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Dallas County Democratic Party
 Roundup Bulletin   
Democratic news from Dallas County
 and beyond.
Thursday, February 27, 2014   
Your Candidates Need Your Votes

Your Party Needs Your Help

URGENT: Yes, We Still Need Some MORE Election Judges and Clerks

This is very serious. As always, the last few places are the toughest to fill. Democratic voters in Dallas County still need several Election Judges and Clerks to help them make their choices on Primary Election Day, Tuesday, March 4. The Judges and Clerks are the people at the polls who take your ID, find you on the voter list, give you a ballot, and turn it all in so you can watch the results on the late news. The job is paid (though only eight dollars an hour, plus more for the judge for picking up the supplies and taking the ballots back at the end of the day), but the real payoff is helping us all decide the best candidates for this November election. You do not have to live in a voting precinct to work the polls there.

If you can help, please sign up on line at our Election Worker Registry at this page. Read more here. Call the party office at 214-821-8331 to RSVP or with any questions. Thank you on behalf of all our candidates and voters.

Volunteers For Election Day

If you can't be a judge or clerk, but can still help that day, go fill out the volunteer form at this page. Check the box that says "Election Day Volunteer/Runner".

Election Judge Supply Pickup

Election Judges will pick up their supplies for the Tuesday election on this Saturday, March 1, from 2 to 7 PM at various regional locations around the county. The locations are listed for the "Mother Precincts" (the main or only one voting at one polling place) as a pdf at this page. Judges are strongly encouraged to pick up these supplies on Saturday. Those which are not picked up will be taken to our party office, 4209 Parry, for pickup from 11 AM to 7 PM on Sunday March 2.

March 4 Voting Locations

To find out where your precinct will vote on Tuesday, March 4 (or to confirm where your assigned precinct will be voting if you are an Election Judge or Clerk), see the pdf posted at this page.


Training For Judges And Clerks

If you haven't done this before, the Secretary of State does want all election workers to be trained in the new Voter Photo ID law. (This can be done on line -- see the next item.) In addition to learning about that law, there is still regular Judge/Clerk training available tonight and on Saturday:

Thursday, February 27:
7 - 9 PM, Frank Crowley Courthouse Central Jury Room, 133 N. Riverfront Blvd. (formerly Industrial Blvd.), Dallas 75207

Saturday, March 1:
10 AM - Noon, George L. Allen Sr. Courts Bldg., Central Jury Room, 600 Commerce St., Dallas 75202
2 - 4 PM, George L. Allen Sr. Courts Bldg., Central Jury Room, 600 Commerce St., Dallas 75202
Student Training: 9 AM - 11:30 AM and 1 - 3:30 PM and 4 - 6:30 PM, Dallas County Health and Human Services Bldg., 6th floor conference room, 2377 N. Stemmons Frwy., Dallas 75207

Voter Photo ID Training On Line

If you missed
the required Secretary of State-mandated Voter ID training for all Texas Poll Workers led by Dallas County Elections Department, it's not too late.  All you need is a computer, access to the internet and a personal email address. 

 

Go to www.texaspollworkertraining.com and create an account.  Once you've established an account on the site, a login screen will appear.  Log in and choose "Democrat" on the next page.  The five training modules are on the left under "Poll Worker Training Online".  Select "Open" next to "Module 1: Introduction" and start the course.  Each module is followed by an eight-question, multiple-choice test.  After completing all five modules and tests you will receive a certificate of completion.  The Secretary of State office will report your completion of the training to the Dallas County Democratic Party office.  You must complete the training no later than Sunday, March 2, 2014, in order to be eligible to work in the polls on March 4. It's just that simple.

 

If you do not have access to a computer or the internet, please call us at the Dallas County Democratic Office, 214-821-8331, to schedule the online training at our office.  We're happy to assist you.  

 

Missing Voter Registration Card?

You may have heard news reports about the Irving Post Office firing an employee for returning mail intended for delivery, including hundreds of voter registration cards. 
If you registered, but did not receive your voter registration card, you can still vote. Here's how: 
  • Whether you live in Irving or elsewhere in Dallas County, you can vote even if you didn't receive your voter registration card. Anyone who didn't receive it, but thinks they should have, will need to complete an additional document as a statement of residence at their polling location. 
  • You may also call ahead to the Dallas County Elections Department (214-819-6389) and report that your card never arrived. 
  • At the polls, you must fill out the residence statement or an election judge can ask you to vote provisionally.  
Make your voice heard. Go vote!

