News from the Skagit County Democrats

Skagit County Democrats Action Newsletter for October 9, 2023

DEMOCRATIC EVENTS

The Skagit County Democrats stand in solidarity with the UAW strike

1. Reception for Rick Larsen, Thursday, Oct 12, 5:30pm – 7:00pm, District Brewing, 520 Main Street, Mount Vernon
"Please join Mayor Jill Boudreau for a reception supporting Congressman Rick Larsen’s re-election campaign . . . After playing an instrumental role in shepherding the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill into law, Rick was voted Ranking Member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. He is now leading the way in fixing our nation’s roads, bridges, and broadband. And he is doing this while working with the Republican majority to appropriately fund these infrastructure projects and promising example of how our government is supposed to work." Please RSVP to Alex at (253) 906-2539 or Alex@newmanpartners.com.

2. UPDATED – The Skagit County Democrats Executive Board meets Saturday, Oct 14, 10:00am – 12:00pm, via Zoom
Click Here for the Zoom link. Although only the Executive Board may vote, our members are welcome to attend. Please note, the day and time were changed because we did not want to compete with the event held by Rick Larsen on Thursday evening, October 12 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm at District Brewery.

3. UPDATED – Dia De Los Muertos: Campaign Silent Auction Fundraiser for Lucy Madrigal, Friday, Oct 13, – 6:00pm to 8:30pm, Mount Vernon
For the address of the event, RSVP to campbelllynn87@gmail.com or Click Here to complete a brief form. "Co-hosted by: Joe and Connie Solorio; Kristina Storm; Faviola Lopez; Lynn Campbell; Brenda Cunnigham; Edgar Franx; Rosalinda Guillen . . . Contact us at (360) 840-8880 or faviolalopez21@gmail.com". Click Here for the event flyer. Click Here to donate to Lucy's campaign.

4. The 10th Legislative District Democrats Executive Board meets Saturday, Oct 21, 10:00am, via Zoom
The Zoom link will be distributed later.

5. The League of Women Voters of Skagit County list of upcoming candidate forums

• October 10, 5:00 to 8:00 PM
  • Anacortes Chamber and League of Women Voters Candidate Forum
  • Candidates for: City Council Position 3, School Board Position 5, Port of Anacortes Commissioner Position 4:
  • In Person: Anacortes City Council Chambers 904 6th Street, Anacortes, WA 98221
• October 11 6:15 to 8:30 PM
  • Burlington Chamber Candidate Forum
  • Candidates for: Mayor, City Council, School Board
  • Register here for the event
  • In Person: Burlington City Council Chambers, 833 S. Spruce Street, Burlington
• October 16, 6:15 to 8:30 PM
  • League of Women Voters Candidate Forum
  • School District Candidates for: La Conner, Mount Vernon, and Sedro-Woolley
  • Where: Skagit PUD 1415 Freeway Drive, Mount Vernon, WA 98273
  • Register Here to watch the forum via Zoom

6. NEW – Virtual Training Event – "Reach Your People: Organizing with Content", Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays into November, 4:00pm (+ one at 12:00pm)
"About this event: We’re building an organizing program around a simple principle: that our supporters are the best advocates with the closest people in their lives. Every single member of this team will play a role in ensuring the people closest to us know what's at stake for our families and for our country. That means having conversations directly with our friends, our families, and sharing key campaign messaging and content within our communities online. This training will teach you how to access and utilize digital content to organize for President Joe Biden and Democrats up and down the ballot using our new tool, Reach." Click Here to enroll.

7. November 7 General Election Information
Below are significant dates from the Skagit County Auditor's Office concerning our upcoming General Election on Nov 7

• September 22 – Military and Overseas ballots mailed
• October 2 – Accessible Voting Unit test – 10:00 AM
• October 2 – Official Logic & Accuracy test – 1:00 PM
• October 18 – Domestic ballots mailed
• October 30 – Deadline to register or update existing registration online and by mail
• November 7 – Deadline for in-person registration and voter updates – Closes 8:00 PM
• November 7 – General Election – Closes 8:00 PM
• November 21 – Canvassing Board Meeting, Initial Review – 1:30 PM
• November 28 – General Election Certification – 1:30 PM

Felony Convictions and Voting Rights – Effective January 1st, 2022, if you were convicted of a felony in Washington State, another state, or in federal court, your right to vote will be restored automatically as long as you are not currently serving a DOC sentence of total confinement in prison. Click Here for more information.

