ACLU – January 3, 2025

Posted on January 5, 2025

Today, our members of Congress will swear in – a ceremony in which they’ll take the oath of office and pledge to uphold the Constitution and the responsibilities of their office.

It’s an essential part of kicking off the new Congressional term and reminds us all what our representatives are elected to do: to protect our rights.

Here at the ACLU – knowing what urgent fights lie ahead, knowing the Trump administration will soon take office in a few weeks time, knowing we have the power of the people behind us – we’re taking an oath today, too.

It’s an oath to continue protecting our Constitution and defending all our civil rights and liberties throughout the year ahead no matter what – and we’re hoping you’ll take that pledge with us.

Are you ready to recommit to the fight ahead? Let us know what you’re fighting for over the next year and how you plan to show up to defend our rights.

Swear-in with the ACLU

Thanks for joining us for another year of protecting our rights!

The ACLU Team

Donate Now

American Civil Liberties Union
125 Broad Street, 18th Floor
New York, NY 10004, USA

	
						
			
						
				
				
					2,897				
			
					
				
							
					
				
						

				            Benton County WA Democrats
				        							Serving the Democrats of Benton County, WA
						
		
	

	
	
					
				Benton County WA Democrats
				 
			
			
 5 days ago 
			
	
		
	



	
		Your voice matters. The decisions shaping our neighborhoods, schools, housing, transit, and quality of life are made right here.VOTE NOW!You have ONE WEEK left to fill out your ballot! Election Day is on November 4th.			
	... See MoreSee Less




	
		Photo	

	
					View on Facebook
							
									·
								Share
				
											
							
							Share on Facebook
						
											
							
							Share on Twitter
						
											
							
							Share on Linked In
						
											
							
							Share by Email
						
									
			
			
	




	
	
					
				Benton County WA Democrats
				 
			
			
 6 days ago 
			
	
		
	



	
		There has been a lot of conversation and questions regarding the City of Richland Charter Amendment Measure No. 1 (aka Richland Districting). Background:Since Richland was incorporated, 67 years ago, its population has more than doubled (from 24,000 to over 60,000) and its land area has significantly expanded (from 8 square miles to 35 square miles). In a nutshell:The current at-large system, which was adopted in 1958, means that everyone in Richland votes for all 7 City Council positions. Many citizens of Richland have felt under represented and argue that the city has outgrown its current at-large system. ✅ Voting YES on Measure No. 1 supports changing the City Council election structure so that five of the seven council members are elected by geographic district. This is intended to improve accountability and achieve more even representation across the city.❌ Voting No on Measure No. 1 supports keeping the City Council election structure the way that it is.Richland voters, the choice is yours. Do you feel fairly represented by the current system? Or would you rather have council members serve both their district and the city? -------------- Need more details? Here are some common questions:❓ Question: How were the districts created?Answer: The districts were created by following Washington State law using 2020 census population data and GIS precinct data layers. The district boundaries  are contiguous, and are equal in population. Council members serve both their district and the city as a whole, preserving teamwork while preventing lockstep conformity. - A Better Richland (ABR) used the state law (RCW 29A.76.010) and guidance from the Municipal Research and Services Center to draw the districts.- The state law requires 1) each district be as close as possible in population, 2) that the districts be composed of whole precincts, and 3) the precincts in a district be contiguous.- Each proposed district has almost exactly 12,000 residents per 2020 census data. The population of each Richland precinct (a geographical area defined by the state for electoral purposes) varies from 361 to 2,219 people. The whole, contiguous precincts for each district are listed in the proposed charter amendment.❓ Question: What is going on with the Proposed District 2?This proposed district takes that particular shape due to the population density in that area and the guidelines listed above (continuous districts with approximately 12,000 residents).❓ Question: Is this politically motivated? Is this gerrymandering?Answer: The proposal is a non-partisan effort supported by Richland voters across the political spectrum. Claims that districts are politically motivated or gerrymandered are completely unfounded. Check out the proposed district boundaries at abetterrichland.com and decide for yourself: experience.arcgis.com/experience/40eb8af4aef640b5a5cba2ef523b1bc2/page/Page?org=s-d-gSources:app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=29A.76.010mrsc.org/explore-topics/elections/basics/district-based-elections?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZB...www.abetterrichland.com/charter-amendment-1 www.sos.wa.gov/elections/data-research/reports-data-and-statistics/precinct-shapefiles?fbclid=IwZ...			
	... See MoreSee Less




	
		Photo	

	
					View on Facebook
							
									·
								Share
				
											
							
							Share on Facebook
						
											
							
							Share on Twitter
						
											
							
							Share on Linked In
						
											
							
							Share by Email
						
									
			
			
	




	
	
					
				Benton County WA Democrats
				 
			
			
 1 week ago 
			
	
		
	



