Benton County Democrats

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WSDCC Box Watching 2022

Posted on July 19, 2022

Dear Democrats,

I’m writing today to let you know about several troubling developments that have been brought to our attention regarding the primary election. Now that voting has started, Republican-led efforts are underway statewide to recruit people to watch drop boxes — a continued effect of Donald Trump’s “Big Lie.”

It is disappointing, but not surprising, the Washington State Republican Party is choosing to use their volunteer resources for such an effort. Like the national GOP, they have decided voter intimidation is their best strategy to win races. Republicans even posted signs at drop boxes throughout King County (see below), stating that the area is under surveillance and asking people to report anything “suspicious” to the King County GOP’s website.

But the drop-box surveillance effort is not limited to King County; it’s happening throughout Washington state, as well as the entire nation. Republicans everywhere are actively working to undermine democracy and cast doubt on any unfavorable results under the guise of election “integrity.”

In 2022, there have been a litany of far-right GOP candidates (mostly American First, MAGA, and an even farther fringe of the Glen Morgan efforts) in Washington state running under that banner and encouraging drop-box surveillance, particularly those in the county auditor and Secretary of State races. One America First candidate, Tamborine Borelli, is responsible for creating the Washington Election Integrity Coalition United, or WEiCU, which was recently fined $28,000 by the state Supreme Court for providing minimal evidence in its lawsuit alleging officials illegally registered non-citizens to vote. This same group — although under a different name, WA Citizens United to Secure Ballot Boxes — also is behind a new website to “guard the vote” statewide and asks people to become a drop-box observer, similar (but seemingly separate) to the King County GOP. Borrelli’s Secretary of State campaign site has the same server and administrator as DropBoxWatch as well.

And don’t think that it’s just the furthest right “fringe” of the GOP championing this effort in Washington state. Numerous other Republican candidates (including Jesse Jensen and Scott Stephenson, both of whom are running for the 8th congressional seat) have urged voters to avoid mail-in voting.

The “concerns” motivating these efforts are patently false. Washington’s election system is not only fair and accessible, but also secure. This is textbook voter intimidation, and it needs to be called out as such by the Washington State Republican Party, especially when its own local party organization is guilty of placing signs outside drop boxes warning the area is under surveillance to scare people. But drop boxes remain a safe place to deposit a completed ballot, that hasn’t changed no matter what they claim.

The “Big Lie” is just that, a big lie. Time and again, they fail to provide any real proof of fraud. It needs to end. This is why we have actively called upon the state GOP to rebuke any and all drop-box surveillance efforts. Democracy only thrives when people vote, and Democrats will not allow voter intimidation tactics to stand — it’s time the GOP joined us in that endeavor.

As Democrats, we must do everything in our power to fight back against any effort to cast doubt on the validity of our electoral institutions and weaken our democracy. These dirty tricks from the GOP are likely to have a disproportionate impact in diverse communities (including the 26th, 30th, 42nd, 44th, and 47th LDs to name a few). But please rest assured we are working tirelessly round the clock to combat these efforts from the GOP and make sure every voice is heard in our elections.

Our Voter Protection program is up and running, with a live hotline at 206-309-VOTE (8683). We are ready, willing, and able to assist folks with any questions, and we will do all we can to ensure that every voter gets the help and support they need to cast their ballot. If you see any signs and/or drop-box surveillance efforts in your area, please also report it to the hotline. Also, if you have a legal background and some time, we very much could use your volunteer help with our stellar Voter Protection Team. Please contact data@wa-democrats.org today to join the team!

And if you haven’t mailed in your ballot yet, make sure you do so ASAP! Our terrific Democrats need your support in the primary election. The clock is ticking — please don’t delay, vote today!  

Once more, thank you for all you do. Onward to victory!

With gratitude,

Tina Podlodowski

Chair of the Washington State Democrat

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Serving the Democrats of Benton County, WA

Benton County WA Democrats

3 days ago

Benton County WA Democrats
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

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Benton County WA Democrats is with Indivisible Tri-Cities WA.

5 days ago

Benton County WA Democrats
We see you! We hear you! We stand with you!Thank You for Defending Democracy Tri-Cities!Today was peaceful, loud, and uplifting because of YOU! Let’s keep building a future rooted in justice, inclusion, and community power. We are stronger together. #nokings #defenddemocracy #indivisibletricitieswa #strongertogether ... See MoreSee Less

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Benton County WA Democrats is with Indivisible Tri-Cities WA.

