Hello SJC Democrats,

Here are the topics covered today:
1.  Voting / Drop Box pickup
2.  Defending the election
3.  Supporting candidates in the 42nd LD
4.  Phone banks with WA Dems

1.  The most reliable way to make sure your ballot is turned in is to put it in your local drop box. I have learned that the drop box will be emptied weekly and then again on Election Day. If you do not have a drop box on your island or if you are not anywhere near the drop box, the next safest way is to take your ballot yourself to your local post office to mail, and you are encouraged to do so by Oct. 27. 
     Though it is optional, please put your phone number on your ballot, as there is what is called a “curing” process from after the election for the next couple of weeks to “cure” any ballots that contain anomalies. For instance, if you forget to sign your ballot, you can only be given a chance to fix this if the elections people can contact you. So please, give them the contact information to guarantee your vote will be counted.
     Finally, if you note any irregularities with the voting process, contact the voter protection line at 206-309-VOTE.  There are some concerns about various shenanigans that may happen around the state, even with mail-in voting, so just be aware.

2.  Defending the election – From 350 Seattle:

Donald Trump has repeatedly indicated that he may not respect the results of the upcoming election. It’s important to understand that such threats are generally made from a position of weakness, not strength — by those who understand they’re likely to lose. Nevertheless, we believe these threats should be taken seriously.

Across the country, coalitions are forming to protect the results (see  https://protecttheresults.com/) of this election, experts on how popular mobilizations have stopped coups in other countries are sharing their insights, and local groups like 350 Seattle are teaming up with others to get ready to mobilize if necessary.

This Thursday and next Tuesday we’re hosting meetings that will cover the state of national strategies and how to best prepare and plug in locally.

Preparing to Defend the Election: How to Plug in Locally

• Thursday, October 15, 5:30–7:00pm Register for Thursday here. 
• Tuesday, October 20, 6:00–7:30pm. Register for Tuesday here. 

We’re also tracking the work of national organizations. Shut Down DC: Defend Democracy, a DC-based direct action coalition,is hosting the following trainings:

• Street Smarts and Direct Action — October 13 from 7-9pm : https://www.shutdowndc.org/calendar/street-smarts-direct-action-training-5hc97
• Timeline to a Meltdown: 2020 Election Simulation — October 14 from 7-9pm : https://www.shutdowndc.org/calendar/timeline-to-a-meltdown-2020-election-simulation
• Escalating Resistance in Times of Crisis: Mass Rebellion Training with Lisa Fithian – October 20 from 7-9pm : https://www.shutdowndc.org/calendar/escalating-resistance-in-times-of-crisis-mass-rebellion-training
• Street Smarts and Direct Action — October 17th from 2-4pm : https://www.shutdowndc.org/calendar/street-smarts-direct-action-training

Choose Democracy, a national group that has come together to organize against a coup, is hosting trainings on How to Beat an Election-Related Power Grab at the following times:

• October 16, 7:30-9:30PM ET : 
• October 21, 7:30-9:30PM ET : 
• October 22, 7:30-9:30PM ET : 
• October 27, 7:30-9:30PM ET : 

Democracy dies without participation, and voting is not enough. Whatever happens this election, please join us in preparing to stand up for free and fair elections, and for the right of every voter to be counted.

3.  Supporting Shewmake and Rule – From Lovel Pratt
     I hope this email finds you well. I’m emailing to invite you to join me in supporting Sharon Shewmake’s and Alicia Rule’s campaigns to represent the 42^nd district in the State Legislature. We need environmental leaders in Whatcom County’s 42^nd district, our neighbors just across the strait. These candidates are facing Republican opponents who are supported by fossil fuel companies. It’s up to us to support these candidates who are fighting for the environment and a sustainable Washington.
     Sharon and Alicia will be joined by State Senator Liz Lovelett and State Representatives Alex Ramel and Joe Fitzgibbon. This online event shouldn’t run longer than an hour, and there will be opportunity for questions and discussion.
     I hope you will join me for an evening with these wonderful Washington State leaders on Tuesday, October 20th, at 5:30pm through Zoom. Please RSVP here. https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0oduqhrTgvEtRbLkYoqMwIM8eK_x4zLR-p
     If you are unable to attend, please consider donating to Sharon’s (https://www.sharon4whatcom.com/donate) and Alicia’s (https://secure.actblue.com/donate/vote-alicia-rule-1) campaigns.
     Thank you!
     Lovel

4.  Democratic Party phone banks in Washington state
10/13/20 Northwest Virtual Dialer Phonebank : https://secure.ngpvan.com/8yVtEbMnKkeccWq1ZHRxoA2

10/14/20 Northwest Virtual Phonebank  : https://secure.ngpvan.com/DRnfjqxmA0yFjfucWA40Aw2

10/15/20 Northwest Virtual Dialer Phonebank : https://secure.ngpvan.com/inAwaQU7_UydAOV28HwMYg2

10/16/20 Northwest Virtual Phonebank – 1pm : https://secure.ngpvan.com/gRIwj_SYhE-b-PXopaJOFQ2

10/16/20 Northwest Virtual Dialer Phonebank – 4pm : https://secure.ngpvan.com/GcXLJy8TPEOgWVqYVay-gA2

10/17/20 Northwest Virtual Dialer Phonebank – 4pm : https://secure.ngpvan.com/EbKpGCyIL0aYnJKh6CVRAw2

10/18/20 Northwest Virtual Phonebank – 1pm : https://secure.ngpvan.com/DZqOL7Jec0a410jG6e-K7A2

10/18/20 Northwest Virtual Dialer Phonebank – 5pm : https://secure.ngpvan.com/TNXxEnxhdUqokDKYEuKADQ2

10/19/20 Northwest Virtual Phonebank – 1pm : https://secure.ngpvan.com/1VOp_CyTd0y8yXbIm31_Sw2

10/19/20 Northwest Virtual Dialer Phonebank – 5pm : https://secure.ngpvan.com/DHjwBbHQoEGZdcBt1Mi8gg2

That’s all for now.  Thanks for reading.
David Turnoy
Chair, San Juan County Democrats
360-376-4165
davidgeri@rockisland.com