News from the Skagit County Democrats
Skagit County Democrats Action Newsletter for October 7, 2024
DEMOCRATIC EVENTS
1. NEW – The Skagit County Democrats Membership AND Central Committee will meet Sunday, Oct 13, 2:00pm, in a HYBRID MEETING – – – via Zoom OR In-Person, C2C Community Center, 224 Stewart Road, Suite 230, Mount Vernon
"The draft Meeting Agenda can be viewed here. This will likely be the last opportunity to hear from our candidates before Election Day. We will also be joined by a the Washington State Democrats Chair Shasti Conrad and a representative from Defend Washington who will discuss why we all must VOTE NO on the four dangerous ballot initiatives this November (I-2109, I-2117, I-2124, I-2066). We look forward to another great turnout and are excited for another opportunity to get Fired Up and Ready to Go as we press forward to Election Day!" Click Here for the Zoom link.
2. Candidate Forum for Skagit County Commissioners Positions in District 1 and 2 (sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Skagit County), Monday Oct 7, 5:30pm – 6:30pm, Skagit PUD, 1415 Freeway Drive, Mount Vernon
The forum includes:
- Candidates For District 1: Rylee Fleury and Ron Wesen
- Candidates For District 2: Richard Brocksmith and Peter Browning
In addition to the in-person event, a live broadcast will be conducted on KSVR 91.7 fm. Also an audio recording will be available on the League of Women Voters of Skagit County’s website: https://www.skagitlwv.org. There will be an informal Candidate Meet and Greet at 5:00pm.
3. NEW – Reception benefiting 40th Legislative District Senator Liz Lovelett's re-election, Tuesday, Oct 8, 5:00pm – 6:30pm, Gere-a-Deli, 502 Commercial Avenue, Anacortes
Hosted by Ryan Walters, Christine Cleland-McGrath, Carolyn Moulton, Anthony Young, Bruce McDougall, Amanda Hubik, & TJ Fantini. RSVP to liz@lizlovelett.org. Click Here for more information or to donate.
4. UPDATED – The Fidalgo Democrats meets Tuesday, Oct 8, 7:00pm, Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th Street, Anacortes
"Join the Fidalgo Democrats on Tuesday, Oct 8th at 7:00 pm at the Anacortes Library. Calvin Jones, the Outreach Director for Defend Washington will be discussing Initiatives 2109, 2117, 2124, 2066 that are on the November ballot. Who funded them, what impact they will have on taxes, climate change, and healthcare and why a no vote is so important. There will be time for questions. Come early for coffee and cookies and social time. Barbara Cooper, Chair. 360 770-3506"
5. Women & Wine Wednesdays, beginning Wednesday, Oct 9, 5:00pm – 7:00pm, Skagit County Democrats Headquarters, 2021 East College Way, Mount Vernon
"Join us for an evening of wine, snacks, and phone-banking as we come together to make a real impact in the upcoming election. Our Women & Wine Wednesdays are the perfect way to unwind with friends while doing something powerful—helping to turn Washington even bluer!" Click Here to sign up!
6. NEW – Join Jane Fonda for the No on 2117 I-Campaign, Wednesday, Oct 9, 6:00pm, via Zoom
"Join Jane Fonda to help defeat I-2117. Hollywood legend, activist, and environmental warrior Jane Fonda is joining us for a special evening of action to fight No on 2117, and you’re invited! This is your chance to help protect Washington's clean air and water by helping Washington voters understand the harms of 2117 . . . Whether you’re a seasoned phone banker or a first-timer, you’ll get all the support you need to have meaningful conversations with voters about this critical issue. Plus, you'll have the rare opportunity to hear from Jane herself about why she’s lending her voice to the fight!" Click Here to sign up.
7. Candidate Round Table Luncheon 2024, Thursday, Oct 10, 11:00am – 1:00pm, Seafarers' Memorial Park, 600 Seafarers Way Anacortes
Candidates scheduled include:
- 10th District Representative #1 seat – Clyde Shavers and Carrie Kennedy
- 10th District Senator seat – Ron Muzzall
- 40th District Senator seat – Liz Lovelett
- County Commissioner seat 1 – Ron Wesen and Rylee Fleury
- County Commissioner seat 2 – Peter Browning and Richard Brocksmith
"You will have an opportunity to ask questions and hear their views on topics that concern you. Please register by Monday, October 7th using the link below or by calling the Chamber office at (360) 293-7911. Fees/Admission: Chamber Members – $22; Non-Chamber Members – $25. Lunch is not guaranteed if you do not pre-register." Click Here to register.
8. NEW – Mount Vernon Door-Knocking, Saturday, Oct 12, 10:00am – 11:00am, Skagit County Democrats Headquarters, 2021 East College Way, UNIT 104, Mount Vernon
These Door-Knocking Events are voter-to-voter outreach in which folks will talk to other voters who need a few words of encouragement to get their vote out! These are people who tend to vote Democrat when they do vote, but are not consistent voters each election. Register via the link here.
