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Unionization efforts that began at a Starbucks in Buffalo, New York, in late 2021 are now spreading around the country. While Starbucks thinks of itself as progressive, its front-line retail workers earn well below a living wage. For example, Starbucks baristas in Virginia earn only $12 per hour. And those underpaid baristas are working hard. Starbucks’ comparable in-store sales jumped 21% in fiscal 2021. Meanwhile, Starbucks is highly profitable. Its earnings per share jumped from $0.79 per share in 2020 to $3.54 per share in 2021. Starbucks’ now-retired founding CEO reportedly has a net worth of over $4 billion. Stark wealth inequality is a major problem in the United States and one of the factors driving the increasing tensions in our society. As of 2019, the wealthiest 10% of Americans owned 77% of the nation’s assets, while the poorest 50% owned only 1%. A related problem is income inequality. A person in the top 10% of earners in the U.S. makes about 39 times as much as an average earner in the bottom 90%. Inequalities are greater for women and people of color. Rebuilding our nation’s unions is one way to address these extreme inequalities. In the period when unions were strong in the U.S., they helped reduce income inequality. The decline in union membership has been accompanied by a sharp increase in income inequality. Starbucks employees at various stores around the country, including some in Virginia, have now expressed their desire to join a union, Workers United – SEIU. In response, Starbucks has launched an aggressive campaign designed to thwart unionization, including a massive public relations campaign and the alleged firing of some union organizers. The ability to freely join a union is a fundamental human right and an essential feature of any democratic society. By bringing workers’ voices into the management conversation, unionization can benefit the corporation that employs union workers and their customers as well as the workers themselves. However Starbucks may describe itself, a corporation is not “progressive” if it tries to bar its workers from collective bargaining. To be true to its professed values, Starbucks must cease its anti-union campaign, pledge neutrality on unionization, and allow its workers to decide freely for themselves whether to organize. Thus far, Starbucks’ anti-union campaign has not been successful. But the struggle is just beginning. We can further the values of our community – justice, equity, and inclusion – by supporting the union cause.You can help the workers by going to a store that has filed for a union election and when you order, giving your name as  “Union yes.” The closest such store is at 7475 Huntsman Blvd. in Springfield. Please note that certain worker protections are in place for stores that have filed for union membership, and only use the pro-union name at those stores that have filed. You can also demand that Starbucks end its anti-union campaign by signing this petition.

Join fellow Arlington Democrats and learn more about how you can get involved in the local Democratic Party! We will be meeting in person at Innovation Elementary (2300 Key Blvd.). This meeting will also be livestreamed to the Arlington Democrats Youtube Channel View the Agenda

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 3, 2022 Contact: Izzie Taveras pr@arldemsold.local ARLINGTON, Va.—The Arlington County Democratic Committee voted to continue holding a process to identify a Democratic endorsee for the open School Board seat on the November 8, 2022 ballot. Following the Arlington Democrats’ monthly meeting at Drew Elementary School last night, voting members of the Committee cast electronic ballots through the voting platform ElectionBuddy. Final results were tallied once voting closed at 12:00 p.m. Thursday. Of the 139 ballots counted, 117 (84.2%) voted in favor of holding a school board endorsement in 2022 while 22 (15.8%) voted against. The announcement is available for public viewing through the Arlington Democrats’ YouTube page. As defined by Section 3(A)(1) of the Committee’s bylaws, eligible voting members included precinct captains, Committee officers, area chairs, members of the Democratic State Central Committee who reside in Arlington County, the immediate past Chair of the Committee, members of the Arlington Young Democrats, Democratic elected officials in Arlington County, and representatives from the party’s Outreach Caucuses. “This is an important issue for members of the Arlington community. Education is a top priority for us and we support great public schools that provide children with the education and curriculum they need to succeed in life,” Arlington Democrats Chair Steve Baker said. “Arlington Democrats will always be an ally and supporter in that effort and we want our process to be as open, inclusive and equitable as possible. We