On Tuesday, about 40 activists turned out to hear a terrific round table discussion on bringing Election Day Registration to Connecticut.  The event was held in beautiful Dwight Hall on Yale University campus.  We discussed the ins and outs of EDR, and how we could get it passed in Connecticut this year.

When I started organizing the forum on Election Day Registration, I wondered if anyone would attend.  Actually, in this case, "wondered" equals fretted, worried, obsessed, etc.  After all, EDR isn't as compelling an issue as say, getting your favorite Presidential candidate elected, which is what folks are concentrating on at the moment.  But it matters.  A lot.  Each presidential election year we see so many people work their hearts out on campaigns, which is a wonderful thing.  We also see so many people bemoaning the state of voting rights in the United States, and worrying about voter suppression.  Passion runs high - will the election be fair?  Will we have to take to the streets?  Do we really still live in a Democracy?  Will the other side be able to steal the election?

All of this passion and concern is terrific.  However, once the election is over, the fervor dies down.  Sometimes it is slower to fade away, but it inevitably does.  Activists who played such a big part in the GOTV effort go back to their daily lives and families.  Concerned citizens vowing to take to the streets over voter fraud stay home and watch TV once more.  Activism is hard.  It is tiring and at times frustrating.  People can hardly be blamed for wanting a breather in between big races.  But in order for reform to candidate of the hour has been elected or defeated.  That is a challenge.