News from the Skagit County Democrats

Skagit County Democrats Action Newsletter for 3 August 2020

DEMOCRATIC EVENTS

1. HEADS UP! – The ballots are DUE TUESDAY!
If you have not yet received your ballot, contact the Skagit County Auditor’s Office at 360-416-1702 or email. Click Here for their webpage. Ballots for the Primary are due Tuesday, Aug 4 by 8:00pm. The general election will be held Nov 3.

Ballot Drop-box Locations:

• Anacortes
  • Anacortes Public Library (behind library near drive-up book-drop), 1220 10th Street
• • Skyline Beach Club – 6041 Sands Way
• Burlington?
  • Burlington Parks and Recreation Building, 900 East Fairhaven Street
• Concrete?
  • Skagit Upriver Services/Library, 45770 A Main Street
• La Conner
  • La Conner Regional Library, 614 East Morris Street
• Mount Vernon
  • Mount Vernon Police Department, 1805 Continental Place, Mount Vernon?
• • Skagit County Auditors Office [Courthouse], 700 South 2nd Street, Room 201, Mount Vernon, (in U-shaped parking lot accessed from 3rd Street near Kincaid)?
• Sauk-Suiattle
  • Last Chance Casino & Bingo, 6020 Mountain Goat Way
• Sedro-Woolley
  • Sedro-Woolley Post Office, 111 Woodworth Street, Sedro-Woolley (in alley between Eastern Ave and Metcalf)
• Swinomish
  • Social Services Building (in front), 17337 Reservation Road

2. NEW – Volunteers needed to act as Election Observers
We have received a request from David Cunningham, Chief Deputy Auditor and Elections Supervisor of the Skagit County Auditor’s Office, for “a list of individuals willing to serve as observers in the 8/4/2020 Primary Election” in accordance with the RCW. If you are willing to help, please contact Lynn Campbell at 360-708-7044 or email chair@skagitdemocrats.org. Lynn is compiling a list of volunteers for the Primary (this Tuesday) and for the General Election Day (Nov 3).

More information will be forthcoming. Lynn is in touch with the Auditor’s Office to ensure that volunteers will be in a safe environment with appropriate masking, social distancing, ventilation, etc. She is also asking if shifts can be an hour or shorter.

It is important that we participate in this process.  The process of counting ballots is more complicated than most people realize.  Not only does that process include employees of Skagit County, but requires numerous volunteers of the various political parties to observe the process. Given the recent controversy on mail-in ballots that the President and his supporters have tried to stir up, we should be prepared for the “other side” to attempt some mischief. We need observers to ensure things remain on the up and up.

For more on this, see RCW 29A.40.100 – “Observers” and RCW 29A.60.170 – “List of observers—Counting center, direction and observation of proceedings—Random check of counting equipment—Report.” Also, here is a handbook on “Election Observer Training”compiled by the Washington Secretary of State’s Office in 2006 (shortly after Vote By Mail [VBM] was passed – VBM was not fully operationalized until 2011). For more on VBM, Click Here.

3. NEW – Helen Price Johnson hosts a Primary Election Watch Party & Trivia Night, Tuesday, Aug 4, 8:00pm – 11:00pm, via Zoom
Join Team Helen for a fun evening (virtual) party! We will be playing Zoom games as we watch the primary election results come through. This will be a great time to hang out with Helen and have fun! Please RSVP to Madison@bobmanconsulting.com. Make sure you vote BEFORE you party!

4. NEW – Skagit County Democrats Executive Board meets Saturday, Aug 8, 10:00am – 12:00pm, via Zoom
A meeting link will be emailed to participants prior to the meeting. If you would like to attend this meeting but are not a member of the Executive Board, you may email chair@skagitdemocrats.org to be considered.

5. NEW – Ryan Johnson’s 39th LD Happy Hour, Saturday, Aug 8, 7:00pm – 11:57pm, via Zoom
Come to my third Happy Hour Zoom event. This one is going to be different. In this meeting, we are going to discuss police accountability and reform, and use of deadly force policies. I will start by turning the meeting over to my friend Ryiad Cooper, an Army combat vet of Iraq and Afghanistan, then I will discuss my experience with deadly force policies when I was a Navy military police officer, and compare them to deadly force policies used by American police. You will want to attend this one. After this, its open forum, ask whatever you want.

• Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85967581501?pwd=QnE5WCsvd3NGWmo4WHRuSFNka1RZQT09QnE5WCsvd3NGWmo4WHRuSFNka1RZQT09
• Meeting ID: 859 6758 1501
• Passcode: 382421

6. 2020 Magnuson Awards, originally scheduled for Saturday, Aug 8, will not be held in person due to coronavirus concerns
Please stay tuned for updates on a new date for a virtual Magnuson Awards!  Click Here for more information.

7. NEW – Virtual Democratic Women on the Rocks, Monday, Aug 10, 4:00pm – 6:00pm, via Zoom
Please contact Lynn Campbell at chair@skagitdemocrats.org for the Zoom session information.

8. NEW – 10th Legislative District Democrats Executive Board meets Saturday, Aug 15, 10:00am – 12:00pm, via Zoom

• Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/931948886
• Meeting ID: 931 948 886
• Password: 698807

9. Any Tech Questions?
Any Tech Questions? is a weekly Zoom meeting hosted by the Skagit County Democrats to assist anyone in the community with technical questions about the use of Google Apps and Zoom. It also includes some other topics specific to the Democrats’ mission to nurture democratic values in our elected officials. The sessions are scheduled for every Wednesday at 5:00pm. The Zoom link is available by emailing Tech@SkagitDemocrats.org.

To learn more about how to use our Google Drive, Click Here.

10. Coronavirus Face Mask Fundraiser
For a donation of $20 you will receive a hand-made face mask especially designed by an engineer/industrial designer at the request of the Medical Director of Pediatrics at Mission Hospital in California. The masks provide full coverage and are comfortable. Click Here or Here to see examples of the masks. If you would like to donate, Click Here. Under purpose on the donation, please indicate “Mask” and indicate which fabric you would like: #1 first on the left, #2 the middle, #3 on the right (for example: “Mask #3”).

11. The Skagit County Democrats Headquarters, 300A South First Street, Mount Vernon, will be staffed from 12:00pm – 4:00pm, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays
It will not be open to the public. Staff will be able to hand out campaign signs without admitting entry. We ask that masks be worn at all times when ordering from the door and during pick up. Call ahead to the HQ phone (360-336-1555) and staff will pick them and have ready at the door. You may also email staff@skagitdemocrats.orgafter hours and the message will be relayed to the volunteers staffing the HQ. Some pick ups can be arranged outside of open hours. Just call or email to inquire. Most campaign signs are free. Biden signs will be available as soon as possible. Cost TBD.

12. National 2020 Caucus/Primary and Debate Schedule

• August 4 – Washington State Primary
• August 11 – Connecticut (rescheduled)
• August 17 – 20 – 2020 Democratic National Convention, Milwaukee (and on-line)
• August 24-27 – 2020 Republican National Convention, Charlotte, NC (and on-line?)
• September 29 – First presidential debate, South Bend, IN
• October 7 – Vice presidential debate, Salt Lake City, UT
• October 15 – Second presidential debate, Ann Arbor, MI
• October 22 – Third presidential debate, Nashville, TN
• November 3 – Presidential election

13. NEW – From the Chairs Corner (much of this note was taken from an earlier communication from Washington State Democrats Chair, Tina Podlodowski)
“We had a sad week with the loss of Congressman John Lewis. He was a man who lived his faith through love. Please take a moment today to read these last words from Civil and Voting Rights Hero, Congressman John Lewis. He wrote this essay shortly before his death, to be published upon the day of his funeral – and it is an inspiration and call to action for all. I’ve included both the link (in the title) and the full text below.

John Lewis touched all our lives with his life’s work, and tasked all of us with making sure we exercised our right to vote, and also worked to make certain everyone could raise their voice through their vote – the most powerful way to make change. I am grateful today for John Lewis, our Skagit Dems volunteers who do this work every day, and each of you who participate to make a difference. If your ballot is not in, vote today. If your ballot is in, help us turn out voters for fairness, equality, equity, and change. It is 2 days before August 4th and 93 days until November 3rd. Do everything you can and rededicate your efforts for these next days and months. For John Lewis, and all of us.”
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Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation by John Lewis

“While my time here has now come to an end, I want you to know that in the last days and hours of my life you inspired me. You filled me with hope about the next chapter of the great American story when you used your power to make a difference in our society. Millions of people motivated simply by human compassion laid down the burdens of division. Around the country and the world you set aside race, class, age, language and nationality to demand respect for human dignity.