know it takes hard work to achieve real results but we’re ready and committed to that process.” In the lead up to Wednesday’s vote, the Committee conducted a rigorous internal review process as well as receiving community input. In addition to holding 4 listening sessions for community members to discuss the topic, 27 speakers were able to share their thoughts on the process at Wednesday night’s public meeting. After voting in favor of holding a 2022 school board endorsement process, Arlington Democrats will get to work immediately to establish the rules for that process, utilizing input received from both our internal review and members of the community. “Last night we heard genuine concerns regarding the equity of the endorsement process,” Arlington Democrats Deputy Chair Mike Hemminger said. “Systemic inequities are present in any structural system. It is vital that Arlington Democrats partner with all community members to break down barriers to access and include these voices and perspectives in each of our processes.” Virginia law prohibits local parties from nominating candidates for school board. Over the last several decades, Arlington Democrats have chosen to endorse school board candidates who support Democratic values by holding a party-run caucus to identify a Democratic endorsee for school board. The Arlington Democrats’ endorsement has been a valuable asset for candidates seeking a seat on the school board. All five current school board members earned the Democratic endorsement before winning their respective general elections. Last year’s endorsement process, which was conducted online between May 17 and May 23, drew over 6,200 participants. The U.S. House of Representatives, County Board, and School Board will all be on the ballot on Nov. 8, 2022. The term for the winning school board candidate commences on Jan. 1, 2023.

Please be sure to attend our 2 Feb 2022 Arlington Democrats general membership meeting this Wednesday, 7:00 p at Drew Elementary School (doors open at 6:30pm). The meeting will be broadcast live on YouTube. Here is the Agenda for the meeting approved by Steering. Welcome Vote to Approve Appointed Officers Precinct Ops and Area Chair New Members County Board Method of Nomination Candidate Announcements 8th CD Convention and DPVA Reorg School Board Endorsement Process Conversation Outreach Update Voter Support Beyond Arlington AYD Sign up when you get to the meeting If you wish to speak during the school board endorsement process conversation. Speakers will be limited to two minutes each. The total time allowed will be 60 minutes.

Pursuant to the authority provided by the DPVA, the 8th Congressional District Democratic Convention (8th CDDC) will convene by electronic means at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 5, 2022. Delegates and observers will be able to view the Convention on the Internet. The opening session will include addresses by distinguished guests, an explanation of the voting process by which Delegates will vote for 20 members from the 8th Congressional District to the Central Committee of the DPVA, and other business. Following the opening session, online voting for Central Committee members will occur between 2 p.m., Saturday, March 5, and 7 p.m., Sunday, March 6. View full details including forms to file as a delegate, observer, or central committee member Filing Deadlines for 8th District Convention 2022 Delegate (voter) or an Observer (non-voter) - February 25, 2022, 5:00 p.m. Election as an 8th CD Central Committee Member - February 25, 2022, 5:00 p.m. Filings must be received by the DPVA by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 25, 2022. Register here

Gone is the pragmatism and consensus-seeking Glenn Youngkin promised as a candidate. As Governor-elect, Youngkin has nominated as the next Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources extremist Andrew Wheeler, head of the Environmental Protection Agency under former President Trump and formerly a lobbyist for the coal industry. In 2019, Wheeler said that he does not believe climate change poses an existential threat. He should not be confirmed. At EPA, Wheeler compiled a lengthy record of anti-environmental actions, including curtailing regulations governing emissions from power plants and cars. Perhaps most seriously, he imposed restrictions on the types of data EPA could use to formulate future rules, banning the use of population studies in which the subjects provided private information in exchange for confidentiality. Population studies using confidential data have been the foundation of some of the most effective air and water regulations of the last several decades, and an inability to consider such data seriously impaired EPA’s ability to adopt any new regulations. The restrictions were eventually vacated by a federal court and have now been formally reversed by the Biden EPA. Representative Don