06. February 2023 · Comments Off on Yakima County Signs October 2022 · Categories: Committee News, Elections, Recent Events

Greetings Democrats,

Here’s what’s going on this weekend!

“Signs, signs, everywhere there’s signs …” Let’s make a day out of it and prove that there really is a lively and diverse group of card-carrying democrats in Yakima and the surrounding areas!

Please join us to meet like minded people, take a walk around downtown and maybe post up to wave at a street corner or two.  Once we are done, we can disperse to a wide range of businesses for hydration and sustenance. 

Date: Saturday, October 22, 2022 
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 
Location: Performance Park – Northwest corner of 
North 2nd Street and Sgt. Pendleton Way in Yakima 

Bring a sign that radiates your passion, expresses your anger, embodies your hope or advertises your candidate in the upcoming election. 

=====

Our next joint monthly meeting of the Yakima County Democrats and the 14th LD Democrats will be held on Monday, October 24th at 6pm, in person at our office at 402 S. 3rd Street, and also via Zoom.

We look forward to seeing you!

Naomi Whitmore
Chair, Yakima County Democrats
Aileen Kane
Chair, 14th LD Democrats

Our mailing address is:
Yakima County Democrats
402 S 3rd St
Yakima, WA 98901-2834

Add us to your address book

14. January 2023 · Comments Off on Yakima County 2023 Reorganization · Categories: Committee News, Recent Events

Greetings Democrats,

Happy New Year! I hope that you and your loved ones had a bright and happy holiday season!

This Saturday is our biennual Reorganization meeting, where we elect officers for the next 2 years. Yakima County will meet at 1:00pm and the 14th LD will meet at 2:30pm. The meetings will be held via Zoom to ensure greater accessibility across our geographically large districts.

All are welcome to attend, but only Precinct Committee Officers elected in 2022 will be able to vote at the meeting.

If you would like to receive the Rules and Agenda and the Zoom link for the meeting, please fill out the following form to register for the meeting:

https://forms.gle/tovNNV7kHDqNAdZSA

(The Zoom link will also be sent out to this list prior to the meeting – you do not have to register to attend.)

The most important thing to note about the rules is that nominations are required in advance. This means we will not be accepting nominations from the floor during the meeting. If you wish to nominate yourself for an elected position – Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, or State Committee Member (2 positions), please send a declaration of your candidacy to Yakima County Chair Naomi Whitmore (naomijwhitmore@gmail.com) by January 5th

Declared candidates for Yakima County are:

  • Lindsey Keesling for Chair
  • AJ Cooper for State Committee Member Pos. 1
  • Doug White for State Committee Member Pos. 2
  • Naomi Whitmore for Treasurer (this office is appointed)

Declared candidates for the 14th LD are:

  • Naomi Whitmore for Chair
  • Betsy Shedd for Vice Chair 
  • Patricia Whitefoot for State Committee Member Pos. 1
  • Naomi Whitmore for Treasurer

Throughout the year, there will also be plenty of opportunities to work on Committees either at the local or state level to accomplish specific goals. There will also be local elections to work on, including City Council and School Board races.

What do you think the Democrats should be doing? Join us and help make it happen in 2023! 

Upcoming Events

January 9 – First day of Legislative Session
 
January 22 – Women’s March
 
January 27 will be our return to Lobby Days, hosted by the WSDCC Advocacy Committee. More information to come on this exciting event!
 
January 28 – State Party Reorganization, Olympia

The Yakima County Democrats and the 14th LD Democrats are 100% volunteer (no paid staff), and entirely funded by donations. We need your support more than ever to keep our office open and to expand our outreach and programs in 2023. We have exciting plans and we can’t wait to get to work on them!

Thank you to all our supporters who make our work possible!

Donate here

We look forward to seeing you soon,

Naomi Whitmore
Chair, Yakima County Democrats
Aileen Kane
Chair, 14th LD Democrats

Our mailing address is:
Yakima County Democrats
402 S 3rd St
Yakima, WA 98901-2834

Add us to your address book

17. November 2022 · Comments Off on Franklin County Call-to-Meeting November 2022 · Categories: Committee News, Recent Events

Call to Meeting Nov. 17

November General Business Meeting Details
5:30 social hour w/guests, 6 p.m. start
Thursday, October 20
Downtown Pasco library
1320 W Hopkins St.
October minutes available here.

Fellow Democrats,

Please take a moment today, Veteran’s Day, to honor veterans for their service to our country.

This upcoming meeting is our last regular meeting of the year. We are going over the recent election and what we can learn from it, what our reorganization meeting in December is going to look like, and some involvement opportunities for everyone to consider.

