This week on the pod, hosts Jasmine Clark, Amanda Weinstein, and Rachel Vindman talk about voting “down ballot.” That just means voting for local candidates! Because as important as it is to have good people representing us in Washington, local elections have even more of an impact on our day to day lives.

The hosts are joined by Kate Nazemi, a mom in Pennsylvania whose school board has been infiltrated by extremists. Central Bucks school board now has two members of Moms for Liberty and one member who even believes in QAnon, and they’re enacting harmful policies like banning books, rainbow flags, and sex ed. Kate talks about how this extremist school board got elected in the first place and why it’s so important to engage in local politics. 

Then Jasmine sits down with Yasmin Radjy, the new Executive Director of Swing Left. Jasmine is a Swing Left endorsed candidate, so this conversation is a match made in heaven. Jasmine and Yasmin talk about the important work Swing Left is doing to mobilize voters, how we can do a better job of talking up all the recent Democratic victories, and the power of suburban women. They even find a little time to chat about cute babies and Gossip Girl.

Finally, Amanda, Jasmine and Rachel raise a glass to labor unions, fun campaign events, and fighting for democracy in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”

If you’re listening to this podcast, you know the importance of the upcoming elections and you want to turn out all your friends to vote. But you might still want a little help having effective and persuasive conversations. Join us on Thursday September 8 for a special Troublemaker Training with Jess McIntosh. You can sign up for Messaging 101 here.

For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected].

For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected].

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