8. The League of Women Voters of Skagit County has recently updated their listing of elected officials from national down to local offices
Click Here for the list.

9. NEW – Theft of Campaign Signs
"Theft of campaign signs is a crime. A candidate has had their signs stolen 3 days in a row and other candidates are experiencing the same thing. If you have a tile, air tag, or other trackers, put them in/on your sign or put the signs in front of cameras (i.e. Ring doorbell cams). Write down a license plate if you see someone stealing a sign. Charges will be filed as the thief is quite literally stealing freedom of speech."

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

• A Smokin' Jobs Report – American Economy, American People Keep Getting It Done
• Larsen: ‘Fractured caucus’ of House Republicans is ‘unable to lead’
• Kevin McCarthy’s Downfall Is the Culmination of the Tea Party
• New technology uses wind power to reduce cargo ships' emissions, fuel use
• US nutrition panel’s ties to top food giants revealed in new report
• Kentucky made child care free for child care workers. It's already paying off

---

COMMUNITY EVENTS

1. Skagit Fisheries Presents the Wild & Scenic Film Festival, Thursday, Oct 12, 6:00pm – 9:30pm, Lincoln Theater, 712 South First Street, Mount Vernon
Click Here for ticket information.

2. NEW – The Concrete Ghost Walk 2023, Saturdays, Oct 14, 21, and 28, 7:00pm – 9:00pm, Concrete Theatre, 45920 Main Street, Concrete
"Join us this month for stories of love, loss, murder, and mayhem at the 17th annual Concrete Ghost Walk. You’ll be guided on a walking tour through our historic Town Center, pausing to learn about ghostly visitations, local lore, and things that go bump in the night." For ages 16 and up. Tickets are required in advance, not available at the door. Click Here for tickets. NOTE: The website shows the October 28 event is already sold out.

3. NEW – Autumn Market at the Port, Saturday & Sunday, Oct 14 & 15, 10:00am – 3:00pm (both days), Port of Anacortes Transit Shed, 100 Commercial Avenue, Anacortes
"Join us for our last huge market of the year! There will have over 50 local, small businesses who will have their amazing goodies, from art, jewelry, candles, photography, delicious honey, coffee, and more! Located indoors AND outdoors at at the Port of Anacortes (Transit Shed Event Center) . . . Our markets are free to attend and family and pup-friendly. Can’t wait to see you there!"

4. Skagit Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services are sponsoring "A Night in Classic Hollywood", Saturday, Oct 14, 5:00pm – 8:00pm, Swinomish Casino & Lodge, Walton Event Center, 12885 Casino Drive, Anacortes
Click Here for ticket information.

5. Registration is open for Skagit Valley College Latino Leadership
"We are looking for the next group of students that are interested in enrolling into Latino Leadership Initiative! This is a leadership enrichment program that is open to SVC students and community members. It is an opportunity to develop leadership skills, gain awareness of the needs and issues facing the Latinx community, and develop a service project locally to practice leadership. The first day of the program will be on October 14, 9am-12pm . . . For more information, call or text Jorge Estefan at 360-421-9090, or send us an email to laura.cailloux@skagit.edu or kati.ortiz@skagit.edu."
 

---

ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. Anacortes Sunday Demonstrations
Progressive folks regularly demonstrate each Sunday, 12:00pm – 1:00pm at the corner of 12th Street and Commercial Avenue in Anacortes. While this is not an official Skagit County Democrats activity, turnout is encouraged.

2. Coffee & Cards, Wednesdays, 10:00am – 12:00pm, Skagit County Democrats Headquarters, 2021 East College Way, Suite 104, Mount Vernon
Coffee and Cards meets on Wednesdays from 10:00am – 12:00pm. This is the group that was previously led by Carol Sullivan and is now led quite capably by Judy Farrar and Judith Chilcote. The group is a way for us to express ourselves about issues of importance to us all.  

We will write messages of encouragement and support to people who are making positive contributions as well as messages of concern and opposition to people who are negatively impacting our world. This includes legislators on the local, state, and federal level as well as CEOs of corporations and other people having a significant impact in our world. We will share ideas for people to write to and issues to address.  

Postcards and stamps will be provided, but we ask that people bring money to cover the cost of the postcard stamps which are currently $.51. Coffee will be provided or bring your own. As Carol always reminded us, “We are stronger together.” Our office is located at 2021 East College Way, Suite 104, Mount Vernon, 360-336-1555."
 

---