	
		Still not sure who or what to vote for?Here are two great nonpartisan resources:✅ TriCitiesVote.com is a nonpartisan, community-driven website that provides key information—including candidates' views, donors, and endorsements—to help you make informed decisions.✅ Indivisible Tri-Cities Voter Tool (linktr.ee/IndivisibleTriCitiesVoterTools) is a one-stop guide for local voters. From Essential Voting Links to Get To Know Your Candidates, everything you need is in one convenient place!And don’t forget to VOTE!			
	... See MoreSee Less




	
		Photo	

	
					View on Facebook
							
									·
								Share
				
											
							
							Share on Facebook
						
											
							
							Share on Twitter
						
											
							
							Share on Linked In
						
											
							
							Share by Email
						
									
			
			
	




	
	
					
				Benton County WA Democrats
				 
			
			
 2 weeks ago 
			
	
		
	



	
		Your presence at Saturday’s No Kings protest was powerful. Now, we need you to help turn that energy into action! The Benton County Democrats' General Meeting is where you can meet fellow advocates, learn more about nonviolent resistance strategies, and help mobilize our voters for change.🗓️ Thursday, October 23rd🕡6:30 - 8:30pm📍Round Table Pizza - Kennewick location(3300 W Clearwater Ave, Kennewick)			
	... See MoreSee Less




	
		Photo	

	
					View on Facebook
							
									·
								Share
				
											
							
							Share on Facebook
						
											
							
							Share on Twitter
						
											
							
							Share on Linked In
						
											
							
							Share by Email
						
									
			
			
	




	
	
					
				Benton County WA Democrats
				 
			
			
 2 weeks ago 
			
	
		
	



	
		Let’s talk about School Boards. ❗Kennewick, Prosser, and Richland pay attention ❗School boards make important decisions about public schools. They hold significant power over children's rights, setting policies that determine curricula, extracurricular programs, student discipline, and how district funds are spent. Kennewick, Prosser, and Richland have some big decisions to make in this election. We’ve outlined some quick points on each candidate to help with your research but remember to read your Voters’ Pamphlet and to research each candidate (some of them have campaign websites that make their goals loud and clear). And don’t forget to VOTE!  Even if you don’t have children your vote could help your neighbors, family members, or the kids who sell lemonade down the street every summer. Remember, the policies and decisions made by school boards can have long-lasting effects on your community and its future generations.			
	... See MoreSee Less




	
		Photo	

	
					View on Facebook
							
									·
								Share
				
											
							
							Share on Facebook
						
											
							
							Share on Twitter
						
											
							
							Share on Linked In
						
											
							
							Share by Email

	November 2025
Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
						1
2	3	4 TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday November 4, 2025 3:45 PM - 5:45 PM John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:45pm to 5:45PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day. https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/ See more details Richland City Council Richland City Council November 4, 2025 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA See more details • •	5	6 Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs November 6, 2025 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM https://zoom.us/j/94107976607?pwd=qZeb9jUuH9e3DwVvukrhqxuwrNTWvv.1 Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! Zoom link below, let me know if you need the mobile version. These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends. See more details •	7	8
9	10 Benton County Executive Board Benton County Executive Board November 10, 2025 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Meeting details will be provided over email from the Benton County Democrats Chair. See more details •	11 TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday November 11, 2025 3:45 PM - 5:45 PM John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:45pm to 5:45PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day. https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/ See more details Kennewick City Council Workshop Kennewick City Council Workshop November 11, 2025 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM See more details • •	12	13 Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs November 13, 2025 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM https://zoom.us/j/94107976607?pwd=qZeb9jUuH9e3DwVvukrhqxuwrNTWvv.1 Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! Zoom link below, let me know if you need the mobile version. These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends. See more details •	14	15
16	17	18 TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday November 18, 2025 3:45 PM - 5:45 PM John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:45pm to 5:45PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day. https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/ See more details Richland City Council Richland City Council November 18, 2025 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA See more details • •	19	20 Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs November 20, 2025 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM https://zoom.us/j/94107976607?pwd=qZeb9jUuH9e3DwVvukrhqxuwrNTWvv.1 Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! Zoom link below, let me know if you need the mobile version. These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends. See more details •	21	22
23	24	25 TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday November 25, 2025 3:45 PM - 5:45 PM John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:45pm to 5:45PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day. https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/ See more details Richland City Council Workshop Richland City Council Workshop November 25, 2025 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA See more details • •	26	27 Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs November 27, 2025 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM https://zoom.us/j/94107976607?pwd=qZeb9jUuH9e3DwVvukrhqxuwrNTWvv.1 Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! Zoom link below, let me know if you need the mobile version. These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends. See more details BCDCC General Public Meeting BCDCC General Public Meeting November 27, 2025 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Meeting details will be provided over email from the Benton County Democrats Chair. See more details • •	28	29
30