POLLS

 

09/14/2020 General Meeting Agenda

Walker County Democrat Club

September 14, 2020 General Meeting

5:30pm

• Call To Order

• Review and approve minutes from 08/10/2020 General Meeting

• Review and approve Treasurers report

• County Chair Updates

• New HQ security procedures approved at Officer Planning Meeting~Nick/Steve

  • Door Lock

  • Cameras

  • Discussion

• Voter Registration Drive updates ~ Steve

  • SHSU

  • Drive Up Registration

  • Other Registration Initiatives

• 2020 Elections

  • Volunteers needed for block walking

  • Volunteers for Phone Banking

  • Volunteer for HQ need to post an open schedule for the website and Facebook.

  • Signs/Stickers

  • Facebook Advertising

  • Ride to the Polls, sign up sheet at HQ will need volunteers to drive if needed

• Up Coming Events

  • Fair On The Square

  • Rock The Vote 2

  • March For Change ~Nick

• Huntsville Texas Pride Sponsorship Request

  • Nick will read the letter from HTXP- Is posted next to the agenda on the website.

    • After reading the letter Nick will voluntarily remove himself from the meeting temporarily, due to a conflict of interest, and will abstain from voting on this agenda item. Vice President Dorothy Willett will lead the agenda item in Nick’s place.

  • Discussion of the sponsorship of Pride

  • Vote on the sponsorship of Pride

• Begin reaching out to groups and organizations about 2020 elections

  • Currently our focus has been Churches, SHSU, and Signs, with a lack of focus on other areas of the community that doesn’t attend Church or go to SHSU

  • Need to focus on other areas as well such as but not limited to

    • LGBT Groups

    • Local Shelters (SAAFE House, Good Shepherd)

    • Prison Guard Union

    • Reach out to City about advertising our Ride to Polls?

    • Nursing Homes

    • Any others?

    • Discussion

• Fundraisers:

  • Since the 2020 Wine Tasting has been canceled we need to find a new fundraiser or two to help make sure we have funding for 2021.

  • Donation letter ~ Andy Dewees/Frank Fair

  • Any other ideas?

• Any other items that need to be discussed

• Adjourn  

We Need You!

 

September 8, 2020

Greetings, Walker County Democrats:

For the past 15 years the Walker County Democrat Club has held its Annual Wine Tasting Fundraiser in October. This has been one of our major fundraisers and a time of camaraderie and enthusiasm for local Democrats to gather just before November elections. In the interest of keeping local Democrats safe from the Covid 19 pandemic, the Club has decided not to hold the wine tasting fundraiser this year. The need for funding remains, however. (DIRECTIONS FOR HOW TO DONATE ARE ON THE NEXT PAGE.)

In place of the wine tasting fundraiser, we are asking for your financial support of Walker County Democrat activities. Many of you have been generous supporters of Club fundraisers in the past, and we’re counting on your continued support. In 2018 we cleared $5900 and last year the amount was $3500, so you can see what an important source of revenue the event has been. We hope to at least match last year’s results through this appeal letter.

It costs roughly $800 per month to keep the Democrat Headquarters open in downtown Huntsville, and your support will help fund the Club’s activities during this very important election year. The Club will be supporting Democratic candidates up and down the ballot through phone-banking, and other get-out-the-vote activities at Democrat Headquarters. Also, we have been ordering signs and making other contributions to our Democratic candidates.

On November 3 our nation will conduct the most important election in our lifetime. The total lack of leadership from the White House and the U. S. Senate has placed this country in peril, particularly as we deal with health and economic disasters brought on by the Covid 19 pandemic. Donald Trump and Republican leaders have not only failed to handle the Covid 19 pandemic in an intelligent way, but they have failed to address such pressing needs as healthcare, climate change, civil rights of minorities, voting rights, and immigration policy. Additionally, current foreign policy is a disaster, and now the U. S. Postal Service is being crippled to support Trump’s election bid. Elect Democrats now!

While your financial support is important at this time, your assistance also is needed as volunteers at Democrat headquarters and in the Democrat Party’s get-out-the-vote efforts. Please help where you can by completing the form on the next page.

Thank you for your support of the Walker County Democratic Party.

