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News from the Skagit County Democrats

Posted on August 24th, 2020

Skagit County Democrats Action Newsletter for 24 August 2020

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DEMOCRATIC EVENTS

1. ATTENTION – An Endorsement General Meeting is scheduled to endorse Angie Homola for 10th Legislative District Representative, Position 1, Thursday, Aug 27, 6:30pm via Zoom (begin joining the meeting at 5:30pm)
This meeting will fall outside our scheduled meeting dates. The meeting will be held 10 days from notification pursuant to our By-laws. This will need to be a credentialed meeting so for those attending, please log in up to an hour early (you can then get yourself a cup of coffee until the meeting actually starts) to be credentialed. Click Here to register in advance. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

2. Latino Town Hall / Foro Público para la Comunidad Latina, Hosted by Vote Debra Lekanoff for 40th District, Wednesday, Aug 26, 12:00pm – 1:00pm, streamed on the Vote Debra Lekanoff page
“Join Debra Lekanoff on Facebook Live as she hears from a panel of experts on public safety, the COVID-19 response, and workers’ rights within the Latino communities in the 40th LD. This event will be presented in both Spanish and English – big thanks to Vanessa Malapote from the Latino Caucus with the Washington State Democrats for interpreting!”

3. NEW – Phone-Banking Opportunities

  • 40th Legislative District Democrats, Saturday, Aug 29 and Saturday, Sep 19, 4:00pm – 6:00pm, for the 10th and 42nd Legislative District Democrats
    • These phone-banks (phone-banking for the 10th and 42nd LDs) will eventually be held weekly! We will be posting an RSVP link soon. If you have any questions, please message our Facebook page or email Spencer Lively at spencerelively@gmail.com.
  • Skagit County Democrats is excited to be teaming up with the Coordinated Campaign for phone-banking. Our first phone-bank will be held on Tuesday, Aug 25. Click Here for the link to register to our Tuesday night phone-bank on the 25th. Please register for the phone-bank first, and then our Regional Field Organizers, Bennett Massey-Helber and Savanna Steele will be in contact with you regarding further details and instructions.
  • The 10th LD Democrats are gearing up for the general election campaign. We have opportunities for phone-banking from the comfort of your own home. It is super easy and there will be a brief training for first timers. The Washington State Democrats Coordinated Campaign (our own Bennett Massey-Helber) is organizing phone-banking on behalf of all our candidates. We have the option of only calling voters within the 10th LD. If you have interest in helping to elect our democratic candidates please reply to chair@10thLDDemocrats.org. If we get a good number of you to call, we can keep your calling hours fairly low, 2 hours per week. Ballots drop in approximately 8 weeks. In addition to the WSDCC, each candidate will coordinate their own phone-bank. The Coordinated Campaign will be calling for all candidates and only calling within the 10th LD.
    • Wednesdays 4:00 – 6:00 pm – Dave Paul Campaign phone-bank
    • Thursdays 5:00 – 8:00 pm – Washington State Democats Coordinated Campaign calling into the 10th LD on behalf of all candidates hosted by Bennett Massey-Helber and John Amell
    • Saturdays 1:00 – 3:00 pm – Helen Price-Johnson Campaign phone-bank

4. Sign locations needed for the Mark Lundsten campaign
“We need help with good sign locations in your neighborhoods. You know the people and the traffic patterns in your precinct. We have small yard signs and large 4-foot x 4-foot signs. This will be a county-wide effort. Please call Maggie Sullivan with the name and phone # of the person who wants a sign (so she can contact them about the exact sign location) or give her directions for the location on a well-used road. Contact information: Maggie Sullivan, 360-724-3158 or maggie@fidalgo.net.

5. Ballot Drop-Boxes
David Cunningham, Skagit County Auditor Elections Supervisor has asked that we disseminate the following information as widely as we can. All ballots left in drop-boxes are then picked up and delivered to the Auditor’s office by the staff of Skagit County Auditor’s Office. They do not go through the mail. We should encourage use of our ballot drop-boxes as often as we can. Editor’s Note: I will again post the Drop-Box locations in this newsletter after the ballots for the General Election are mailed out.

6. How can you help? Postcard writing!
Several Skagit organizations are contacting their members asking for volunteer card writers. By working together, we can get more people writing to voters who, in turn, will make a difference for our candidates. If you don’t want to phone-bank or text message, and you can’t do yard signs, then card writing is for you! To become a volunteer card writer with “Stronger Together Skagit” (STS) card writers, please email Carol Sullivan at carolosully@yahoo.com. Campaigns who will use STS Card Writers include: Helen Price Johnson, Dave Paul, Angie Homola, MarK Lundsten. More will be announced later. If your candidate for a particular office was not endorsed by Skagit County Democrats or 10th LD Democrats, you can contact their campaign directly. We are helping only candidates endorsed by these organizations.

7. Do you know a U.S. citizen living outside the U.S. or in the military?
Military and overseas ballots are mailed out Sep 18 (very early). Here are two resources for registering to vote for these folks.

8. 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.

9. Skagit Democrats Fundraisers
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”).

10. NEW – Republicans have opened the “dirty tricks” bag in Thurston County
” . . . Baseless allegations [were] made by local Republican operatives that Carolina Mejia [running for Thurston County Commissioner] is not a citizen of the United States and accordingly is ineligible for office. In fact, Carolina is a naturalized citizen and has served her community for nearly a decade as a volunteer with OneAmerica, Centro de la Raza, Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, and Centro Integral Educativo Latino de Olympia. Despite Carolina’s deep roots in her community, local Republican operatives have begun a smear campaign on social media spreading unfounded doubts about her citizenship in a blatantly racist attempt to discredit Carolina as she heads into the general election with a double-digit lead on her Republican opponent.