5 days ago

Benton County WA Democrats
There is ONE PROTEST TODAY!🗓️ Happening NOW!📍 Columbia Center Boulevard, Kennewick⏰ 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.Our voices lifted is to respectfully celebrate family, freedom, and community. Please join us at Columbia Center Blvd.(To clear up confusion, there is also a fall carnival for young families and their children at John Dam Plaza) ... See MoreSee Less

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Benton County WA Democrats

6 days ago

Benton County WA Democrats
Richland Voters! If you were unaware, Donald Landsman passed away on August 31, 2025. First and foremost, we’d like to send our deepest condolences to the entire Landsman family and we are keeping them in our thoughts during this difficult time.Regarding the upcoming election, you might be wondering what will happen if Donald Landsman wins the Richland City Council Position 4 seat.Under Washington law, Landsman is on the ballot because he won the primary election (on August 5, 2025) and his campaign is active. If he wins the general election, his seat will remain vacant until the Richland City Council appoints a successor. The position will then appear on the 2026 ballot, allowing voters to elect a candidate to complete the remainder of the four-year term.In short, if you vote for Landsman you are not actually voting for him, you are voting for the Richland City Council to pick a temporary successor. If you aren’t comfortable with that then let’s take a closer look at the other candidate running for the Richland City Council Position 4 seat: John Maier.As a young adult, John Maier is motivated to change Richland city codes to facilitate more affordable housing, to represent Richland’s needs with Ben Franklin Transit for longer service hours and more capacity for school trips, and to motivate others, especially young people, to engage in government. Learn more about him in your Voters’ Pamphlet.Do your research, know your candidates, and VOTE! ... See MoreSee Less

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Benton County WA Democrats

1 week ago

Benton County WA Democrats
Do your research. Speak up. Participate.This city only works if we all show up and VOTE.Local politics matter more now than ever, and your voice is essential. Exercise your First Amendment rights and fight for the future of the place we love.Ballots for the Nov. 4 General Election will be mailed by Friday, Oct. 17th! ... See MoreSee Less

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Party Calendar

October 2025

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
2
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    October 2, 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

•
3
4
5
6
7
  • TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    October 7, 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

    October 7, 2025  7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

• •
8
9
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    October 9, 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

  • MiniVan Training: Democrats University

    MiniVan Training: Democrats University

    October 9, 2025  5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
    https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/JAmvKeUER7yEYZtEgU2dBQ#/registration

    Information you provide when registering will be shared with the account owner and host and can be used and shared by them in accordance with their Terms and Privacy Policy.

    See more details

• •
10
  • Tri-City Democrats - Friday, October 10, 6:00 PM

    Tri-City Democrats - Friday, October 10, 6:00 PM

    October 10, 2025  6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    4501 W Lattin Ct, West Richland

    Greetings fellow Democrats!

    This will be our last picnic of the season! We'll have a potluck picnic at the ranch (4501 W Lattin Ct, West Richland) at 6pm on October 10. There will be a firepit and patio heaters if it gets chilly. Many of the candidates that we're supporting will bring their campaign materials for us to prep and take home for distribution. Come gather with like-minded folks and share some fellowship, food and beverages.

    See more details

•
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12
13
  • Benton County Executive Board

    Benton County Executive Board

    October 13, 2025  6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Meeting details will be provided over email from the Benton County Democrats Chair.

    See more details

•
14
  • TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    October 14, 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

    October 14, 2025  6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

    See more details

• •
15
16
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    October 16, 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

  • Franklin County Democratic Central Committee (FCDCC) Full Membership Meeting

    Franklin County Democratic Central Committee (FCDCC) Full Membership Meeting

    October 16, 2025  5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Location: Library, 1320 W Hopkins Street, Pasco Virtual Option (Zoom): https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9144488289?pwd=OENYNWRxR1VtQkVFT1RsMU13RlZLUT09

    Please join us for our October general meeting happening this Thursday the 16th. We will have our usual potluck at 5:30pm and with the meeting starting at 6pm. Our meeting will be both in person at the Pasco MCL Branch Library (1320 W. Hopkins) and on zoom

    See more details

• •
17
18
  • NO KINGS Zillah Washington

    NO KINGS Zillah Washington

    October 18, 2025  10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
    1st Avenue & Vintage Valley Parkway Zillah, WA 98953

    **In Zillah, we don’t put up with would-be kings. Come out and let your neighbors know they aren’t alone.

    Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger and stronger. “NO KINGS” is more than just a slogan—it’s the foundation our nation was built upon. Born in the streets, carried by millions in chants and on posters, it echoes from city blocks to rural town squares, uniting people across this country to fight dictatorship together.

    The president thinks his rule is absolute. But in America, we don’t have kings, and we won’t back down against chaos, corruption, and cruelty. Grow our movement and join us.

    A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events.

