Local Candidate Training

DPVA's training director Emily Hamm is hitting the airwaves to bring local chairs and committee members professional training.

She holds VAN office hours every Monday from 6-7 p.m. Sign up here. Also, Emily will also be holding training sessions as follows:

June 8 - Growing your Committee Part 2 - Digital/Social Media Best Practices
Jine 22 - Post-Primary Session - Let's Get to Work

You can sign up for Emily Hamm's essential training using this link. 

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Parent Category: About HDC

Published: 28 May 2023

A Special Democrat and Friend

We want to remember someone very special to HDC who passed away on April 21: Betsy (Elizabeth Hein) Farley. She was an HDC member since moving to Ashland in 2013, serving as our long-time Beaverdam District Chair, and most recently, as HDC secretary. She also originated the HDC Leadership Award, which will be presented for the first time later this year.

In spite of her recent battle with cancer, Betsy donated $500 to the HDC's 2023 fundraiser, the New Moon Bash, even though she would not be able to attend. It was that kind of generosity and team spirit that marked Betsy's involvement with the Hanover Democratic Committee.

In addition to Betsy's work with the HDC, she was a volunteer with ACES (Ashland Christian Emergency Services) since November 2016. She was a member of St. Ann's Catholic Church in Ashland. And she volunteered for Meals on Wheels. For all we know, Betsy may have been involved with other local organizations.

But Betsy was modest; she was not one to discuss her charitable involvement. In fact, it is a safe bet that she would have shaken her head and laughed at this account, saying "it's way too much". In addition to her modesty, Betsy was understated. She told few friends of her illness and prognosis, and when she did tell them, she quickly added, "I've had a good life."

Betsy was predeceased by her husband (and award-winning horse-racing writer) Dan Farley and her brother Chuck Hein. She is survived by two daughters, Alison and Carrie Farley of Idaho, two sisters, Nancy and Mary, and a grandson Noah Grate. More information is in her obituary.

Condolences may be sent to Alicen and Carrie at 6643 S. Kira Way, Boise, ID 83709

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Parent Category: About HDC

Published: 04 May 2023

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP RACHEL WIN

by Ashley Hall, Campaign manager

The first time, we built. This time, we win. Rachel Levy is the official and ONLY Democratic candidate for the 59th District! April was a huge month for the Rachel Levy for Delegate campaign from our campaign kickoff to Train Day to numerous church visits to our meet and greet at Chickahominy Falls to Rachel speaking at the women's coffee. The list goes on and we are excited for May We can flip this, but we need your help.

1. Please donate at this link. We have mailers, billboards, signs, digital ads, literature and other ads in the pipeline, and we need to get it moving.

2. Please join Ashley on May 13. She will launch canvassers after the HDC meeting. Whether you can knock on 10 doors or 50, please email Ashley at info@rachelfordelegate.org with your name, how many houses you'd like to knock on, where you'd like paper or MiniVAN or whether you need a driver. You can expect to knock on doors in Ashland or Elmont, unless you email Ashley with a preference. And If you can't knock, but would like to phone bank, please put "phone banker" in your email!

3. Calling on Young Dems! We're having a Young Dems canvass launch at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 7 at Ashland Town Hall. Whether you're young, bringing a family member or friend or feel young, please join us!

4. Churches & Faith communities. We are scheduling Sunday church and other faith community visits for Rachel from now until the election. We've already done two Sundays in a row. If Rachel would be able to come to your church or faith community to visit for services, and either introduce herself publicly to the congregation or be introduced by the pastor or faith community leader to the congregation, please email Ashley at info@rachelfordelegate.org with the subject line: church/faith community visit.

5. We're going to introduce Rachel to voters, one living room at a time That's how this gets done. If you're willing to offer your living room to host an event for Rachel, please email Ashley at info@rachelfordelegate.org with the subject line: living room. If you're willing to provide food for such events, please email with the subject line: living room - food.

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Parent Category: About HDC

Published: 30 April 2023

New Moon Bash a SUCCESS

by Daniel McGraw, HDC chair

This year's fundraising event was one to mark down as an all-time favorite. John Suddarth and the New Moon Bash team did a fantastic job. The decor was amazing, the food was great, and of course, we still ran out of wine. Over $15,000 were raised and over 150 people were in attendance.

This bash had attendees from New Kent, Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Louisa, Hanover and Stafford. Thirty years ago, Gordon Silver had the vision of what a quality event should be... And, WOW! Senator Tim Kaine spoke to our hearts, and gave us hope that we really can make a difference, we can move forward. Pat Hunter-Jordan and John Suddarth gave inspiring speeches.

We are grateful for the heartfelt talks from Supervisor Faye Prichard and House candidate Rachel Levy. Many excellent candidates were in attendance. And, actually!!! That may have been Rachel's best speech ever! The evening concluded with everyone in attendance joining the Blue Harmony Choir in the signing of America the Beautiful! Thanks again to the Blue Moon Committee on a job well done. 

