election takes- even though record voter turnout is positive, in red states, pushing the continued narrative that Dems need to get out as many people as possible because it will benefit their candidates is almost harmful. it does NOT work the same in MT as it would in a big city.

we saw it this year. we had RECORD voter turnout in Montana- and in races that were supposed to be close, Dems lost by 8-10 points down the ballot. this was striking in a state that’s always considered itself to be “purple.”

ADDITIONALLY, Dems need to refocus on Montana Democratic strongholds. Missoula county, Silverbow county, and Gallatin county all came in for Dems, but not as strong as was needed. Cascade and Lewis and Clark also flipped red- which they didn’t in 2016 or 2018.

by refocusing attention on Democratic strongholds where they know they will have support, instead of putting insane amounts of money and effort into trying to change the minds of rural communities, Dems could sway the NECESSARY swing voters again in a state like Montana.

but, by focusing all the attention on swing voters who go back and forth between Democrats and Republicans, or who have voted for one Democratic candidate, the Dem’s base feels alienated and like their candidates are not listening to THEM.

and, in a newly red state like MT, Dems need their base to be stronger than ever in order to put in the work of rebuilding and revitalizing the party, because those are the people knocking the doors and making the phone calls to you.

to me, it seems, refocusing on building a strong Democratic base that will put in the work for you first should be top priority for the Dems.

but hey- these are just opinions. here’s a great article from the Atlantic that explains some of what I’m talking about, for anyone interested in reading into it more. https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/01/other-swing-voter/604474/

you build a strong base, you get out the voters who go for Democrats but feel disenfranchised by the party and aren’t voting, you get them having tough conversations with their neighbors, and THATS how the Democratic party wins in a red state like Montana.

another consideration: there are so many groups trying to help get out the Native vote in our state, but they continue to struggle with resources for voters, and having to apply for “satellite” elections offices. HELP THEM. get more organizers and resources on the reservations.

none of this is to say that rural communities are not important in Montana elections- they are. but rural communities did not come out strong for Dems. rebuilding a base willing to have conversations and engage in dialogue is key to flipping rural communities.