FROM OUR CHAIR, SEAN PARSONS
We’re still over a month away from the 2024 primaries but political hysteria is already here! Maybe you’ve heard that Taylor Swift is a “front for a covert political agenda” as a psychological asset for the Pentagon? Or that the Super Bowl is rigged in favor of the Chiefs so it will bring more attention to Swift and her presidential endorsement for Biden?
While Republicans run on fear and wacky conspiracy theories, Democrats are running on issues. Not fabricated controversies nor tinfoil hat conspiracies. Right here in Athens County, our candidates are running on things that matter to us. They’re running to serve the people in their districts and we’re going to help them get across the finish line. We’ll see you at the polls on March 19!
– Sean
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Feb 8 – Fundraising Party for Commissioner Charlie Adkins
Come out to support Commissioner Charlie Adkins this Thursday, February 8 from 5 – 7 pm at 80 East State Street in Athens. Live music at the afterparty. We hope to see you there!
Feb 20 – Voter Registration Deadline for Primary
Deadline for voter registration for the March 19 presidential primary election (30 days before the primary).
Feb 21 – ACDP Executive/Central Committee Meeting
Join us at 5:30 pm at the Athens City Building. You know the drill.
Feb 24 – Dow Lake Litter Pickup
Help pick up trash at Dow Lake on Saturday, February 24 at 11:30 am – see “Volunteer Opportunities” below for details.
March 3 – Volunteer Kickoff Meeting (New Date!)
Calling all volunteers who can canvass, phone bank, and more in 2024 for our various Democratic candidates and initiatives. From 1 – 3 pm at Little Fish – see “Volunteer Opportunities” below for details.
March 19 – Primary Election Day
Polls will be open from 6:30 am – 7:30 pm.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
2024 Volunteer Kickoff Meeting
Join us on Sunday, March 3 from 1 – 3 pm at Little Fish Brewery (8675 Armitage Rd, Athens) for our inaugural volunteer meeting in preparation for the 2024 election cycle. Let’s come together to develop a plan of action for 2024: from canvassing and voter registration, to letters to the editor, and TikTok. What can you bring?
The back room is reserved for our group; food provided by ACDP and a cash bar. In addition to learning about 2024 volunteer opportunities, meet your Democratic candidates for various offices and hear other inspiring speakers.
This year’s November election is vital to our democracy with the presidency at stake, as well as the US Senate and House, the Ohio Senate and House, the Ohio Supreme Court, and of course local races. And if all goes well, we’ll vote on the Citizens Not Politicians amendment to end political gerrymandering in Ohio.
Please get involved. We need your help now more than ever. To learn more or RSVP for the event email info@athensdems.org.
Dow Lake Litter Pickup
Help pick up trash at Dow Lake on Saturday, February 24 at 11:30 am. Winter is an ideal time for litter collection as the lake is partially drained, exposing shoreline and an array of plastic, cans, bottles and any number of “interesting” items.
Pre-registration required: email janalees@gmail.com to sign up.
In the event of inclement weather, the pickup will be rescheduled for the following day, Sunday the 25th.
Calling All Volunteer Ideas!
Do you have an idea for a project you’d like to see our local Democrats participate in? Contact Janalee Stock at janalees@gmail.com.
CITIZENS NOT POLITICIANS
PROPOSED STATE AMENDMENT
Statewide, various groups have organized to end political gerrymandering in Ohio. The Citizens Not Politicians amendment would ban lobbyists and politicians from being involved in the redistricting of political districts. Instead there would be an independent commission, separate from the political parties. This would allow for districts to be drawn based on voters, not for political gain.
The statewide coalition includes the League of Women Voters, Common Cause, and ACLU, along with other groups. The Ohio Democratic Party recently endorsed this campaign and will also participate.
The ballot language has been approved by the Secretary of State, and petitions are being circulated to collect the required 400,000+ eligible signatures of Ohio registered voters. These signatures must be returned to the Ohio Secretary of State by early July to ensure the signature quota is met. Once that step is complete, the Citizens Not Politicians amendment will be on the November 2024 ballot.