View the video of the concluding song.

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Parent Category: About HDC

Published: 29 April 2023

Call to Caucus for the Various Democratic Offices 2023

Candidate forms and expectations can be found on the website of the Virginia Department of Elections.

State Offices

Virginia Senate District 10

Virginia Senate District 26

Virginia House of Delegates District 59

Virginia House of Delegates District 60

Constitutional Offices Declarations

Hanover Sheriff

Soil and Water Conservation Board

Hanover Treasurer

Hanover Secretary of Finance

Hanover Clerk of Courts

Board of Supervisors

Beaverdam District

Chickahominy District

Cold Harbor District

Henry District

Mechanicsville District

Council Member - Town of Ashland

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Parent Category: About HDC

Published: 21 April 2023

SPECIAL SENATE ELECTION, TUESDAY MARCH 28

ONLY voters in the following 4 precincts are eligible to participate in this Special Election for Senate District 9:

101 Ashland - Ashland Town Hall, 121 Thompson St. in council chambers
105 Berkley - John M. Gandy Elementary Schoo,l 201 Archie Cannon Dr. in room A-1
210 Oak Hill - Patrick Henry High School, 12449 W Patrick Henry Rd. in foyer
704 Elmont Elementary School - 12007 Cedar Ln. TBD
Voter registration office will be open for early voting from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 18, 2023 
The last day of in-person early voting at voter registration office: Saturday, March 25, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.

Lamont Bagby is the Democratic candidate running to fill Jennifer McClellan's old Senate seat in SD-9. Visit hanovercounty.gov for more details.

Volunteer poll greeters are needed on Election Day and for early voting. All are welcome to volunteer! Please contact Rita Dowling at 913-710-6310 or hanoverchairs@gmail.com if you would like to volunteer.

NEW MOON BASH: SAVE THE DATE

The Hanover Dems will have our annual New Moon Bash on Friday, April 28 at the Glen Allen Cultural Arts Center. Our keynote speaker will be Senator Tim Kaine. More details to follow.  

Jen McClellan Goes to Washington

In a historic victory, the 4th Congressional District has voted to send State Senator Jennifer McClellan to represent it in U.S. Congress. Congresswoman-elect McClellan will be the first Black woman to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia. We are so proud of her.  More details on her election are here.

SEN. SASLAW ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

After 48 short years in the Virginia General Assembly, State Senator Dick Saslaw of Fairfax has announced that he does not plan to seek re-election. From DPVA Chairwoman Susan Swecker: "Senator Dick Saslaw has been a steadfast presence throughout my career in Virginia politics. He’s not only been a source of incredible strength, intellect, and integrity, but a deep well of wit, wisdom, and humor. I have the high honor of calling him a close friend and mentor, and I look forward to continuing the fight to preserve the legacy of his progress in the Virginia Senate."

SUPPORT ASHLEYS WORK

Our own director of outreach, Ashley Hall, co-hosted, wrote and produced a podcast that is in the works for a possible movie production. Check it out at https://www.squarepegpodcast.com/credits.

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Parent Category: About HDC

Published: 27 February 2023

alert: call to caucus THIS sunday, feb. 26

We will hold a special call to caucus to nominate a candidate for the Special Election in March to fill Senator McClellan's vacated State Senate seat. The information is at the link below:

Senate District 9 Call to Caucus

We will hold the special call to caucus this Sunday, February 26 from 9 a.m.to 6 p.m. Voters registered in the current 9th Senate District are able to vote at ALL locations. Residents who voted at Elmont, Oakhill (at Patrick Henry), Berkley (at Gandy), and Ashland (at the Town Hall) are able to vote in this special caucus.

The Hanover location is at the new Town Hall at 121 Thompson Street, Ashland VA 23005. Parking is available directly in front of the Town Hall and on the Thompson Street side of the Town Hall. Contact Daniel with questions.

Interested in Running for Office?

Please reach out to Daniel McGraw, chair of the Hanover Democratic Committee if you are interested in running for office. You may contact him on his cell at 804-647-9958 and by email at mcgraw742@gmail.com. We have many constitutional offices available, as well as the Board of Supervisors. In addition, we are looking for candidates for Senate 10, Senate 26, House 60, and House 59.

2023: A Big Election Year

The next general election is on Tuesday, Nov. 7, The Democratic Primary is on Tuesday, June 20 In 2023, voters in Hanover County will vote for 19 representatives at the state and local level. These positions directly impact our schools, roads, community services, and state government functions. The positions on the ballot are:

2 Members of the Virginia House of Delegates: 2-year term
2 Members of the Virginia Senate: 4-year term
Commonwealth's Attorney: 4-year term
Clerk of the Circuit Court: 8-year term
Sheriff: 4-year term
7 Board of Supervisors: 4-year term
2 Directors Hanover/Caroline Soil and Water Conservation District: 4-year term
3 Seats on the Ashland Town Council-: 4-year term

Monday, May 29
Primary Voter Registration Deadline
Register to vote or update your registration by 5 p.m. to be eligible to vote. Same-day registration is available for those that miss this deadline.

