ACDC News - Featured

Momentum Growing Among Arlington Democrats Joining March to the Polls on January 20, 2018 in Support of Democratic Values

Arlington, VA – January 15, 2018 — The Arlington County Democratic Committee (Arlington Democrats) announced last week its plans to commemorate the anniversary of the Women’s March in support of Democratic values. As part of the #WeekendofAction2018, this year’s march serves as a celebration for what we have accomplished in the past year, a reminder that the resistance is strong and growing stronger, and a call to action for the coming year.

We are Marching on the Polls this year, and momentum is growing as grass-roots organizations coordinate with Arlington Democrats. Marching in solidarity with Arlington Democrats are,

• Arlington Young Democrats,
• Our Revolution Arlington,
• Network NOVA,
• Together We Will NOVA,
• Indivisible Arlington,
• We of Action, and
• Blue Families.

See here for more information regarding the #WeekendofAction2018 events.

Read the full press release here.

ACDC DACA Alert

What can you do? Raise your voice, early and often 

SAVE DACA

Children, teenagers, and young adults in Virginia—known nationally as Dreamers—are facing deportation before, on, or shortly after March 5th if Congress and the President don’t act. Following bipartisan negotiations, Democratic Congressional leaders offered major concessions on other immigration issues, including funding for Trump’s Wall, in exchange for a path to citizenship for Dreamers. Your voice is needed to ensure that a compromise protecting Dreamers is enacted into law, now.

Dreamers are young people who were brought into the United States without documentation, by others, as small children. They have grown up here and know no other home. Like earlier immigrants, many have distinguished themselves, developing strong academic records and a committed work ethic. Over 80% are employed and, if they stay, would pay over $20 billion in taxes over the next decade.

Yet hardliners in the White House and on the Hill want to deport Dreamers. President Trump’s position is unclear. In the fall, he cancelled DACA renewals. Many Dreamers have since lost their status and hence their ability to work legally. (Following a temporary court order, renewals recently resumed, but the order is not expected to be in effect long.) And Trump has directed that the program end entirely on March 5 unless Congress acts. Yet Trump has suggested several times that he would sign a DACA compromise.

Without legislation, over 700,000 Dreamers, including many in Arlington, will face eventual deportation to a country where they have few ties. There are many stories about individual Dreamers, their accomplishments and hopes, and the dramatic uncertainties and dangers these young people now face through no fault of their own. Hearing these accounts, over 80% of Americans and a majority of Republicans want to allow Dreamers to become citizens.

The future of DACA has become entangled with the need to appropriate funding to keep the government open past Friday, January 19. Whatever the outcome of that issue, Democrats must stand together to protect Dreamers. Call your representatives and demand that they provide residency and a path to citizenship for all Dreamers, now.

Contact your Representatives

Proposed script: I strongly support U.S. residency and a path to citizenship for all Dreamers. Any other course would be cruel and un-American. Please fight for this legislation.

Sen. Mark Warner- DC: (202) 224-2023; Abingdon: 276-628-8158; Norfolk: 757-441-3079; Richmond: 804-775-2314; Roanoke: 540-857-2676; Vienna: 703-442-0670

Sen. Tim Kaine- DC: (202) 224-4024; Abingdon: (276) 525-4790; Danville: (434) 792-0976; Manassas: (703) 361-3192; Richmond: (804) 771-2221; Roanoke: (540) 682-5693; Virginia Beach: (757) 518-1674

Rep. Don Beyer- DC: (202) 225-4376; Alexandria: 703-658-5403

Also, call these Representatives, from purple districts in Virginia

Rep. Scott Taylor- DC: (202) 225-4215; Virginia Beach (757) 364-7650; Eastern Shore: (757) 646-7357; Yorktown: (757) 364-7650

Rep. Dave Brat- DC: (202) 225-2815; Glen Allen: (804) 747-4073; Spotsylvania: (504) 507-7216

Rep. Barbara Comstock- DC: (202) 225-5136; Loudoun County: (703) 404-6903; Winchester: (540) 773-3600

Read the full alert here.