This month’s meeting also features our ongoing series, “Why I am a Democrat.” This is where anyone can speak to the body about why they consider themselves a Democrat.

As part of our efforts for 2023 and 2024, please consider setting up a monthly dues payment through our ActBlue donation account.

This is a potluck meeting, so feel free to bring whatever dish you wish to share.

We’ll see you there!

— Your FCDCC Executive Board

Our mailing address is:
P.O. Box 2621 Pasco WA 99302
14. November 2022 · Comments Off on Benton County Call-to-Meeting November 2022 · Categories: Announcements, Committee News

Benton County Democratic Central Committee

Executive Board

November 14, 2022

7:00 PM on ZOOM



When joining the meeting, please type your name and your role in the chat. If you are a PCO, please type your precinct number by your name. If you are an officer or committee chair, please include that information. If none of those apply to you, please type guest, and we’re glad you’re joining us!


Benton County Democratic Central Committee

Executive Board

November 14, 2022

7:00 PM on ZOOM

Agenda

Flag Salute

Call to Order

Appoint Temporary Secretary

Adopt Agenda

Approval of October Minutes

Secretary’s Report (Open)

Treasurer’s Report & Communications (Durga)

Chair’s Report (Regina)

  • Discussion of a Letter to the State Party Chair
  • Election Results
  • Biennial Reorganization    

1st VC Report (Regina)

2nd VC Report (John)

Organizing Committee (open)

Elections Committee (Justin)

State Committee Member 1 (Regina)

State Committee Member 2 (Sabastian)

Resolutions (Kitty)

Labor (Open)

Events & Tri-City Dems (Carl)

8th LD (Chris)

15th LD

16th LD (Everett)

Unfinished Business

New Business

  •     Letter to State Party Chair

Good of the Order

Adjourn

And whatever comes up in the meantime.

04. November 2022 · Comments Off on LWV Voter Newsletter 11-2022 · Categories: Announcements, Committee News
Democracy in Action Across Washington State | News from the League of Women Voters of WA

To Do List

  • Make sure to check the status of your ballot at VoteWA.gov. If it’s been rejected or challenged, make sure to cure your ballot by the deadline (11/29) so that it counts!
  • Follow us on social media! You can find us on FacebookInstagram, and Twitter.
  • This country has waited too long for the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) to become a part of the Constitution. Over 100 years after (some) women gained the right to vote, women and nonbinary people are still not guaranteed equality under the law. Tell your Senators to Support the Equal Rights Amendment.

Upcoming Events

12.10 SAT | Action Workshop
Learn about what's expected in the upcoming legislative session on the League's key issues from our lobbyist, legislators, and Advocacy Team. Learn more.
        
1.7 SAT | Speak Up School
LWVWA is supporting local Leagues and ally organizations to host workshops called Speak Up Schools. This upcoming Speak Up School people will learn how to give effective testimony. Save the date—more info to come!

Around the League

What are League Members Up To?

The midterm election may be over and the legislative session still weeks away, but the League of Women Voters of Washington is as busy as ever. So, what are League members up to? Here is a short list—we’d love to have you join us!


Voter Services: Midterm Wrap-Up

The League actively worked to empower voters and defend democracy this election season, with both the state and local Leagues holding election forums and debates so voters could hear from the candidates themselves.


Celebrating Karen Verrill’s Commitment to Civic Education 

At the 2021 Convention, the League of Women Voters of Washington awarded Karen Verrill the Evergreen Award for her tireless commitment to civic education. 


Coalition Updates

Fix Democracy First Speaks Out on Corporate Money in Washington’s Elections

The LWVWA’s coalition partner Fix Democracy First spoke with the Spokesman Review about the money four of WA’s largest public companies contribute to elections and the impact those contributions have on our state’s politics.

Join Your Local League
The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Any person 16 and older may become a voting member of the League
Support the League
We're able to continue our mission of empowering voters and defending democracy because of support from folks like you. Show your support by donating to the League of Women Voters of Washington right now!
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

The League of Women Voters of Washington
1511 Third Ave, Suite 900
Seattle, WA 98101
United States
27. October 2022 · Comments Off on Ag and Rural Caucus Call to Meeting, October 2022 · Categories: Announcements, Committee News, Recent Events
ECC - ARC Joint Meeting on Solar Siting 
Thursday 18:30 27 October
[Use Register link]
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYrceGhqzgrGNDnE8TTiug6T6LJG0QwHYAi

ARC joins ECC program on energy siting

We know ARC, Ag and Rural Caucus. Well, our sister organization is ECC, Environment and Climate Caucus. Steve Verhey, a long-standing ARC friend  and chair of ECC, has invited us to join ECC’s meeting on solar siting.

