Your vote, your voice: Rally for early midterm voting

A rally was held at Goshen’s downtown theater on Monday evening, October 4th, to mark the start of the early voting period for the midterm elections. Attendees were strongly encouraged to take advantage of early voting and to bring friends and neighbors to the polls with them. The event was co-sponsored by the Goshen City Democratic Party and Indivisible of Elkhart County. The local Indivisible group is affiliated with a national organization that promotes community action and support of Democratic principles through the free election process. Approximately 120 enthusiastic voters were present.

Marcia Yost, a fifth generation Goshen resident and former high school educator, welcomed the crowd and set the tone for the evening’s programs. Regarding the upcoming elections, she stated that “there is so much to do. We can’t stop working now.” She pointed out that a minority administration is running the country right now; Donald Trump won the 2024 election with less than half of the popular vote. We need more registered voters to get to the polls. Goshen has more than 20,000 registered voters, yet only 5,600 of these voters typically vote in the mid-term elections.

Solving For “Yes!”

Yost then introduced Gina Leichty, Goshen’s first female mayor. Leichty described Goshen as a welcoming, vibrant, progressive community that strives to keep its residents safe and to offer them an equal chance for success in life. She thanked former mayor Mike Puro and his wife Laurie Tweedale for financially supporting the event. Puro was instrumental in the creation of the Goshen Millrace waterway and walking path, a popular family attraction, as well as other amenities that make Goshen a great place to live and raise a family.

Leichty presented the concept of her mantra, “Solving For Yes!” When obstacles get in the way of achieving a goal, she utilizes the method of Solving for YES to get to the desired result. Different techniques and approaches have proven effective in obtaining the desired result. NO doesn’t always have to be the final answer if you can Solve for YES.

The mayor went on to say that change starts at home. Showing up and helping ordinary people is one of the greatest contributions any neighbor can make. Efforts like these provide hope for the future of any community.

Inspiration to Act

Voces Fuertes is a student-led organization dedicated to uplifting and amplifying immigrant voices on college campuses and beyond. Several student members of the Goshen College chapter related how their involvement in this group helped them to overcome their anxiety, fear, and apprehension about getting involved in our local political process. These students are excelling in their chosen fields of study and told the audience their personal stories of inspiration and growth. Presenters included Ruth Diaz-Turcios, Ariana Montell and Sara Olayo-Evangelista.

Michelle Milne is running for the office of Indiana District 49 State Representative, opposing the incumbent Joanna King. Milne decided to run for office after realizing how polarized our country has become. “I felt like I had to do something,” she stated. As shown in her professional skills, Milne has the ability to bring people together. As she goes door-to-door asking for votes, a common theme she encounters is “We need to love our neighbors.” Milne then introduced the next Guest Speaker, Jamie Decio.

Jamee Decio Hosts Town Hall Meetings

Jamie Decio is running against the incumbent Rudy Yakym for the office of Congressional Representative for Indiana’s 2nd district. Decio described herself as an Elkhart native who has worked extensively in this voting district. She is a graduate of the Notre Dame Law School, has served as a Deputy Prosecutor, and opened her own successful private law practice. Decio has held 14 town hall meetings since the start of her campaign and will be conducting another town hall this week. If elected, she will strive to end expensive tariffs, end the war with Iran, and make billionaires pay their fair share of income taxes.

Rudy Yakym has voted for Republican sponsored legislation that will leave 25,000 Hoosiers without Medicaid insurance coverage AFTER the November midterm elections. This timing was purposely established so that voters wouldn’t see the insurance cuts before the election since that decision would likely affect their vote. Yakym has held no town hall meetings with his constituents. His meetings have been exclusively with big business interests and fundraising sources. Decio concluded her presentation with a final request, “Please vote and get our country moving in the right direction.”

There were additional candidates present in the room who were introduced. Those running for School Board as well as County and Township positions were asked to stand and be acknowledged. Their presence was rewarded with applause from the audience.

Importance of Kitchen Table Issues

Attendees then watched a powerful video presentation that addressed what Democrats need to do win in the upcoming midterm elections. First and foremost, the party needs to get every base Democrat vote it can get. Voter turnout is extremely important! Kitchen table issues like food and gas prices, interest rates, and affordable housing must be major messages that should be stressed by candidates. He then went on to recognize other sources for Democratic votes which include progressives, moderates, pragmatic thinkers, and faith and heritage voters. Other important segments include Democrats who stayed home, Independent voters, and Republican leaning voters who are dissatisfied with the current administration.

Civil Discourse Can Help Bridge The Gap

Marcia Yost then took the stage again to have presenters provide three different scenarios involving current political issues. Those presenting stated their concerns and the audience was asked to discuss responses with others sitting nearby. Lively discussion followed and responses showed thoughtful solutions. Those presenting the scenarios included: Deanna Minnick, Cadence Letman, and Francisco Morillo.

Yost then presented and explained an acronym that can serve as a guide for meaningful discourse during political discussions:

C – Check the climate. Assess the emotional temperature.
I – Invite conversation. Invite, never demand.
V – Value all input. Approach with lived experiences.
I – Identify common ground. What unites, not divides.
L – Listen intentionally. Listen to understand, not just respond.
I – Inspire curiosity. Ask questions rather than challenge.
T – Track progress. Stop if conversation goes in circles.
Y – Yearn for truth. Seek the full picture, not just the win.

Key points: 1. Know when to exit. Preserve the relationship. 2. Measure true progress. Success isn’t always about winning debates; it’s about reaching hearts and preserving connections. 3. The Big Picture: Political discussions are ultimately about humanity, compassion, and patience.

Yost thanked the audience for being there and stated her appreciation for meaningful interaction with the presenters. Also, VOTE and encourage everyone you know to vote as well.

The event concluded with Yost leading the audience in singing “America The Beautifu,” with special, revised lyrics, appropriate for today’s divided country.

Rachael Mercado created an amazing highlights video.

 

Author: Ron Altenhof