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Thank YOU!!

Dear Santa Cruz Postcard Writers,

Thank you all so much for all your efforts. We have written almost 4,000 postcards since the beginning of 2024. WOW! Stay tuned for our up coming campaign starting in a few weeks. We will send out an email when postcards are available.

Have you Returned your Ballot Yet?

Don’t worry! There is still time. Here is a list of dropbox locations to drop off your ballot as well as vote in person locations. Make sure to do so before the polls close on Tuesday, March 5th at 8pm. Mail in ballots should be postmarked before then.

Resources:

Ballot Dropbox Locations: https://votescount.santacruzcountyca.gov/Home/Elections/March5,2024PresidentialPrimaryElection/BallotDropBoxes.aspx

In Person Voting or Ballot Drop off:

https://votescount.santacruzcountyca.gov/Home/Elections/March5,2024PresidentialPrimaryElection/VotingLocations.aspx

List of Santa Cruz County Campaigns:

https://votescount.santacruzcountyca.gov/Home/Elections/March5,2024PresidentialPrimaryElection/ContactCandidates.aspx Please note that if you don’t see a candidate you wanted to vote for on your ballot it may be determined by the party that you are registered with.

Sign up to Track Your Ballot:

https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/

Tailgate for Good on Election Day!

Democratic Engagement Shouldn't Always Be So Heavy! 
Let's Celebrate Civic Participation!

Join the North County Democratic Club on March 5th, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Let's combat the notion that politics always has to be doom and gloom by having a little election-day fun! Join us for some festive sign waving and tailgating in Felton and Scotts Valley. 

Yes, this is a little last minute, it will likely be raining, and it is a workday. But, we're all mountain people with raincoats, so I am hoping enough of us can find the time to pull this together! 
 

If you can participate in some civic tailgating (maybe you have some mad dance moves you'd like to share) on Tuesday, March 5th between noon and 3 p.m. please RSVP ASAP! And please help by inviting and bringing friends! Let's celebrate democracy! 

Photo by Jose Luis Magana for Moms Clean Air Force

Why Does the Central Valley Matter?
A Conversation with Jane Fonda and Dolores Huerta

Sign Up Here: CVM April 25, 5pm Fundraiser

Central Valley Matters was formed in 2021 after volunteer canvassers realized we needed to work year-round. Our first fundraiser in June 2021 raised $150,000.

Since then, twice a year, we seek donations to grow the grassroots groups working to increase civic engagement in Congressional District 22. This spring, we intend to reach and exceed our goal of raising over one million dollars, thanks to amazing supporters like you!  

Let’s step up again! As we watch our democracy on the edge of the precipice, we are acutely aware that success lies in the margin of effort. We have given, but we can and must give again. Can we dig a little deeper in 2024?  Forwarding this appeal to a friend amplifies the excellent work of our grassroots groups and the power of your contribution.

There is so much work to do to get the turnout required to win this race! The non-stop attack ads in CD 22 were so bad in 2022 that canvassers found many residents who didn’t even know the difference between a Democrat and a Republican. Many thought all politicians were bad so they didn’t want to spend time learning how, when, and where to vote. This form of voter suppression needs to be counteracted one conversation at a time. Our local groups can do this, thanks to your continued support. It's a long-term investment to empower the marginalized.

So what has CVM learned in the last three years?

1. To be light, nimble, and efficient. CVM has carefully vetted groups to ensure that our donations are well spent. They hire staff who organize and educate their communities for key races in Kings, Tulare, and Kern Counties.

2. To practice Trust-Based Philanthropy following the lead of the groups on the ground. The groups find new ways to help voters in the southern San Joaquin Valley understand how to connect voting to their health and well-being. Their work spreads from family to acquaintances to the community.

3. To grow and change with your amazing generosity. Due to redistricting, tax donation status, geography, turnout, and data analysis, we may switch beneficiaries so that we can achieve the BIGGEST IMPACT on local, state, and national races in California’s CD 22 in the Central Valley.  

4. To support our groups early. Spring funding helps in the fall, and fall funding helps in the winter/spring. Let’s continue growing the grassroots with guidance from the experts and trusted messengers who know their
   neighbors best.  

What can you do NOW?

1. Join Jane Fonda and Dolores Huerta at our next fundraiser: CVM April 25th Fundraiser

2. Donating to support CD 22, a key Congressional district, takes less than 5 minutes and is a strategic action to elect more representative leaders — Donate here.

3. How do you make the biggest impact? Do you have a required minimum distribution (RMD), an IRA, or DAF to draw from this year? Click here for instructions.