Steve and I have long lamented the overlap of our respective meetings. This meeting is an exception. It meets 1830 (6:30 pm) on Thursday the 27th of October.

Mike Ritter of WDFW will talk about solar project siting in Washington, with a look at the longer-term ecological effects.

ECC members are fellow Democrats with a little different take on some of our core issues but they always bring expertise to the table. It is important that we communicate and learn. This is an opportunity to learn more about an issue that is important to us, and to share our perspective.

Use the link to register and add the event to your calendar

Don.


ARC Quarterly Meeting
Thursday 18:30 20 October

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83283292572?pwd=N2RiUVRFdHZ4SkdrT0RybEZLN2NWQT09

ARC’s quarterly meeting is Thursday 20 October at 6:30 pm. The agenda is a round table on local and congressional elections. Please invite your candidates if available.
 
It is easy to lose track of the issues we address. We take snapshots of issues around the state and then move on, for example, from flood control and habitat recovery on the Chehalis to childhood stress and social policy.

Rural problems do not go away just because we have moved on. This month I include links to selected articles about issues we have visited, just to give you a sense of continuity.
 
Two items have added to the discussion about the Lower Snake River Dams. The Murray – Inslee report adopted our ex ante mitigation advocacy, while NOAA explicitly does not address trade-offs. 

Murray – Inslee report:
NOAA: NPR;  document
Another legacy issue is regulation of the dairy industry in the Lower Yakima basin. The state does not require CAFO permits until after a problem has arisen. Ecology has proposed closer regulation of small operations, under 200 head of cattle.
 
Washington farms fret over Ecology’s promises over CAFO permits
Black Rock on Highway 24 in Yakima County is the site of multiple applications for solar development.
 
EFESEC extends deadline for Yakima County solar projects
Floodplain Integrated Planning in the Nooksack basin is a point of optimism, but does it complement or challenge water right adjudication?
 
What the Nooksack River’s climate tailspin mean for people and fish.

Copyright © 2022 Ag and Rural Caucus, All rights reserved.
Ag and Rural Caucus of State Democratic Central Committee
Our mailing address is:
Ag and Rural Caucus
2921 Mud Creek Rd
Waitsburg, WA 99361

Add us to your address book

27. October 2022 · Comments Off on Benton County Call-to-Meeting October 2022 · Categories: Announcements, Committee News, Recent Events

Benton County Democratic Central Committee

General Meeting

October 27

IN-PERSON AND ON ZOOM

Round Table Pizza, G Washington Way, Richland

Social Hour 6:30p

Meeting begins at 7:00P



Note that there will be discussions about the documents linked above. Please review them in advance of the meeting, if possible.

When joining the meeting, please type your name and your role in the chat. If you are a PCO, please type your precinct number by your name. If you are an officer or committee chair, please include that information. If none of those apply to you, please type guest, and we’re glad you’re joining us!


Benton County Democratic Central Committee

October 27, 2022

In-Person and on Zoom

Round Table Pizza, G Washington Way, Richland

Social Hour 6:30p

Meeting begins at 7:00P

Notified Meeting for the Purpose of By-Laws and Rules Changes

Call to Order

Call to Order

Pledge of Allegiance

Adopt Agenda

Approval of Minutes

Secretary’s Report

Treasurer’s Report & Communications (Durga)

Chair’s Report

  • Ballots will be dropped before the monthly meeting.
  • Election. Election. Election. Phone banking, texting, door knocking.
  • Connect with Dems in your precinct.
  • GOTV (Get Out The Vote).

1st VC Report (Regina)

2nd VC Report (John)

Organizing Committee (Allison)

Elections Committee (Justin)

State Committee Member 1 (Regina)

State Committee Member 2 (Sabastian)

Resolutions (Kitty)

  • Agrivoltaics Resolution

Labor (Open)

Events & Tri-City Dems (Carl)

8th LD (Chris)

16th LD (Everett)

15th LD

Unfinished Business

New Business

  • By-laws and Rules Changes to Comply with Dropping of the Covid Emergency
  • Agrivoltaics Resolution

Good of the Order

Adjourn

21. October 2022 · Comments Off on WSDCC Wrap-up October 21, 2022 · Categories: Announcements, Committee News

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

It’s officially crunch time! Ballots were mailed out this week and we have just 18 days to go until Election Day. We need everyone to step up and make sure our terrific Democratic candidates have what it takes to win up and down the ticket! 