9. NEW – The 39th Legislative District Democrats Executive Board meets Tuesday, Oct 15, 7:00pm – 8:00pm, via Zoom
Click Here for the Zoom link.
10. NEW – A Street Rally in support of Harris/Walz is planned for Friday, Oct 18, 4:00pm – 6:00pm, Commercial Avenue between 12th Street and 13th Street, Anacortes
For more information text or call Marilyn Oshiro, 936-537-6961.
11. NEW – Get Out the Vote – Mount Vernon, Sunday, Oct 20, 12:00pm, Mount Vernon Library Commons, 208 West Kincaid Street Mount Vernon
"Northwest Washington's preeminent get out the vote weekend continues with the gotMV Volunteer Rally. Volunteers will hear from leaders and speakers about the issues and opportunities to make a difference. Participants will have access to campaign literature and lists, volunteer training, and a chance to learn. Particular emphasis will be given to the 10th LD races for Janet St Clair, Dave Paul and Clyde Shavers, but the goal is to get out the vote for all the Democratic priorities on the ballot. After the rally, plan to knock doors for several hours. Coffee and pastries provided." Click Here to RSVP.
12. UPDATED – Election Night Party! Mark your calendar!
Have you heard? Skagit County Democrats will host an election night party Tuesday, Nov 5, 4:30pm until 9:30pm at the Swinomish Casino. We will have heavy appetizers and a no host bar. We BELIEVE!!! Come celebrate everyone's hard work! Click Here to RSVP!
13. Skagit County Unveils New Elections Office; Announces Spanish Election Materials for November 2024 Election
"This past month, the Skagit County Auditor’s Office has officially moved the elections space from the second floor of the County’s Administration Building down to the first-floor hearing rooms that were generally underutilized until a large courtroom was established during the pandemic. The County has repurposed two of the three hearing rooms for Elections, which will include the third hearing room for Elections use in early 2026 after Superior Court has been consolidated in the Courthouse. The new space will be fully operational to process ballots for the November 5th presidential election."
Also, "Skagit County has additionally partnered with North Sound ACH to provide funding for election material translation through 2025. North Sound ACH will assist in distribution and outreach of these election materials to our Spanish speaking community. The Auditor's Office will now offer bilingual voter registration forms, local voters’ pamphlets with candidate information, and ballot instructions. The materials will also be available on our website in English and Spanish. “We have worked for a long time now to have election materials available for our Spanish-speaking community,” said Sandy Perkins, Skagit County Auditor. “Everyone should have the opportunity to participate in our elections and having these new materials available will help increase voter turnout in Skagit County.”
Click Here for the full press release. (Editor's Note: Regarding Spanish translations, per Chair Lynn Campbell, "We can thank Marco Morales from ACH, and Faviola Lopez, and Sandy Perkins. This was a group effort and it took quite a bit of work to make this happen. In fact, ACH is paying the bill for this year.")
14. UPDATED – General Campaign Information
We have Harris/Walz signs and bumper stickers at the Skagit County Democrats Headquarters Office, 2021 East College Way, Suite 104. We also have free signs for Ferguson, St Clair, Chris Reykdal, Nick Brown and many others. Please call ahead to the office (360-336-1555) to reserve what you want. You can leave your name and phone number and say how any signs you would like. A donation of $20 is suggested for the Harris signs. Just 4 weeks left. Show your support!
Skagit County Democrats Endorsed Candidates / Initiatives – Please Click Here. For a detailed description of our endorsement process, Click Here.
The St. Clair campaign has several activities throughout the 10th Legislative District planned for the last month. Click Here to find the most current activities.
Team Harris-Walz Phone Bank – "Join us to make calls for Kamala Harris and Democrats up and down the ballot!" Click on the "Show More" link to see all the dates/times available.
For those wanting to donate to the Harris campaign via snail mail (USPS), please use the following address: Harris Victory Fund, P.O. Box 96663, Washington, D.C. 20077-7085
15. NEW – November 5, General Election Information
VoteWA
Click Here for the Voter Registration and Ballot Management Portal.
You can check your voter registration status as well as check you legislative and congressional districts. In addition, you can use this portal to register to vote OR to update your voter registration (this must be done by Oct 28).
Election Information
Click Here for the English version of the online General Election Voter's Pamphlet. Click Here for the Spanish version of the online General Election Voter's Pamphlet. Click Here for the Washington Secretary of State's online Voter's Guide. Click Here for viewing maps of various voting districts.
