Copy

Knox County Democratic Committee

Monthly Newsletter

October 1, 2024 (No. 28)

In This Issue

  • Absentee and Early Voting for November Election

  • Voter Resources for November Ballot Questions

  • Election Volunteering Opportunities in Knox County

  • Lobster Bake Venue Search Committee

  • October 8, 2024 KCDC Monthly Meeting

  • Upcoming Events

  • 2024 Election: Important Dates

ABSENTEE AND EARLY VOTING

FOR NOVEMBER ELECTION


Make a plan to vote early this year. Maine makes it easy and convenient for you to cast your ballot ahead of the scheduled November 5 election date. Check out the Maine State Absentee Voter Guide


Here are the steps:

  • If you are not registered to vote, register now. You can register online on the Maine Secretary of State’s website

  • Request an absentee ballot. After your request is accepted, your Town Clerk will mail you an absentee ballot starting 30 days prior to the November 5 election. All completed ballots must be received by the Town Clerk by 8 PM on November 5. Many towns will have conveniently located secure drop boxes for you to return your completed ballot. 


An alternative is for you to visit your Town Office in person and obtain and complete your absentee ballot there. In person voting starts October 7.


If you need to register to vote, please know that here is no cut-off date for registering to vote in person at your town office or city hall. For the November 5, 2024 General and Referendum Election, voters can submit registration forms online, by mail or by third person by the end of the day on October 15, 2024.


If you’d like to take a guide into the voting booth, you’re welcome to print out the KCDC Voter Guide listing all the Democratic candidates appearing on Knox County ballots.

Above: winning design for the proposed new Maine state flag


VOTER RESOURCES

FOR NOVEMBER BALLOT QUESTIONS


The League of Women Voters Maine Voters Guide:  The print and online editions are expected to be available the second week of October. Consult the League’s website at that time. Currently, there are descriptions and brief pros and cons of each ballot question.


Maine Citizen’s Guide to the Referendum Election:  Prepared by the Maine Secretary of State’s Office in collaboration with the Office of the Attorney General, the Office of the Maine State Treasurer and Office of Fiscal and Program Review, the guide is an unbiased and nonpartisan review of the issues that voters will consider at the polls this November. It includes the referendum questions; the legislation each question represents; a summary of the intent and content of the legislation; an explanation of the significance of a “yes” or “no” vote; and an estimate of the fiscal impact of each referendum question on state revenues, appropriations and allocations.

ELECTION VOLUNTEERING

OPPORTUNITIES IN KNOX COUNTY


To win this election, we need folks to step up in any way they can!  Below are some upcoming opportunities to support our candidates up and down the ticket!


Write Letters to the Editor (LTE’s) for our candidates  

Local and state newspapers are beginning to fill with letters to the editor in support of Democrats on the ballot in Knox County.  You can help!  We’ll provide talking points, feedback on your letter, and info on where and when to send your letters. To sign up, email Mary Winchell at knoxdems@gmail.com with your name and the town you live in.


Sign Painting Party  

You don’t even need to be artistic for this one!  We’re looking for a few volunteers for a sign painting party at Headquarters, on Saturday, October 5, weather permitting.  Email knoxdems@gmail.com if this is something you can help with.


We have materials and some paint, but can use more red, white or blue paint, as well as the same colors in spray cans and a few ground cloths. If you have rollers or brushes those would be welcome, too.


Door Knocking/Literature Distribution

Canvass in Rockland, Thursday, October 3, 4 -7 PM 

Sign up


Canvass in Rockland, Saturday, October 5, various times

Sign up


Canvass in Rockland, Sunday, October 6, various times.

Sign up


Knock Doors for Senator Reny, Saturday, October 5, various other days

Sign up


Canvass for Senator Beebe-Center, Wednesdays, 3 - 6 PM

Sign up


Drive for Senator Reny, various times and days

Sign up

PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE WATCH PARTY
AT KCDC HQ


Excited local Democrats gathered together on Tuesday, September 10 at KCDC headquarters to watch VP Kamala Harris as she out-debated and humiliated the convicted felon and former President. KCDC’s headquarters on Camden Street in Rockland was large enough to accommodate the many attendees who also enjoyed food and drink that they donated.


We all cheered on Harris as she prosecuted the case against Trump, challenging him on his numerous lies and overall unfitness for office. Harris showcased her ability to connect with the American people, addressing them directly on the election’s key issues of freedom, healthcare, and climate change. Post debate polling showed she was the clear and overwhelming victor. 


Local Democrats so enjoyed the camaraderie of watching the debate together that we are hosting another watch party for the October 1 Vice Presidential Debate between Tim Walz and J.D. Vance.  See “Upcoming Events” below for full details!

LOBSTER BAKE VENUE SEARCH COMMITTEE


If you’ve attended or volunteered at KCDC’s Lobster Bake fundraiser, you know what a special event it is.  After eighteen bakes at the beautiful property of generous supporters, it’s time for us to look for a new venue. We’re assembling a search committee to find a Knox County location for our next Lobster Bake. This is a one and done volunteer opportunity for someone who knows the area well or has experience with events planning, and who would like to see the proud Lobster Bake tradition continue!  Please email Mary Winchell or Judy Gove. 

OCTOBER 8, 2024 MONTHLY MEETING

Photo: State Representative Grayson Lookner


KCDC will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at 6:00 PM in-person at KCDC Headquarters, 82 Camden Street, Rockland, ME.  


This month’s agenda includes (not necessarily in this order):

  • Guest Speaker: Rep. Grayson Lookner (District 113, Portland-part) will speak on Question 1 on the November Ballot, “An Act to Limit Contributions to Political Action Committees That Make Independent Expenditures.” Do you want to set a $5,000 limit for giving to political action committees that spend money independently to support or defeat candidates for office? For more context on Question 1, see the League of Women Voters explanation.

  • KCDC Business

  • Knox County Town Updates

  • Announcements


All Knox County Democrats and unenrolled progressives are welcome to attend KCDC meetings.  For our planning purposes, please pre-register at here. 

UPCOMING EVENTS


Tuesday, October 1, 8 - 11 PM

Vice Presidential Debate Watch Party

Join your Knox County Democratic friends and neighbors to cheer on our VP candidate  “Coach” Tim Walz takes on the “weird” J.D. Vance. The debate begins at 9 PM. Bring a snack to share. KCDC will provide beverages.  Signing up in advance helps with the planning.


Sunday, October 13, 4 - 7 PM

Informal conversation with Knox County Senator Pinny Beebe-Center (District 12) and Rep. Valli Geiger (Dist. 42), both running for reelection.  Attendees will also have an opportunity to meet Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, David Costello.  Light refreshments will be served.  Event will be held in Owls Head.  For full details, RSVP with Nancy Davis at 207-542-7788.


2024 ELECTION: IMPORTANT DATES


Now      

You can request an absentee ballot here.


October 6, 2024        

Printed ballots are sent to Town Clerks who start mailing them out shortly thereafter


October 7, 2024

In-person absentee voting available in most towns 


November 5, 2024

Election Day