Mike and Cathy live in Raleigh and are partners in democracy (and everything else!). Mike spends most of his time volunteering with democracy-saving groups like FLIP NC. But he will carve out a bit of space for making music, Canes games, and Michigan football games. Cathy feels fortunate to be a young-ish retiree after 32 years in the tech industry. She is writing her second novel and enjoys volunteering at an Immigration Services center.
Check out this Q&A with the Warners – who have left flyers at an astounding 1,000+ doors and counting since signing on among our very first lit droppers! – and then sign up to join them at an upcoming FLIP NC event. Or get started dropping lit on your own!
How many times have you volunteered with FLIP NC?
Mike: We participated in one Durham canvassing event and would like to do more if schedules align – we had to miss the Raleigh event this summer due to travel. Lit drop started very soon after our first canvassing event, and we hopped on board right away. We have a ton of turfs assigned, and as of the date of this writing, we’ve been out 8 or 10 times.
Cathy and Mike Warner at FLIP NC’s Durham canvass in June
Cathy: I’m enjoying rocking out on lit drop. Mike and I already walked a lot in the neighborhoods near our house. Now we can do it with an additional purpose. Since we’re retired, we can go out most days and whenever it fits our schedule.
What surprised you most about our voter outreach?
Cathy: That fact that I’m canvassing at all is a surprise. It’s about the last thing I thought I’d do. FLIP NC makes it easy – giving you a script, pairing you with an experienced partner, and only sending you to doors likely to be aligned with the cause.
Mike: I thought for sure I would freeze up when trying to talk with a voter. But it came more naturally to me than I would have thought.
Have a funny story or touching moment to share? A conversation with a voter that stands out?
Cathy: My favorite lit drop moment was a conversation with a resident who was unsure he was going to vote. After we spoke with him for a few minutes, he was not only going to vote but excited about it. He said our enthusiasm was infectious and “gave him chills.”
Mike: The most heartwarming thing for me has been the many times we’ve had folks thank us for doing what we’re doing. But what made me laugh one day was a story from my sister. She was at the beach with a friend, when the friend received a notification from her doorbell camera that someone was at her house in Raleigh. My sister took one look at the photo and said, “That’s my brother dropping lit!”
What's your top canvassing tip?
Mike: Dive in! The first couple of conversations may feel awkward, but you start to feel at ease really quickly.
Cathy: If you’re doing a lot of lit drop or canvassing on these hot summer days, expect to do a lot more laundry!
If you've participated in other voter outreach efforts, how are FLIP NC's different?
Mike: It’s built around having some fun while doing good, and it’s obviously based on good data (a particular passion of mine).
Cathy: The FLIP NC leaders are super well-organized and friendly. They make it easy and fun, meeting you where you are. FLIP NC’s data-oriented approach fits with my tech background and makes me comfortable that our energy is being put into the right activities. I also like that there aren’t layers of hierarchy and time wasted getting connected to the right people or activity. Just sign up for an event, and you’re in!
What's your top tip for someone who is new to voter outreach?
Mike and Cathy out dropping lit in Raleigh
Cathy: If you’re uneasy about getting started, consider lit drop! I think of it as “Canvassing Lite.” Only occasionally will you run into someone outside their home. In those cases, you can smile, say you’re dropping off literature about the upcoming election, and go on your way. Or, depending on the vibe, you can add a few more sentences or throw an “it’s really important to vote the entire ballot” over your shoulder. If the person wants to talk, you can take the time for a longer conversation. Regardless, it’s an easy way to get your feet wet, learn how to use the app, and get comfortable for canvassing.
Mike: Dive in, and make it fun.
What is really motivating you to get involved? Obviously, you want to FLIP NC, but tell us a bit about the "why."
Cathy: I was furious when the new Republican majority on the N.C. Supreme Court reversed two already resolved cases, stripping North Carolinians of voting rights. The only recourse is voting them out. Having Democrats on the N.C. Supreme Court is important for the future of our state for so many issues.
Mike: The Republican Party has been taken over at every level by people who do not care about humanity. They want to concentrate power and wealth in their own white male pseudo-Christian hands, and they’re happy to hurt anybody who gets in their way. They have been working toward this goal for decades, with too much success. If we want a society underpinned by love and care for our fellow humans, we have to flip NC.
How are you feeling about the 2024 election? Optimistic?
Cathy: Flying high, right now. But it will take all of us!
Mike: I am cautiously optimistic, now that the Kamala campaign is injecting so much positive energy into our society. There’s still a ton of work to do to ensure everyone gets a dose of that energy and to ensure it translates from the top to the very bottom of every ballot.
Other than politics, what’s a passion of yours?
Mike: Other than sports and music as I mentioned in my bio, I would have to add internationalism, which really translates into multiculturalism and social justice. I was lucky enough to live overseas for three years, and it really opened my eyes and heart – everyone should have such an opportunity.
Cathy: Mike and I met performing with the Little German Band & Dancers. We’re both former brass players from college marching band – Mike at N.C. State and me at the University of Michigan. Now we get to enjoy a light-hearted music experience along with dancing and beer! Sorry, but we’ll occasionally have to swap our FLIP NC shirts out for lederhosen in September and October!
Who do you admire in politics? Why?
Mike: Gov. Wes Moore of Maryland comes to mind because of his obvious joy while doing such a great job. But it’s also hard not to mention Congressman Jeff Jackson [who is hopefully going to win his race for N.C. Attorney General this November] for his top-shelf communications.
Cathy: Most recently, Vice President Kamala Harris. I was relieved when people coalesced around her as a Biden replacement. But since then, I’ve become more and more impressed by her as a talented, smart, experienced individual who cares about people. She will make a great president!
What would you say to someone who is feeling totally dejected by our current state of politics? And how do you stay in the fight?
Mike: Find a politician who energizes you, and maybe even makes you laugh – someone who makes you want to shout “hell yeah!” every time you see or hear them. Follow that person really closely. See who they admire, and perhaps also follow them if you feel a similar connection. Then, use that positive energy they inspire in you to get involved. Taking any kind of action, no matter how small, has an otherworldly effect on your overall view of politics. (Also, review and revise your news sources, especially as it relates to social media, so that you know you’re seeing the truth.)
Cathy: At my lowest times this year, I’ve been frustrated with feeling that I don’t have a voice, while I watch the press and celebrities and other candidates supposedly speak for me. I’ve since turned the tide and realized that I do have a voice by talking to neighbors, family, and friends. If we all contribute, we can do this! Lit drop and canvassing are great ways to stop doom scrolling, burn nervous energy, and contribute!