Polk County Democratic Party Weekly Digest: October 16th - October 22nd, 2023
Track the Biden Administration's campaign promises
All Vote By Mail requests expired after the 2022 General Election! Click here to request a VBM Ballot now.
***The last day to request a Vote By Mail ballot to use in the 2023 municipal elections (Auburndale, Fort Meade, Lakeland and Winter Haven) is Thursday, October 26th, 2023.***
Please check your registration as another 100k voters were purged from the Vote By Mail list!!!
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CAST A BALLOT AND MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD!!
Municipal elections are just around the corner in Auburndale, Fort Meade, Lakeland and Winter Haven. Who will be on the ballot? (Remember, these are non-partisan races, but we are including party affiliation for transparency). Social media/campaign links are included that are available. A few candidates have created campaign sites now that were not available last week. The DEC will be texting voters to remind them to vote in the municipal elections and to also sign up for Vote by Mail ballots. If you would like to help with texting campaigns, please let Barbara Harris (vicechair1@polkdemocrats.net) or Kathy Sites (secpolkdec@gmail.com) know as soon as possible.
YOUR VOTE CAN MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE! KNOW WHO IS SERVING YOUR COMMUNITY!
AUBURNDALE
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LAKELAND
NW B:
Bill Read (R) incumbent, no opposition (automatically re-elected)
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LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS HOSTING FILM SCREENING IN LAKELAND
To RSVP to the screening, click here: https://secure.everyaction.com/BTZwrxDPn0OUPVet6A_Cug2
To donate to Floridians Protecting Freedom only, click HERE
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2023 LGBT HISTORY MONTH
LGBT History Month is an annual month-long observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history, and the history of the gay rights and related civil rights movements. It was founded in 1994 by Missouri high-school history teacher Rodney Wilson. LGBT History Month provides role models, builds community, and represents a civil rights statement about the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community. As of 2022, LGBT History Month is a month-long celebration that is specific to Australia, Canada, Cuba, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States.
In the United States, Canada, Armenia, Romania, the Netherlands, Southeast Asia, and Australia, it is celebrated in October to coincide with National Coming Out Day on 11 October and to commemorate the first and second marches on Washington in 1979 and 1987 for LGBT rights. (from Wikipedia)
Why do we celebrate Pride Month in June and LGBT History Month in October?
A Brief History of Civil Rights in the United States: National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights
Where does Florida fall on the Equality Map?
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CALLING ALL SUPPORTERS
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24th, 2023, 5PM- POLK COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
Parenting with Pride, the newest arm of Equality Florida has sent the following message out via Mobilize to encourage attendance at school board meetings:
The politicians in Tallahassee have made laws and policies that make our schools a battle ground for their march towards power. However, our local school boards do still have some agency and have some significant voices that can speak up for our communities.
We have to GO TO OUR LOCAL SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS!
As millions of students return to school this year, it is URGENT that we mobilize to every school board meeting to hold our district accountable and ensure they know our communities deserve to be seen and supported by our public schools. Together, we can fight back against the harms happening in our schools.
In the midst of these attacks from Tallahassee, it is still the duty of our local school districts to strive for safe, inclusive and supportive schools for all students. That is why we are calling on communities across Florida to demand that our local school boards protect every student and respect every family.
To sign up through Mobilize for the Polk County School Board Meeting on Tuesday, October 24th please click HERE
To join the efforts of Parenting with Pride and support their work through Equality Florida, please click HERE
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2023 Poll Workers Needed
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OUT AND ABOUT IN POLK COUNTY
ARE YOU READY TO DANCE FOR DEMOCRACY!?!?!?!?!
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ELECTIONS ARE HAPPENING EVERYWHERE IN POLK COUNTY- ARE YOU TIRED OF BEING REPRESENTED BY NAZI SUPPORTERS AND READY TO RUN?
To see who has filed to run in local/municipal races, click this link to be taken to the Polk County Supervision of Elections candidate page. This list is updated regularly.
To see who has filed to run in state elections, click this link to be taken to the Florida Division of Elections candidate page. This list is also updated regularly.
If you are interested in running for office and need more information please reach out to the DEC with any questions/requests. We must contest every seat to enact the positive change we desperately need in Polk County and beyond!
The next Campaign and Candidate Recruitment Committee Meeting is Wednesday, October 25th at 3
pm. Please let John Hill know if you would like to attend at vicechair2@polkdemocrats.net
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HAMAS VS. ISRAEL IN CATASTROPHIC ATTACKS
Last weekend, Hamas launched missile attacks on Israel and sent ground troops to attack civilians in various Israeli communities. This is the continuation of a state of war that has existed for more than 30 years in the area. For current updates we are providing article links below:
AP: Israeli military says it is prepared for air, ground and naval offensive inn Gaza
Jewish Democratic Council of America: Take action and stay informed on the crisis in Israel
Reuters: Biden holds separate calls with Israel's Netanyahu, Palestinian's Abbas
CBS News: Governor DeSantis declares state of emergency in Florida after attack on Israel by Hamas
| Joint Statement of Solidarity from Florida Democratic Leaders |
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Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried, House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell and Senate Democratic Leader Lauren Book released the following joint statement:
"As leaders within the Florida Democratic Party, we feel a responsibility to make our voices heard and position clear. In the wake of Hamas’s horrific attacks on Israeli civilians, we unequivocally stand with Israel and their right to self-determination and self-defense – terrorists must not win. We also echo President Biden’s call for Israel to do everything in their power to avoid civilian casualties in Gaza.
