16 Days Until Early Voting — Here’s How to Help
9 Days Until No Kings 4
16 Days Until Early Voting Starts
26 Days Until Election Day
We had a great meeting last night, our first in-person meeting in North Utica at Schuyler Commons in a long time. About 30 people joined us, and together we raised $433 for an immigrant family facing an emergency need for help with rent and an electric bill. Thank you to everyone who contributed and helped make that possible. Thanks also to everyone who showed up to organize and take action. If you couldn’t make it, we missed you!
🍂 A Reflection
Over and over again you have turned out in a big way to self-organize as a grassroots community committed to democracy.
You’ve joined together to write hundreds of postcards;
You’ve rallied with signs on street corners and on bridges over the Thruway.
You’ve signed your name to letters to the editor and sent them in, trying to persuade your neighbors to share your values, to do the right thing.
You’ve petitioned and canvassed for candidates;
You’ve put signs in your yard for the candidates you support.
You’ve registered voters, and helped neighbors request mail in ballots
You’ve provided support for immigrant neighbors and monitored the presence of ICE in our community.
It’s been a lot. If you’re not tired, maybe try to do a few more of those things on the list above.
But chances are you’re feeling a bit weary. Not from the worry (anyone can worry!), but from the work, the work of a politically active citizen.
We all wish we could kick back and take a breather! But… we have 26 days left to get voters to the polls to elect candidates who will stand strong against the current authoritarian push. We deserve leaders who will work hard for the people they serve, not the crazy dictator wannabe in the White House and his lackeys, enablers and apologists holding office across the government. What have Mike Gentile, Joe Griffo, or Brian Miller ever done to protect the constituents in their district from the violence, grift, and instability of the Trump regime? Nothing. We can do better.
The stakes are high. But we have to try. Now is the time to turn out voters who are angry about Trump’s unnecessary war in Iran, the high cost of fuel, and the vast corruption that has enriched his family and friends while we pay for his hateful ads and the destruction of Washington, D.C.
The most important thing we can do right now to push back on authoritarianism is to try to get as many people to show up to vote as possible. The autocratic, anti-democracy sympathizers DO NOT WANT PEOPLE TO VOTE. Therefore, we really, really need to keep trying to get them to the polls. One of our members who was knocking doors in Utica last weekend said, “Most of the people who opened their door, many of them newer citizens, didn’t even realize there was an election coming up.”
That’s why we do the work. Join us.
–Jen DeWeerth. IMV Steering Committee
Last night’s meeting was a good reminder of how much people in this community are already doing — and how many ways there are to stay involved in the weeks ahead. Below are some of the most immediate opportunities to help, along with upcoming events, volunteer needs, and actions you can take from home.
🍂This Weekend: Get Out the Vote
Knock Doors with Jon Lipe in Whitestown
Saturday, October 10, 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Flagg Street Park, 22 Flagg Street, Whitesboro
This is a great time to start canvassing! We’re expecting a big turnout and plan to reach a lot of voters. Training will be provided, and you can pair up with a partner or experienced canvasser if you wish.
Sign up to let Jon know you’re coming.
Canvass with Congressman Mannion in New Hartford
Sunday, October 11, 1:00 p.m.
New Hartford Public Library, 2 Library Lane, New Hartford
Join Congressman Mannion and the New Hartford Democrats for door knocking in New Hartford to reach voters for Rep. Mannion and local Democratic candidates.
Last Chance to Host a Postcard Party!
These postcards need to get in the mail ASAP!
You just need 90 minutes and space at a local library, coffee shop, kitchen table, or other meet-up spot. We’ll provide simple instructions for volunteers, along with 100 color postcards and labels. IMV will gather the cards and mail them before Early Voting begins.
Volunteers are encouraged to donate postcard stamps. They’re expensive, so the more people who can donate a book, the better.
Email IMV@indivisiblemv.org to set up an IMV postcard party for Blake Gendebien.
Rallies & Visibility This Weekend
Thursday, October 8, 4:00–5:30 p.m. — IMV Weekly Pop-up Rally
8 Park Ave, Whitesboro, across from the library. Join us for a peaceful protest to exercise your First Amendment rights.
More information.
Friday, October 9, 4:00–5:00 p.m. — Rally on the Village Green in Clinton
Join the Kirkland Democrats for this week’s rally, with a special focus on voting and Early Voting.
Friday, October 9, 4:00–5:30 p.m. — IMV Visibility Bridge Brigade
Meet at the Route 49 west exit onto River Road in Marcy. Signs are provided.
Sign up here.
Friday, October 9, 5:30–7:30 p.m. — Syracuse to Trump: Not in Our House!
Join Indivisible Onondaga County at Clinton Square, 161 W. Genesee St., Syracuse, for a rally during President Trump’s Syracuse appearance with Bruce Blakeman.
Sign up on Mobilize.
Saturday, October 10, 10:00–11:30 a.m. — Herkimer Bridge Brigade
Meet at Little Falls Price Chopper, 555 E. Main Street. The group leaves promptly at 10:00 a.m. Questions? Contact Darryl at 315-717-1248.