    See more details

  • NO KINGS Tri-Cities WA

    NO KINGS Tri-Cities WA

    October 18, 2025  11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    Columbia Center Blvd 1321 N Columbia Center Blvd Kennewick, WA 99336

    Keep your eye out for the perfect costume because this year’s HAIRraisin’ FUNraiser will take place on Saturday, October 25, at 6pm at the Pasco Red Lion Hotel and Conference Center. Costumes are encouraged at this Halloween Bash celebrating the amazing work that B5 does.

    Guests will hear an update from Executive Director Theresa Roosendaal, and hear two stories of B5 students who are thriving here in the Tri-Cities. There will be auctions, games, a costume contest, and an opportunity to win a two-year lease for a 2025 Cadillac CT4 generously donated by McCurley Cadillac! 

    You can purchase tickets at here or contact Larissa at 509-551-1643 or at larissa.knopp@thriveatb5.org.

    See more details

  • NO KINGS Hermiston OR

    NO KINGS Hermiston OR

    October 18, 2025  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    Safeway & Old Rite Aid on eith side of the sidewalk by the light. East Highland Avenue & South Highway 395 Hermiston, OR 97838

    In America, we don’t put up with would-be kings.

    Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger and stronger. “NO KINGS” is more than just a slogan—it’s the foundation our nation was built upon. Born in the streets, carried by millions in chants and on posters, it echoes from city blocks to rural town squares, uniting people across this country to fight dictatorship together.

    See more details

  • NO KINGS Pendleton, Oregon

    NO KINGS Pendleton, Oregon

    October 18, 2025  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    Location Change to Goad Road Overpass 500 SW Dorion Ave Pendleton, OR 97801

    In America, we don’t put up with would-be kings.

    Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger and stronger. “NO KINGS” is more than just a slogan—it’s the foundation our nation was built upon. Born in the streets, carried by millions in chants and on posters, it echoes from city blocks to rural town squares, uniting people across this country to fight dictatorship together.

    See more details

  • NO KINGS Walla Walla

    NO KINGS Walla Walla

    October 18, 2025  12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    Walla Walla County Superior 315 W Main St Walla Walla, WA 99362

    In America, we don’t put up with would-be kings.

    Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger and stronger. “NO KINGS” is more than just a slogan—it’s the foundation our nation was built upon. Born in the streets, carried by millions in chants and on posters, it echoes from city blocks to rural town squares, uniting people across this country to fight dictatorship together.

    The president thinks his rule is absolute. But in America, we don’t have kings, and we won’t back down against chaos, corruption, and cruelty. Grow our movement and join us.

    A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events.

    See more details

• • • • •
19
20
21
  • TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    October 21, 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

    October 21, 2025  7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

• •
22
  • BADGER FORUM: Homeless: More Need, Fewer Resources

    BADGER FORUM: Homeless: More Need, Fewer Resources

    October 22, 2025  12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    https://badgers.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=722&club_id=392306&emtid=292796115095

    Across Benton and Franklin Counties, the need is growing—but the resources aren’t. Government agencies and nonprofit organizations work tirelessly to provide shelter, food, addiction recovery, and mental health support. Yet even their combined efforts fall short of meeting the full scope of the crisis.

    So, what happens when the system can’t reach everyone? What do we do when the need shows up not in a spreadsheet, but on the corner holding a cardboard sign? We'll consider that question and more at our WEDNESDAY, October 22 Forum.

    See more details

•
23
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    October 23, 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

    October 23, 2025  6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Meeting details will be provided over email from the Benton County Democrats Chair.

    See more details

• •
24
25
  • HAIRraisin’ FUNraiser

    HAIRraisin’ FUNraiser

    October 25, 2025  6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    Red Lion Hotel Pasco Airport & Conference Center 2525 N 20th Ave, Pasco, WA 99301

    Keep your eye out for the perfect costume because this year’s HAIRraisin’ FUNraiser will take place on Saturday, October 25, at 6pm at the Pasco Red Lion Hotel and Conference Center. Costumes are encouraged at this Halloween Bash celebrating the amazing work that B5 does.

    Guests will hear an update from Executive Director Theresa Roosendaal, and hear two stories of B5 students who are thriving here in the Tri-Cities. There will be auctions, games, a costume contest, and an opportunity to win a two-year lease for a 2025 Cadillac CT4 generously donated by McCurley Cadillac! 

    You can purchase tickets at here or contact Larissa at 509-551-1643 or at larissa.knopp@thriveatb5.org.

    See more details

•
26
27
28
  • TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    October 28, 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

    October 28, 2025  6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

• •
29
30
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    October 30, 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

•
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