Friday, June 9
Deadline to Request Primary Vote by Mail
Request an absentee ballot to be mailed to you by 5 p.m.

Saturday, June 17
Last Day to Vote Early in Primary
Last day to vote at any of the available early voting locations.

Tuesday, June 20
Democratic Primary
Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Vote at your regular polling location.

Note: Not every elected office will have a primary election.

2023 General Election
Saturday, September 23
Early Voting Begins
Early voting begins at a minimum of one location, the Wickham Building where the registrar's office is located. No vote-by-mail ballots are mailed out on this date.

Note: In previous elections, early voting often opens on the Friday before.

Monday, October 16
Voter Registration Deadline
Register to vote or update your registration by 5 p.m. to be eligible to vote. Same-day registration is available for those that miss this deadline.

Friday, October 27
Deadline to Request to Vote by Mail
Request an absentee ballot to be mailed to you by 5 p.m.

Saturday, November 4
Last Day to Vote Early
Last day to vote at any of the available early voting locations.

Tuesday, November 7
General Election
Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Vote at your regular polling location.

All offices will be on the ballot.

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Parent Category: About HDC

Published: 27 January 2023

HELP ELECT DEMOCRATS

We need a District Chair for the Ashland District. We have reached out to several people, but have not received the response that we are looking for. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact Daniel McGraw, at 804-647-9958.

Dr. Rachel Levy is running for the 59th House of Delegates. The general election is on Tuesday, November 7. The earlier we donate to her campaign the greater reach those donations will go. Learn more here: https://rachelfordelegate.org/

Senator Jennifer McClellan is running in a special election to fill Rep. Donald McEachin’s seat in the 4th congressional district on Saturday, January 10. You can learn more about her campaign here: https://jennifermcclellan.com/

In House District 60. there is currently no official challenger for Scott Wyatt: https://www.vpap.org/offices/house-of-delegates-60/elections/

In Senate District 26, Ryan McDougle is facing Tommy Norment for the Republican nomination. Norment has already raised close to $1 million There is no official Democratic challenger in this race: https://www.vpap.org/offices/state-senate-26/elections/

In Senate District 10, there are four Republican challengers, and no official Democratic candidate: https://www.vpap.org/offices/state-senate-10/elections/

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Parent Category: About HDC

Published: 01 January 2023

NAACP FIGHTS THE GOOD FIGHT AND WINS

Earlier this year, Attorney General Miyares established an Election Integrity Unit, but did not explain the purpose for creating it or what the unit would do. Out of abundant concern that this new unit would in some way interfere with fair elections, Robert Barnette, president of the Virginia NAACP, held a press conference to express doubts about the integrity of the Election Integrity Unit.

After not receiving a response, the Virginia NAACP filed a FOIA request to obtain the communications that were the basis for establishing the unit. At that point, the AG's officee claimed that the FOIA request would cost $20,000. Robert Barnette called his bluff, paid for the request and received the documents. A full description of the NAACP's work is here and the future of the "paper tiger" unit is doubtful. Thus, it is with much joy and pride that we say, "Thank you" to over very own Hanoverian, Robert Barnette Jr., and all of the members of the local, state, and national NAACP. They are doing great work protecting our democratic values and norms.

Rachel Levy IS RUNNING FOR US

Our own Rachel Levy is already a candidate in the newly drawn 59th House of Delegates District which includes about 75% of Louisa County, the Town of Ashland and the western third of Hanover County, and several precincts in Henrico County. Volunteer opportunities will be available in early 2023. In the meantime, Rachel is trying to raise $50,000 by the 1st of January so she has a solid funding base to start with. Any amount helps. She has reached almost 30% of her goal so far, thanks to everyone who has contributed.

You can check out Rachel's website here: http://rachelfordelegate.org
You can donate here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/rachel-levy-for-delegate---59th-district
You can see Rachel's social media accounts here:
https://twitter.com/RachelAnneLevy
https://www.facebook.com/RachelforDelegate
https://www.instagram.com/rachelfordelegate/

MEMBERS AND PAST MEMBERS, PLEASE RE-UP

Just as a reminder, HDC members must rejoin every 2 years. The new year started in January and many members have yet to rejoin. So just as a reminder, previous members please rejoin and all people who are interested in joining, please join. You do not need to be a member in order to attend our meetings, but the membership dues pay to keep everything running. The dues are $30 and that covers us for 2 years. If you would like to rejoin/join online please visit this link and you can pay your dues with a credit card via Act Blue.

