As we all enjoy the harvest season in Jackson County, drinking fresh apple cider, getting lost in corn mazes, dressing up in costumes . . . your local Democrats are working hard to prepare for the upcoming 2024 election season. A year from now, we’ll be in the final phase of getting out the vote for the General Election, again an election that may very well be the most important election of our lives.
So, NOW is the time for Local Organizing for 2024 . . .
Yes, there are Blue Votes to harvest in Jackson County. Back in 2008, Jackson County Democrats delivered a win for Barack Obama in Jackson County. (Yes, Barack Obama won more Jackson County votes than his Republican opponent.) And, in the past two election cycles, Oregon State Senator, Democrat Jeff Golden was victorious in close races in a tough senate district. Then, this past spring, we turned out in higher numbers than Republicans, and as a result ALL of our school board candidates won – and their extremist candidates lost. With enough local support, there’s much more we can accomplish – together.
It's great to pay attention to what's happening nationally. But local elections matter, too. Don’t wait till next year – help us build our local party infrastructure today. Please volunteer now and we’ll help you find meaningful work as we build a strong Democratic Party in Jackson County. Email David Sours, party chair, and let’s discuss the opportunities: chair@jcdemocrats.org.
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” - John Quincy Adams
When reading the news or scrolling through social media, do you find yourself saying “Somebody should do something about that?” Or, I wish my community had a plan for climate action, better transportation or would do a better job addressing the housing crisis? Have you ever thought “They shouldn’t ban books in public schools” or “They should make sure everyone has access to healthcare.” As we approach an upcoming election, it’s important to realize that “They” is “Us” and “Somebody” could be YOU!
Run for Something . . .
With the general election less than a year away, this is the time to consider running for a public office. The Jackson County Democrats are looking for passionate and committed individuals who share our Democratic values to “Run for Something.” Local government bodies in our county need elected policy-makers who care about our environment, represent and support our BIPOC and LGBTQ+ neighbors, and who believe in democracy.
It’s OK if you're new to local government. Elected officials receive on-the-job training on their role and how to participate in meetings. As an elected decision-maker, you will have the benefit of the advice and research of professional governmental staff.
Next fall, we’ll be electing new members on city councils throughout the valley. We also will be electing a new commissioner for the Jackson County Board of Commissioners. At the state level, all members of the Oregon House of Representatives will be up for re-election and there are Republican-held seats in Jackson County that should be challenged.
If you are ready to consider a run for public office here in Jackson County, please email us at mail@jcdemocrats.org. The Jackson County Democrats have many highly qualified people who are willing to answer questions and mentor others through their campaigns. We can provide you with training, mentorship and resources.
Or, maybe you know someone who would make a great candidate–please put them in touch with the party.
Become a Precinct Committee Person (PCP)
Another way to serve as leader in our community is to become a Precinct Committee Person (PCP) for the Democratic Party. PCPs make up the “Central Committee” of the Jackson County Democrats. PCPs elect party officers, vote on resolutions and endorsements and most importantly serve on various committees to accomplish the goals of our local party. Jackson County PCPs also have opportunities to serve as delegates to meetings of the Democratic Party of Oregon. We currently have openings for additional PCPs in all precincts in Jackson County.
You can begin serving as a PCP by being appointed by the Jackson County Central Committee. The first step is to fill out an application and then attend one of our monthly Central Committee meetings (held via ZOOM) to be voted in and appointed. Find the application to become a PCP and more information here: https://www.jcdemocrats.org/
You can also become a PCP by filing for election for the upcoming Primary election in May.
All current PCPs should file for re-election and new PCPs can also file for election. Candidates for the office of Precinct Committee Person only appear on the partisan ballot for the precinct in which they are a candidate and must receive at least 3 votes in order to be elected. The form to file to be elected as a PCP can be found here:
https://sos.oregon.gov/
You can print this form, fill it out and mail to:
Jackson County Elections
1101 W Main St #201, Medford, OR 97501
The last date to file for election as PCP in the Democratic Primary is March 12, 2024.
Thanks to all of you who contribute monthly to our local party. Your Grassroots Donations of $5, $10, $25, $50 (etc.) per month help us ensure that basic monthly expenses are covered, while enabling us to make plans for the future.
If you are not already a Grassroots Donor, it’s easy to set up. Go to jcdemocrats.org and select the Donate button. You can schedule easy monthly donations in any amount.
