Downtown Park was rocking the VOTE!!! Baggies, bikinis , and a few speedos are packed. Boards are waxed and loaded in the Van. We are ready to ride the Blue Wave to the polls!!! “You’ve always had the Power. You’ve had it all along.”(Glinda-Good Witch of the North) Let’s tap our heels together 3 times and exercise our Power to VOTE and VOTE Early!!! https://mobilize.us/s/PpTIeC

Ann and Cathy had 13 at their Freedom Friday: Croasdaile https://mobilize.us/s/btzoaW

David had X at his F-cubed Freedom Friday: Fuquay-Varina: ol’ man. Just as I was about to pack up, a young lady greeted me on the sidewalk, nearly in tears, and thanked me for being here. She said she drives by every Friday and sees me here. As all of you, I’m sure know, that means everything and quickly overshadows all the negative comments and gestures. Would’ve warmed the cockles of my heart, if I had one. https://mobilize.us/s/Is2GhN

Catherine had 5 at her Freedom Friday: Clayton, including one new person! She stopped by last week and came back. We again got plenty of honks and felt like the support in Clayton is growing. https://mobilize.us/s/E20ANG

John and Mary had 9 at their Freedom Friday: Durham. https://mobilize.us/s/btzoaW

Becca had 4 at her Freedom Friday: Wilson. Mathew Beddingfield who was one of those who had stormed the Capitol for Trump and was arrested for assault and who attended our protest this past January as an anti-protester and caused some ruffled feathers. He was not agitated. In fact, he was quite nice! He did say things like all of us were Americans and it’s unfair that some immigrants come in and sign a paper. I said it wasn’t that easy. He said we have more things in common than we think. I agreed. He wants to bring his son next Friday. He had arrived right about 5 minutes before we were going to pack up and leave at 5. The moment he arrived coincided with several cars who were honking and waving madly. Matthew was disappointed that we were leaving early. But he was sincerely nice. He spoke about all our rights to free speech, etc. https://www.mobilize.us/engagedefendersfordemocracy/event/842492/

Miranda did not hold her demonstration as she was a poll worker yesterday! Thanks, Miranda!

Betty and Clark hosted and had 20 at Freedom Friday: Brier Creek. We were very excited and waving at the crowds of people honking, waving, and smiling at us! Early voting excitement was in the air. Several people in our group had voted first day and many others have plans to vote over the weekend… Go go go Big Beautiful Blue wave!! https://mobilize.us/s/9ClzMd

Thanks, Austin for the heads up. There is a screening of the film, “Theory of Change” about organizing in Chapel Hill on Tuesday October 27th at 6pm at the Chapel Hill Public Library. Unfortunately, I cannot attend but hope others will.
https://www.theoryofchangefilm.com/events-1-1-1

10/17/2026

Today I want to continue on this topic of the scare tactics for the elections. I know that all of this can be scary. It doesn’t help when the mainstream media continues to stoke the fires of anxiety. The way I want to approach this is to prepare for the worst and expect the best, which is the way I try to view the world. It matches what Hannah Arendt said, and that is near and dear to my heart as my son took a course on Arendt. I will never forget the bravery of heroes like Mike Pence, who was not bullied even when his life was being threatened by the J6ers, who wanted to hang him. And then there was Governor Kemp of Georgia and Brad Raffensberger, who refused to give Trump the 11,000 votes in Georgia he was demanding.

The people who work to make our election safe in this country value our democracy and value our Constitution. When I voted on Thursday, I made sure that I thanked people for being there, even though Durham is a relatively safe area. There are so many people in our movement who are poll greeters, poll observers, poll workers, and are taking on important roles to help our elections be safe. And there are people from both parties who are doing this because without safe and fair elections, we are not a democracy. And most people in this country want to live in a democracy. They do not want to live in Russia, North Korea, or China.

So even though it can be easy to be scared right now, please have faith in most Americans, who will fight to protect our democracy, even if they’re not on the corner with us demonstrating. Even if they vote Republican, that does not mean that they would risk their personal integrity to cheat in an election. And when they see Trump trying to cheat, they will stand up just like heroes did in 2024. The most important thing for us to do is to stay focused on getting out the vote and then be prepared for shenanigans that are federal judge heroes and are many people of integrity who are running our election elections will stop.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/10/15/us/politics/trumps-attacks-voting-midterms.html

https://engageddefendersfordemocracy.substack.com/p/prepare-for-worst-and-expect-the?