"Here at home, we remember and renew the long-standing solidarity between Florida’s Black and Jewish communities during this time of rising antisemitism and Islamophobia in Florida. As historically oppressed peoples, our communities must stand together to condemn and resist all forms of bigotry, hatred, and violence. Our unity is our strength and we will not be divided.” |
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SPEAKER, SPEAKER... (BUELLER, BUELLER...)
  
(former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, criminally indicted Donald Trump, current Republican frontrunner Jim Jordan)
Following the ouster of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R) after the motion to vacate the chair by Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz (R), the House of Representatives has been unable to elect a speaker and conduct the nation's business. Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R) was put forward to the House Republican Conference but could not find enough support to be put forth for a full House vote. On Friday, the House Republican Conference voted again and decided to attempt to nominate Rep. Jim Jordan (R). That same day, Donald Trump endorsed Jordan for the Speakership. Jordan is a strong supporter of Trump and played a large role in the insurrection of January 6th. The House went into recess Friday and returns next week. We await to see if a vote is scheduled to fill this vital role. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries along with the rest of the Democratic leadership has voiced his opposition to Jordan.
The Hill: Jefferies suggests Dems won't help nominate "extremist extraordinaire" Jordan as Speaker
C-Span: Democratic press conference regarding ongoing Speaker battle
REPUGNANT NAZI DISPLAYS IN CENTRAL FLORIDA
Following disgusting, racist, Nazi acts in Orlando and surrounding areas (Nazis paraded through parts of Orlando), we Floridians are still waiting on Governor DeSantis to denounce the actions and Nazis. As we enter a 7th week, he has still FAILED to do so. |
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VOTER REGISTRATION TRAINING EVERY MONTH!
Sign up to learn how we’re providing registration information now, what the new rules are, and best practices for finding our target voters. Held via Zoom each month on the 3rd Wednesday at 1 PM.
Sign up on Mobilize: https://www.mobilize.us/polkcountydec/event/452722/
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BALLOT 2024
Help us get these amendments onto the Ballot next year. Distribute petitions amongst your friends, family and communities. Knowledge is POWER!
PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS FOR THE NOVEMBER 2024 BALLOT
Amendment to Limit Government Interference with Abortion
Text: No law shall prohibit, penalize, delay, or restrict abortion before viability or when necessary to protect the patient’s health, as determined by the patient’s healthcare provider. This amendment does not change the Legislature’s constitutional authority to require notification to a parent or guardian before a minor has an abortion.
Sponsor:
Floridians Protecting Freedom, Inc.
Post Office Box 4068
Sarasota, FL 34230
(305) 647-2666
Petition available at: https://floridiansprotectingfreedom.com/
Right to Clean and Healthy Waters Amendment
Text: This amendment creates a fundamental right to clean and healthy waters. The amendment may be used to sue State executive agencies for harm or threatened harm to Florida’s waters, which include aquatic ecosystems. This amendment defines terms, identifies affected constitutional provisions in Article IV governing the executive branch, provides for civil action enforcement, allows attorney’s and expert witness fees to prevailing plaintiffs, and provides equitable remedies including restoration of waters.
Sponsor:
Florida Right To CleanWater
13300 South Cleveland Avenue
Suite 56
Fort Myers, FL 33907
(239) 898-2044
Petition: Available at:
FloridaRighttoCleanWater.org
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The Polk County Democrats next monthly general meeting is November 13th, 2023
Club, Caucus and Committee Meetings
October 16th- October 22nd, 2023
DEC Training- Using Spoke Rewired to Text Voters
Monday, October 16th, 6pm (30 minutes)
Zoom
To sign up: email Kathy Sites at kathy.sites@hotmail.com
DEC Membership and Precinct Organizing Committee (MPOC) Meeting
Monday, October 16th, 7pm
Zoom
To sign up: email John Hill at jdhill678@gmail.com
Rainbow Ridge LGBTA Democratic Caucus
Tuesday, October 17th, 6:00pm
Location: VP David Jones Home
To sign up: email David Jones at daj829@comcast.net
Guest Speaker: Marcus Wright, Candidate for Polk County School Board, Seat 2
Polk Jewish Democratic Caucus
Tuesday, October 17th, 7pm
Zoom
DEC Voter Registration Committee
Wednesday, October 18th, 1pm
Zoom
DEC Masquerade Ball Committee
Thursday, October 19th, 5pm
Zoom
To sign up: email Barbara Harris at bharrispublicitychair@gmail.com
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Civic Activities around the Area
October 16th- October 22nd, 2023
Auburndale City Commission Meeting
Monday, October 16th, 7pm
Bartow City Commission Meeting
Monday, October 16th, 6pm
Davenport City Commission Meeting
Monday, October 16th, 7pm
Frostproof City Commission Meeting
Monday, October 16th, 6pm
Lakeland City Commission Meeting
Monday, October 16th, 9am
Lake Wales City Commission Meeting
Tuesday, October 17th, 6pm
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Democratic Party of Polk County, Club & Caucus Links
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If you would like to know more about a caucus or club which does not have a hyperlink, please email PolkCountyDemocrats@gmail.com
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Paid Political Advertisement for the Democratic Party of Polk County
6039 Cypress Gardens, PMB 328, Winter Haven, FL 33884
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