Last 2 Days For Early Voting !!
7 AM - 7 PM through Fri. Feb. 28


A list of the times and places for Early Voting in this year's Democratic Primary is available as a pdf at this page.

This is our chance to help decide the future of our party. Don't wait until the rush on Tuesday, March 4. Vote early and all those campaigns will likely stop robo-calling you.

Your Democratic Primary Ballot

The actual sample ballot, showing four propositions Democrats will vote on this year, is a pdf at this page.

More Information On Candidates

For hilarious reading, see the wild answers of the statewide Republican candidates, trying to out-Tea-Party each other, on the League of Women Voters Guide, a pdf at this page

We have a list of all the Democratic candidates on the Dallas County ballot, with their websites, facebooks, or twitter links, and phone numbers and email addresses (when we have gotten them), posted at this page.

Notes at the top of that page detail the one filed candidate who withdrew, and four others that were disqualified or declared ineligible (for insufficient petition signatures or for residence).

Be Aware

As you can tell from her answers in the League Guide above (where she repeats her frequent call for impeaching President Obama), one of the five candidates for US Senator, Kesha Rogers, is a follower of convicted felon Lyndon LaRouche. None of the other candidates in our party seems connected to any totalitarian cult. UPDATE: Our Texas Democratic Party State Chair Gilbert Hinojosa just sent out this notice:

"Kesha Rogers is one of the candidates on the ballot for U.S. Senator in the Democratic primary -- but do not be fooled. Kesha Rogers is not a Democrat.

Ms. Rogers is part of the "LaRouche Movement," which has a history of violent rhetoric. The focus of her campaign is impeaching President Obama. Rogers has even paraded around Texas with a poster of the President with a Hitler mustache.

Rogers believes that the U.S. economy is secretly controlled by London financial institutions and she has advocated for colonizing Mars.  That's not what real Democrats stand for.

The Texas Democratic Party does not support the candidacy of Kesha Rogers or anyone that aligns themselves with the LaRouche Movement. Our State Democratic Executive Committee even issued a resolution against her campaign. Do not vote for Kesha Rogers in the primary. Rogers' candidacy is a insult to our Party, our President, our state, our Democratic values, and to all the work you are doing to move our state forward. Do not vote for Kesha Rogers.

All my best --Gilberto Hinojosa"

 

Precinct Chairs?

Precinct Chair filings are online at this page.

There are ten contests and the ballot order is shown.  When only one person filed for Precinct Chair they will win, but not be printed on the ballot. (There are no write-ins.) The terms of current Precinct Chairs run through June of 2014. Some incumbents who failed to get filed due to ice storms or whatever will likely be elected to another two year term at the June Executive Committee meeting.  

Republican opponents?

To see which of our candidates will face Republican opposition in November, see the listing for candidates of both parties at the Secretary of State's website at this page.

Choose Dallas County on the drop-down menu. The order is sometimes strange and unlike what will really be on our ballots, and it does not identify incumbents or list Libertarian or Green candidates, but it does show how few Republicans dared challenge our Democratic Judges in Dallas County.

Runoffs?

Yes, there may be runoffs. In Texas a candidate has to get a majority of the primary vote, or there will be a runoff between the top two vote-getters. This year that will be May 27. We could have several: statewide for US Senator and Agriculture Commissioner, countywide for Judgeships in Districts 265 and 301 (with five candidates), County Criminal Court 5, District Clerk (with six), and Dallas County Treasurer (with four), and in district races for State Board of Education 13, State Representative 105, Justice of the Peace Pct. 4 Pl. 1 and Pl. 2 (with four), Justice of the Peace Pct. 5 Pl. 1  (with five), and Constable Pct. 5 (with five). Just a few votes can make the difference in whether there is a runoff -- and who is in it. Your vote is very important in these contests.

Endorsements?