10/15/2026

Today, I want you to watch a video three things the regime will do to cheat. The first is called “caging” which is how they purge people from the rolls. They send you something that has fine print saying you need to respond. When you don’t, they have the right to purge you.

The second thing they do is to have fewer voting machines in Democratic areas.

The third thing they do is put extraneous things on the ballot that slow voters down (like our amendments including requiring voter id which is already the law in NC). By making ballots longer, fewer voters can vote. If folks see a long line, and they only have their lunch break, they might forgo voting.

We need to educate folks so they can vote quickly, and we all need to check our voter registration regularly. We will not fall for their tactics. They cannot stop this big beautiful blue wave!!
https://engageddefendersfordemocracy.substack.com/p/too-big-to-rig-their-cheating-ways?

Good morning Engaged Defenders for Democracy!

10/15/2026

Good morning, Defenders of Democracy!

Today is the first day of Early Voting in NC!! Let’s gooooooooo!!!!

Linda and Becky had 12 excited defenders at their Woke Wednesdays: Durham with tremendous support from drivers. Beverly brought us blue gloves so we could all do a blue wave to the drivers. And love the signs Linda, Betty, Clark, and Bruce and company made on Monday! https://www.mobilize.us/engagedefendersfordemocracy/event/879765/

Shelly and Kim had 6 on the ATT bridge over I-40. https://www.mobilize.us/engagedefendersfordemocracy/event/842871/

Jim and Lloyd had 18 at their Woke Wednesday: Chatham. https://www.mobilize.us/engagedefendersfordemocracy/event/861144/

Ray had 10 enthusiastic defenders today including Sarah who chose to appear as a beautiful butterfly at his Woke Wednesday: Chapel Hill! Good day to be out protesting! https://www.mobilize.us/engagedefendersfordemocracy/event/930289/

The Night Ninjas, Clark, Joe, and Suzanne, were out last night.

10/14/2026

Good morning, Defenders of Democracy!

Wow!! We now have all 50 states on the ED4D Substack! Mississippi has 4 whereas a few days ago, there were none! And Alabama has 1!! Thanks all who have been spreading the word!

We had 17 +1 dog at our Visibility Bridge Brigade over I47 and Anderson. Mike & Judy handed out Voter Guides. One of the things for which I am very grateful is the family we have created through ED4D.

Jenny & Jack had 7 at Take a Stand Tues: South Cary. Another bright, beautiful morning with mostly positive responses from drivers. We will be losing a few of our regulars in the remaining weeks before the election, but it’s for a worthy cause-they will be working at the polls!

Pam & Melissa had a record 10 democracy defenders at Take a Stand Tues: Raleigh. We had a guy from CIVC (Concerned Informed Voter Collaborative) who is traveling around talking to people about why they protest.

Gabriel & Joel had 20 rocking at Protect Democracy at East Club & Roxboro. Lots of voting signs, positive honks and handing out of voting zines!

Maureen had 12 demonstrators plus Klondike bars at Promote the Vote Tuesdays in Brier Creek. Lots of great response. All of us were discussing our plan to vote. We are ready to go to the polls!!

Rob had 10 joyful protesters at his Teachable Tuesdays: Carrboro. Turns out our protester riding the inflated T Rex makes an effective crossing guard for people trying to get across Estes Drive.