Beyer (D-Va.) called Wheeler “an anti-environmental ideologue.” The Virginia chapter of the Sierra Club called the appointment “reckless” and urged that “Democrats . . . use their majority to prevent one of the most dangerous appointments in our state’s history.” Democrats have a narrow majority in the Virginia Senate, so if Democrats unite, Wheeler’s nomination can be blocked. You can help by contacting your state Senator and urging him or her to vote against confirmation of Andrew Wheeler. Tell them: I urge you to vote against confirmation of Andrew Wheeler as Secretary of Natural Resources. His appointment would be a disaster for the struggle to contain climate change and preserve a livable planet for our children. These three state Senators represent parts of Arlington County: Adam Ebbin (D) district30@senate.virginia.gov 571-384-8957 - 804-698-7530 (Legislative Office when in session) Barbara Favola (D) district31@senate.virginia.gov Janet Howell (D) district32@senate.virginia.gov 703-709-8283 - 804-698-7532 (Legislative Office when in session) Not sure who your state Senator is? Ask https://whosmy.virginiageneralassembly.gov/

Democrats Elect Steve Baker Chair, Mike Hemminger Deputy Chair, and A Diverse Slate of Party Leaders and Precinct Captains ARLINGTON, Va., Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022—Over 200 Arlington Democrats turned out to elect 11 party officers and nearly 100 precinct captains in the County Committee’s biennial reorganization meeting Wednesday night. Elected to two-year party leadership roles were Steve Baker (Chair), Mike Hemminger (Deputy Chair), Sarah Landford (Precinct Operations Chair), Paul Ruiz (Communications Chair), Kristin Hoffman (Secretary), Sangeeta Rao (Outreach and Visibility Chair), Jimmy Rogers (Sergeant-at-Arms), and Corey Barton (Parliamentarian). Arlington Democrats reelected Elizabeth Morgan (Finance Chair), Inta Malis (Treasurer), and Nancy Pilchen (Volunteer Coordinator). "Arlington Democrats elected a diverse group of leaders tonight with the experience, energy and commitment to keep Arlington a great place to live, work and call our home,” Incoming Chair Steve Baker said. “We are proud of our local elected officials who have made Arlington the great place that it is today.” Baker added, “That work isn’t over. We know our affordable housing supply is constantly under pressure. Our schools and open spaces are a priority for many Arlingtonians. Addressing the climate crisis is urgent and non-negotiable. And we have to build trust between our community and public safety officials to address the legacy of social and racial injustices in our country. We are proud of our community and I am excited to address these challenges as we elect Democrats up and down the ballot in 2022." Baker joined the committee in 2007. He was a Precinct Captain for nine years, County Board campaign manager twice, Joint Campaign Co-Chair, 8th District Committee member, Deputy Chair of Outreach for the State Party and founded our Beyond Arlington initiative. Every two years, the Democratic Party of Virginia requires local party committees, like the Arlington Democrats, to reorganize and elect new leadership. This year’s meeting was held at Arlington’s Lubber Run Community Center. Meeting proceedings took place outdoors due to public health safety concerns, with simulcast on screens inside the venue and with remote viewing available via YouTube Live. Attendees followed strict vaccination, masking, and social distancing protocols. Limited curbside voting was also made available to COVID-positive, contract-traced, immunocompromised, or mobility impaired individuals. “Our thanks go out to the Lubber Run Community Center staff for their help with this meeting. Planning a reorganization in normal times is a big task, but doing it with COVID and a snowstorm requires a lot of forethought and close coordination. They consistently met our space and technology needs with great customer service and professionalism,” Executive Director Howard Solodky said. All Democrats were welcome to participate in the meeting, however only those who registered by December 27 were eligible to vote. Consistent with the Arlington Democrats bylaws, Outgoing Chair Jill Caiazzo will continue to serve on the Steering Committee in an ex-officio leadership position as Immediate Past Chair. Three positions not filled will be appointed by the Chair with approval from the Steering Committee, including the Chairs of Voter Support, Press & Public Relations, and Inclusion & Equity. The next monthly meeting of the Arlington Democrats will be Wednesday, February 2, at Drew Elementary School. Elected Officers Steve Baker was elected Chair. The Chair is the chief executive and supervisory officer of the committee who shall oversee local committee efforts in furthering Party interests in Arlington, representing local Democrats in matters of Party and policy and helping to elect Democrats up and down the ballot.  