That is why I had to visit Black Lives Matter Plaza in Washington, though I was admitted to the hospital the following day. I just had to see and feel it for myself that, after many years of silent witness, the truth is still marching on.

Emmett Till was my George Floyd. He was my Rayshard Brooks, Sandra Bland and Breonna Taylor. He was 14 when he was killed, and I was only 15 years old at the time. I will never ever forget the moment when it became so clear that he could easily have been me. In those days, fear constrained us like an imaginary prison, and troubling thoughts of potential brutality committed for no understandable reason were the bars.

Though I was surrounded by two loving parents, plenty of brothers, sisters and cousins, their love could not protect me from the unholy oppression waiting just outside that family circle. Unchecked, unrestrained violence and government-sanctioned terror had the power to turn a simple stroll to the store for some Skittles or an innocent morning jog down a lonesome country road into a nightmare. If we are to survive as one unified nation, we must discover what so readily takes root in our hearts that could rob Mother Emanuel Church in South Carolina of her brightest and best, shoot unwitting concertgoers in Las Vegas and choke to death the hopes and dreams of a gifted violinist like Elijah McClain.

Like so many young people today, I was searching for a way out, or some might say a way in, and then I heard the voice of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on an old radio. He was talking about the philosophy and discipline of nonviolence. He said we are all complicit when we tolerate injustice. He said it is not enough to say it will get better by and by. He said each of us has a moral obligation to stand up, speak up and speak out. When you see something that is not right, you must say something. You must do something. Democracy is not a state. It is an act, and each generation must do its part to help build what we called the Beloved Community, a nation and world society at peace with itself.

Ordinary people with extraordinary vision can redeem the soul of America by getting in what I call good trouble, necessary trouble. Voting and participating in the democratic process are key. The vote is the most powerful nonviolent change agent you have in a democratic society. You must use it because it is not guaranteed. You can lose it.

You must also study and learn the lessons of history because humanity has been involved in this soul-wrenching, existential struggle for a very long time. People on every continent have stood in your shoes, through decades and centuries before you. The truth does not change, and that is why the answers worked out long ago can help you find solutions to the challenges of our time. Continue to build union between movements stretching across the globe because we must put away our willingness to profit from the exploitation of others.

Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe. In my life I have done all I can to demonstrate that the way of peace, the way of love and nonviolence is the more excellent way. Now it is your turn to let freedom ring.

When historians pick up their pens to write the story of the 21st century, let them say that it was your generation who laid down the heavy burdens of hate at last and that peace finally triumphed over violence, aggression and war. So I say to you, walk with the wind, brothers and sisters, and let the spirit of peace and the power of everlasting love be your guide.”

14. NEW – Links of the Week
The Link of the Week provides in-depth pieces the Editor has found to be relevant, insightful, and thorough on important issues of the day.

• The winners and losers of the big tech congressional hearings
• The Woman Who Changed the Way We See the Seafloor
• Where Will Everyone Go? – How climate refugees might move across international borders

COMMUNITY EVENTS

1. NEW – Census – Everyone should be counted!
If you have not yet completed the Census, Click Here to complete it online. It only takes a few minutes and it is important that everyone participates!

2. UPDATED – No More Bombs will host a local remembrance of the Atomic Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan on Aug 6 from 7:00pm – 8:00pm via Zoom – Click Here the for Zoom link
This Aug 6 and 9 comprise the 75th anniversary of the Atomic Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan. Tracy Powell and Bud Anderson will speak. We will show one local and one international short video and end with a live discussion with Amanda Hubik moderating. Click Here for the national event website.

3. NEW – Stuff the Bus Food Drive to benefit CHOW (Cutting Hunger on Weekends), Saturday. Aug 8, 11:00am – 3:00pm, The Cascade Mall, 201 Cascade Mall Drive, Burlington
You can help cut hunger on weekends. Over 10,000 kids in Skagit County are on the free and reduced lunch program. Through C.H.O.W. we are able to provide food to close to 2,000 kids each week across Skagit County. Click Here for more information.