ACDC Resolution of Support For Arlington County Immigrants, Immigrant Protection, and Dreamers

In December, the Arlington County Democratic Committee adopted a resolution asking Arlington’s congressional representatives to “strongly support the Dream Act and oppose President Trump’s various actions that play to fear about immigration….”

The resolution can be read in its entirety here.

ACDC Reorganizes with a Vision of Inclusiveness and Prosperity

Arlington, VA – January 11, 2018 — The Arlington County Democratic Committee is pleased to announce it reorganized yesterday evening and elected a new slate of officers to lead the party for the next two years. A standing-room only, joyful crowd attended the reorganization meeting to say goodbye to outgoing Chair Kip Malinosky and to elect new precinct captains and Steering Committee Members, including contested seats of Chair and Secretary. Malinosky, who has overseen a re-energizing of the Arlington Democrats, summed up the theme of the evening in his farewell speech: “We need to build engines of social change to move the country forward no matter which way the wind is blowing. The Arlington County Democratic Committee is one of those engines of change.”

To that end, the party selected Jill Caiazzo to succeed Malinosky as chair. Caiazzo gave a rousing entreaty, explaining that a vote for her today was a commitment to fight for tomorrow. “The Trump era represents a pivotal moment for the Democratic Party. With progressive policies under attack daily, we have much to fight against – but we also must demonstrate that we have a positive, solutions-oriented vision that is worth fighting for. The dynamic and talented members of the Arlington Democrats are ready to meet this challenge.”

Incoming Secretary Marc Beallor, who is heavily involved with local grassroots organizations, envisioned a future Democratic Party that would return to its progressive roots, cooperate with local grassroots organizations, and begin again “to speak to the real needs of our citizens — to make the Democratic Party the party of all people.”

Continue reading…

ACDC Joins the Women’s March on Washington 2018

Arlington, VA – January 8, 2018 — The Arlington County Democratic Committee (Arlington Democrats) is pleased to announce it is planning to March to commemorate the anniversary of the Women’s March and in support of Democratic values.

One year ago, the Arlington Democrats organized a group to attend the Women’s March.  In marching, the group found inspiration and energy to fuel the resistance.  Over the course of the last year, Democrats in Arlington and nationwide have harnessed that energy into electoral victories.  This anniversary March, as part of the #WeekendofAction2018, serves as a celebration for what we have accomplished in the past year, a reminder that the resistance is strong and growing stronger, and a call to action for the coming year.  We are Marching on the Polls this year!

Arlington Democrats are committed to unity and diversity, among our many Democratic values.  As such, the Arlington Democrats’ theme for this activity is “One of Many for a Commonsense Commonwealth.”

The following events are being planned by the Arlington Democrats, in cooperation with several progressive grassroots organizations:

Poster Making Party: Friday, January 19. 

• Join us for food, comradery, and poster making in preparation for the March!
• Time: 6 pm to 9 pm
• Place: Faith Lutheran Church
• Address: 3313 Arlington Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22201

March: Saturday, January 20. 

• We will meet at the Arlington entrance to the Memorial Bridge. We will march into DC at 10:00 am with our “One of Many” banner and participants’ posters and, once in DC, meet and rally with March Forward Virginia.
• Time: 10:00 am
• Place: Arlington entrance to the Memorial Bridge

Solidarity Brunch: Sunday, January 21. 

• Join us for an empowerment brunch, where we will discuss our plans for the exciting 2018 election!
• Time: 10:30am – 12:00pm
• Place: Ireland’s Four Courts
• Address: 2051 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22201

Events co-sponsored by Arlington Young Democrats, Our Revolution Arlington, Network NOVA, and Together We Will NOVA.

Read the press release here.

ACDC 2018 Officer Filing Forms & Reorganization Rules

At 7:15 pm on January 10, 2018, the Arlington County Democratic Committee (“ACDC”) will convene an Assembled Caucus to reorganize pursuant to Section V.A of its Bylaws. This caucus will be held at the NRECA building at 4301 Wilson Blvd. in Arlington, VA. The filing deadline is January 8, 2018 at 5:00 pm.