Steve joined the committee in 2007, was a Precinct Captain for 9 years, County Board campaign manager twice, Joint Campaign Co-Chair, 8th District Committee member for 8 years and Deputy Chair of Outreach for the State Party for 5 years. Steve is committed to maintaining a big tent Party, expanding on our outreach efforts across all communities and making certain that everyone has a voice.  Steve’s love for hiking in Virginia’s great outdoor spaces is second only to his interest in knocking on doors and talking to voters. Mike Hemminger was elected Deputy Chair. Mike has a proven track record of hands-on experience and leadership.  Mike has served as Membership Director for the Arlington Young Democrats (AYD) and attended the Young Democrats of America National Convention in 2019 and 2021 as a Virginia Delegate. He currently serves as a national appointed officer for the Young Democrats of America, is in his second term as Virginia’s National Committee Representative and also served as AYD’s Party Representative for the last two years. In 2019, he was appointed to the Arlington Steering Committee as Membership Co-Chair. Mike has been a precinct captain in one of Arlington’s historically Black neighborhoods and went on to become Outreach Chair, leading one of the largest committees in Virginia.  Mike was a delegate to Virginia’s 2020 State Convention and sits on the 8th Congressional District Committee. Beyond politics, Mike is the Vice-President of the local NAACP and a Housing Commissioner for Arlington County. Sarah Lanford was elected Chair of Precinct Operations. In this role, Sarah will work with area chairs and precinct captains to coordinate precinct operations across Arlington's 54 precincts. Her party service includes experience as Co-Area Chair for Metro East and time as a precinct captain in Rosslyn and Park Lane precincts. She also spent a year as the Finance Assistant at the Texas Democratic Party during the 2016 cycle. Sarah is passionate about increasing healthcare access and affordability and advocates for improved cancer care in her day job. Originally from Houston, Sarah has been involved with Texas Bluebonnet Girls State, a program designed to teach young women the importance of exercising their civic responsibility, for 10 years. She holds a bachelor's degree in Government from the University of Texas at Austin and has been proud to call Arlington home for the past five years. Elizabeth Morgan was reelected Chair of Finance. She will organize the fundraIsing efforts of Arlington Democrats, including the annual Blue Victory Dinner and Roosevelt-Obama Society sustaining donor program. Liz has also supported the ArlDems communications team for several years as a Facebook and Twitter account administrator. She is a fundraising and communications professional who works to ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to pursue higher education, especially people of color or limited means. She lives near Tuckahoe Park with her husband and rescue dog. Paul Ruiz was elected Chair of Communications. He will coordinate the overall branding of the County Committee’s written and electronic communications. Previously, Paul was communications co-chair for the Arlington Democrats Joint Campaign Committee and, in 2020, was elected as a National Delegate representing Joe Biden at the Democratic National Convention. His party service includes experience as an organizer for Joe Biden’s presidential campaign, a precinct captain for Park Lane in Arlington, and as Secretary of the Hunter Mill Democratic Committee in Fairfax County.  Paul is passionate about transportation and equity issues and works on automated vehicle technology policy in his day job. He has a master's degree from the Biden School of Public Policy at the University of Delaware. Originally from Chicago, he lives in North Arlington with his partner Amanda. Nancy Pilchen was reelected Volunteer Coordinator. Her job is to make sure that you get to do something that makes you happy to volunteer your time and expertise for the Arlington Dems.  So don’t hesitate to contact her for assistance in finding your passion with the Dems. She’s always got some ideas. In addition to being the Volunteer Coordinator, she created the Rides to Vote program in 2008 and managed a (winning) school board campaign. When her now-adult children were in school, she served on a number of county-wide School Advisory Committees as well as PTA presidencies. Recently retired, Nancy was a Family Mediator for the DC Courts for 33 years.  She now enjoys traveling (or at least hopes to enjoy it again soon), e-biking  here and abroad, creating stained glass, and being with her family including her erstwhile companion, Rudy, the labradoodle. She wishes she knew how to knit but believes that ship has sailed. (Ditto with skydiving). Kristin Hoffman was elected Secretary. Her primary responsibilities include maintaining official records of committee actions and files, and keeping the ACDC member rosters up to date and accessible. Along with the Technology and Data Chair, Kristin intends to share more minutes and information about ACDC processes with the public.  