Jonathan and Barb spoke with a Hispanic man whose story deeply moved them. He shared his ongoing struggles as an unemployed sheet metal worker, mentioning that his son currently pays his rent while he searches for stable employment. Despite these hardships, he expressed hope that Democrats will help working people like him as well as the nation’s veterans.

Risa and Asya spoke with a young man who was newly eligible to vote but not yet registered. After Risa explained how easy the process is, the man promised to register as soon as he got back home. Although he remains undecided on candidates, Risa felt their conversation and personal story exchange left a strong impression—one that she believes will motivate him to vote and ultimately sway him to support Democrat Manny Rutinel in Congressional District 8.

Rita and Pat spoke with a Mexican-American citizen who actively votes. Although he is a dedicated Democrat, he noted that many of his friends are not eligible to vote. He explained that since becoming eligible, he has consistently supported Democratic candidates because their platform aligns with his values, particularly hard work and community support.

Caitlin and Risa met a young woman whose passion for voting runs deep. While she never misses an election, several members of her family—and a few close friends—aren't eligible to cast a ballot. That gap doesn't discourage her; it drives her. She steps into the voting booth to carry their voices alongside her own.

Deeply invested in current events and closely following the news, she feels the urgency of this political moment. Before walking away, her eyes lit up when she noticed the stickers Caitlin and Risa were wearing: "Voting is an act of love." For her, those words couldn't be more true.

Hayden and Marti met an older voter who was initially skeptical about voting. After discussing their shared values, his perspective shifted. He became more receptive to the process, especially after sharing a personal story about how his sister supported him through recovery following a motorcycle accident.

Jonathan and Brett met a lifelong Republican who can no longer support the party. He pointed to Donald Trump’s role in starting a war and cutting aid to agencies like the Forest Service as his breaking point. The voter added that his father, a WWII veteran, taught him to value hard work and community respect, which are values he feels are now missing from the party.

On a scorching Sunday afternoon, Jonathan and Matt met a dual citizen on his porch who was deeply frustrated by rising costs. Despite having the right to vote, he was adamant: "My vote won’t change anything."

Midway through, his son walked out holding a baby girl, sharing his father's skepticism. But Jonathan and Matt steered the conversation away from standard political noise and toward core values: family, community, and looking out for one another. They shared how Manny Rutinel is fighting to restore critical cuts to healthcare and food assistance, which hit home. Looking down at his daughter, the son admitted, "They just cut her WIC benefits."

By the end of the conversation, neither man gave a firm promise to vote—but the cynicism had cracked. They were left pensive, deeply weighing the high stakes of this election. This is why we knock on doors: to connect policy to real lives, one family at a time.

While out canvassing on a hot Sunday afternoon, Amy and her partner, Trudy, accidentally woke up a voter. The man was initially pessimistic, skeptical that voting could actually change things politically. But after Amy shared her own story and highlighted the true importance of their district, his attitude completely shifted. He lit up with interest, opened up about how proud he is of his son, and even offered the pair a couple of cold Cokes to cool down.

Michelle spoke to woman from Mexico who recently became a citizen. The woman shared how her entire family are not citizens and how they are all excited to vote. While they did not get through the entire story exchange, the woman was very appreciative about the work Trust Brigade is doing. 

David and Brett spoke with a resident who initially told them she skips the ballot box entirely. But after exchanging personal stories and hearing from David about why their district is so vital, she moved herself all the way up to an eight on the likelihood-to-vote scale. She also shared a deeply personal part of her world, explaining that her son is on the spectrum and detailing the daily challenges her family navigates

Pat and Linda managed to connect with a resident just as he was in his car, getting ready to leave his home. Although the conversation began with the man stating he does not vote due to a belief that all politics are corrupt, the organizers' approach completely changed his outlook. By the end of their discussion, he became significantly more open to participating and moved himself up to a five out of ten in his likelihood to vote.

Carolyn and Pat recently spoke with a woman working in import/export who shared that she is currently going through a tough time. Despite her personal struggles, she was incredibly grateful for the work the Trust Brigade is doing to show up for the community. To make the interaction even better, she proudly shared that this will be her first time ever voting!