This smear campaign has now led to individuals sharing Carolina’s social security number, home address, and parents’ address online in an obvious and unacceptable attempt to intimidate her into withdrawing from her race. While Carolina has contacted the relevant authorities to alert them to this potentially criminal behavior, such an outrageous attempt to defame Carolina and her service to her community demands swift and overwhelming condemnation.”

“At a press conference Thursday, a group of Democratic leaders held a virtual press conference to condemn allegations that Carolina Mejia is not a U.S. citizen.” Read more here: https://www.theolympian.com/news/politics-government/article245087140.html#storylink=cpy

11. NEW – From the Chair’s Corner
“Only 58 days until ballots drop!!! In Washington State, 77% of Strong Leaning Republicans voted in the Primary compared to 51% of Strong Leaning Democrats. Let me say that again. Only 51% of Strong Leaning Democrats voted in this important primary. We are experiencing a Constitutional crisis and the very real loss of our democracy. We CAN do better, but we need your help!

Getting out the vote during this pandemic is difficult to say the least. But, we are well into this pandemic but we have made adjustments and have planned ways in which you can get involved remotely. Some are simply signing up to send postcards and you can also join our weekly phone-bank held in conjunction with the coordinated campaign.  

Speaking of phone-banking, it is my very LEAST favorite thing to do. In fact I dread it but this election is so important to turn out every single democratic voter, that I am committed to do whatever it takes. I don’t want to ask,” Did I do enough?”, or “Could I have done more?” So I invite you to join us on Tuesday evenings for our phone-banking. We will be calling only Democrats in Skagit County. We will have our own breakout room that we can return to at any point for help, commiserating with each other, or cheering each other on. Please give it a try!

Our first phone-bank will be held on Tuesday, Aug 25 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. (You do not have to commit to the entire time). Here is the link to register for our Tuesday night phone-bank on the 25th: https://secure.ngpvan.com/qm4xsyful0qxA0hMZqf_Pw2

To participate in post card writing – Skagit County Democrats has teamed up with “Volunteering to be a Stronger Together Skagit (STS) card writer.” It is a simple way to write postcards from home. Email Carol Sullivan at carolosully@yahoo.com. Look for more details in this newsletter.

Together We Can!! Respectfully submitted, Lynn Campbell, Chair”

12. NEW – A message from 2nd Congressional District Representative Rick Larsen
“It is an honor to advance to the Nov 3 General Election. Our campaign is rooted in hard work and grassroots organizing. I am grateful for the supporters and volunteers who worked tirelessly to support our campaign and local Democratic candidates throughout Northwest Washington. Thank you!

I will be facing a Trump Republican this fall. In order to continue the fight to expand health care access, address climate change and protect voting rights, we need your help. Click here to join Team Larsen.

This has also been an important week for our party. As Joe Biden said during his acceptance speech, “This is a battle we will win, and we’ll do it together.” Together, we will defeat Donald Trump and Republicans, and win the battle for the soul of the nation.

Thank you to everyone who joined me and local Democratic candidates on Thursday for our pre-convention watch party. If you missed it, you can check it out here.

The House is leading the fight to protect the U.S. Postal Service and ensure the safety of the 2020 elections. I am headed to Washington, D.C., to help pass legislation to protect the Postal Service, which I talk about in my latest Facebook live update.

I joined my colleague Rep. Suzan DelBene and local labor unions outside an Everett post office to denounce Trump’s attacks on the Postal Service and voting rights.” Rick

13. 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.

NOTE: Biden signs ($10 each or 2 for $16) are now available. Inslee’s signs have ARRIVED! FREE but limited quantities. In addition we have some Biden swag (bumper stickers, etc. Also signs for Debra Lekanoff are now available. Please remember to practice safe distancing and DO NOT ENTER THE OFFICE when picking up signs.

14. NEW – Our candidates’ Websites & Facebook Pages following the August 4 Primary

And here is a place to get some Biden/Harris bling: Click Here.

15. National 2020 Caucus/Primary and Debate Schedule

  • 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

16. 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.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

1. NEW – Sedro-Woolley Farmer’s Market Customer Appreciation Day, Wednesday, Aug 26, 3:30pm – 7:00pm, Heritage Square, Ferry & Metcalf Street
“It’s customer appreciation day at the Sedro-Woolley Farmers Market! Visit the Sedro-Woolley Farmers Market on August 26 for a free small bag of kettle corn or other small prize.” Click Here for more information.

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

3. Drive-through COVID-19 testing is 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 25, 5:00pm and Sunday, Aug 30, 5:30 – Larry Hildes, Civil Rights Attorney, and Karen Weill, Legal Assistant
Interview by Mike Dumovich: Larry and Karen, who protect the legal rights of protestors, reveal what is happening to protesters. For more information, go to http://www.whatcompjc.org/, http://racialjusticecoalition.org/, or https://www.democracynow.org/2016/5/9/stoptrump_protesters_lock_themselves_to_ladders, or https://casetext.com/case/aj-v-city-of-bellingham-1. 

We Do The Work Comments: Looking at Big Pharma by the numbers reveals much that isn’t right in the US.
#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 – This week’s show will be about Recompose (composting people who have died, as opposed to natural burial or cremation).

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.

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

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