With so many extremely close races we can’t leave anything up to chance and so I want to take a moment to ask every Democrat reading this to complete the “to do list” below and do your part to help terrific candidates statewide:

Your GOTV to do list:

  1. VOTE right away once you get your ballot– return your ballot once you get it, so we can use valuable resources to turn out other voters. We will continue our work to knock, call or text to get all those ballots in, including yours! SO please, VOTE once you get your ballot  (find a drop box near you using this link). If, for any reason, there is an issue with you ballot once you get it, we can help you correct it and get your ballot counted – call our voter hotline for any concerns at 206-309-VOTE
  2. Make certain your friends and family VOTE as soon as they get their ballots – again, we need every last vote this cycle. Help us! Use social media, dinnertime conversations, coffee shop talks, whatever it takes to make certain folks know they need to vote!
  3. Join us for GOTV – take at least one shift to door knock (the best) phone bank (good) or text bank (ok) – see the list below and sign up!

Remember – we are the only organization working to turn out every Democratic voter statewide and folks we reach are much more likely to return their ballots than those we don’t

Let’s make these final days count – please sign up for at least one GOTV shift today! 

WORKING FOR WASHINGTON

Our 2022 Get Out the Vote tour is in full swing and we have so many exciting events on deck!

We hope you will join us tonight at 5pm for a GOTV rally at Seattle Center Armory featuring Senator Elizabeth Warren and terrific leaders like Senator Patty Murray, Governor Jay Inslee, Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, and NARAL President Mini Timmaraju!! 

Senator Warren will also join us for another event in Seattle, tomorrow, Saturday, Oct. 22! We will meet in the morning to hear from the candidates before heading out to knock doors to remind our Democratic neighbors that it’s time to vote!

Last but not least, we’re stopping in Spokane Sunday, Oct. 23So, grab your door-knocking shoes and come support our efforts!

And don’t worry, if you can’t make any of these events, we have more opportunities to get involved right up until election day. Find an event near you at wa-democrats.org/organizingevents. You also can support our efforts with a contribution; chip in HERE today — anything helps!

Speaking of Spokane – TWO debates will be held at Gonzaga University on Sunday the 23rd. FIRST, Democratic Secretary of State Steve Hobbs will square off against challenger Julie Anderson at 3:30pm THEN Senator Murray will be debating MAGA Republican opponent Tiffany Smiley at 5pm. Don’t forget to tune in! 

ut most importantly, remember once you get your ballot, to fill it out and send it back! If you have any questions about voting, we’re here to help; our Voter Protection hotline is live at 206-309-VOTE, or 206-309-8683. You can also visit wa-democrats.org/iwillvote for more information.

DEMOCRATS IN THE NEWS

In Our View: Hobbs stronger choice for secretary of state

The Columbian’s Editorial Board recommends that Democrat Steve Hobbs remain in office.

DelBene secures $250,000 for Health District’s telehealth eHealth record program

These resources will allow the Snohomish Health District to implement a new electronic health record system and telehealth program. DelBene secured the investment in the FY22 federal omnibus funding package.

Inslee honors state employee efforts during annual leadership ceremony

Gov. Jay Inslee recognized 23 state agency leaders with an annual celebration for outstanding leadership, inclusive excellence and achievement during the 2021 calendar year. The Governor’s Outstanding Leadership Award program was created in 1985 to honor state government leaders who demonstrate excellent performance and leadership.

District 26: Incumbent Sen. Emily Randall, Rep. Jesse Young face off in debate

Democratic incumbent Sen. Emily Randall is being challenged by Republican Rep. Jesse Young in the race for District 26 – the most expensive legislative race in Washington state. Randall and Young faced off in a debate Saturday afternoon at the Norm Dicks Government Center in Bremerton.

Schrier defends abortion rights while Larkin tries to hide from extreme anti-choice stance

“As the only pro-choice woman doctor in all of Congress, I need to make sure, and want to make sure, that it is women and doctors making health care decisions, not the government,” Schrier said.

Schrier is running an ad with a recording of Larkin meeting with Republicans last spring, in which he is heard saying, “I don’t believe in the exceptions for the things you said, rape and incest and things like that.”

Asked under what circumstances abortion should be allowed, Larkin answered, “It’s an instance where both sides compromise and come together and talk about it. This is not a black-and-white issue. It’s just not.”

Find additional news items and more on our website and social media.

