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Women's Rights Under Attack
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In response to reports that the Supreme Court is poised to overturn Roe v Wade, thereby ending constitutional protections to abortion, dozens of supporters of women's rights quickly assembled last Tuesday in south Lakeland to protest. They were among thousands of pro-choice advocates across the country to answer a national call to action and rallied to preserve 50 years of precedent. Below are some of the scenes in Lakeland, which included members of the Polk County Democratic Party.
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The fight continues on May 14...
While the local response to the news saw nearly immediate protests, organizers are hoping for an even greater turnout for nationwide Bans Off Our Body rallies scheduled for Saturday, May 14.
Bans Off Lakeland, with Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida, will be held from noon to 2 pm at Munn Park in downtown Lakeland. This is a call to action event and we encourage everyone to attend and to bring a friend. Please register to ensure you are kept up to date on speakers and any possible changes to the event.
If you can not attend the rally in Lakeland, click on the photo to find a rally near you.
From Kathy Dobson, Education Manager, Planned Parenthood on the Lakeland response last week: "First, thank all of you who came out to our rally on Tuesday! In less than six hours, with a Call to Action, approximately 100 of you all showed up to show your support! Many more showed support through honking their car horns, well wishes, text messages, comments on social media, and with cries of – LET ME KNOW HOW I CAN HELP!
"Saturday, May 14th at Munn Park, we will have local speakers to inspire us and tell their truth of what taking away ROE V WADE will do to this country! We will not accept sanctions over the freedom of our bodies!
"Many of us never thought this could even become a reality, let alone the highest court in the nation leak the decision to try to start the process of taking away other rights at the same time - like marriage to love who we love or birth control rights!
"Again, so many of you have asked, 'How else can I get involved'? Write letters to the editor, talk to your friends and family about WHY this is so important to you, go to the Polk County School Board meeting where they are trying to ban books that talk about diversity and history and our bodies, and most of all VOTE in our all elections, including your local elections!
"There has NEVER been a more critical time to show up and stand up for what you believe in!"
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Democratic Women's Club of Lakeland president Michelle Emerson-Lewis was on hand for the annual DWCF Convention in Orlando, earlier this month. It as a great opportunity to hear what other Democratic Women's Clubs are doing and meet inspiring women, including the DWCF leaders and politicians. The Lakeland DWC has one of the largest memberships in the state, and welcomes anyone to join! Click here for more info. |
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Are you ready for the next election on August 23? Did you know on this date the countywide school board elections are held the same day as party primaries?
Now is the time to get ready to vote!
To start, the Polk County Superintendent advises that voters who vote by mail should Update your Signature. Our signature changes overtime and, for this reason, this has been one area conservatives have assembled teams to scrutinize mail-in ballots to try to discredit votes. Protect your vote and make sure your signature is updated.
Those registered to vote by mail should start receiving ballots after July 14, when the election office begins to mail them. The deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot is August 13. They must be received by 7 pm on Election Day, August 23.
Reminder: Florida is a party primary state, which means you must be a registered party member to vote in the party's primary election on August 23. On the same day, the county school board elections are held. However, these are nonpartisan elections and ALL eligible voters can vote for candidates within all school districts.
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To ensure you receive more information as released, please sign up at this link.
Early bird specials for the Gala Dinner tickets are on sale until May 18. Click here to reserve now.
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Call to Action: Latin Political Hob Nob
The Puerto Rican Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Polk County (PRHCCPC) will hold its Latin Political Hob Nob on July 19.
The Polk County Democratic Party is encouraging candidates to participate and local fellow Democrats to attend. While this is a free event for the general public, there is a registration fee for candidates. There is also an option to help sponsor this event. For all the details and reserve a spot at the event, click here. The reservation deadline is July 1.
This year, the Latin Political Hob Nob will be held at The Bartow Civic Center, and will be co-hosted by The Women 4 Lulac Council 7269 and various other entities.
This election cycle is a very important one to our Polk County Hispanic and Non-Hispanic constituents. Much has happened in our state and there are those who still feel their voices and platforms need to be addressed to those who are still looking for answers to their questions. Then there are those who are still on the fence on many issues.
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Future Polk County DEC Mobilize Events
Keep us up to date: If you would like to feature what your club or caucus is doing or introduce a new president, other office holder or person of interest, please send information to polkdemwd@gmail.com
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Democratic Party of Polk County, Club & Caucus Links
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Mailing Address:
Due to the pandemic the Democratic Party of Polk County has closed the office in Lakeland.
The mailing address is the following:
The Democratic Party of Polk County, 6039 Cypress Gardens Boulevard, Suite 328, Winter Haven, FL 33884
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