Action of the Week - A Simple But Powerful Action You Can Take

Questions / Comments / Corrections, contact Brian Beihl, Deputy Director

-  Updated May 18, 2021 -

This week's Action: 

Wednesday, May 19, at 9:30, NH Election Law hears testimony on a surprise, non-germane amendment to SB 89.   This amendment tries to prevent the use of election rules in the federal H.R. 1 / S. 1 For the People Act for state and county elections. 

Given the refusal of the NH Legislature to pass sensible bills which allow every voter to be heard, we think that the provisions of H.R. 1 / S. 1 For the People Act are huge steps forward, and support the implementation nationally and here in NH. 

Here is your action:

Please sign in to oppose this SB 89 amendment via the House Calendar!  http://gencourt.state.nh.us/house/committees/remotetestimony/default.aspx

1. Select “Wed. May 19th”
2. Select “House Election law”
3. Select “SB 89 amendment 2021-1445h ”
4. Select “I oppose this bill”
5. Then complete the address information

If you want to speak against the amendment: Under testimony, select “Testimony is for non-germane amendment.” 

 9:30 a.m. SB 89 Amendment Public Hearing on non-germane amendment #2021-1445h to SB 89..  The amendment adds a part VI to the bill which would not allow NH to follow the For the People Act rules, if it passes,  for county or state elections.  A similar amendment was defeated in Texas last week, suggesting that this may be a coordinated national effort to neutralize H.R. 1 / S. 1.   Should it pass, Open Democracy Action would oppose SB 89.   The NH Senate would have to “concur” on SB 89 after such an amendment.  Open Democracy Action opposes this amendment

Thank you for taking this simple action!

Brian Beihl, Deputy Director, Open Democracy Action

If you did this action and want to do more, consider joining an Open Democracy Team.   Our six regional teams are briefed each week for an hour and given 1-3 actions each week, but with more learning and strategy involved.   Actions include writing letters to legislators, letters to the editor, working with your local election officials on issues, calling your state reps and senators, and fun actions like this signs, walks, parades and festivals.   You can choose your level of commitment, but you'll be a smarter, more engaged, more powerful citizen as a result!  Check it out

We're combining two of our favorite actvities:   Singing and Social Action!

Announcing the 2020 Campaign Finance Corruption Chorus, sponsored by Open Democracy Action.   Our mission will be to sing "Corruption Carols" at campaign events in the last few weeks of the  2020 New Hampshire Primary, as well as carolling around Manchester where the national and international press hangs out.  

This will be a relaxed and FUN group with a humorous yet powerful message.    We're still working out the attire, but thinking we'll have matching warm hats and maybe scarves which will be provided to our singers. 

RSVP your interest by filling out the form below.   We're hoping to have our first rehearsal shortly.  

Thank you and hope to hear you soon!

Brian Beihl

Deputy Director, Open Democracy Action

603-620-8300

It's not good enough to complain.   Our Republic is in peril, and it's time for you to take action on Democracy reforms.   Big Money politics is standing in the way of advances the voters want in healthcare, environment, tax reform, education and energy.   Until we fix it, we can't break the gridlock!

Here's how you can take action!

Join a NH Regional Democracy Team! 

Be a Birddogger!

Call your State legislators!

Write a letter to the editor!  (Coming soon!

Open Democracy Action's Regional Democracy Teams (RDTs) are a collaborative of Granite Staters taking weekly steps to make the promise of democracy real for all. Since inception in 2019, the RDTs have collectively taken thousands of actions to protect the freedom to vote, limit the influence of wealthy special interest groups, and ensure everyone has an equal say in government.

"Democracy isn't something we HAVE, it's something we DO." - Doris "Granny D" Haddock

The RDTs are open to all, whether or not you have experience "doing" democracy or are joining the cause for the first time.  In the spirit of our founder Doris "Granny D" Haddock, who at 89 years old walked across the United States for campaign finance reform, the RDTs are a testament to the power of everyday people to make change. 

Go to the Regional Teams sign-up page

Photo credit: Ann Ravel

Past campaigns have included:

Calls/letters to local and state elected officials

Marches

Testifying at public hearings on legislation

Letters to the editor

Holding signs locally and at the State House for bills or causes

Educating the public, through movies, plays, tabling at events, monthly book club, etc

Social media campaigns

Birddogging elected officials

Performances by the "Corruption Chorus"

Street theater performances

Building relationships with pro-democracy organizations

and more!

No matter your skill-set, there is a way you can get involved!

Time to Take Action!

Join a Regional Democracy Team

News from Open Democracy Action

Open Democracy Action is a 501c4 nonprofit which works on campaign finance reform, getting Big Money out of politics through activism, supporting legislation, and lobbying lawmakers.

Our Monthly Newsletter, The Equal Voice

Read the latest issue of Equal Voice:  A Newsletter for those who Walk the Talk of Campaign Finance Reform, which includes news from Open Democracy Action and its sister organization, Open Democracy and its project NH Rebellion.   

Spring 2021 Equal Voice Newsletter in PDF

October 2020 Equal Voice Newsletter in PDF

June 2020 Equal Voice Newsletter in PDF

May 2020 Equal Voice Newsletter in PDF

April 2020 Equal Voice Newsletter in PDF

January 2020 Equal Voice Newsletter in PDF

December 2019 Equal Voice Newsletter in PDF

November 2019 Equal Voice Newsletter in PDF

October 2019 Equal Voice Newsletter in PDF

September 2019 Equal Voice Newsletter in PDF

Press Releases from Open Democracy Action

See our latest press statements regarding our activities and actions!

New Hampshire voters:

Are you tired of the corrosive power of money in politics?  Want to do something about gerrymandering and voter suppression?

This is where you do something about it.

Learn where your candidates and elected officials stand, and take action.