The Democratic Party does not endorse opposed candidates in the primary, but some Democratic clubs and organizations and officials do, as well as various other groups. Just for fun, Democratic State Committee member James White has compiled an unofficial list of those endorsements he's heard of, as a GoogleDoc at this page

Be aware: several groups don't endorse, or still haven't endorsed yet, or let James know about them, and very often candidates win despite having few or no endorsements. Voters make up their own minds, and rightly so.  Study the candidates and issues and use your own judgment.  Let's pick the best ones so that on March 5 -- or May 28 in runoffs -- we can all come together and work for the whole Democratic ticket this fall. 

Primary Day Voting?


If you can't make it to vote during Early Voting, then the polls will be open from 7 AM to 7 PM on Tuesday, March 4. On that day you will have to vote in the location for your own local precinct. A list of these is posted on the Election Department's website as a pdf at this page. Please note that many voting locations were consolidated, so please check your own precinct before going to vote. Thanks.

Precinct Conventions?

This year, there will not be Precinct Conventions on the evening of the March 4 primary. Instead, those who vote in this year's Democratic primary can attend their State Senate District Convention on Saturday, March 22, and hold precinct caucuses there. Information about those is posted on the party website and will be listed again in the Roundup before those Conventions.

March 4 Election Night Watch Parties?

We're posting them below in the Roundup, and on our DCDP website Calendar, as we're told of them. Send your details by email to BillHowellDCDP AT Yahoo.com. Thanks.

Are you prepared to vote?
 
The Texas Secretary of State requires voters to present one of several approved forms of photo ID. The list is at this page. This is the key information:

"A voter will be required to show one of the following forms of photo identification at the polling location before the voter will be permitted to cast a vote:
    Texas driver license issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
    Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS
    Texas personal identification card issued by DPS
    Texas concealed handgun license issued by DPS
    United States military identification card containing the person's photograph
    United States citizenship certificate containing the person's photograph
    United States passport

"With the exception of the U.S. citizenship certificate, the identification must be current or have expired no more than 60 days before being presented at the polling place."

Upcoming Events and Meetings
 
(For the latest updates on local events, and links to more info about these, check out the DallasDemocrats on Facebook and Twitter, and the DCDP website Calendar. To add an event or make a change or correction, contact the party office or email the editor: BillHowellDCDP AT Yahoo.com.)

Tuesday, February 18 through Friday, February 28:
 
EARLY VOTING FOR THE 2014 DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY (Hours and locations are posted as a pdf at this page. Sample ballot with propositions is a pdf at this page.)


Thursday, February 27:

Judge Sally Montgomery Fundraiser for Judge Sally Montgomery County Court at Law 3. Complimentary Food and Drinks. [NOTE: Judge Montgomery has no primary opponent, but a Republican is running against her this fall.] (5 - 7 PM, Social House, 2708 Routh St., Dallas)

North Dallas Texas Democratic Women Aimee Arrambide, NARAL Director of Public Affairs will be speaking about the basics about NARAL...what it is, how it got started, how long it has had a presence in Texas and what new difficulties they are facing with the (even more) restrictive legislation passed by the Legislature last year. (6:45 pm to 9:00 pm, Northaven United Methodist Church, 11211 Preston Rd, Dallas)


Saturday, March 1:

Dallas Chorizo and Menudo Community Breakfast Hosted by: Elba Garcia, LULAC-Chapter 102. Speakers: Steve Brown - candidate for Railroad Commissioner, Rob Canas - Judge, Dallas County Criminal Court 10, John McCall - candidate for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 5, Place 1, David Bradley - candidate for Dallas County Treasurer, Sharlene Belton-Gonzalez- Assistant Principal at Quintanilla Middle School -- about an upcoming community health fair and the importance of routine health pre-screenings, Juan Carlos Reynoso - Multi-Cultural Consultant, Carter Blood Care -- about Carter Blood Cares' Hispanic Initiative and saving lives through blood transfusions, Alfonso Solis Jr - Southwest Transplant Alliance, Organ Donation Speaker -- about the importance of organ donation and what the community can do to help. (9 - 11 AM, El Ranchito Restaurant, 610 W. Jefferson Blvd., Dallas, Texas 75208)
 
Park Cities Central Dallas Democrats
For our March 1, 2014 meeting, Dallas County District Attorney Craig Watkins is going to give a presentation on the Innocence Project. Coffee will be provided. (10:30 am to 12:00 pm, University Park Library, 8383 Preston Center Plaza, Suite 200, University Park, TX 75225) 