From the WCDC Executive Committee

President Nick Ransford, Treasurer Andie Ho, Vice President Dorothy Willett, Recording Secretary Zenna Smith, Corresponding Secretary Joe Ann Anderson, Volunteer Coordinator Steve Covington, Democratic Party Chair Servanie Sessions

We Need You!

The 2020 elections are just weeks away. If you are fed up with this administration and the direction the nation is heading, please help us do something about it. You can help in two ways--with your dollars and your time.

Name: ________________________________________

(Please print your name)

Phone: __________________ Email: ____________________________

Address: ___________________________________________________________________________

Your Financial Help:

Donation to Walker County Democrat Club:

Monthly___ or One-time donation___ $_________________

Yearly dues for WCDC- $30 and $5 for students $________________

(Fiscal year for dues begins in April. Check your membership status
with WCDC Treasurer Andie Ho at andie.h.ho@gmail.com.)

TOTAL $___________________

You may donate in three ways:
1. Mail this form and check to WCDC, PO BOX 6744, Huntsville, TX 77342-6744

2. Pay with cash or check at Democrat Headquarters. Call before arriving 936-293-8110.

3. Pay with credit card or PayPal at WCDC web site www.walkercountydemocrats.org through the Club’s secure ActBlue account. On the website Home page, scroll down to “Donate Now” button. The Club receives instant notification by email of your donation. You may make a one-time or monthly donation though ActBlue. ActBlue is a non-profit fundraising organization utilized by Democrats across the U.S. to support their causes.

Your Volunteer Help:

I would like to volunteer an average of _________ hours a month to the Walker County Democrat Club. Please check all that apply.

_____ Food for events _____ Fundraising

_____ Art work/brochures, etc. _____ Telephoning

_____ Setting up/taking down for event _____ Mailouts

_____ Transportation to polls _____ Block walking

_____ Publicity _____ Event greeter

_____ Volunteer at Headquarters _____ Other (Specify)
If you are paying through ActBlue online, please email your volunteer choices to walkercountydemclub@yahoo.com

DUES

WCDC Dues are Due

It is time to pay yearly membership dues for the Walker County Democrat Club as our Fiscal Year begins in April.  Membership dues are a significant source of revenue for WCDC and are used to support the political activities of the Club and maintain Democrat headquarters in downtown Huntsville.

Dues are $30 for regular membership and $5 for students and can be paid by one of the following methods:

(1) Pay by cash or check at monthly Club meetings.         

(2) Pay with check by mail to: WCDC, P. O. Box 6744, Huntsville, TX 77342.
      Please include name, address, phone number and email address. 

(3) Pay online with credit card or PayPal at the Club’s secure web site https://www.walkercountydemocrats.org/home.html.  At this site, scroll down to DUES and click on Pay.  You will be directed to the secure donation page for ActBlue, a non-profit fundraising organization utilized by Democrats across the U.S. to support their causes. Simply enter $30 ($60 for two) or $5 for students in the donation box and continue from there.  The Club receives an instant email that you have paid your dues.

If you have questions about your membership, please contact me by phone or text  (936) 689-1320, or reply to this email.

This is an important time for Democrats as we approach the 2020 elections.  Your support of the Democratic cause is very much appreciated, and we thank you for your continued support of the Walker County Democratic Party.

Andy Dewees
Treasurer, Walker County Democrat Club

WCDC CLOSED

The Walker County Democratic Headquarters will be closed for the remainder of March, all of April and May. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Our website and Facebook will continue to be updated, and you may reach us via email at walkercountydemclub@yahoo.com 

The following events/meeting at the Walker County Democratic Headquarters have been canceled.

03/23 Planning Meeting 03/27 Molly Ivins Movie Showing/Final Friday 04/13 General Meeting' 04/24 Final Friday 04/27 Planning Meeting  Stay tuned to our Facebook page, Website, and our emails for updates

Preliminary Results for Texas Super Tuesday

What to bring with you to vote on 03/03/2020

Help Wanted

We are currently in need of people for the following:

Election workers in Phelps.

County Chair

Volunteer Deputy Registrar

Volunteers to work in the office


If you are interested in any of these please contact HQ via the contact form on the website, or by contacting HQ in person or by phone.

LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE

The Primaries for Texas are on 03/03/2020 in order to vote in the Primaries you must be registered to vote by 02/03/2020. To get registered contact an officer, or pick up a form from HQ!

02/10/2020 General Meeting Speaker

General Meeting

At our General Meeting on February 10, 2020 we will have a guest speaker! Here is our guest speakers information:

Martin Malandro

 Martin is a professor of mathematics at SHSU, will be speaking on ranked choice voting, a method recently adopted by NYC and Maine. He will discuss what it is, why it is a poor system, and what voting systems we can use instead to make better group decisions.

New 2020 Election Tab

The New 2020 Election Tab is now up on the website. I am still working on adding content to all the associated pages, I plan on having this fully completed in the next week or so, let me know if you have any suggestions or comments.

~~NICK~~

Become a registrar

Resolution To Amend Bylaws

Walker County Democrat Club

1210 University Ave
Huntsville, Texas

Resolution 09-23

Whereas: The Walker County Democrat Club was organized to promote interest in governmental affairs and the principles of the Democratic Party.

Whereas: over the past 20 plus years this means of communicating to its members has evolved into internet and social media outlets, and requires that the Walker County Democrat Club establish a new permanent Officer for the Club.

Be it Resolved: that the addition of the position of Systems Administrator to Article VI Section 4 of its bylaws, be added. (See Bylaws proposer attached).

Be it Resolved: that this position is to maintain all of the club’s Web Page, Social Media Outlets and all IT Services.

Be it Further Resolved: that this position of Systems Administrator be by appointment of the Club President with the approval of the Executive Committee and this new Officer serve as ex officio member of the Executive Committee.

BYLAWS CHANGE SAMPLE:

ARTICLE VI  -  OFFICERS:

          Section 1.  The officers of the club shall consist of a President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Corresponding Secretary, Recording Secretary and such other officers as may be deemed necessary by the Executive Committee. 

          Section 2. The duties of the five officers named above shall be as follows:

          PRESIDENT:  The presiding officer of the club.  Calls and conducts all meetings, appoints committee chairs, acts as liaison with the County Chair and State and National Democratic Parties and keeps informed of political events and schedules.  Makes recommendations for expenditure of club funds for approval by the Executive Committee or the membership.  Directs the Treasurer to make approved expenditures.

          VICE-PRESIDENT:  In the absence of the President, carries out the duties of the President.  Keeps informed by working closely with the President.

          CORRESPONDING SECRETARY:  Keeps the club membership regularly informed about club meetings and activities.  Maintains contact information for other Democrats and other persons favorably disposed to the Democratic Party.  Assists in publicizing club meetings and activities.

          RECORDING SECRETARY:  Maintains complete and accurate records of the club’s activities, including the minutes of each meeting.

          TREASURER:  Administers all funds and maintains complete financial records of the club.  Collects all dues and other funds.  Maintains an up-to-date roster of club membership based on payment of current year’s dues.  Reports the status of finances at each meetings.  Keeps the President advised on all approved financial transactions.  Files appropriate reports with the Texas Ethics Commission.

          Section 3.  ELECTION:  The officers shall be elected annually at the April meeting by a majority vote of the members present and voting, and shall hold office until the election of their successors.  A nominating committee, appointed by the club president or executive committee, shall submit a slate of officers to the membership.  Additional candidates who are members in good standing may be nominated from the floor.  Voting for the candidates can be either oral or by ballot.

Section 4. SYSTEMS ADMINSTRATOR: In addition to the elected officers named above, a System Administrator who will maintain all of the club’s Web Page, Social Media Outlets and all IT Services, to be selected by appointment of the Club President with the approval of the Executive Committee. This Officer will serve as ex officio member of the Executive Committee.

Petition to get Laura Jones on the Ballot against Kevin Brady

There is a petition available in the WCDC HQ to help get Laura Jones on the Ballot against Kevin Brady, 500 signatures are needed to put her on the ballot.

