We hope your summer has been going swimmingly. Much is happening across the nation as well as in our little community. Below are some of the highlights.

Yesterday, we heard some big news: We were thrilled to learn that Joe Biden selected Kamala Harris as his running mate. Now, let’s take the enthusiasm we all feel and turn it into action. One of the easiest ways to get involved is by phone banking with the Maryland Democratic Party. They make calls into swing states and you can participate from the comfort of your own home. Find out more here: https://www.mddems.org/action-center/volunteer/

Locally, we also have many events and opportunities on the horizon. Check them out:

#IAmStMarys, the group for Democratic Women of St. Mary's, is organizing a sign waving event this Saturday, August 15, from 11am-1pm. Please join if you can. We need as many Dems out there as possible. Let's show the county that we are here and we are proud! Men, women, children -- all are welcome!

DETAILS: 

• Meet in the parking lot behind the WaWa on the corner of 235/4 a little before 10:45. It may be necessary to park in the office building that sits beside the WaWa.
• Bring your own signs -- bought or homemade -- Democratic values, candidates, Biden, why you’re voting for who/what, etc.
• We will socially distance, wear masks, and wave signs.
• The contact person for this is Alexis Schaefer: [email protected].

If you cannot make it this Saturday, don't worry -- there will be many more opportunities to show your support for Biden and to advertise the importance of this election!

The Democratic Club will hold a meeting via Zoom on August 17 at 7pm. Follow this link to join: https://zoom.us/j/95001825921?pwd=Z3JCVWhKb01BeWdOcFRBRFdkY0o3dz09. We will brainstorm canvassing and fundraising ideas in small groups. You can find the agenda here. The minutes from the last meeting are here.

Julia Nichols is organizing buses to The New March On Washington on August 28: We have 3 buses (27 people each) reserved to go to the March from the Lexington Park/California area with a stop in Charlotte Hall. Buses leave Lexington Park at 7:30am.

To reserve your free seat, please go to https://www.groupcarpool.com/t/tp4agf this week! Masks will be required on the bus, which will only be filled to half capacity. To make a donation to help cover the costs of these buses and make them free to everyone, you may write a check to or Paypal/Venmo Julia. Email her for details: [email protected].

• Program for March: Gather at 7am; Pre-program 8-11am; Program 11am-1pm; March at 1pm; Conclude by 3pm.  Masks are required.
• We are planning to arrive by about 10am at the Lincoln Memorial and will depart DC at approximately 3pm.

SAVE THE DATE! The Democratic Central Committee will be holding its annual fundraiser, the Skipjack Gala, virtually this year. The event will be Sept. 19 at 6pm. More details, including our special guest speaker, will be out shortly.

The DCC is also still offering its popular window clings. Two options are available. Show your support for Biden (or desire to get Trump out of office) by putting one on your vehicle! The link to donate is here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/windowclings

Finally, the Democrats are supporting Heather Earhart’s campaign for St. Mary’s County Board of Education. Please spread the word and vote for her! You can learn more by following her Facebook page, Friends of Heather Marin Earhart. 

IMPORTANT VOTING INFORMATION

In the coming weeks every registered voter who hasn’t already applied for one will get an application for an absentee ballot in the mail. Governor Hogan, the Maryland Democratic Party, and the St. Mary’s Democrats are all encouraging you to seriously consider this safe option. You don’t have to wait for your application. You can request one online at this link: 

https://voterservices.elections.maryland.gov/OnlineVoterRegistration/InstructionsStep1. 

It is not too early to create your voting plan. Keep one thing in mind: If you request an absentee ballot and then decide to vote in person, you will get a provisional ballot so that the Board of Elections can make sure you are not voting twice. You are highly encouraged to make your plan and stick to it.

There are two main reasons why you should apply and to do so early:

1. We may have long voting lines like we saw in Wisconsin, Georgia, Kentucky, and other states, where people were standing in line for hours. In all likelihood, the number of polling locations will be limited.
2. The confluence of flu season with the second wave of COVID-19 will make the fall particularly dangerous for large gatherings. If you are an at-risk individual (i.e. over 50, immunocompromised, or have medical conditions that increase your risk), you are especially encouraged to submit your request for an absentee ballot.

When you get your ballot, do your homework about the candidates. Don’t wait until the last minute to decide who you want to support. The difference between Republicans and Democrats has never been wider. If you hear that people are getting their ballots but you have not, please contact the Board of Elections. They are committed to resolve any issues you may have.

Once you fill out your ballot, you need to be aware that there are 3 reasons why a ballot is rejected:

1. signature mismatch,
2. not properly dating your signature, and
3. having your ballot postdated after Election Day (Nov. 3).

Our Board of Elections has assured that they are not handwriting experts. So unless there is something obvious, just sign your ballot like you would a check and you will be fine. After signing, do not forget to date your signature. If you wait until near Election Day (within a week), ask the postal worker to hand stamp your postmark. 

Another option: There will be four drop-off boxes in St. Mary’s County:

1. Lexington Park Library,
2. Charlotte Hall Library,
3. Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department where early voting will take place, and
4. the old Leonardtown Library building that the Board of Elections will be moving into in mid-August.

It has still not been decided when the drop boxes will be in place but nominally about 15 days before the election. Ballots in the drop off boxes will be picked up 3 times a day and the boxes will be locked shut at 8pm on Nov. 3, when the polls close. Unfortunately, votes will not be counted until after Election Day.

One last thing the Board of Elections is asking: If you are young and healthy and have the time, please contact them to sign up to be a poll worker. Being able to staff precinct polling places is critically important.