• ACDC 2018 Reorganization Rules
• ACDC 2018 Officer Filing Form
• ACDC 2018 Precinct Captain Form

ACDC Approves Rules for 2018 School Board Endorsement

On Wednesday, 12/06, Arlington Democrats approved the Rules for the 2018 School Board Endorsement of up to two candidates for Arlington County School Board in the November 6, 2018 election. An “unassembled caucus” will be held on Tuesday, May 15 (7 p.m. to 9 p.m.) at Drew Model School and Saturday, May 19 (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.) at Washington-Lee High School. In order to be eligible for endorsement by the participants in the unassembled Caucus, candidates for Arlington County School Board must file a letter of intent to seek the Democratic endorsement with the Chair of the Arlington County Democratic Committee, or his/her designated representative, after January 1, 2018, and before 7:00 p.m. on Monday, February 26, 2018 at 7:30pm.

Click here to read the Rules for the 2018 School Board Endorsement.

Click here to read the Press Release.

Press Release: Arlington County Elects Democrats by Voting in Record Numbers in Non-Presidential Election

Arlington, VA – November 7, 2017 — Arlington voted in record numbers today for Democratic leadership. At the state level, Arlington helped elect Ralph Northam, Justin Fairfax, and Mark Herring in a statewide sweep. Closer to home, Arlington Democrats elected Erik Gutshall for County Board and Monique O’Grady for School Board. Arlington’s House of Delegates members Mark Levine, Alfonso Lopez, Patrick Hope and Rip Sullivan were also all reelected.

The thousands of volunteer hours Arlington County Democratic Committee, the Virginia Democratic Party, and Arlington’s progressive grassroots organizations spent registering voters, knocking on doors, and making calls sends a strong message endorsing Democratic leadership. Arlingtonians voted in record numbers in person and via absentee voting, demonstrating that they have a clear idea of where Virginia should go – and it’s not the way of Donald Trump and current national policies.

Monique O’Grady said, “This has been a stellar night across Virginia! I am humbled to have earned the trust of Arlington voters and look forward to serving on the School Board and to working with the great leaders in Arlington and the Commonwealth that are sharing a victorious night. Together we can help all our students succeed in our diverse and inclusive community.”

Erik Gutshall, who won the seat being vacated by Jay Fisette, said, “Tonight, we rejoice in the knowledge that the true creed of our nation, ‘liberty and justice for all,’ has prevailed in Virginia as we commit ourselves to form a more perfect union where all Virginians have value and opportunity. I am proud to be a part of this historic ticket and I am focused on the future as we work to keep Arlington affordable, create an economy that works for all, and address the school capacity challenge without leaving any student behind.”

Continue reading…

Sample Ballots – November 7th

If you need help or have problems with voting, call 1-844-482-8683

The Arlington Democrats would like to help you answer two key questions about this election season:

1. Where do I vote?
2. What will my ballot look like?

 
Not sure (1) where you vote?  Click here to look up your polling location.

This handy lookup tool also tells you (under Ballot Information) your House of Delegates district.  If you live in Arlington, your options are House District 45, 47, 48, or 49.  With this information, you can answer (2): what will my ballot look like?

All Democrats should vote for our outstanding statewide candidates, Ralph Northam for Governor, Justin Fairfax for Lieutenant Governor, and Mark Herring for Attorney General. We also should all vote for our phenomenal County Board Candidate Erik Gutshall and School Board Endorsee Monique O’Grady.  In addition, you have the opportunity to re-elect Delegate Mark Levine (45), Patrick Hope (47), Rip Sullivan (48), or Alfonso Lopez (49).

Check out your ballot by selecting your House of Delegates district below:

• House District 45
• House District 47
• House District 48
• House District 49

I Will Vote

Here are a few more reasons to vote Democratic on Tuesday, November 7. We need your vote to #KeepVirginiaBlue. Please visit iwillvote.com/commit and facebook.com/arlingtondems. Check out the videos below, in English and in Spanish.