Read Rob Schofield's breakdown of 5 take a ways from Novembers election: The 2018 election is finally and mercifully over and, as was noted in this space yesterday, now is no time for progressives to rest on their laurels. Having taken some promising initial steps in the struggle to overcome Trumpism and build a better, fairer, freer and more sustainable nation and planet, now is the time for caring and thinking people to redouble their efforts and turn their electoral energy toward the cause of governance. Here in North Carolina, this will remain an enormous challenge. Despite important progressive victories in several races, the state legislature and congressional delegation both remain absurdly and illegally gerrymandered and highly unrepresentative of the state’s closely divided and increasingly urban and diverse voter population. Despite being headed for victory in the combined popular vote in congressional and legislative races (the Democrats only ran candidates in 12 of 13 U.S. House races), North Carolina Democrats remain mired in minority status. go to: http://www.ncpolicywatch.com/2018/11/07/now-what-five-initial-election-takeaways-for-north-carolinians/
written by Sarah Willets, published in Indyweek: “Consider the optics,” says Seawell. “A lot of places in the state this election have sheriff’s races and district attorneys’ races on the ballot, and if people who are detained in jail are not being provided access to voting and that’s a decision being made by the sheriff’s office, that’s problematic.” Seawell says the ACLU is trying to get a sense of what policies exist across the state, and where they don’t exist, to jumpstart a conversation. The organization is also planning to work with the state elections board to come up with statewide guidance. According to the Vera Institute, about fifteen thousand people were held pretrial in local jails across North Carolina in 2015—many of whom are in jail only because they could not afford to post bail to get out. Read more: https://indyweek.com/news/northcarolina/eligible-voters-in-n-c-jails/#.W-LyUCbze40.twitter
On the anniversary of the Women's March, we will gather again to rally for our mission. We will celebrate Women Leading the Resistance and uplift voices and stories of communities that are affected by the current administration and its oppressive policies. Join us in our efforts to empower our community and keep its activist spirit alive Gather: January 26th, 2019 • 10:00 AM There will be resistance music from 10-11AM We plan to march first, at 10am, and start the rally begins at 11:00 AM End: January 26th, 2019 • 1:00 PM Note: We are not stepping on Martin Luther King weekend activities. Monday, January 21 is MLK Day, and activities run the weekend before in many places. All claims that the Raleigh Women's March is Jan 20 are FAKE. Location: Hallifax Mall 6 W Jones St. Raleigh, NC 27601 Host Contact Info: womensmarchonraleigh@gmail.com
"Proceedings of the Second Annual Convention of the Equal Suffrage Association," a publication of the Equal Suffrage Association of North Carolina, illustrates in detail the goals and operation of the suffrage group. The text opens with a description of the organization's officer elections and proceeds to the "Report of the President," by Barbara Henderson (p. 4). Henderson notes "a very marked increase in the interest in the cause of suffrage throughout the State," interest which stems from "every part of the State, and from every age and class" (p. 4). She also notes successes from her tenure, including "two special editions of the leading State papers," the formation of a "Suffrage study Club" in Wilmington, the formation of leagues in Durham and Pine Bluff, a "Suffrage Booth at the State Fair" (which garnered "great publicity"), and "a speaking tour" by members and allies (p. 5). Mary Henderson, Chairman of the Legislative Committee, notes the successful passage of a bill to allow women to fill the post of Notary Public in North Carolina by the North Carolina State House Senate. The bill was declared unconstitutional by the North Carolina Supreme Court, a decision Henderson declares to be "in direct conflict with the great weight of authority in the United States" (p. 7).
In North Carolina women make up more than 54% of registered voters yet hold less than 25% of elected and appointed offices. Democratic Women of Wake County is working to change this through voter education, direct support of candidates and fundraising.
Together we encourage women to seek public office. Together we make a difference.