There is a Community Vigil on Thurs at 6:30pm in Durham at CCB Plaza to Demand Immediate Release of 19-Year-Old Isaac Gallegos, who was unjustly detained by ICE.
Vigil invite: https://www.facebook.com/share/1G32RtWQF9/

In addition to Chapel Hill marching to the polls on Thursday, Alamance County has 3 marches as well! Thanks, Carrie for promoting!
THURS, OCT 15:
Caravan to the Polls (GRAHAM) 9-11am
March to the Polls (MEBANE) 1-3pm
March to the Polls (BURLINGTON) 4:30-7pm
WED, OCT 21: March to the Polls (ELON) 5:30-7:30pm

Checkout our Substack for details and mobilize links: https://engageddefendersfordemocracy.substack.com/

10/14/2026

Today, I want to talk about how dangerous it has become to be an elected official or even someone running for office. Two congresspeople in Minnesota were shot, one and her husband were killed. Dr. Amy Acton, running for Governor of Ohio was physically attacked. The US Representative in Arizona Bernadette Greene-Placentia, was r***d. US Supreme Court Justices have been “swatted.” This NY Times article addresses this important issue with violent threats become the norm. This is unacceptable. Violence and threats against people who are trying to represent us is reprehensible. And we know that so much of this is also a trickle down just like misogyny. We have a president who threatens his enemies. It sends a message to his cult members to do the same. He incited the January 6th insurrection, and he continues to foster a culture of violence. Most of these threats, I believe, are coming from MAGA. However, there are people on the extremes on both sides who feel that the only solution involves violence. We must take a hard stand against this. Violence has no place in “resolving” disagreements. And this also makes the need for our demonstrations to be nonviolent even more important. The minute we as demonstrators become violent allows the regime to retaliate and hurt us.

We must be like Martin Luther King Jr and Gandhi where nonviolence is our only method. And I have empathy and my heart goes out to any of our elected officials who are being threatened.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/10/11/us/politics/elections-political-violence-harassment.html

Today, I will call about 1) peaceful demonstrators should not be assaulted by Trump supporters and if they are, those people who were violent need to be charged, 2) we need AI regulation now, and 3) violent messages from this administration put elected officials and their families’ lives at risk. We must never condone violence..
https://engageddefendersfordemocracy.substack.com/p/elected-officials-should-feel-safe?

A Times investigation has found that violent threats have become a new normal among public officials, reshaped private lives, cost millions in security and pushed people out of office.

10/13/2026

Good morning, Defenders of Democracy!

Mike had 4 at his Visibility Bridge Brigade over 540 and Carpenter Fire Station. Perfect weather and lots of positive responses.

Wendy had 11 in the am, and 24 in the afternoon at her double duty Mobilization Mondays: Chapel Hill. I enjoyed coming to Wendy’s amazing demonstration for the first time (have been to the afternoon one). I delivered some of the amazing zines that Brigid keeps bringing me that Nan and company has been furiously folding!

Robbie and Joanne had 9 at their Mobilization Mondays: Durham (Dacian Nation). Lots of honks and waves. No negative responses to my knowledge, and much better weather than when we were rained on two weeks ago!

Margaret had 7 at her Prison Vigil at Central Prison!

Matthew and the Night Ninjas for the Raleigh Bridge Brigade were out last night.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Deaod1HODNL/?dlrf=OWF3Y3d0dnhheHZw

Joe, Clark, and Suzanne were also out last night!

We still need help at the three No Kings sites for walking around with clipboards to encourage folks to sign up for ways to help get out the vote. If you are willing to help, please email me at [email protected] Thanks!

We also hope to raise a little more for food for the event so we can have food at all three sites. We are hoping to get folks who have just voted to come over and then sign up to help get out the vote (not just vote themselves). Thanks for donating if you can.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/join-us-for-the-no-kings-rally-in-durham-county

Want to have some fun. Here is an interactive Senate map that the NY Times put out.
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/10/08/us/elections/senate-races-midterms-battleground-states.html

While giving blood, I talked to the phlebotomist to see if she had a plan for voting. She said she is not into all of that. I asked her if it was ok if I shared with her why I vote. I talked about how we are living in a dictatorship right now, and when I said that, she admitted that she voted for Trump last time and wondered if she made a mistake. I did not pass any judgement and did not really even respond when she said it. I told her she could make a difference by voting for Cooper for US Senate who will stand up to Trump and hold him accountable. I talked to her about how Pete Hegseth wants to execute somebody via firing squad and live stream it. She had not heard about that and was pretty aghast. I also talked to her about Anita Earls and how our state is so gerrymandered and how we could have a black female Chief Justice of the NC Supreme Court if 402 people had voted for Cherie Beasley and that we barely kept Allison Riggs in there with 743 votes. I told her that her vote really matters, and I hope that she will consider voting because she could make a difference. I also told her to vote no on the amendments. I hope she votes.

