DC voters: write in ‘Gaza’ for the Presidential vote in the June 4 primary
DC VOTER REGISTRATION CLOSES IN
Who are we?
WriteInDC is a grassroots effort by DC residents – Palestinians and allies, natives and transplants, all ages, all races and ethnicities, coming together in horror at our government’s complicity in Israel’s genocide in Gaza and across occupied Palestine. Inspired by the Uncommitted National Movement, we are encouraging like-minded DC voters to show Joe Biden that his failure to address this issue is costing him electoral support. We ask voters to write in “Gaza” in the coming presidential primary, rather than casting a vote for Joe Biden.
How do I participate?
Be sure to be registered as a Democrat by the May 14th deadline in order to vote in the June 4th primary. You can register online here. All DC residents are mailed a ballot at their primary residence, but you may request an absentee ballot by May 20th. Early voting takes place in DC from Sunday, May 26th to Sunday, June 2nd.The DC primary is June 4th. We ask that you write in “Gaza” for the presidential vote only.Please take a picture of your ballot and post on social media tagging @WriteInDC2024. This is legal in DC.
Does this hurt Biden’s chances against Trump?
No. Both Biden and Trump have secured enough delegates to be their respective parties’ nominees. The vote in this primary election will not affect the outcome of the general election in November – but it will add the voices of DC residents to the chorus of voters from coast to coast who want to send Biden a measurable message about the support he stands to lose if he continues to support this genocide. This is a no-cost way to make your voice heard.
Do I have to vote Democrat in the general election in November if I do this?
No. You may re-register as an independent after the primary if you would like. We encourage this!
What do you hope to change?
Biden must be held accountable for his unconditional funding of the genocidal slaughter of the Palestinian people by Israel. This genocide does not continue without U.S. military, economic, and political support. We hope this will drive him to make the right decision, and reflect the will of the people. We also hope to send a loud and clear message to the DNC that we refuse to vote for the “lesser of two evils” when that is simply a fallacy.
Why write "Gaza"?
Since the DC Board of Elections does not release specific candidates, all write-in votes are counted together as “Write-In.” This means you could write in whatever you would like to support the cause of Palestinian liberation. We believe “Gaza” is appropriate because it calls direct attention to the ongoing genocide, and does not allow co-opting by centrist politicians who can twist words like “ceasefire” to mask their sub-par solutions. Our cause goes beyond ceasefire to true liberation, and we will settle for nothing less.
Why should you participate if you don’t believe in voting in the two-party system?
While many of us may be disillusioned with voting thanks to the policies of Democrats who cater to the elite and rich rather than listen to the will of the people, we believe in using every protest method available to us. Including the protest vote. We hope you’ll join us in this. With a huge turnout from what’s traditionally considered a democrat stronghold, we can hopefully further shake up Biden and the Democrats. We can send a message straight from the belly of the beast, that the people of DC refuse to be complicit in genocide.
What else can I do to help?
Share your ballot and your story! Tag @WriteInDC2024. Encourage friends, neighbors, and family to also write in “Gaza”.If you’d like to get involved directly , DM us on IG.For more resources, consult our linktr.ee below