Presidential Primary is February 27
It’s 2024 and you know what to do!
Voting Absentee: If you are on the permanent absentee voting list your local clerk may have been in touch about your primary ballot party preference. Reply promptly to ensure you get the right ballot sent out!
Voting Early: If you are not set up to vote absentee, you can also vote early in person, thanks to your vote for Promote the Vote (Prop 2) in 2022 & thanks to Michigan Dems putting it into law in 2023.Voting changes things: be a voter in every election!
Early, in-person voting begins February 17th and runs for 9 days.
- All sites will be open from Saturday, February 17 through Sunday, February 25, including on the weekends.
- Voters must visit an Early Voting sites assigned to the city or township you live in.
- 23 cities and townships are participating in the Washtenaw County-Coordinated Early Voting Plan.
- But the City of Ann Arbor, Milan, Bridgewater & Ypsilanti Townships are administering individual Early Voting Plans. Details on early voting for all Washtenaw County voters are at https://www.washtenaw.org/3970/Early-Voting – scroll down to “Individual Jurisdiction Early Voting Plans”
It’s not just the primary. There are a number of municipal proposals and school millages on the ballot. Just like you did in 2020 and 2022, be a voter and take a friend. Every vote matters. On every ballot. In every election.
Opportunities from Michigan Dems
Voter Protection. You can begin now to help MDP with their Voter Protection efforts. The February primary will be relatively low turnout – a relaxed setting for learning the ropes in voter protection. Learn more about these important volunteer roles.
National Convention Delegate. Have you ever dreamed of being an official delegate at a the Democratic National Convention? You have a chance to attend this year in Chicago, August 19-23. Application forms are available now (deadline for submission April 11). Learn everything you need to know about the process for getting one of these coveted positions, and find the nearest training at Delegate Selection Training.
Job Opportunity in Climate Action – Applications due Jan 21
Michelle Deatrick, Chair of Washtenaw County’s Environmental Council, and National Chair of the Democratic National Committee’s Council on the Environment and Climate Crisis, has brought an opportunity to our attention: the Washtenaw County Facilities Management department has been selected as a host partner site for a MI Healthy Climate (MHC) Corps member.
As a member of the MHC Corps, you will:
- Provide meaningful capacity support climate action projects at the county.
- Help us implement strategies in our community so, together, we can build a more resilient, greener and cleaner Washtenaw County for all to enjoy.
- Help us stay connected to federal and state resources available to support our climate efforts.
- Participate in fellowship building and professional development training to sharpen your skills for the long haul.
MHC Corps members receive several benefits by participating in and finishing the program. Some benefits stem from being part of AmeriCorps and others because they are members of the MHC Corps, specifically.
- A living allowance of approximately $3,000 per month
- $5,176.50 education award to use toward loans or future education expenses
- Healthcare benefits that include dental, vision, and mental health support
- Eligibility for AmeriCorps child care assistance
- Free attendance at the MI Healthy Climate Conference
- Access to trainings from the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM)
- Travel, lodging, and meals provided for in-person events throughout the service term, including a midpoint retreat
The MI Healthy Climate Corps program was established by the MI Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) as an innovative approach to advance the goals of Governor Whitmer’s MI Healthy Climate Plan; and will be administered by (CEDAM).
The County encourages all those who are interested to apply, especially individuals from historically underserved communities and those on the frontline of climate impacts. Individuals must be 18 years old to serve; no degree or formal work experience is required.
Applications are due January 21. For more information and to apply, visit: https://www.mihealthyclimatecorps.org/become-a-member.
ICYMI: WCDP January Meeting
The Literacy Crisis in Washtenaw County caused by Poverty and the Pandemic
On Saturday, January 6, the WCDP held a meeting and program featuring local educators and experts in children’s literacy and learning.
What can you do? Tutoring is needed countywide. Training is provided, and the experience is joyful and fulfilling for student and tutor alike. To help, contact Caroline Nathans, Director, Family Learning Institute – Ypsilanti Schools elementary reading tutoring program, cfnathans@ameritech.net. Or, to be connected with Washtenaw County’s Literacy Coalition, contact Kathy Wyatt at katherineawyatt@aol.com.
What Have Dems Done for You Lately?
Our powerhouse Attorney General, Dana Nessel, intervened this week in DTE’s recently-filed request for yet another increase in the price of natural gas. DTE provides natural gas to 1.3 million customers across the state and electricity to approximately 2.2 million customers in Southeast Michigan. The AG’s press office reports:
In the case, docket number U-21291 before the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC), DTE requests a $266 million annual increase in gas rates, a nearly 10% increase for residential customers. The Attorney General, along with her expert witnesses, will carefully examine DTE’s request and will argue against any increases in costs that are not reasonable and tailored to provide benefits to DTE’s customers.
“We will approach DTE’s latest gas rate increase request as we have every one that has come before it, and work to ensure that natural gas costs are affordable for our state’s utility customers,” said Nessel. “This is yet another in a continuing string of multi-hundred-million-dollar cases brought by the company. My team and its experts will carefully examine DTE’s requested increases and strongly object to any that are unreasonable or are more aligned to shareholder benefits than ensuring ratepayers can keep their homes warm all winter. I remain concerned about the clear pattern of repeated rate increases that come before the Commission, one right after the last.”
The Attorney General’s intervention in DTE Gas’s last rate case, U-20940, helped save customers more than $110 million. Since taking office, the Attorney General has helped save Michigan consumers more than $2 billion by intervening in utility cases before the MPSC. Tuesday’s intervention reaffirms her commitment to affordable energy for customers.
Voting Rights Sing-Along!
Join this special event on Monday, January 15, 3-5 pm, at the Jewish Community Center, 2935 Birch Hollow Drive in Ann Arbor.
After the Sing-Along, join us for a unique educational program, an immersive workshop for children and families, “Voting Rights through Time.”
Visit jccannarbor.org to register!
Call for Volunteers
WCDP is seeking a graphic designer to help create a small library of reusable images, logos, artwork and photos. We’re particularly interested in building a set of assets for use with the Mobilize app, our main tool for recruiting and organizing volunteers. The initial project is estimated to take 10-20 hours over a few weeks. We would be delighted to find a volunteer with longer term interest as well. Experience with Canva or Adobe image tools will be very helpful.
Contact volunteer@washtenawdems.org if you are interested or would like more information.
WCDP February Monthly Meeting
Save the Date: Saturday, February 3
Black History Month: How well is Washtenaw County addressing equity?
Program Speakers
- Sheriff Jerry Clayton
- State Rep. Jimmie Wilson Jr. (HD32)
- State Rep. Felicia Brabec (HD33)
- Board of Commissioners Chair Justin Hodge, Vice Chair Caroline Sanders, and Commissioner Crystal Lyte
Schedule
9:15 – Meet and mingle with your Democratic neighbors, WCDP leaders, and elected representatives. Healthy breakfast food – and coffee – provided.
9:45 – Party business
– What’s the WCDP doing to ensure success this year, and how can you help?
– News from Washington – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell
– Open forum Q&A with WCDP leaders and electeds
10:30 – Program
12:00 – AdjournAttend in person: Washtenaw County Learning Resource Center, 4135 Washtenaw Avenue
Attend via Zoom: Details to come on the Washtenaw Dems calendar
Find Your Voting Districts
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