General Election Timeline
- September 21 – Military and Overseas ballots mailed
- October 16 – Accessible Voting Unit test – 9:00 AM
- October 16 – Official Logic & Accuracy test – 10:00 AM
- October 16 – Domestic ballots mailed
- October 28 – Deadline to register or update existing registration online and by mail
- November 5 – Deadline for in-person registration and voter updates – Closes 8:00 PM
- November 5 – General Election – Closes 8:00 PM
- November 18 – Canvassing Board Meeting, Initial Review – 1:00 PM
- November 26 – General Election Certification – 1:30 PM
Ballot Drop Box Locations
Click Here for a map of the locations.
- Anacortes
- Anacortes Public Library (behind library near drive-up book-drop), 1220 10th Street
- Skyline Beach Club, 6041 Sands Way
- Bow Edison
- Fire District 5 Fire Station, 14304 West Bow Hill Rd
- Burlington
- Burlington Parks and Recreation Building (north side of Fairhaven Ave parking lot), 900 East Fairhaven Street
- Conway
- Conway Fire Department, 21020 Greenfield Street
- Concrete
- Skagit Upriver Services, 45770 Main South
- Hamilton
- Fire District 8/Punkin Center Station, 34041 State Route 20
- La Conner
- La Conner Library, 614 East Morris Street
- Mount Vernon
- Mount Vernon Police Department, 1805 Continental Place
- Skagit County Auditors Office [Courthouse] (in U-shaped parking lot accessed from 3rd St. near Kincaid), 700 South 2nd Street, Room 201
- Sauk-Suiattle
- 6020 Mountain Goat Way, Darrington
- Sedro-Woolley
- Sedro-Woolley Post Office, (in alley between Eastern Avenue and Metcalf), 111 Woodworth Street
- Swinomish
- Social Services Building, 17337 Reservation Road
16. Volunteers needed to staff our Headquarters Office
If you would like to volunteer in the office by answering phones or questions that people may have, please call our Headquarters Office at 360-336-1555 and let them know your interest and contact information.
17. PCO Recruitment
We need more PCOs for the 2022-2024 biennial to help us Get Out the Vote in this critical election year and to help us build a strong Skagit County and 10th, 39th, and 40th Legislative District Party Organizations. You can get involved in a big way by becoming a PCO.
- Step 1: Find Your Precinct. You can use the Skagit County iMap to find your precinct.
- Step 2: Check the list of vacant precincts.
- Step 3: Application: complete this form for Skagit County and email chair@skagitdemocrats.org.
18. 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.
- San Diego school bus hijacking claim: Here's what really happened
- What happens to all of 23andMe's genetic DNA data?
- Vaccine Fact vs. Fiction: Biggest Myths, Truths and Resources
- What America’s history can teach us about debates on religious freedom and its importance for democracy
- Russia self misinformation
COMMUNITY EVENTS
1. NEW – The Port of Skagit is seeking applicants for its vacant seat for District 2 on its Board of Commissioners
The seat is vacant after the death Saturday of Steve Omdal, who served on the board since 2012. The person selected to fill the seat will serve until November 2025. If they wish to serve the remainder of Omdal’s term, they will have to run for office in 2025. Click Here for information on the application process and deadlines.
2. NEW – The Great Washington Shakeout, Thursday, Oct 17, 10:17am, everywhere in Washington State
"At 10:17 am (local time) on 10/17, you can join millions of people across Washington practicing earthquake safety . . . If you live or work in a coastal area, ShakeOut day is also a great time to practice your tsunami evacuation routes. Learn more about tsunami preparedness at TsunamiZone.org."
3. Skagit County Clothing Swap, Wednesday, Oct 9, 1:00pm – 6:00pm, Skagit County Fairgrounds, North Entrance, A & B Building, 1410 Virginia Street, Mount Vernon
Hosted by Skagit County Solid Waste Division. Please read the flyer for more information & instructions.
4. Skagit County to Stop Accepting Glass at All Transfer Stations
"Glass will no longer be accepted for recycling at all Skagit County Transfer Stations for the indefinite future starting October 1. Due to a closure of a glass manufacturing facility in Seattle, there is no longer any facility in the area that will take our recycled glass." Click Here for more information.
5. Cook Road closure just east of Old Highway 99 North, overnight beginning Thursday, Oct 10, at 6:00pm until Friday, Oct 11, at 5:00am
"The road will be closed to all vehicles, including emergency vehicles. The Detour Route will be via State Route 20, Burlington Boulevard, and Old Highway 99 N for both Directions."
6. The Guemes Island Ferry “Railroad Parking Lot” located at 500 I Avenue, Anacortes, will temporally close from October 9th – October 12th to conduct maintenance and landscaping activities
"ALL vehicles remaining in this parking area after 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, October 8th will be subject to towing/impound by local authorities. The larger 6th & K parking lot will remain open and available for parking during this closure. As a friendly reminder, ferry parking allows a maximum of 72 hours parking in both parking lots." Click Here for the Facebook post.
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 $.56. 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."