The Athens Dems are collecting signatures for this amendment. Please stop by the office to sign the petition. If you are interested in getting trained to circulate this petition please contact Andrea Reik at areikathens@gmail.com or Solveig Spjeldnes at solveigsp@gmail.com.
SUPPORT OUR CANDIDATES
ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Please like, follow, and share the social media pages for our Democratic candidates for state and national offices:
Wenda Sheard, Ohio House District 94
Lish Greiner, Ohio House District 95
Jerrad Christian, US Congress – Ohio District 12
Please also give the Athens Dems social media pages some love!
CAMPAIGN UPDATE FOR
WENDA SHEARD, CANDIDATE FOR OHIO HOUSE 94
Many thanks to all of you in Athens, Washington, and Meigs Counties and beyond who have helped with our campaign so far. People are volunteering to help with canvassing, sign distribution, kickoff events, fundraising, scheduling, precinct data, and more.
We’ve been responding to press requests, answering endorsement questionnaires, building campaign infrastructure, attending public meetings, and participating in webinars by Blue Ohio, the Ohio Democratic Party, LEAD Ohio, Indivisible groups, Rural Organizing, and more.
We can win!
We must call out our opponents. One responded to a Vote411.org question by writing, “I don’t believe in climate change.” That’s just the tip of the iceberg of differences between us and our opponents. Stay tuned for more.
We have hope. Please join us. Ask your friends to sign up to volunteer for Wenda’s campaign: https://forms.gle/qWRpZrYG2z4q9HsP7
Bring your friends to meet us at our local party’s Volunteer Kickoff Meeting on Sunday, March 3rd, 1- 3 pm at Little Fish’s back room.
Donate to Wenda’s campaign via ActBlue:
https://secure.actblue.com/donate/friends-of-wenda-sheard-1
Or via check made out to Friends of Wenda Sheard, and mailed to 13499 Dutch Creek Road, Athens, Ohio, 45701.
Campaign Report
Paid for by Friends of Wenda Sheard
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
While every month should be Black History Month, here’s a brief history of the month-long observance.
Look for the Athens Dems’ social media posts throughout the month for vignettes on Black individuals who brought about powerful change, and continue to inspire by example.
OFFICE HOURS
Like last month, the Athens County Democratic Party office will be open Wednesdays 1 – 4 pm. Hours will expand as the March 19 primary approaches.
Come by the office to sign the Citizens Not Politicians proposed amendment!
Visit us at 74 E State St, near the intersection of Stimson Ave uptown. This is a community space, hospitable to large gatherings; to use the office for a meeting, contact Andrea Reik at areikathens@gmail.com.
ACDP COMMITTEE UPDATES
Neighborhood Campaign Committee – Chair Andrea Reik
The Neighborhood Campaign Committee is reorganizing for 2024! The work of this Neighborhood Committee has grown over the years, and the committee needs more volunteer leaders to manage the various tasks of the committee including canvassing, postcard campaigns, voter registration, and more. This committee also manages the Athens Dems office.
Our main focus this month is the Volunteer Kickoff Meeting on March 3 – see “Volunteer Opportunities” above for details. Please email, text, and post the event flier to help spread the word and recruit new ACDP volunteers! We need more help.
At our March 3 meeting at Little Fish, we’ll be reporting out on the various teams (sub-committees) that will manage these campaign activities, and volunteers can sign up for their areas of interest.
Communication Committee – Chair Ashley Sarver
We’re STILL seeking a new Communication Committee Intern to help manage social media – please help, we are understaffed. If not an intern, anyone interested in volunteering for this is invited to apply. Contact Ashley Sarver at ashleyjsarver@gmail.com to learn more or apply.
NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP
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DONATE TO YOUR LOCAL PARTY
We thank everyone who has financially supported the Athens County Democratic Party in the past. The fight to defend democracy and turn Ohio blue is far from over. If you have not donated recently to the ACDP, and have the means to do so, please donate today.