Have you ever wondered how is possible for such rotten Republicans to get elected? Or how it is possible to smear good progressive politicians? Lack of information.



This is especially true of local elected officials. How many people could name their state legislators, even less discuss their legislative record? Very few. Social media can remedy that.



The Virginia House of Delegates and the New Jersey, and Kentucky legislatures are up for election this year. So if you are an activist in these states you can use social media to publicize the work of those you support and soften up the opposition. Follow every twist and turn of the legislature, and every time the opposition betrays the public trust, use Facebook, Twitter, and your blog, whatever platform you use, to alert your followers to what is happening. Post news stories to the regional subreddits so that voters know in real time what is being done in their name. Long before Labor Day rolls around you can drive up the negatives of your opposition and protect those politicians you support.



Create news alerts on the names of every local politician you wish to track, and then share those links on social media whenever you think appropriate. If you are on your neighborhood or civic association’s email list, that is a good place to share news articles. You could share press releases of your favorite politician on such lists, but I would advise caution in that regard. The same people who might be interested in a news article might not be receptive to a politician’s press release.



Don’t worry if your link doesn’t receive any clicks or shares. The power of precinct work is in its cumulative effect. It is sufficient to make your point, it is not necessary to “win the internet.” What you are attempting here is to draw the connection between your elected official’s actions and what is happening in your community.



Ideally the Democratic Party would have a team doing precisely this. But realistically that will not happen. Besides the whole point of being a precinct captain is not leaving this sort of thing to the party. If you take care of it, you know it will be done, and done to your liking.



Social media is a double edged sword; you can stab yourself if you are not careful. From by book, The Precinct captain’s guide to political victory:

“Twitter — use it. Reporters are on Twitter and do searches on hashtags. Twitter is an easy and economical way to influence the press.



Twitter — don’t be a jerk. Reporters are on Twitter and Twitter is an easy and economical way to make an ass of yourself and embarrass your campaign.



Do not join and/or participate in online mobs, even, especially if the candidate’s campaign encourages it. Don’t let yourself be used that way.



Don’t get into a wrestling match with a pig.”

Used with discretion, social media can be a powerful tool. Use it consistently, and by Labor Day your work will be half done.