And NOW is also a great time to Check your Voter’s Registration . . .
Check your voter’s registration TODAY and make sure everyone of voting age in your household is registered to vote. You can easily check and update your voter’s registration by visiting https://sos.oregon.gov/voting-elections/Pages/default.aspx
If you have moved, it is critically important to update your address on your voter’s registration as ballots are NOT forwarded by the post office.
Oregon has closed primary elections, so if you want to vote in the Oregon primary coming up in May 2023 you need to affiliate as a Democrat or a Republican. (We hope you choose to affiliate as a Democrat!)
Do you have friends or new neighbors who recently moved to Oregon? Please ask them to register to vote in Oregon. They can register to vote online at oregonvotes.org and don’t have to wait until they visit the DVM to get their driver’s licenses.
While Republicans in the US House of Representatives struggle to move any legislation forward and keep the federal government funded, Democrats in the Oregon Legislature have a long list of accomplishments. Read on to learn how Oregon Democrats are on your side . . . .
Investing in Education and Childcare
Oregon Democrats are making progress to improve the lives of children and their families and recent bills passed in Salem will have direct benefits for Jackson County children.
This June, the Democratic majority Oregon’s legislature passed a new budget package to invest in early childhood development. This bill will invest $172 million to combat the cost of living and provide aid to families and their children. An additional $1.2 billion is invested in the Department of Early Learning and Childcare (DELC) to ensure our children, child-care educators, and our families get the resources necessary to succeed. Along with the increase in funding, Oregon passed Oregon Kids’ Credit (House Bill 3235) which will provide $1,000 per child (0 to 5) for working parents.
As stated by Representative Andrea Valderrama (D-Outer East Portland), a sponsor of the bill, “Working families are the backbone of our economy. It’s time we make sure they have the support they need to put food on the table, keep a roof over their heads, and afford daily
essentials. This tax credit is going to give parents the relief they need.” This bill will benefit approximately 55,000 children across Oregon, including local children right here in Jackson County.
Jackson County Democrats stand with the new Oregon budget to prioritize our children’s well-being and education, because our children deserve the best. Both the funding given to the Department of Early Learning and Childcare and the tax credit will ensure that working-class Oregonians in Jackson County will have the resources needed to ensure the future of our youth.
Drought Relief and Environmental Issues
Jackson County residents are facing increasing challenges related to the climate emergency every year . . and drought conditions have become the “new normal” here in the Rogue river valley. Democrats in the Oregon legislature with the support of Governor Tina Kotek are taking action.
Starting this August 4, 2023, Oregon passed a Drought and Water Investigate package (HB 2010) which invests $100 million into water conservation and resources. This is one step in ensuring that our farms, families, and Orgeon’s wildlife have clean and reliable water sources.
As stated by Senator Michael Dembrow (D- Portland), “Water quality and availability is critical for every family and industry in Oregon. These bills will give our state and our communities the tools we need to ensure families and businesses across Oregon can thrive.”
The main purpose of this bill is to first, provide support for farmers across Oregon to enhance water management techniques. Second to “protect, enhance, and restore critical sources of drinking”. And finally to increase our current water-related data analysis in order to create a comprehensive water management plan. This bill will benefit farms and communities across Oregon, including right here in Jackson County. With the ongoing struggle to fight against the impending impact of climate change, this is a productive action to secure our future.
The two Democratic legislators that serve Jackson County are Oregon House Representative Pam Marsh and Oregon State Senator Jeff Golden.
It’s been a busy October for the Jackson County Democrats. We marched in the Southern Oregon Pride Parade in Ashland to stand with LGVTQ+ communities from across our region.
We’ve talked to voters and future voters at booths at both the Talent Harvest Festival and the Southern Oregon Pride Festival. Volunteers are always needed for fun events. Let us know if you can help us reach out to voters. Email chair@jcdemocrats.org.
Photo by Dasja Dolan.
The City of Ashland has openings on the Housing and Human Services Commission, the Wildfire Safety Commission, the Climate Policy Commission and more! More information on the City of Ashland Commission Vacancies.
The City of Medford has openings on the Commission on Access, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, the Housing Advisory Commission, the Planning Commission, the Police Advisory Committee and more! More information on the City of Medford Committee and Commission Vacancies!
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PO BOX 4474, Medford, OR 97501 | 541-858-1050 | jcdemocrats.org
Jackson County Democrats
PO BOX 4474
Medford, OR 97501
United States
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