How did the 42-day shutdown affect you or your community? Were you a federal worker? Did it impact services you rely on? What was the most challenging part? Do you feel your voice was represented by the Senator who represents your district?

This means every Senator you elect holds real power to either force compromise or create gridlock. The Senate voted 14 times on funding resolutions. Each vote was a choice: compromise now or hold leverage. Every choice had real world costs for working families. 🧵

Leverage requires consequences for someone. In this case, 670,000 federal workers were furloughed. 730,000 working without pay. 42 million Americans nearly lost food assistance through SNAP. Air traffic controllers worked under strain. Veterans' services affected. Court operations reduced. 🧵

This keeps happening because the tool is used for political purposes.
1995: 21 days
2013: 16 days
2018-19: 35 days
2025: 42 days (new record)
Different parties, different issues, same pattern. The filibuster can protect consensus OR weaponize basic services. If used to create political leverage.🧵

To pass a bill in the Senate, the filibuster rule requires a minimum of 60 votes. Republicans hold 53 seats, while Democrats hold 47. Neither party can reach 60 alone. Without 60 votes, bills get blocked, and that can lead to shutdowns. But why does this keep happening? 🧵

You don’t want to miss this critical conversation on the future of our representation. #ncpol

RSVP here at demnc.co/codered 🚨

Crucial watch-out for 2026: Brian @democracync.bsky.social urges us to keep an eye on how state money will influence these larger races.

Big money wants to diminish the grassroots impact. The simple but crucial focus: "Let's make sure our votes are counted."

We often hear the narrative that "apathy" reigns, but Brian @democracync.bsky.social felt the opposite in his university conversations. He saw young people eager to engage more.

We have reason to feel hopeful about the future of civic participation.

Each month, our coalition meets to share updates, reflect on local work, and discuss how we can move closer to a more “perfect” democracy.⁠

RSVP 🔗 www.mobilize.us/democracync/...

Tune in wherever you get your podcasts or at demnc.co/podcast #ncpol

Problems voting? Call or text 888-OUR-VOTE! We have election experts standing by to help YOU cast your ballot! #ncpol

Also if you need more voter information, our friends at @commoncause made a really 🔥 voter guide, if you want more information on your primaries, I’m putting the link below!
ncvoterguide.org/charlotte/