FROM OUR CHAIR SEAN PARSONS
Hello County Dems!
It’s that time of year again when November is just around the corner. There are a lot of things going on between now and then: voter registration, canvassing on issues and candidates, several League of Women Voter forums, a few parades, and more.
We hope you’ll join us for a few things over the next crucial weeks. If you’ve ever been wanting to jump in as a volunteer, this is a great time to do so. Whether you are interested in a candidate or state-wide issue we have amazing folks who can help you find ways to get involved.
New friends are always welcome! Let’s do our part to fight for what’s right for our community and state. See you soon!
– Sean
IMPORTANT ISSUE 1 CAMPAIGN INFORMATION
EVERY WEEKEND IS A WEEKEND OF ACTION
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Please join all of us to pass Issue 1 on November 7.
The Athens Dems organizing team for this campaign will be Andrea Reik, Doug Debrick, and Solveig Spjeldnes. Reach out to them with questions, comments or ideas! Andrea (740-591-1736) will be back in town Oct. 4. Doug (740-300-0250) and Solveig are available now.
Canvassing – In support of Issue 1, canvassing began on September 16 and will continue until Election Day, in partnership with the Ohio Mobilize Network. If you are new to canvassing, we can pair you with an experienced volunteer. Drive or walk a route, and have friendly conversations door-to-door as you remind other registered Democrats to vote – it’s fun!
Here’s how to join us in canvassing door-to-door:
- Saturdays: Come to the Athens Dems office at 74 East State Street in Athens between the hours of 10:00 am – noon to pick up literature and address lists.
- Wednesdays: On Wednesdays from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m., call or email Doug Debrick (740-300-0250) to pick up canvass materials at the Athens Dems office.
- Anytime: Once you’ve canvassed at least once with an experienced volunteer, you can canvass anytime, so long as you’ve got literature handy. Just contact Solveig Spjeldnes for a new MiniVan list number if using the app, or arrange with her to stop by the Dems office for literature and a printed address list.
Voter Registration – The last day to register to vote for the November Election is October 10. Before then, please join us at the Athens Farmers Market to help register new voters. Contact Solveig Spjeldnes to volunteer for a 1 – 2 hour shift on:
- Saturday, September 30
- Saturday, October 14 – Education Only
You can also register to vote or pick up absentee ballot requests at the Athens Community Center or the Athens County Board of Elections.
Phone Banking – The Ohio Democratic Party has an easy phone bank system that you can use from your home. Please join us in calling voters likely to Vote Yes on Issue 1. This system includes a telephone script and easily tracks your calls.
Postcards – We have 3,000 Vote Yes postcards and they can be picked up Saturday at the Athens Dems office. We will provide addresses of Athens County Democrats as well as messaging.
Yard Signs and Buttons – We have 75 yard signs (and have ordered 300 more) and Vote Yes buttons, banners, and placards. Come on down!
Host an Event – Do you know any individuals, groups, or organizations that might be interested in hosting an event to talk about Issue 1? Let us know and we will identify an engaging speaker.
Press – Solveig Spjeldnes has begun to meet with local news reporters about the importance of passing Issue 1. She hopes to share these articles throughout the state and at various campuses.
Letters to the Editor from a variety of people can change voters’ minds. Please contact Solveig Spjeldnes for talking points and media contacts.
Abortion Rights Talking Points – The ACLU has shared some tips on discussing reproductive and abortion rights: https://www.aclu.org/news/reproductive-freedom/your-mini-guide-discussing-abortion-rights-thanksgiving
BILLBOARDS
Four billboards are up in our area. See if you can find them all! They are located in Pomeroy, Tuppers Plains, Nelsonville on Rt. 33, and Athens on Rt. 50 near Lake Snowden.
Thank you Ann Moneypenny for making this happen!
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
October 11 Early voting begins, Athens County Board of Elections
Parades
September 30 Gay Pride Day on the Nelsonville Square
October 7 Ohio University Homecoming Parade
October 8 Indian Mound Festival Parade in The Plains
October 14 & 15 Appalachian Color in the Hills Festival in Glouster
To participate, contact Patrice 740-707-0643. Wear your Dems t-shirt or a blue or white shirt.
FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER
OFFICE UPDATES
The Athens County Democratic Office is located at 74 East State Street. Volunteers staff the office on Wednesdays 1 – 4 pm and Saturdays 10 am – 12 pm, as well as other times by appointment with Solveig Spjeldnes.
COMMITTEE UPDATES
Community Service Committee – Chair Janalee Stock
We had a great crew for our September Litter Pickup on St. Rt. 550, allowing us to do a litter audit at the same time. Plastic was the No. 1 item found, followed by cigarette butts. The fourth and last litter pickup of 2023 will be in early December, date TBD.
This is the perfect segue to the “third cousin” to the Athens Democratic Party, Athens Rethink Plastics. This grassroots organization appreciates using the Dems office for sewing bees (making feed sack reusable bags). Our members have also been spreading the word about the Athens City ban of single use plastic bags that takes effect on January 1, 2024.
Janalee continues to search for a Co-Chair of this committee. There is always more we can do to help our community. If you are interested, please contact Janalee.
Finance Committee – Chair Kate McGuckin
The Finance Committee is gearing up for fundraising at the Fall Dinner on Wednesday, October 18th. We are seeking funds to help elect candidates and support the issues. Sponsorship levels include $100 Regular, $250 Angels, and $500 Saints. Payments can be made at the door through Act Blue or mailed to: ACDP, PO Box 191, Athens. For more information contact Kate McGuckin (740-707-5991).
Communication Committee – Chair Ashley Sarver
The Communication Committee continues to prepare for the launch of our new ACDP website, coming very soon (go Cindy)! As part of that project, and as part of a broader social media effort, we’re refining our voter-education messaging around the November ballot, anticipating voter confusion around “No on 1” this summer, but “Yes on 1” this fall.
We’re also busy getting the word out about candidates, parades, dinners, and other special events. Given our party’s need for volunteers this fall, please help us promote opportunities to canvass, register voters, phone bank, and more. On social media, we appreciate your likes and shares — every interaction helps our posts gain visibility and traction!
Let us know how the Communication Committee can help promote your ACDP event, project or campaign; contact us (ashley.j.sarver@gmail.com) with info and we’ll help spread the word on social media or through the ACDP newsletter.
CONTRIBUTE TO OUR LOCAL PARTY
We thank everyone who has financially supported the ACDP 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.
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