4. The 2020 Skagit County Fair, originally scheduled for Aug 11 – 14, has been cancelled

5. NEW – Concrete’s Cascade Days 2020 has been cancelled

6. Drive-through COVID-19 testing is now open 9:00am – 4:00pm, Monday through Friday, at the east parking lot of Skagit Valley College
Online registration is no longer required. No appointments are needed. Spanish speaking interpreters on site to assist with registration and testing. Skagit County Public Health will test anyone seven years of age or older that feels they should be tested, and is encouraging anyone who fits into the following guidelines to get tested:

• Those who are essential workers
• Anyone with any COVID-19 symptoms
• Anyone whose physician recommended they be tested
• Anyone who lives or works in a congregate setting
• Pregnant women
• Anyone who is a close contact or has a known exposure to COVID-19

Click Here for more information.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. Listen to We Do the Work, Tuesdays, 5:00pm, and Sundays, 5:30pm at KSVR, 91.7 FM or KSVU, 90.1 FM
A weekly local worker radio program that features news, interviews, music, and comments, ?We Do the Work? believes American workers are at the heart of our economy and culture, deserving dignity, respect, and a decent family wage. To hear our other shows, go to We Do The Work Archives. Questions about interviews? Email – ksvrwedothework@gmail.com.

NEW – We Do The Work’s program for Tuesday, Aug 4, 5:00pm and Sunday, Aug 9, 5:30pm – Lisa Ayrault, Director of Fair Vote Washington
Interview by Gary Kanter: Lisa explains ‘Ranked Choice Voting.’ For more information, go to https://fairvotewa.org/ or https://www.fairvote.org/ or https://www.rankedchoicevoting.org/tags/rcv or email info@FairVoteWA.org.

We Do The Work Comment: Is this the home of the free or the home of the nonessential, inconvenient people?
#LaborRadioPod

2. Listen to Speak Up! Speak Out! Radio
Listen to Speak Up! Speak Out! – a half hour weekly radio show committed to community, peace, justice, and non-violence issues. The show airs on Community Radio stations (times subject to change) – KSVR 91.7 FM (Skagit Valley College), Wednesdays 5:00pm, rebroadcast Sundays 8:00pm; KSVU 90.1 FM, Hamilton, Sundays 8:00pm and Thursdays 8:00am; KMRE 102.3 FM, Bellingham, Sundays 11:00am and Wednesdays 7:30am. Our shows are available online. Stream or download a show at http://speakupspeakoutradio.org/ anytime.

NEW – SUSO for Wednesday, Aug 5 – Skagit COVID-19 Update
“Part 1 – Skagit County Communications Coordinator Laura Gelwicks talks with Jennifer Johnson, head of the Skagit Public Health Department, to provide a COVID-19 update for Speak Out. Much has changed in our local world and beyond in dealing with COVID-19. When we last reported, the county was on the verge of moving to Stage 3, but some black men, in particular, were killed around the country and protests occurred. Skagit County COVID-19 updates via http://www.skagitcounty.net/coronavirus.

Part 2 of SUSO this week is the start of a series of updates on what is happening with various non-profits which have served our communities so well over the years. This week we present the Mount Vernon Farmers Market and what it had to do to open this spring & how it has evolved since it opened in mid-May.”

3. Coffee ‘n Cards
Coffee ‘n Cards is temporarily “Coffee – no cards” via Zoom from 10:00am – 10:30am on Monday morning. Contact Carol Sullivan by email (carolosully@yahoo.com)for invitation that will include Meeting ID and Password. There is no screen sharing, participants enter thru waiting room (muted), the and meeting is locked when all are in attendance. 2020 card total: 3,116; Grand total: 11,272.

Since we quit meeting in person, Coffee ‘n Cards has sent 1,400 cards in support of Dave Paul and Helen Price Johnson. Cards on other issues and candidates are also included in the totals.

4. Anacortes Weekly Demonstrations
Do you have a cause or a candidate that you are passionate about? If yes, join us at the “protest corner” in Anacortes, 12th Street and Commercial Avenue (the Safeway Corner) EVERY Sunday from 12:00pm – 1:00pm – wet or sunny, hot or cold, all year around. Bring your own signs or use one of our extras.