In May, we launched an ambitious Vote 2010 campaign—an unprecedented effort to reach out to voters and reconnect with those who got involved for the first time in 2008.
"About five months ago, we had a strategy meeting—initially I had 8 people, then it got up to 20, 30, then 250 people. We worked on turning people who'd attended a meeting into people who volunteered whenever they could."
– Kevin, Millwood, New York
Throughout the summer and fall, volunteers had millions of one-on-one conversations with neighbors at their doorsteps.
"The most gratifying experience was talking to people one-on-one and telling them what the President and Senator Reid are doing. [We] really engaged people—all different generations wanted to know how we were going to make our country better."
– Linda, Henderson, Nevada
Volunteers also reached out over the phones, at organized phone banks and from home.
"I talked to a voter who thanked me for calling her to remind her to vote. She said that she would not have otherwise taken the time to vote. This was such positive reinforcement for the countless hours we spent making phone calls—it does make a difference!"
– Helen, Durham, North Carolina
Volunteers trained new folks, built teams, and sharpened their skills.
"I was a volunteer canvass trainer at one of the large staging locations in Madison—my goal was to arm volunteers with as much confidence and purpose as possible. I felt that the more confident these volunteers were in what they were doing, the more votes we could get for the candidates we supported."
– Amanda, Madison, Wisconsin
In the final weeks, more than 250,000 supporters gathered to hear President Obama speak at Moving America Forward events across the country.
"The President explained the problems that existed and the goals for the future—he took us on that path—he was able to illustrate that to us. It truly motivates us to do more, and find out what we can do more of to help him in this cause."
– Janet, after the President’s rally with supporters in Philadelphia
During the final four days before the election, volunteers filled 200,000 get out the vote shifts, giving everything they had to bring voters to the polls on Election Day.
OFA supporters and grassroots Democrats set up nearly 3,000 get out the vote staging locations on Election Day—in their garages, living rooms, and offices around the country.
Because of the work done by grassroots Democrats and OFA volunteers, Democrats won key victories in close races throughout the country.
From Harry Reid in Nevada to Michael Bennet in Colorado and Patty Murray in Washington, volunteers made the difference in races where it mattered most.
Even in races where we fell short, volunteers strengthened their organization and helped build for the future.
"Even if we had been successful in Pennsylvania, it still wouldn't be over—either way, it's never over—it's a continuing process, and we have to always keep moving forward."
– Greg, Charlestown Township, Pennsylvania
In all, grassroots Democrats and Organizing for America volunteers reached out to more than 80 million voters on the phones and at the doors.
With nearly 37,000 events over the course of the Vote 2010 campaign, volunteers stepped up and made this the largest voter contact operation of its kind.