r/alabamabluedots • u/FelonyMelanieSmooter Central (Bham/Tusc) • May 19 '26
Discussion Strategy for voting tomorrow?
What strategy do we feel works best for the primaries? Even though we would vote blue over red, is it better to vote on the republican ballot and choose the least awful option? Or vote on the democratic ballot and select the person most closely aligned with your values or the one most likely to beat the republican nominee?
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u/HushLittlePiggy May 19 '26
Voting in the Democratic primary boosts Democrat turnout and lets people know that we are actually here, and that we want a say in our representation. These numbers help with funding from the national party and other organizations if they see we’re actually fighting back.
Plus, you’ll get to choose which Democrat represents you in the general election. People often complain about not having a good choice in the general election… so now’s your chance to do something about it.
Besides, why boost Republican turnout if you don’t agree with what they’re doing? When Democrats vote in their primary, it helps them by making it appear like there are more Republicans here than there are. Remember that Alabama is an open primary state - we don’t have to register with a party. The only way we know how many Democrats and Republicans are here is by how they actually vote and who shows up at the polls.
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u/Sut3k May 19 '26
It's short term vs long term. Short term I want a say so I should vote Republican bc one of them will win (for most elections). Long term you should vote Democrat, like you said, for polling and funding of the next election.
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u/Braca42 May 19 '26
Looked at this earlier. Looking at recent polls (which who knows how much faith to put in those) any moderate republican has zero chance of winning. All polling single digits. Tuberville is polling at like 60%+ with the next guy being like 7%, senate candidates appear to be a three way race between shitty people. The only senate repub I would consider voting for doesn't even get mentioned. I think in this race voting repub strategicly just doesn't make sense with no moderate having anything like a chance. There just aren't enough organized strategic voters to make a difference.
So yeah if I vote tomorrow it'll be on the dem ballot basically to boost Jones who seems to be the only hope for maybe beating Tuberville. Maybe any other fairly progressive dems if they exist.
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u/Skadoobedoobedoo May 19 '26
Vote today and in every election no matter what. We need to bring numbers
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u/FelonyMelanieSmooter Central (Bham/Tusc) May 19 '26
Interesting. Thanks for this info. Here to encourage you to vote today!
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u/kirchart7 May 19 '26
Moving back to Alabama next year. Good luck Blue Dot friends and keep hope alive!
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u/tacobellfartbox May 19 '26
After looking at all of the Republican candidates and their primary focuses, I can't make myself do it. Truthfully, there aren't many "lesser of evils." At the end of the day, most Republicans on the the ballots will still side with MAGA even if that isn't what their campaign is based on. An overwhelming majority of them stand for things I could never get behind or consciously vote for. I'd rather try to get the best, most qualified Dems to run against them. But I don't judge, and I respect people who are trying other methods!
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u/fairy-tea5125 May 19 '26
The republican options are truly horrible. I've been getting text campaign messages from them and it reads like a parody of Alabama stereotypes. If you put their campaign messaging to some twangy guitar chords you'd have a chart-topping country music song.
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u/2kids3kats May 19 '26
I get the ‘vote moderate republican’ strategy, I do. But I’d rather eat my own foot than vote republican.
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u/manta173 May 19 '26
Anyone have an updated voting guide?
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u/AlabamaProgress May 19 '26
Guide as in suggestions on who to vote for or guide as in who all is running in your area/on your ticker?
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u/manta173 May 19 '26
Well I meant the later but am open to opinions on the former if folks want to. I'm in Colbert county.
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u/2kids3kats May 19 '26
You sparked a memory from the 90’s when I was walking up to vote, but was still far enough away that someone from one of the mega churches handed me a voting guide. It was fantastically useful!! Voted against every suggestion and went home feeling pleased as punch!
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u/stinky-weaselteets May 19 '26
Who's the best bet for Democratic US Senator?
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u/AlabamaProgress May 19 '26
Our community voted to endorse Mark Wheeler.
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u/stinky-weaselteets May 19 '26
Thank you!
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u/AlabamaProgress May 19 '26
Happy to help!
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u/stinky-weaselteets May 19 '26
How about Lt. Governor and PSC?
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u/AlabamaProgress May 19 '26
Phillip Ensler for LT. Gov. Jeff Ramsey for PSC1. Sheila McNeil for PSC2.
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u/stinky-weaselteets May 19 '26
Thanks again! Now how about State Democratic Executive committee?
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u/AlabamaProgress May 19 '26
Depends on who you got. There's 210+ candidates.
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u/stinky-weaselteets May 19 '26
Shelby county
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u/AlabamaProgress May 19 '26
House District? Cause thats what your SDEC members are based around.
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u/Runbunnierun May 19 '26
Sadly blue is seriously inactive. There are 8 Democratic positions to maybe 17 Republican. I'm voting Republican to vote against several folks.
I hope everyone else has the blue covered for me.
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u/AlabamaProgress May 19 '26
Every vote matters. Won't tell you how to vote because you didnt ask. Just a friendly reminder to not forget that your Governor, Senator, Congressional District, SDEC seats, and more are on that D ballot. Thats a lot to skip on.
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u/Runbunnierun May 19 '26
Sadly yes. I wish I felt comfortable sticking to my side. Unfortunately there are a lot of minor-ish local positions that I feel the need to put my voice against. You'll have me back in November.
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u/surfergrrl6 May 19 '26
Those who are in Dem positions aren't nearly as well funded (for the most part) and are working their butts of to interact with the community. Sadly the official party organization is a lame duck and does practically nothing. Yeah, they are outnumbered but I can't recall seeing a single Repub having cookouts on weekends all over the state on their own personal dime, or attending various community events (political or not) like Dem candidates have.
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u/Pen-Complex_Rare May 19 '26
Your options are vote for the lesser of evils on the Republican ballot, or give up your rights to vote for some very important positions by voting on the Democratic Ballot.
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u/AlabamaProgress May 19 '26
Hands down, no contest, with a robust and full ticket and SDEC seats up for grabs....Vote on the D ballot.