Dallas Democrats Meetup
Expected guest: Steve Brown, candidate for the Democratic nomination for Railroad Commissioner. Questions: Liz Wally, 214.821.2237. (4 - 5:30 PM, La Madeleine [near S.M.U.], 3072 Mockingbird Ln, Dallas)


Monday, March 3:

Dallas County Tejano Democrats (6:30 pm, La Calle Doce Oak Cliff, 415 W 12th St, Dallas, TX 75208)


Tuesday, March 4:

2014 DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY [Also Mardi Gras.] (7 AM - 7 PM, Local precinct polling places)

WATCH PARTIES: [Posted as we're told of them; email BillHowellDCDP AT yahoo.com]
Melissa J. Bellan for JP 5-1: Lakewood Landing, 5815 Live Oak at Skillman, Dallas 75214
David Bradley for Dallas County Treasurer: Lakewood Landing, 5815 Live Oak at Skillman, Dallas 75214
Susan Motley for HD105: Danal's Restaurant, 508 N. O'Connor Rd., Irving 75061, 7 - 8:30 PM
David Alameel for US Senate -- Lone Star Ballroom A1, Sheraton downtown Dallas, 400 N. Olive, Dallas, RSVP to 972-479-5800, 7 - 11 PM


Saturday, March 8:

Mexican American Democrats of Texas - Dallas CAUSA Chapter Guests are welcome but must RSVP by calling Sylvana Alonzo 972-900-0882. (11:00 am to 1:00 pm, Los Lupes Restaurant, 1400 N. Riverfront, Dallas, 75207)

International Women's Day Celebration
with Becky Moeller, President of Texas AFL-CIO. The Texas and Dallas AFL-CIO, Jobs with Justice, and the Women's Alliance for Leadership invite you. This event is free and open to everyone, but it requires registration at this page.  About the importance of women taking action, organizing, and leading to build a better Texas for all. Other speakers include community organizer Denechia Powell, drama professor Vanessa Mercado Taylor, and women's rights activist Sarah Slamen! A musical performance will be given by the wonderful women's vocal ensemble MosaicSong. We will be offering tables for organizations to inform about their work. Please reserve a table for only $30 by February 28th, 2014 by going to the link above.  If you have any questions, please contact Rosemarie Rieger (Jobs with Justice) at 214-632-5695 or jobswithjusticetexas AT gmail.com.  (1:30 pm to 4:30 pm, 1408 N. Washington Ave, Dallas)


Sunday, March 10:

Metrocrest Democrats Our speaker will be SMU Political Science Professor, Cal Jillson, speaking on "Purple Texas: Demographic Change and the Future of Partisan Competition in Texas." (6:15 pm to 8:00 pm, NewNew Buffet, 3822 Belt Line Rd, Addison 75001)


Thursday, March 13:

Fundraiser for George Clayton Candidate for State Representative Dist. 102. Appetizers and a cash bar. Please RSVP by going to www.clayton4HD102.org, or email to info AT clayton4HD102.org by March 10th. (5 - 7 pm, The Lombardo Room, Maggianno's Little Italy, Northpark Center, Dallas)


Saturday, March 22:

Democratic Party Senatorial District Conventions With Precinct Caucuses (In each State Senate district in Dallas County; Locations pending and will be posted and announced later)

Monday, May 19 through Friday, May 23:

Early Voting for the 2014 Democratic Primary Runoff (Hours and locations will be posted later at http://www.dallascountyvotes.org)


Tuesday, May 27:

 2014 DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY RUNOFF (7 AM - 7 PM, Local precinct polling places)


Friday, June 27 and Saturday, June 28:

Texas Democratic Party State Convention Dallas Convention Center. Sign up for more information at this page.


Tuesday, November 4:

GENERAL ELECTION FOR 2014. (7 AM - 7 PM, Local precinct polling places)

Contact:
Dallas County Democratic Party
4209 Parry Avenue, Dallas TX 75223
Phone: 214-821-8331     Fax: 214-821-0995
Website:  www.dallasdemocrats.org
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/DallasDemocrats
Twitter:  twitter.com/dallasdemocrats  
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