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Parent Category: About HDC

Published: 27 October 2022

Rachel Levy's Letter to Mechanicsville Local

Dear Editor,

In January 2022, I wrote to our school board members in Hanover (later published in these pages), and addressed the darkness and rancor in our public meetings and expressed concerns about the rise of lawless, misinformation-fueled, burn-it-all-down extremism. I noted the choice before them between embracing democracy and pluralism, and acquiescing to fascism. While some of the rancor and threats of violence have died down, harmful policy-making decisions, shunning of democratic norms and processes, and manifestations of rising fascism have not.

Several of our leaders have abdicated their responsibilities of leadership and thrown their lot in with the angry mob, whether out of appeasement, fear, opportunism or genuine belief, and are contributing to undermining and weakening the very public democratic institutions they are entrusted to maintain. This includes our current Congressional representatives, who to varying degrees supported a violent insurrectionist mob that ransacked our capitol and attacked police, elected representatives and their staff while seeking to undermine the peaceful democratic transfer of power from duly elected leader to elected leader.

Fortunately, we all have the opportunity now to come together and reject extremism. We may not have a choice (yet) in our school board members, and except for a special Beaverdam election, we don’t have Board of Supervisors or General Assembly elections until 2023. But this Nov. 8, or before if we vote early, we can vote against extremism and for common sense and public service-minded Congressional leadership.

Josh Throneburg is running for Congress in Western Hanover, in Virginia’s 5th Congressional District. Josh is an ordained minister and a small business owner who grew up in a conservative farming community in rural Illinois. He’s the son of a 4th grade teacher and a husband and a father of two. He can talk to anyone and wants to ensure access to affordable healthcare, that our children and grandchildren have clean air and water for generations to come, and that our rural areas are served by programs and services that will preserve rural areas while improving the lives of the residents therein.

Herb Jones is running to represent the rest of Hanover County, including the Town of Ashland, in Virginia’s 1st Congressional District. Herb has dedicated his life to public service. He is a 30-year veteran of the U.S. Army who earned a Bronze Star for his service and retired as a full colonel. He was born and raised in Roanoke, Virginia, but has served all over the world, including in Iraq and Afghanistan. He’s now a small business owner, and he’s a father and grandfather. He was elected three times to the New Kent Treasurer’s Office and his wife was the longtime principal of New Kent High School. He is now stepping up to serve our country in Congress in Washington, D.C., to protect the democracy at home that he worked so hard to protect overseas. These are two genuine, authentic, hard-working Americans.

Vote to reject extremism. Vote to preserve our institutions, our country, our planet and the future of our democracy. Vote for Josh Throneburg in the 5th and Herb Jones in the 1st.

Dr.Rachel Levy

Ashland

Vote, Vote, Vote

Early voting is available from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, and from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.on Saturday, Oct. 29 and Saturday, Nov.5 at the Wickham Building in the Hanover Government Administration Center at 7516 County Complex Road Hanover, 23069. Curbside voting and absentee ballot drop is also an option. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8. Please consider volunteering in every way possible. We need canvassers, poll greeters and more. Reach out to your district chair or to one of the campaign officers for Josh Throneburg (5th CD) and Herb Jones (1st CD).

CAMPAIGN UPDATES

There are about 10 days left until Election Day and the Herb Jones for Congress campaign needs all hands on deck for GOTV. We are looking for canvass launch captains and hosts in Hanover and volunteers to canvass and phone bank. If you can do any of the above, please email Lucy Hartman at Lucy@herbjonesforvirginia.com.

To watch the debate between Josh Throneburg and Bob Good - go here - full debate at the bottom
https://wset.com/news/local/town-hall-5th-district-candidates-representative-bob-good-republican-josh-throneburg-democrat-face-off-debate-hampden-sydney-college-virginia-october-26-2022

To help Josh Throneburg by phone banking, canvassing or lit dropping, please contact Ashley at ashley@joshforvirginia.com

Be a POLL SUPPORTER!

If you want to support Dems on Election Day and are not able to be a poll greeter, i.e., be at the Dems table greeting voters, perhaps you can be a poll supporter!

Have kids at home and want to show them the democratic process? Not available or able to be at the polls for an extended time? Just not your thing? Then please consider being a POLL SUPPORTER!

That is.... support Dems by coming by the Dems table and say "Hi". We'd love to see your smiling face. Get a sticker for your kids. You know how R's tents always are crowded with people? Well, let's show Hanover that Dems are around too! Come by the Dems table -- show R's that Dems are around, show Hanover that there are DEMS in Hanover County!

AND....If you can be a poll greeter....please do consider calling Rita Dowling at 913-710-6310 or ritadowling@att.net.

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Parent Category: About HDC

Published: 27 October 2022