I’m afraid that I am one of the “imperializing” Massachusetts liberals my colleague Garrett feels such skepticism towards.  And perhaps for good reason.  After a relatively politically-inactive autumn (heck, four years…), I jumped on the canvassing bandwagon and headed up to Manchester this past weekend for a couple days of canvassing, publicity, and GOTV activities in the company of many other (largely) out-of-state political enthusiasts.

I share Garrett’s discomfort with individuals (like me?) who show up and proselytize to long-time New Hampshire residents about which candidates they should vote for.  Goodness knows I was still struggling to get Carol Shea-Porter’s name straight even after plastering myself with stickers in support of her candidacy.  But I also think my presence in New Hampshire is entirely defensible and, further, important.  It is the piece that is missing from Garrett’s diatribe against the last-minute liberal missionary and very worth mentioning here.

First, GOTV, particularly in the final days of the campaign, is largely not about convincing voters.  GOTV is about ensuring voters know their polling times and locations, ensuring registered voters actually get to the polls, ensuring individuals know about opportunities to volunteer, etc.

Further, GOTV in the final days serves another crucial function: it serves to channel enormous political energy towards a unified and purposeful end, and to remind those who have worked hard along the way the reasons for their efforts.  There is something incredible about the buzz of  headquarters, with its chaotically choreographed dance of volunteers and staffers; there is inexplicable joy in waving a political sign on a street corner and eliciting cheerful honks—and the occasional derisive comment—from passing cars.  I in no way wish to suggest that political organizing is some weekend feelgood getaway for the privileged and vaguely guilt-ridden students of the world.  But partaking in this occasional reminder and celebration is crucial to sustaining any movement, and truly this past weekend felt like a celebration of grassroots organizing at its finest.

So I suppose Garrett and I agree on the self-serving nature of GOTV efforts, but I say sign me up! This sense of commitment to public service has been my takeaway from my weekend activities, as I believe it has been for many of the individuals involved.  Perhaps, just perhaps, such work will inspire a generation to move to Washington.  Or better yet, to appreciate the power of well-organized grassroots activities and get their hands dirty in their own communities.  Or to remember so many of us want to do more, we just need be presented with the opportunity and the ask.  Of course I realize I am swept up in the ease of election frenzy right now.  Of course I recognize that the daily ins and outs of governance are not so glamorous.  But if election season does not inspire such in us ever four years, then surely we are truly lost.  I’ll gladly take this reinforcement of my idealism, thank you.  It is sustenance to get me through the harder months and years that fall between such heady election seasons.  Surely this is a worthwhile endeavor.

Back to New Hampshire tomorrow.  A happy and active Election Day to all.