Help us find every last voter

In past election cycles, most traditional political campaigns have poured their energy into reaching the same narrow slice of “likely voters.” That has left out enormous numbers of people – roughly 20 percent of all voters and nearly 40 percent of voters of color.*

That’s simply because they haven’t voted often enough to appear in the databases that campaigns have relied on. These neighbors have been overlooked year after year, and the consequences for our democracy are real. 

Central Valley Matters has six partners that take a different approach. These partners are community grassroots groups in the Valley that don’t wait for an election to show up.They organize all year long, even in the months when campaigns have been absent and neglected voters were easiest to miss. 

Because these organizers are rooted in their communities, they reach people who fly under the radar: residents who aren’t on the lists, who never get a knock at the door, and who rarely hear from anyone asking what they need or what issues matter most to them.

Here’s why this work is so urgent:

• Reaching invisible voters: Community-rooted organizers connect with people traditional campaigns may overlook, expanding the electorate rather than competing for the same voters.

• Boosting turnout where it matters: Academic research shows that sustained, local organizing measurably increases turnout and strengthens vote margins, especially among low-frequency voters who have rarely heard from campaigns. 

• Building long-term democratic power: Year-round engagement develops new leaders, deepens civic participation, and strengthens relationships between residents and elected officials. This is how neglected communities gain lasting influence.

In a moment when our margins for flipping seats in the House and Senate are razor-thin – but our chances for gaining seats are good – this kind of organizing isn’t just helpful; it’s pivotal. And, thanks to your help and support, it’s happening right now, consistently and effectively.

*(Source: Flip the Vote/Jackman and Spahn)