Herb and Jo Ann – a retired newspaper editor and retired English teacher living in Durham – got connected to FLIP NC through fellow grassroots group Neighbors on Call. Over two-plus years, they have been loyal to our door-knocking mission, canvassing about 15 times.
“During our working years, we did not have time to be engaged politically,” Herb says. “Now, thanks to retirement, we feel an obligation to get others involved and aware.”
In addition to volunteering for many political and voting rights groups, they spend a lot of time with friends, attending cultural activities, and traveling, including frequent trips to New York to visit their daughter and grandson.
Read on to learn more about why this couple is part of the army of volunteers working to break the GOP majority in the N.C. General Assembly in 2020. And click here to sign up for our Dec. 8 super canvass so you can join Herb and Jo Ann in the fight to restore democracy to our state.
What has surprised you the most about canvassing?
Jo Ann: I've been surprised at how much I've enjoyed canvassing, since I tend to be very shy. I'll have to admit that every time we're on our way to a canvass, I think, “Why did we agree to do this?” but it's fine once I get started, and I feel very satisfied afterward.
Herb: What surprised me the most is that I did it at all, since I didn't think I was brave enough to talk to strangers about the importance of voting. FLIP makes it easy because we canvass like-minded voters, so we haven't had many bad experiences.
Do you like to recruit a friend or relative to sign up to canvass with you, or do you prefer to be paired with a stranger to add to the fun?
Jo Ann: Other than my first time when I was paired with an experienced canvasser, I've always canvassed with Herb. The main reason for this is that I hadn't learned to use the MiniVAN app. However, when we canvassed last week, I was in charge of using the app, so now I would feel more comfortable with someone else, perhaps a newbie.
Herb: There's a small element of stress that goes with canvassing, so I prefer to work with someone I know. FLIP is always able to accommodate that. Since Jo Ann and I drive together to get to the canvasses, it seems easier to be together so we finish at the same time to head home.
Jo Ann and Herb (she’s in the front row on the far left, and he’s in the back row holding a clipboard), with some of their fellow Neighbors on Call volunteers.
If you've participated in other canvasses, how are FLIP NC canvasses different?
Herb: It seems that the FLIP canvasses have a more definite purpose than some of the others we've worked with. For instance, it's very clear that FLIP is interested not only in voter engagement, but also in gathering information about voters' interests and concerns.
Jo Ann: First and foremost, FLIP's canvasses are the most organized we've seen. They have everything ready to go with no wasted time. We can see the script online and practice before arriving. They even post a video of what the conversation should look like. Their data is so specific that we know that every door we knock on is one that can make a difference in the outcome of the election.
Have a funny story or touching moment to share? A conversation you remember?
Jo Ann: Once, we were going to knock on the door of a 92-year-old man and were very hesitant to bother him. However, a very well-dressed, ramrod-straight, ex-military little man answered the door, and we were given a very warm welcome, as he said he loved all Democrats and always voted for them. He told us his birthday was election week, so he'd have to vote early. When Herb asked what he was doing to celebrate, he said, “The kids are taking me to Disney World!”
Herb: I like that frequently at the end of our conversations the people will shake our hands and thank us for our work. We feared that people would resent being bothered on a Sunday afternoon, but we find the opposite is true.
Herb and Jo Ann highly recommend that canvassers take some time and look over their map before heading out to knock doors.
What's your top canvassing tip?
Jo Ann: Study your map before you begin going door to door. We were not so good at that and frequently did a lot of back-tracking. We're getting better at spending a few minutes at the beginning to get organized.
Herb: Don't expect every conversation to be the same. Even though you have a script and a half dozen questions or points you're supposed to cover, every encounter takes a different turn. Just go with it and try to keep it positive. It's just the contact and reminder to vote that are most important.
What is really motivating you to get involved? Obviously, you want to FLIP NC, but tell us a bit about the why.
Jo Ann: In today's political climate, this answer could go on and on. Since we moved to North Carolina 12 years ago, we've been appalled at the underhanded tactics of the Republicans in the General Assembly (not that the ones in our home state of Ohio are any better). I think that if we can get Democrats to the polls to elect decent people to our legislature, those same Democrats will vote the whole ballot (I hope, even though we learned last week that is not always the case) to get better governance on all levels.
How are you feeling about the 2020 elections?
Herb: I feel daunted by the challenges we face politically and procedurally, but I'm hopeful that we can convince enough people to vote. I like Ricky Hurtado [in Alamance County] and think he'd make a valuable state representative, if the mapmakers will allow him to be elected.
Jo Ann: While I'd like to think that the Democrats will flood the polls, I am frightened by the lack of outrage I see in many of the people we talk with when we canvass. Many people just don't have the time or interest to be aware of what's going on, thus making our work more important. I'm also fearful of the impact the voter ID law will have on turnout. It's just another impediment for our most underprivileged citizens.
Herb and Jo Ann at FLIP NC’s October canvass in Alamance County
Whom do you admire in politics and why?
Jo Ann: I admire Sydney Batch, who represents N.C. House District 37 in Wake County. I can't imagine the rigors of either running for office or dealing with a cancer diagnosis and treatment, but she has done both with grace. She is a hero for attending sessions every day to ensure that the Republicans wouldn't override the budget veto, although her efforts proved futile.
Herb: I'm not sure if he's considered “in politics” since he leads a nonpartisan organization, but I appreciate the work of Tomas Lopez of Democracy NC. He's gearing up the organization for protecting voting rights for the 2020 election cycle. He's always even-tempered and brings a voice of reason to sometimes troubling political discussions.
What do you say to someone who is totally dejected by our current state of politics? And how do you stay in the fight?
Jo Ann: This is an easy question – DO SOMETHING! And posting on Facebook is NOT doing something! I remember how I felt the day after the 2016 election, wishing that I had done more. Everyone who is upset about our current state needs to get busy. FLIP NC has convinced me that every door we knock on, every person we talk to, every brochure we leave behind will help to get more Democrats to the polls. That is what can help turn this around.
Herb: I agree with Jo Ann. You should direct your energy away from hand-wringing with your friends on Facebook and instead go canvassing where you can make a real difference.
Tell us about a political moment that inspired you, whether it was a personal conversation, a speech given by a president, or a recent 'blue wave' moment.
Herb: We were at the Durham County Democratic Convention in 2018 when Gov. Cooper came walking down the aisle behind me. I turned to him and thanked him for all he's doing for North Carolina. His response was to thank me and the other Democrats in Durham County for putting him over the top on Election Day.
Jo Ann: I have heard Terence Everitt speak several times since his election in 2018. At each event, he has given FLIP NC (and Neighbors on Call) credit for his election, helping to break the supermajority in the N.C. House of Representatives. He said that when he ran – and lost – in 2016, he canvassed almost alone, trying to hit as many doors as possible. Obviously, one person cannot knock on as many doors as an entire army.