Fellow Democrats,

We hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends, and enjoy December’s holidays with family and friends as well!

We’ve been closely following the local redistricting process. The last meeting of the Redistricting Board is tomorrow, December 7th at 5:30PM in the Commissioner’s Meeting Room in Leonardtown. ICYMI, the Board’s meeting last Tuesday, November 30th, was alarming. Read our statement here, and watch the meeting for yourself here. 

The Redistricting Board's meeting is open to members of the public who can attend and observe the proceedings. If you're available, plan to attend the meeting to show your support for comments made by the public urging a fairer map that keeps communities together.

The above map, if finalized by the Redistricting Board at their December 7th meeting will be presented to the Commissioners on December 14th. The Commissioners do not approve or deny the map, but it becomes official 60 days after it is presented to the Commissioners. Now is the time to offer any final thoughts, comments, or opinions on the local redistricting process. You can email [email protected] if you wish to offer your input.

Read on for more local developments involving St. Mary’s County Democrats!

Democratic Central Committee

We held an election kickoff on November 5th in Leonardtown. The enthusiasm we saw at the event was palpable, and we’re excited to have everyone who participated!

St. Mary’s Democrats participated in the Veteran’s Day Parade in Leonardtown on November 11th. We’d like to thank those who walked with us, including Delegate Brian Crosby, members of Wes Moore’s gubernatorial campaign, and our amazing local volunteers!

We were also happy to have Doug Gansler, candidate for Governor, walking with us!

Join us for our Holiday Party at Olde Town Pub on December 17th, from 4-6PM. Wear an ugly sweater, bring a food or hygiene item for local donation, and participate in raffles! We hope to see you there!! Find more information here.

With local redistricting finished soon, and the candidacy filing deadline of Tuesday, February 22nd, now is the time to consider running for office. Reach out to us at [email protected] for more information--we are here to help!

Have you joined our recurring donor program, Skipjack Circle? Perks received at each of the four levels are explained in the above photo. Your small dollar monthly donations--no matter the amount--help us grow our party and support Democratic candidates. ANY AMOUNT HELPS!

The Democratic Central Committee is currently looking to fill a vacancy. This is a great way to get involved with the local Democratic Party and have a direct hand in building for our success in next year’s election! Interested parties can read more information here. 

Upcoming Events:

• December 8th, Ashwani Jain will have his mobile office in the county. He will be at Chaptico Park (26600 Budds Creek Rd.) from 10-11AM, and at John G. Lancaster Park (21550 Willows Rd.) from 3-4PM. 
• December 15th: Next Meeting, at 6PM
• December 17th: Holiday Party at Olde Town Pub, 4-6PM

Democratic Club

• December 20 - vote in new Dem Club Officers
• December 17, 4-6 pm - join us for a happy hour gathering at the Olde Town Pub in Leonardtown in their outdoor area (with fire pits!)
• At our January meeting, we will welcome gubernatorial candidate John King.

You may now pay your dues online. Annual dues are $25 for an individual and $35 for a family. To join, renew, or make a donation to the club online please visit St. Mary’s Democratic Club Paypal [https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/stmarysdemclub] .

When paying, please include your email address and indicate whether you are a new or renewing member.

You can also mail a check to:

St. Mary’s County Democratic Club

PO BOX 631

Leonardtown, MD 20650

I Am St. Mary’s

Thank you to all of the women who spoke at the Redistricting public hearings, and represented us so well. These women spoke at least once and some even more than once: Dr. Janice Walthour, Elfreda Mathis, Rose Frederick, AnnMarie Abell, Kaitlin Fraer, Barbara Thompson, Jessica Jolly, Laura Hart, Alice Rogers, Erin Anhalt, Mary Ludwig, Miriam Klapka, Jessica Proctor, Dr. Ellen Kohl, Laura Carrington, Julie Randall, Liz Yoakley, Brenda Songy, Wrenn Heisler, Caroline King, Lilyanne Ohanesian, Sarah Neely Gravelle, Diana Little, Adrianne Dillahunt, and Diana Donahue. Thank you to all who showed up for support and as concerned citizens for democracy.

Special note: Also speaking was Barbara Thompson, Republican and former County Commissioner President and member of the 2011 Redistricting Board.

Delegate Brian Crosby

Please join Delegate Brian Crosby for a town hall on December 16th, at 7PM. RSVP and find out more information here.

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