Saturday, October 10, 12:00–1:30 p.m. — Rome LGBTQIA+ Rights Rally
Fort Stanwix National Monument, Rome. Honor National Coming Out Day with Oneida County Pride Alliance, IMV, and Rome Concerned Citizens.
More information.
Canvassing Is Voter Education
Face-to-face conversations can help people feel more connected to the democratic process and more informed about how and when to vote.
Canvass in NY21 from the Rome office
Weekend shifts are available, along with Tuesday–Thursday options.
Sign up for Rome door knocking.
Canvass in NY22 from the Utica office
Weekend canvassing is available on Saturdays and Sundays.
Sign up for Utica canvassing.
Prefer to call from home?
Virtual phonebanking is available for both districts.
NY21: Make Calls to Democratic Voters in Rome
NY22: Utica Virtual Phone Bank with NY Dems
Want to canvass in your own town?
Contact the appropriate campaign office to request a walk or drive list near you:
NY21 / Rome: Lauren LaForest — laforest@nydems.org
NY22 / Utica: Lybille Rocher — rocher@nydems.org
❌👑 No Kings 4: Vote Early!
On October 17, communities across the country will take part in No Kings 4, a nationwide day of action focused on Early Voting.
Because New York does not begin Early Voting until October 24, local events will focus on helping people register to vote, make a voting plan, commit to voting early, and learn about voter-protection resources.
The goals of No Kings 4 are:
Get voters excited about voting early and help them commit to doing it.
Help people prepare for voter-protection efforts, including making sure voters have the Voter Hotline number available.
🔥Rome — No Kings: Vote Early
Saturday, October 17, 12:00–1:30 p.m.
Fort Stanwix, Rome
This event will include a sidewalk honk-and-wave with signs such as “Vote Early” and “Make Your Voice Heard.” Tables will be available where people can check their voter registration or register to vote, and participants will be invited to sign a large Commit to Vote Early board.
We need volunteers to help! Email IMV@IndivisibleMV.org if you can help.
🔥Utica — No Kings: Vote Early
Saturday, October 17, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Proctor Park, Utica
Participants will help form a large “VOTE EARLY” message in the park. Aerial video and photos will be taken by drone and used on social media to promote Early Voting locally.
🔥Herkimer — No Kings: Vote Early
A No Kings: Early Voting event is also planned for the afternoon of October 17. Details and Mobilize link coming soon.
🗳️Prepare for Election Protection
Thursday, October 8, 8:00–9:00 p.m. — No Kings: Vote Early Election Protection 101
Learn how you can take action to protect our elections this fall. The training will cover getting out the vote, the importance of voting early, poll watching, and other ways to help protect the election. Sign up here.
Wednesday, October 21, 8:00–9:00 p.m. — No Kings & Election Defense: What’s Next?
After the October 17 No Kings day of action, join the movement online for a discussion of the final push for voter turnout and preparations for protecting the results after Election Day. Sign up here.
🌎Climate Crisis Working Group
One Click Action: Urge Governor Hochul to Get Plug In/Balcony Solar Across the Finish Line
As New Yorkers struggle with record-high utility bills, the SUNNY Act, legislation which would increase access to clean, affordable energy has been sitting on Governor Hochul’s desk for months. The SUNNY Act makes plug-in solar accessible to New Yorkers, as it already is in ten other states, by allowing major retailers to sell plug-in panels.
CLICK HERE TO URGE GOVERNOR HOCHUL TO SIGN THE SUNNY ACT NOW
Plug-in solar panels are small, inexpensive systems that can be simply and easily installed in yards, on rooftops, or balconies, and inserted into a standard household outlet or power source.
This action was organized by Food and Water Watch. IMV CCWG is an ally of Food and Water Watch.
🍂Volunteer at the Utica or Rome Campaign Office
Volunteers are needed at both the Utica and Rome Democratic campaign offices. Stop by, bring a friend, and help with whatever needs doing.
Utica Democratic HQ (NY22)
Lybille Rocher
rocher@nydems.org
857-346-4655
Hours:
Monday–Thursday: 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Friday: 11:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Sunday: 9:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
Rome Democratic HQ (NY21)
Lauren LaForest
laforest@nydems.org
315-335-3226
Hours:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday–Thursday: 11:00 a.m.–8:30 p.m.
Friday: 11:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Sunday: 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
🍂IMV to Be Honored at NAACP Freedom Fund Dinner
Indivisible Mohawk Valley has been named a Community Honoree by the NAACP Oneida County Branch and will be recognized at its 2026 Annual Freedom Fund Dinner on Sunday, November 1.
Our longtime social justice and political activism ally, Citizen Action of CNY, is the other Community Honoree. IMV activist and artist Teresa Van Etten is one of the individual honorees, along with Rev. Sharon Baugh, who spoke at our 2025 Good Trouble Lives On event.
NAACP Oneida County Branch Freedom Fund Dinner
Sunday, November 1, 3:00–6:00 p.m.
Doors open at 2:30 p.m.
Five Points Public House and Events Center
623 Columbia Street
Tickets are available through Monday, October 19 and must be purchased in advance.
