Centro Hits the Ground Running: Early Success in Our Get Out the Vote Efforts!
This year, Centro por la Justicia kicked off our Get Out the Vote (GOTV) campaign with energy and determination, running an impactful initiative from January 31 to March 5. Our dedicated team of five phone bankers and five field canvassers worked tirelessly to engage community members, emphasizing the importance of voting—especially during the early voting period.
Amplifying Voices for Energy Justice
In addition to encouraging voter participation, we focused on building community support for energy justice. We informed residents about key decisions made by our elected city council members, including the controversial CPS Energy rate hike. This rate increase, supported by 7 out of 10 council members, was approved just months prior and disproportionately impacts working-class families. Through our campaign, we demanded that CPS Energy restructure their rate system to better reflect the needs and usage of residents, ensuring a more equitable approach to energy pricing.
Civic Education Through Pocket Ballot Guides
To further empower our community, we launched a civic education initiative featuring our “Pocket Ballot Guide” zines. These informative guides provided essential details about candidates’ responsibilities and past actions, along with the broader impact of their decisions. By equipping voters with this information, we aimed to inspire more informed participation in the democratic process.
By the Numbers: Measuring Our Impact
Here’s what we accomplished during this campaign:
4,190 voters contacted: Through phone calls and door-to-door canvassing, we had meaningful conversations about voting and energy justice.
2,331 supporters identified: These individuals joined us in advocating for a restructured, equitable rate system.
8,000 pocket voter guide zines distributed: These guides provided critical information about candidate responsibilities, polling locations, and voting hours.
Moving Forward
Centro por la Justicia is proud of the progress we’ve made, but our work is far from over. We remain committed to amplifying the voices of our community, holding elected officials accountable, and fighting for a more just and equitable future. Together, we can ensure that every vote and every voice counts.
