May 31, 2021
St. Johns County Democratic Party
71 South Dixie Highway, Suite 6
St. Augustine, FL 32084
Telephone: 904-825-2336
stjohnsdemocraticparty@gmail.com
|
|
What a great time at the re-opening celebration of our headquarters!
On May 22nd, hundreds of Democrats enjoyed the festivities including live music by the Dunehoppers and the High Cs, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, and silent auction gift baskets, along with face painting and other children’s activities. Precinct and club leaders were on hand to offer information about their groups and introduce guests to one another. In between
eating hot dogs and sipping lemonade, guests were assisted in registering for Vote-by-Mail, offered information on area clubs, and introduced to local Democratic candidates for office. As Chair of the St. Johns Democratic Party, Robin Dion offered brief remarks periodically and welcomed guests. Funds raised at the event via a silent auction for fabulous gift baskets, along with a generous donation match by a Ponte Vedra resident, will help support the 2022 election initiatives.
HUGE THANKS TO ALL WHO VOLUNTEERED TO MAKE THE OPEN HOUSE A SMASHING SUCCESS!
|
|
Effect of New Florida Law on Vote-by-Mail |
|
What Happened?
In the last days of the Florida legislative session in April, Republicans passed a bill to make voting more difficult in our state. Thanks to strong pushback from Florida's Supervisors of Elections and voting rights activists like you, the version of the bill that was ultimately enacted into law was not as restrictive as the original plan. Make no mistake, however, this clearly was a voter suppression bill and is now being challenged in court by the League of Women Voters, NAACP, and several other voting rights organizations.
What Does This Mean for Our Efforts to Ensure High Turnout via Vote-by-Mail?
Vote-by-Mail is the most powerful tool we have for ensuring high turnout--regardless of whether there is a pandemic. And high Democratic turnout is what wins elections. Even while the law is being challenged, we must adhere to its requirements. Here's some of the key points to know:
- If you were signed up for Vote-by-Mail through 2022 prior to the law's enactment, it is still valid. If you have any question about whether your request is still valid, we encourage you to complete a new Vote by Mail request form, which can be obtained by visiting our office or requesting a copy here. We expect that the St. Johns County Supervisor of Elections website will eventually be updated to allow you to check your status online.
- The new Vote-by Mail request form requires more identification than was the case in the past. Besides date of birth, you now must also provide EITHER a FL driver's license number, FL photo ID number, or the last 4 digits of your Social Security number. In addition, you may request VBM for only one election cycle at a time (previously two cycles were permitted).
- Drop boxes for VBM will now only be available during Early Voting, and only during the hours permitted for Early Voting. Drop Boxes must be constantly supervised by Election Office staff. There are also restrictions on the number of completed ballots than an individual can deliver to a Drop Box.
For more information about Vote-by-Mail, contact our Campaign Director, mgarnes@comcast.net or the St. Johns County Supervisor of Elections at 904-823-2238.
|
|
CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS!
JOIN US EVERY TUESDAY AT HEADQUARTERS!
The Volunteer Engagement committee has announced a Drop-In Voter Outreach activity every Tuesday at headquarters from 11 AM to 3 PM!
Enjoy spending time with fellow Democrats and working to make a difference in our county!
Activities will vary, including addressing and stuffing envelopes to voters; sending text messages to Democrats; preparing canvass materials; making phone calls or otherwise reaching out to DEMs! There will be something for everyone and all training and materials will be provided.
No need to sign up or pre-register -- simply show up at 71 S. Dixie Highway, Suite 6, St. Augustine on Tuesdays! See you there!
|
|
NEW HQ HOURS AND VISITOR PROTOCOL |
|
The St. Johns County Dem Party headquarters is now open to the public Monday--Thursday, 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. We are located at 71 S. Dixie Highway, Suite 6, St. Augustine, FL.
We are looking for volunteers to help greet visitors during these hours!
This will allow others who are conducting meetings, trainings, or other work to avoid interruption. If you can help, please contact stjohnsdemocraticparty@gmail.com.
We are following CDC guidelines with respect to COVID-19.
If you are not fully vaxxed, please wear a mask!
|
|
WHAT'S A PRECINCT LEADER? |
|
A Precinct Leader is the link between registered Democrats in their precinct and the Democratic Party.
With support and resources from the party, Precinct Leaders encourage Democratic voter turnout, function as a resource to Democrats in their precincts, and identify and engage volunteers to help get out the vote.
The perks include being a voting member of the county party and helping to guide its direction, meeting a multitude of likeminded people in your own neighborhood and precinct, and taking pride in contributing to our democracy one voter at a time!
Currently, St. Johns County has 83 Precinct Leaders, but there are still a number of vacancies. Please contact us at stjohnsdemocraticparty@gmail.com or visit headquarters to learn whether your precinct has a vacancy and to submit an application.
|
|
DEM PARTY GIVING CLUBS ARE HERE! |
|
Let's FLIP IT BLUE IN 2022!
St. Johns DEMs is building its war chest for Election 2022.
Gov. DeSantis, Sen. Rubio and Rep. Rutherford have done enough damage to our democracy and must be stopped.
