Defend Democracy Alliance is a coalition of organizations that came together to prepare for the November 3 election. We are concerned about anti-democratic attacks on voting rights and possible attempts to undermine the results. We also acknowledge that a Joe Biden victory is a hollow victory for many of the struggles we are a part of and that as socialists and progressives fighting for a better world, we will have to struggle hard regardless of the outcome of the presidential election.

We discovered that a lot of work was already in progress as well as opportunities to collaborate. Below, you will find a list of events taking place during election week that are being organized by organizations that are a part of our coalition and our close allies. We invite you to take action with us to defend democracy and set the stage for future struggle.

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Abolish ICE – Dia de los Muertos
Sunday, November 1 from 10 am to 4 pm
Wisconsin State Capitol
Organized by: Community Activists

Gather at the Wisconsin State Capitol starting at 10 am for food, hot drinks, and altar making. A rally will begin at 2 pm, followed by a march and caravan at 4 pm. Join community activists in honoring all who have died in ICE or CBP custody and calling to abolish ICE. No human is illegal!

Transcending the Election Cycle: What’s Next for the Left?
Monday, November 2 at 7 pm
Zoom (Registration Link)
Organized by: Democratic Socialists of America

Join Madison Area Democratic Socialists of America on the eve of the election for a discussion between Madison activists and community leaders about the dangers and possibilities facing organizers after Election Day. We’ll talk about how activists must respond to threats against our democracy, the pitfalls of a Biden presidency that we must avoid, and how we resist oppression while holding onto visions of a better world. Confirmed panelists include Nada Elmikashfi, Isthmus contributor and Chief of Staff to WI State Assembly Candidate Francesca Hong, Dr. Damita Brown, Restorative Justice Director at the Dane County Time Bank, Brian Ward, teacher, activist, and member of Democratic Socialists of America, The Red Nation-Great Lakes, and People’s Green New Deal Madison. This event will take place via Zoom. It will also be broadcast from Madison Area DSA’s Facebook page.

We need more honest conversations about the challenges and opportunities facing left-wing movements in this country. All of us who want more than what’s on offer in the 2020 presidential election have to start coming together to discuss and debate how to grow our power, resist co-optation, and finally start to win.

Dayna Long, Madison Area Democratic Socialists of America

Joy at the Polls
Tuesday, November 3 from 2 pm to 5 pm
Various Polling Locations
Organized by: Freedom Inc

Freedom Inc is bringing joy to various polling locations in Madison with music, food, and a good time. Don’t be daunted by threats and voter suppression, but celebrate the hard-won right to cast a vote.

We’re claiming #JoyAtThePolls this election. So wear your Blackest brightest fit, play our music loud in line, and meet us at a polling location near you for some food, vibes, and a good time!

Freedom Inc

Our Futures Count Community Watch Party
November 3 at 8:30 PM
Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. & East Main Street in Madison (Capitol Building, MLK side)
Organized by Sunrise Madison

Madison’s Sunrise Movement hub is organizing this youth-led protest on election night to ensure that all votes are counted and to be in community as the results begin to come in. The protest will take place somewhere in Downtown Madison. Sign up for more details.

In the unprecedented moment that we’re in right now, young people know what’s at stake—and we have the solutions our country needs. Our generation is rising up because we have seen state repression, corporate oligarchy, and climate disasters our entire lives. We have the imagination and the vision to create a more just world, and we know that we can’t count on the people in power to build it for us. We’re counting on us to defeat Trump and take to the streets to demand a Green New Deal that can heal our economy, stop the climate crisis, and address systemic inequality.

Maya Banks, Sunrise Madison

The People’s Rally
November 4 from 12 pm to 3 pm
Wisconsin State Capitol
Organized by: Freedom Inc

Freedom Inc will hold a rally at the Wisconsin State Capitol to make it clear that regardless of the outcome, they will continue to build power and make sure that #BlackLivesMatter.

This election is unlike any election we have ever seen and we must be prepared. So we plan to hold space for our community on Election Day, as well as after on November 4th and onward. We plan to celebrate our resilience, as well as acknowledge the uncertainty and fear. Most of all, we are choosing to be in community, to support one another, because we know that we must continue to defend Black lives.

–Sheesenphooyw Moua, Freedom Inc

Remember, Remember the 4th of November
November 4 at 4:30 pm
Apple Store at Hilldale Mall
Organized by: Allies for Black Lives – Madison

While our hopes may be with the lesser of two evils, we know that a corporate-controlled political party can never represent the interests of the people. Join us November 4th at 430 pm, at Apple Hilldale (702 N. Midvale Blvd., Madison) for a car caravan in solidarity with people who are organizing all over the country.

We are hoping to join in with the showings of solidarity happening all over and also remind Madison that regardless of who wins the election, we have our work cut out for us at home fighting for the demands of Black activists to divest from punishment and invest in community. In addition to working to defeat Trumpism and the corporatism that has infected both major political parties, we will continue to work to defund MPD and to Build the People not the Jail – because Black Lives Matter, and none of us are truly free under carceral capitalism.

Allison Bell Bern, Allies for Black Lives

Defend the Vote! Don’t Let Trump Steal the Election
Wednesday, November 4 at 5:30 PM
Wisconsin State Capitol
Organized by: Our Wisconsin Revolution, Socialist Alternative, Defend Democracy Alliance

This protest was called by Our Wisconsin Revolution and Socialist Alternative. It has been endorsed by Defend Democracy Alliance and coalition organizations which are closely involved in organizing the event. We know that the stakes have never been higher. Working class people face the combined threat of the pandemic, an economic crisis, and climate change. We urgently need to prepare for mass action and even strikes if Trump tries to steal the election. We hope to pre-empt any attempts to subvert democracy by calling for this protest and rally the day after election day and committing to defending each and every vote.

Regardless of the outcome of this election, we will fight for the progressive policies we need to protect people and planet – policies like Medicare for All, a Green New Deal, a livable wage, fair maps, criminal justice reform, free college and student debt forgiveness, and more. We are not going back to brunch. We are in this fight for the long haul.

Cathy Cowan Becker, Our Wisconsin Revolution

Forward November Fourth: Post-Election Solidarity Call-in Forum
Wednesday, November 4, throughout the day
Zoom & Facebook Live (Zoom Registration Link)
Organized by WI Will Win, with help from other Defend Democracy Alliance organizations

Wisconsin is one of the key states that will decide the outcome of the 2020 Presidential election. We’re all going to be feeling a variety of emotions the day after the election, especially since President Trump is unpredictable. There will be demonstrations throughout the state on November 4th demanding to defund the police, abolish ICE, enact Medicare for All, cut the military budget and other life-saving policies. To support these efforts, we are hosting an online event to share information and live reports from demonstrations across the state, create space for expressions of solidarity from people who cannot participate in an in-person action, and provide post-election analysis and reactions from community leaders, local candidates, elected officials, and progressive thinkers on what’s next and how to get involved.

“If you’re unable to attend the in-person actions, call in to stand in solidarity with demonstrators from across the state.”

Laura Valderrama, WI Will Win & Co-Chair of Madison Area Democratic Socialists of America