10/13/2026

Today, I want to talk about how Trump continues to strengthen the “red undertow.” He is stumping for candidates, although at these rallies, he barely mentions the candidate. His narcissism makes him talk about himself more than anyone. Republican candidates are hoping Trump will stay away as they don’t want to get pulled under the big beautiful blue wave by the red undertow. Yet, they still don’t want to directly go against him. Texas Governor Greg Abbott did not attend either of Trump’s rallies in Texas. It doesn’t help that Trump is now telling people to vote for the Republican “even if they hate them” like John Husted in Ohio.

https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/03/president-trump-emphasizes-ohio-importance-midterm-elections/stories/20261003088

Yet, it seems that Trump is bracing for the Republicans being trounced in the midterms and says he will be blamed. You don’t say? Let’s see, you have attempted to become a dictator. For that, you are at fault. And your colleagues have lied down and let you do it. For that, that is their fault.

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/bracing-midterms-trump-says-will-blamed-republicans-lose-rcna602512

So, Republicans find themselves in a conundrum, and it is their own doing of complying in advance to a bully. Complying in advance never appeases the bully. It only makes the bully want more.

More importantly, we must continue to pin this disaster on those who have not stood up to the bully. Susan Collins in Maine is trying to salvage herself. Troy Jackson is not letting her get away with it. Whenever Susan Collins votes no, it does not ever stop Trump. She safely votes no to try to appease her voters knowing the outcome will still favor Trump. We must pin these cuts on the Republicans. We must pin the war on these Republicans. And let’s hope Trump keeps stumping and dumping and slumping and bumping and jumping while his candidates go down down down!

https://robertreich.substack.com/p/hes-not-on-the-ballot-but-his-ego
https://engageddefendersfordemocracy.substack.com/p/the-maker-of-the-red-undertow-wont?

That’s enough to seriously damage Republican candidates

10/12/2026

Good morning, Defenders of Democracy!

Robbin and Andrew had 6 faithful defenders of democracy brave a tropical storm downpour at their Sundays for Peace: Garner. They felt they had to remind people to vote for change and against the NC amendments. People honking in approval! https://www.mobilize.us/engagedefendersfordemocracy/event/921667/

Liz and Lyndsay had to cancel due to the tornado warning at their Sundays for Peace: Oxford. The Durham Resistance Singers will go to Oxford now on Nov 1.

Tara and Claudia had to cancel due to the tornado warning at their Sundays for Peace: Creedmoor.

I am in awe of our zines folders (Nan and company) and coordinator, Brigid. Check out how many we have!! I am trying to get them into the hands of as many Demonstration Leaders as possible who have ways to get them into the hands of those walking or driving by. So so amazing to be poll greeters on the corners and bridges. We are not just helping people know who we want them to vote for but also reminding them of the importance of voting early. Let’s goooo!!

Madelyn from The Feminist Majority Foundation has been on college campuses. Thanks, Jenny for sending. Here is her report:
“I wanted to reach out to let you know how our North Carolina campus teams are doing! We have incredible campus teams at UNC Chapel Hill, NC State, App State, ECU, North Carolina A&T, and UNC Asheville -- a total of 31 organizers! The students have been getting a really good response on campus and have collected over 1000 pledge cards from student committing to vote for our endorsed candidates.”

10/12/2026

Today I want to share a Substack that Mindy sent that shows who has already voted in the midterms. In some states, early voting is surging, and what is particularly inspiring is that the minority vote is up from even 2024 early voting! Wow!!! People want their vote counted, and they are voting early to insure that. It is three days from early voting in NC. We have No Kings on Saturday the 17th to try to have the biggest day of early voting in the history of the US. Let’s all spread the word about early voting to make this election too big to rig!! Tell everyone you know to vote early. If there are problems, you can fix them during early voting. And vote in person if possible.
https://engageddefendersfordemocracy.substack.com/p/early-voting-already-looking-like?

Good morning Engaged Defenders for Democracy!