Energizing Local Politics: Drew Kromer
AUGUST 20, 2020
“The sky is really the limit on where you want to take your political involvement.”
Drew Kromer built a Democratic party precinct in Davidson, NC, recently served as the Vice Chair of the National Council of College Democrats, and is currently a PLEO delegate for Vice President Biden. We discuss the importance of local politics, building a deep bench of candidates and volunteers, and the need to show up and be engaged.
Building Precincts
Precincts are critical to building local and regional party power. Kromer started Davidson’s Democratic party precinct with only four other people. Once established, they gained political legitimacy as well as access to state and county voter databases. This allowed them to organize and knock on doors, inform their constituents about the candidates who are running, and get out the vote. As a result, Davidson had a higher voter turnout rate than other local towns.
Politics Flows Up
The road to high-ranking state or federal positions often begins with local offices where only tens or hundreds of votes decide elections. Holding local office serves as validation for a candidate’s run for higher office. The mayor of your small town could become your congressional representative in the next election cycle. Focusing on local politics and seriously opposing bad candidates makes it harder for them to succeed and climb the political ladder.
Showing Up
We often think of party politics as exclusive clubs or murky organizations full of political operatives, but this is not the case. According to Kromer, 90% of becoming civically engaged is simply showing up. The best way to make sure your voice is heard is by attending local group or precinct meetings. Most local political organizations will welcome you to their initiative, to be engaged, and help solve the issues of your community.
Find out more:
Drew Kromer studied at Davidson College in North Carolina, where he became involved in the local College Democrats and revitalized the local Democratic precinct in his town of Davidson, NC. He has served as the National Council Vice-Chair of the College Democrats and currently serves as a DNC delegate in North Carolina. Drew is now in law school.
You can learn more about the work Kromer did to revitalize his community here.