The petition is available to sign in the Office, if you are unable to make it into the office please email us your mailing address, and we will mail you the petition to sign, and a return envelope to send it back to us.

walkercountydemclub@yahoo.com

Guest Speaker at 10/14/2019 meeting

Dr. Jay Coons of the SHSU Criminal Justice faculty has agreed to give a presentation at the Monday, Oct. 14, regular meeting of the Walker County Democrat Club, Dr. Coons will be presenting from about 6:00 to 7:00, and his title is "American Policing: The Course Forward.." At a time when many proposals for Criminal Justice reform are being put forward, this is an opportunity to hear from someone who has both "boots on the ground" practical experience and academic expertise. Please come join us for this informative presentation.

New Election Information Tab 09/23/2019

Hello Everyone,

We have added new pages to the website, they are located on the Election Information tab, these pages will be full of useful information to help you make an informed decision when it comes time for you to vote. If you have any questions or suggestions please contact Nick Ransford The WCDC Webmaster.


Here is a list of the pages listed under the election tab, on Sample Ballots, Candidates and Amendments there are pages breaking them down by Local, State and Federal.

• Become a Registrar
• Voting Machines
• Sample Ballots
• Local
• State
• Federal
• Candidates
• Local
• State
• Federal
• Amendments
• Local 
• State
• Federal

10/07/2019 City Council & School Board Debates

• We will be hosting a debate with the Candidates for city Council and the School Board, Please attend or watch the live stream location to watch to be announced.
• 
  

• Monday, October 7, 2019 at 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

• pin	1212 Avenue M, Huntsville, TX 77320-1206, United States Show Map

• 
  

  Hosted by Walker County Democratic Party

WCDC is hosting a non-partisan debate for all contested city council and school board seats. Details TBA.

Comment below with questions you'd like to ask the candidates!

Debate Watch Party! 09/12/2019

September 12, 2019 6:30pm to 10:00pm at the WCDC HQ

Come for the free pizza, stay for the Debates! Have you picked your favorite Democratic presidential candidate yet? Watch the front-runners battle it out on live national TV.

The Democratic Party will hold a presidential primary debate on September 12, 2019, in Houston, Texas. It is the third of 12 Democratic primary debates scheduled for the 2020 presidential election.

Candidates had until August 28, 2019, to qualify by reaching a grassroots fundraising threshold of 130,000 unique contributors and a polling threshold of 2 percent support or more in four eligible polls. For the full list of requirements, click here.

The debate was limited to up to 20 candidates with 10 candidates participating each night. The following 10 candidates qualified:

• Joe Biden
• Cory Booker
• Pete Buttigieg
• Julián Castro
• Kamala Harris
• Amy Klobuchar
• Beto O’Rourke
• Bernie Sanders
• Elizabeth Warren
• Andrew Yang

Hosted in partnership with the SHSU College Democrats. Students are encouraged to come!

WCDC Wine Tasting 09/28/2019

Saturday, September 28, 2019 6:00pm to 9:00pm 

City Hall Cafe & Pie Bar

1421 Sam Houston Avenue

Huntsville, TX 77340

18th Annual Wine Tasting Fundraiser
Walker County Democrat Club 

WCDC's annual wine tasting fundraiser will be held at City Hall Cafe at 6:00 pm on Saturday, September 28, 2019. Advanced tickets are $35 each or $40 at the door. .  To purchase your tickets, please call or text Andy Dewees at 936-689-1320 or leave a message at Democrat headquarters (9360 293-8110. 

To purchase tickets online, click on WCDC ActBlue site. Enter the total amount of your ticket purchase (e.g., $70 for two tickets)..  WCDC receives an instant e-mail message notifying us of your purchase.  Tickets purchased from Andy or purchased online will be available at the door under your name.

Club officers have selected six different wines and a variety of fruits, cheeses and heavy hors d’oeuvres for your enjoyment.

As usual we will be accepting quality items for the live and silent auctions.   If you have something to donate for the auctions, please call Dorothy Willett (936-661-5463). Also, you may drop off your auction items at Democrat Headquarters, 1210 University Ave, but call first 936-293-8110.

The wine tasting fundraiser is one of the Club’s two major events during the year.  Thank you for your support and hope to see you there.

Andy Dewees
WCDC Treasurrer

Events page

The events page has been updated with multiple events. You are able to automatically add these events to your phone calendar by clicking on the event, and coppy to your calendar.