Give Time Not Money to Your Candidate

Three debates down, one to go. So far we’ve watched the candidates orate their way through two presidential debates and one vice-presidential free for all. For all those still undecided voters there’s one more opportunity to hear the candidates hold forth on the issues, when the final debate goes live next Wednesday, October 15. But if you’ve made up your mind and you’re tired of listening to rhetoric on the couch, there are ways to take action to help your presidential pick make his way to the White House.

Cash is tight for most of us, making it harder that ever to make a monetary campaign contribution. But there are ways to help your candidate that not only put boots on the electoral ground, they can also remind you that this is a participatory democracy and it depends as much on voters’ work as on their pocketbooks.

Over the Airwaves
If you live in a battleground state, and right now the hottest spots include New Hampshire, Virginia, Colorado and that perennial political problem child, Florida, there’s no doubt your candidate wants your help winning hearts and minds. The McCain/Palin campaign is hard at work across the country and their Florida office is particularly busy. A staffer there pointed MainStreet to their website, which makes it easy as a couple clicks to volunteer your time.

You only need an email address and zip code to create an online account on the official McCain website.  Then browse the volunteer resource center for ways to donate your time over a range of commitment levels. Want to help from the comfort of your own home? The site provides you with a phone number of a voter, most in battleground states, and a script with details about the McCain campaign. You’re free to make as many or as few phone calls as you like, so this offers a perfect opportunity to contribute without spending a dime (unless you count the long distance bill) on your own schedule. The McCain website also lists events and local campaign efforts, so if you’d rather meet other voters, there are group phone banking and face-to-face opportunities galore.