Be the change you want to see
Michelle Tollefson
Alabama District 96
My Involvement
I’m actively involved in building and supporting the Democratic Party at the local level. I currently serve as a voting member of the Baldwin County Democratic Executive Committee, Secretary of the Eastern Shore Democrats, and Co-Chair of the Baldwin County Democratic Party Tech Committee. Through these roles, I work closely with volunteers and local leaders to strengthen the infrastructure that supports organizing, outreach, and fundraising.My work has included managing and updating the county party website, helping launch an e-commerce store to support grassroots fundraising, and managing internal software systems and training so local committees can focus their energy on engaging voters instead of struggling with tools. I also co-host The Bama Blue Dots, a political podcast that promotes Progressive values, raises awareness of what is actually happening in our government, and provides candidates with a platform to discuss their priorities and connect with voters.
My Commitment
If elected to represent District 96, my focus will be on strengthening the party through access, fairness, and accountability. I will advocate for county party committees to have clear and consistent access to the tools, resources, and training they need to organize effectively and build long-term capacity across all regions.I am committed to fair representation in caucuses and party decision-making, with transparent processes that are applied consistently and reflect the diversity of our party. I also believe strongly in transparency and accountability within party leadership. That means open communication about decisions and votes, ethical governance, and regular communication back to the county so our community knows how and why decisions are being made.
My Platform
A Party That Works for Everyone
As a democratic socialist, I believe that a rising tide lifts all boats. When we invest in people, infrastructure, and shared resources, everyone benefits. That belief shapes how I approach party-building. A strong Democratic Party is not built by concentrating power or resources at the top, but by ensuring that every county, district, and caucus has what it needs to participate fully and effectively.My goal as an elected member of the State Democratic Executive Committee of the Alabama Democratic Party is to help build a party where access, fairness, and accountability are not aspirational values, but standard practice.
Access to Tools and Resources
County party committees are doing critical work, often with limited support and inconsistent access to tools and training. To fulfill my commitment to equitable access, I will advocate for clearer pathways to party resources, improved communication around available tools, and training opportunities that meet counties where they are. That includes pushing for documentation, onboarding support, and shared knowledge so counties are not dependent on informal networks or insider access to function effectively.By focusing on access and capacity-building, we strengthen the entire party. When counties are equipped to organize, fundraise, and engage voters, the impact extends statewide.
Fair Representation in Caucuses and Party Decisions
A rising tide also requires trust, and trust comes from fair and transparent processes. I am committed to advocating for caucus and party decision-making structures that are equitable, clearly defined, and applied consistently. That means supporting transparent rules, encouraging open dialogue, and ensuring that districts and caucuses are not sidelined or overlooked in decisions that shape the direction of the party.My role on the SDEC will be to ask hard questions when processes are unclear, support reforms that improve fairness, and ensure that representation reflects the diversity and breadth of our party.
Transparency and Accountability
Promises without accountability weaken institutions. To honor my commitments, I believe transparency must be built into how the party operates. As an SDEC member, I will prioritize open communication about decisions, votes, and resource allocation, and I will communicate back to District 96 so everyone knows how their interests are being represented.Accountability also means treating party governance as a responsibility, not a formality. I will show up prepared, informed, and ready to engage in thoughtful decision-making that puts the long-term health of the party first.
Turning Values Into Action
My platform is grounded in the belief that when we invest in shared systems, fair processes, and accountable leadership, we create conditions where everyone can succeed. This is how we fulfill the commitments we make to our volunteers, candidates, and voters. By strengthening the foundation of the party, we strengthen every campaign built on top of it.