GET INVOLVED

GOTV TOUR EVENTS THIS WEEKEND

FRIDAY, OCT. 21

  • Seattle GOTV Rally, 5 p.m.
    • Special guests: U.S. Sens. Patty Murray and Elizabeth Warren, Gov. Jay Inslee, Rep. Pramila Jayapal, NARAL President Mini Timmaraju,  and Chair Tina Podlodowski

SATURDAY, OCT. 22

SUNDAY, OCT. 23

  • Spokane Canvass, 10:30 a.m.
    • Special guests: U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, state Majority Senate Leader Andy Billig, state Rep. Tim Ormsby and candidate Natasha Hill 


OTHER VOLUNTEER EVENTS THIS WEEKEND

Learn more of what’s happening in your neck of the woods and sign up for event alerts
HERE

From now until November, we have to mobilize every Democratic voter in Washington state — and we need your help to accomplish that. Join our incredible team of volunteers today!


Keep in touch, stay engaged, and as always, thank you for all you do!

With gratitude,

Washington State Democratic Party

The work we do today wins elections this November. If you’re ready to elect Democrats in every race and every place in Washington state, invest in our efforts and make a contribution now. 


Want to support our work year round? Join Blue Washington, our monthly giving program! It is the most effective way to help candidates, volunteers, organizers, activists, and staff because it gives us the certainty we need to scale up our program with confidence. Your monthly investment ensures we can defend our strong legislative majorities, flip key congressional seats from red to blue, and fight for progressive values. Help us lead the way to victories at all levels of government today!

Washington State Democrats
PO Box 4027
Seattle, WA 98194
United States
20. October 2022 · Comments Off on Franklin County Call-to-Meeting October 2022 · Categories: Committee News, Recent Events

Call to Meeting Oct. 20

October General Business Meeting Details
5:30 social hour w/guests, 6 p.m. start
Thursday, October 20
Downtown Pasco library
1320 W Hopkins St.
September minutes available here.

Fellow Democrats,

First, a quick note: We have two $25 gift cards to Schreiber Farms as door prizes this month! You can only win them by coming to the meeting, though!

This month’s meeting features our ongoing series, “Why I am a Democrat.” This is where anyone can speak to the body about why they consider themselves a Democrat. It’s an excellent way to learn about your fellow members and pump yourself up for GOTV efforts we have running until Election Day.

Those efforts including the following canvassing opportunities for Democrats:

  • Sunday, Oct. 23
  • Wednesday, Oct. 26
  • Sunday, Oct. 30
  • Wednesday, Nov. 2
  • Saturday, Nov. 5

We’ll also be talking about our new ActBlue donation account, more GOTV efforts, reorganization (including a potential special meeting in December) and our strategic plan.

This is a potluck meeting, so feel free to bring whatever dish you wish to share.

Also note our final scheduled meeting for the year, excluding the reorg, is Thursday, Nov. 17.

We’ll see you there!

— Your FCDCC Executive Board

Our mailing address is:
P.O. Box 2621 Pasco WA 99302
15. October 2022 · Comments Off on Franklin County 15th LD Canvassing · Categories: Committee News, Elections, Recent Events

Keep pushing to Election Day

15th LD Canvass, Pasco

10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 15
Peanuts Park, Pasco

Sign up here!

Fellow Democrats,

Four weekends remain before the general election. Election Day is November 8.

We want to make you aware of a volunteer opportunity for a candidate endorsed by the Franklin County Democrats: Lindsey Keesling.

Keep watching your inbox for more opportunities to make a difference this election season!

Canvassing (door belling) for Doug White

Canvassing (door belling)

Lindsey Keesling is running for the state Senate in the 15th Legislative District against Republican Nikki Torres. Central and east Pasco, and northwest Franklin County, are in the district.

Franklin County Democrats are organizing a canvass for Keesling starting 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 15. The meeting location has been changed to Peanuts Park (109 S. 4th Ave, Pasco). Please meet on the north side of the park near the restrooms.  

If you are interested in joining us on the 15th, please email frankcodemocrats@gmail.com. You can also email us to let us know if you are interested in canvassing for Lindsey but cannot join us Oct. 15.

Textbanking

The Keesling campaign is texting voters to encourage them to vote for Lindsey in the upcoming general election.

Lindsey’s campaign uses a browser-based program that does not require a personal phone. It is safe and user friendly.

The textbanking sessions occur every week up to November 8. Please email candidate@lindseyforthefiftheenth.com to sign up to text bank for the campaign.

You can also support Lindsey’s campaign by going to her website to sign-up or donate: https://lindseyforthefifteenth.com.

— Ana Ruiz Kennedy, chair

Our mailing address is:
P.O. Box 2621 Pasco WA 99302