We have a plan grounded in the latest data and best practices to help win back this state and elect local leaders who will act on our democratic values.
YOU can support that plan. YOUR contribution – particularly in an ongoing, sustaining format – will promote the election of not just one candidate, but all candidates with progressive and democratic values up and down the ballot. It’s a smart return on your investment.
Select your Giving Club below and contact Jan Kary, jkary@verizon.net, to register and set up your plan. You may donate online or via check.
Election 2022 Giving Opportunities
Platinum Club: $277.77/month starting June 2021, for total of $5,000
Gold Club: $112.33/month starting June 2021, for total of $2,022
Silver Club: $55.55/month starting June 2021, for total of $1,000
Bronze Club: $27.77/month starting June 2021, for total of $500
Supporter: $20.22/month starting June 2021, for total of $363.96
|
|
CLUB AND CAUCUS ANNOUNCEMENTS |
|
Democratic Environmental Caucus of St. Johns County
Thursday, June 3rd, 6 PM via Zoom
Please join us for a presentation by Flagler College science professor and City of St. Augustine Commissioner Barbara Blonder. She will present on the Mayors' Monarch Pledge, recently signed on by the City of St. Augustine Commission. Professor Blonder will also speak on other opportunities to protect wildlife in our region.
Contact John Pilecki. Chapter Chair, at johnpilecki@gmail.com for the Zoom link.
|
|
|
Democratic Black Caucus of St. Johns County
Monday, June 7th, 6:30 PM
The Democratic Black Caucus of St. Johns County has recently added many new members under caucus chapter President Jaime Perkins! Check us out at our next meeting on Monday, June 7th at 6:30 PM. Please contact Ms. Perkins at jaime.perkins83@gmail.com for location and Zoom link.
|
|
St. Augustine Democratic Club
Tuesday, June 8th, 7 PM via Zoom
The St. Augustine Democratic Club will focus on a cultural project for St. Johns County-The Shell at St. Augustine. This is a proposal by the EpiCentre Alliance for a St. Augustine Performing Arts Center, bringing together the many organizations that provide music, dance, opera and art in the area. Albert Syeles, who created the concept of the Romanza Festival and the Celtic Festivale in St. Augustine, is heading up this new project and will be our guest speaker. Contact staugdemclub@gmail.com to receive the Zoom link or call club President Nell Toensmann at 904-484-4960 for more information.
We are happy to announce that the Annette Cappella Memorial Scholarship Committee of the club has received applications for the proposed scholarships to graduating seniors from St. Augustine and Pedro Menendez High Schools and will soon announce the winners. The Club will take a summer hiatus and plan to meet in person when they resume on Tuesday, September 14.
|
|
Democratic Women's Club, St. Johns County
Wednesday, June 9th, at
5 PM via Zoom
The Democratic Women's Club will hold its membership meeting June 9, 5:00 pm via Zoom. Our guest speaker will be Florida State Senator Audrey Gibson, presenting: "Florida Democrats - What Now?
For information and/or Zoom link contact club President Pam Mirelson mirelsonp@gmail.com or call 904-502-3245. Membership not required for participation.
|
|
|
Ponte Vedra Democratic Club
Wednesday, June 9th, 6:30 PM
On Wednesday, June 9th, the Ponte Vedra Democratic Club will hold its monthly membership meeting with guest speaker Commissioner Trish Becker. She will present her program "All About Mosquitoes."
And on Saturday, June 26th at 4 PM, join us at the Twenty Mile Village Pavilion to celebrate making it through 16 months of lock-down! Bring a dish to share and join us for some IN-PERSON fun and fellowship. Please RSVP to club President Jan Kary at jkary@verizon.net or call 202.438-6750. |
|
Northwest St Johns County United for Progress
Monday, June 14th, 6:30 PM via Zoom
You are invited to join us on Monday, June 14th to hear from Lori Day, Commissioner with the Florida Commission on the Status of Women. Ms. Day is a community advocate and champion of women’s causes. She will talk on the purpose of the commission and how one may contribute.
Please contact club President Holly Ross at hollyross@kwjax.com for more information or to obtain Zoom link.
|
|
Young Democrats Club, St. Johns County
Monday, June 21st, 6:30 PM
Please join the Young Democrats monthly meeting on Monday, June 21st at 6:30 PM. We are working to re-establish Democratic clubs at high schools in St. Johns County, among other initiatives. If you are between the ages of 14 and 40, we need you to help us inform, motivate, and engage young Democrats throughout the area! Check out our website at https://sjcydems.weebly.com/about.html
For location and/or Zoom link, please contact club President Steven Faviano at sjcydems@gmail.com or connect with us here. |
|
Thank you!
You may also contribute by check, payable to
St Johns County Democratic Party. Please mail to
71 S. Dixie Highway, Suite 6, St. Augustine, FL 32084.
If by check, please note your address, phone, and email.
Include occupation if contribution is $100 or more.
Please Note: Contributions to political parties are not tax-deductible.
|
|
Political advertisement paid for by St. Johns Democratic Party, 71 S. Dixie Highway, Suite 6,
St. Augustine, FL 32084. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
