Protect Our Vote: Voting Rights Heroes
Mass 50501 is committed to protecting the integrity of our elections and uplifting the voices of the people. Check out our Protect our Vote campaign to get involved, find voting resources, and learn about actionable steps you can take to protect our vote. Free and fair elections are the bedrock of this country, but that foundation is on shaky ground. We must be informed and prepared.
We know that we cannot overcome this obstacle alone. Many allied organizations are already doing good work in Massachusetts and nationwide. We can spread their message to inform and inspire others. If you know of an organization working to protect our vote that would be interested in being featured, please reach out to us at newsletter@mass50501.org.
Today, we hear from members of Chelmsford Connected, a local chapter of Indivisible, through our friend Susan, a member of both Chelmsford Connected and Mass 50501.
Can you briefly describe the overall mission of your organization?
Chelmsford Connected is a local chapter of Indivisible, rooted in democracy and grassroots organizing. We are a space for people who want more than awareness. We want connection, strategy, and action. What brought us together is a shared belief: knowing about injustice isn’t enough. So we show up.
We organize community forums on immigration rights and democracy, hold standouts on occasion/as needed, and mobilize for No Kings events and rallies. We welcome new members, support our neighbors through mutual aid, and celebrate local voices at community events. We are a place to connect, to learn, and to act. We are building relationships grounded in care, solidarity, and collective liberation. We are here to organize, to stand up to bullies, and to shape a just future for our community and beyond.
What communities do you work with to protect voting rights?
We work within our local community.
What are the greatest threats to voting rights for members of these communities?
The local community of Chelmsford has much less risk than other communities within Massachusetts. That said, making community members aware of how/when to register, and to the importance of early voting is a focus.
What is your organization doing to protect these community members’ voting rights?
Making community members aware of the importance of voting and early voting by tabling at busy locations with information and the ability to help register folks who need it.
What are actions that Mass 50501’s newsletter readers in Massachusetts can do to help protect voting rights, either for your community members of interest or elsewhere
Readers can speak out to encourage people to vote (early) and help registration.
How will your recommended actions for Mass 50501’s newsletter readers make a difference to protect voting rights?
The more people that vote (early), the more the voice of the people can be heard. By voting early, and in numbers, it will make it more difficult for the regime to deny the results.
Can you describe a recent success story about how everyday people like Mass 50501’s newsletter readers, the vast majority of whom are not politicians or government officials, took steps to protect voting rights?
Two instances come to mind:
One is that while working to share information about voting and registering to vote, an elderly gentleman came to the table and did not know if his registration was up-to-date. He didn’t know how to use a QR code or fill in the form. We were able to help him learn some new skills and also make sure he was ready to vote!
We also had a gentleman show up who had moved and not changed his voter registration. By simply showing him a QR code we were able to assist him to make sure his right to vote at his new location was protected!
How can our readers learn more about your organization and stay updated on your work?
Visit chelmsfordconnected.org and sign up for our newsletter. To find an Indivisible chapter near you, check out indivisible-ma.org/find-a-group.
Thank you to Chelmsford Connected for sharing their work with us! Let’s embrace this election season with purpose and clarity. Click here for information about upcoming election registration, polling locations, and more!
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