News from the Skagit County Democrats
Posted on March 24th, 2024
Skagit County Democrats Action Newsletter for March 25, 2024
DEMOCRATIC EVENTS
1. NEW – The Washington State High School Democrats are hosting an event – Elections Kick-Off: Building a Blue Wave, Tuesday, Mar 26, 7:00pm via Zoom
They plan 3 guest speakers: Shasti Conrad, Washington State Democrats Chair, 46th LD (North Seattle) Representative Darya Farivar, and Nick Federici, Government Relations Consultant. "We will discuss the issues that will shape the election, the importance of grassroots mobilization, and some important races in Washington state. The conversation will encompass state and federal politics." Please RSVP to receive the zoom link: https://electionskickoff.rsvpify.com.
2. NEW – The Fidalgo Democrats have posted the video of their last meeting of Mar 12 regarding the Anacortes Comprehensive Plan
Click Here for the YouTube recording.
3. Gala News
Mark your calendar – this year's Gala will be Saturday, June 1 at the Swinomish Lodge and Casino. Begin thinking about items for the Live and Silent Auctions. Click Here for Auction Items DOs and DON'Ts. Click Here for some ideas for baskets and other auction items ideas. We will be accepting donations for the Gala until May 5.
4. Bob Ferguson for Governor signs
"Skagit County Democrats has over 300 Bob Ferguson signs in our office with another 200 on their way! Please get his sign up. We do have a sheet of paper requiring the address and contact information for the campaign to come pick up the signs after the election. Let's flood our County with his signs! He will be an exceptional Governor for our state!"
5. Consider running to be a Delegate to the Washington State Democratic Party Convention, Saturday, Jun 22, Meydenbauer Center, 11100 Northeast 6th Street, Bellevue
Registration is now open to be a delegate to the 2024 Washington State Democrats State Convention! Registration is open until 5:00pm on Sunday, March 31, so please get your registration in soon! Delegates will be elected by members of their Legislative District Democratic Party on April 6, 2024. You can register here and see other candidates running for delegate in our directory page here. If you’re looking for more information please visit our Delegate Information Hub here, or join us for a virtual training on how to run!
This registration is only for people interested in running for state delegate. National Delegate registration will open after April 6th so please be on the lookout for that email if you are interested in running for national delegate. The State Convention will be held on June 22nd at the Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue Washington. If you have any questions, please reach out to Nathaniel Block at nathaniel.r.block@gmail.com and he will be happy to assist you in your run for delegate!
6. NEW – Scam Alert
Please be aware that there are some nefarious actors impersonating some of our Skagit County Democrats personnel. They are asking people if they are available to chat via email and when acknowledged, send a message asking for assistance purchasing gift cards for other "precinct chairs''. Scammers are clever and sometimes try to impersonate people we know. Be cautious of emails that seem urgent or unusual, even if they appear from a friend or colleague. Before clicking on links or attachments, double-check the sender's email address for typos and/or unusual construction (added letters or numbers, unusual server names, etc.). Verify the request directly with the person – through a separate communication channel, like a phone call. Let's stay vigilant!
7. 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.
- ‘The final act’: fears US journalism crisis could destabilize 2024 election
- Math Teachers’ Efforts Can Really Add Up
- Judge sets new boundaries for Washington legislative district
- 10 Myths About the American Civil War
- Where Heat Pumps Win — And Where They Lose
COMMUNITY EVENTS
1. NEW – The League of Women Voters of Skagit County present "A Ballot's Journey", Monday, Mar 25, 10:00am via Zoom
This session, "We'll get a close look at election protocols as we follow a ballot's journey thru the election tabulation process. Knowing what safety measures are in place can help us assure others of the validity and safety of our WA state elections." This is part of the ACTviaZoom program of the Skagit LWV. Click Here to register for this event.
2. NEW – The monthly Planned Parenthood rally is Saturday, Apr 6, 11:00am – 12:00pm, on the sidewalk in front of the Mount Vernon Health Center, 1805 East Division Street, Mount Vernon
Bring your signs, your friends, and your family.
3. NEW – Skagit Transit Long-Range Transit Plan
"Skagit Transit is starting a process to develop a Long-Range Transit Plan. The plan will identify ways to improve current bus service and opportunities over the next 10 – 15 years both within Skagit County and in serving regional destinations. This presents Skagit Transit with an opportunity to evaluate and update our services and network to respond to the needs in our community. We welcome your participation! Stop by an open house, take our survey, and/or include your vision for Skagit Transit in our interactive map tool." Click Here for the Skagit Transit webpage describing the program and dates/venues for participation.
4. NEW – Child Care Capacity Increases in Skagit County
Click Here for the Skagit County press release.
5. The Anacortes R Avenue Long Term Improvements Project detour is no longer necessary
6. Ramadan began at sundown on Sunday, Mar 10, and ends at sundown on Tuesday, Apr 9
7. Diaper Drive for United Way of Skagit County and the Diaper Bank of Skagit County – Support your local Chamber of Commerce by dropping off items until Friday, Mar 29
There is a challenge between the Mount Vernon, Burlington, and Sedro-Woolley Chambers of Commerce. Items needed include: Diapers (Unopened packages, opened packages, loose diapers), Wipes (Unopened packages), Baby Formula (Unopened packages), Adult Incontinence products (Unopened packages, opened packages, loose diapers).
ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. 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."
2. 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.