She believes that we will inspire more participation from the community by informing them about what Democrats do to support democracy, people, and the planet. Kristin returned to ACDC in 2021, after several years in Tampa where she supported the Hillsborough County Democrats, organized rallies with Our Revolution, directed field operations for a school board candidate, and was an elected delegate to the Democratic National Convention. As a mother, veteran, and cancer survivor, Kristin appreciates that burnout is a real concern and she’s willing to serve again. Kristin appreciates justice and dark chocolate. Inta Malis was reelected Treasurer. Inta has held this position since 2011. Her duties include the handling of all funds, making disbursements, preparing budgets, and filing campaign finance reports. Active for many years in crafting local Arlington land use policy, she has led planning studies, chaired the Arlington County Planning Commission, and currently chairs Arlington’s Board of Zoning Appeals. She has also served on a variety of Arlington Public Schools committees and was PTA president of her daughter’s local elementary school. A longtime resident, Inta lives on the west end of Columbia Pike with her husband Derick and their two cats Milli and Banjo. Sangeeta Rao was elected Chair of Outreach and Visibility. Sangeeta has been a volunteer with the Arlington Democrats since 2012 as a canvasser in Woodlawn to Precinct Captain of Barcroft to Co-Chair of the AAPI Caucus. As Chair of Outreach & Visibility, she will oversee nine caucuses for underrepresented groups and create a sense of community by having events, reaching out to groups, and holding voter registration events. Sangeeta’s career spans marketing, sales, and event management.  She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from George Mason University and a Master of Science in Marketing from Johns Hopkins Carey Business School.  She and her family emigrated from Fiji to the United States when she was a toddler and has lived in Dallas, New York and currently resides in South Arlington.  In her free time, she is an avid traveler and concertgoer. Jimmy Rogers was elected Sergeant-At-Arms. In this role, he will maintain order and decorum at committee meetings and events, and plan, organize and direct special meetings, caucuses and conventions, and be responsible for counting and reporting votes. Jimmy is a Chief of Staff in the Virginia State Senate for the second time, and was a Deputy Regional Organizing Director, and the Deputy State Organizing Director on the VA18 and VA20 Democratic campaigns, respectively. Jimmy was also the Campaign Manager for several successful County Board candidates. He serves as an Arlington Democrats Precinct Captain in the Gunston precinct. Prior to that, he was the Shelter Director at two homeless shelters, and a Supervisor for a technology company in their Compliance department. Jimmy has lived in Arlington County for more than twenty years after growing up in Arlington and Falls Church City." Corey Barton was elected Parliamentarian. In this role, he will advise the Chair on questions of parliamentary law or procedure or on interpretation of Committee bylaws. Corey previously served as chair of the Committee’s inclusion and equity committee, as well as co-chair of the joint campaign. He also served as a National Delegate for then-candidate Joe Biden at the Democratic National Convention, as well as campaign manager for Sheriff Beth Arthur. He has also served as a precinct captain and Arlington Young Dems (AYD) recruitment director.  Corey is committed to expanding prevention, treatment, and recovery options to people with addiction and works daily towards ending the opioid overdose epidemic. Corey graduated from The George Washington University with an MPH in Health Policy. Corey is a proud Lumbee Native American from southeastern North Carolina and lives in South Arlington with his fiancé Geoff and his dog Paprika. ### The Arlington County Democratic Committee (Arlington Democrats) is the official county organization for the Democratic Party of Virginia. Arlington Democrats is open to anyone interested in advancing Democratic candidates, policy priorities and values in Arlington. Be a part of future efforts to keep Virginia Blue by volunteering with Arlington Democrats. Learn more at the Arlington Democrats website, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The Arlington Democrats will hold officer elections for the 2022-2024 term on January 5, 2022. Find out more about the reorganization. View the agenda | Event details

Join fellow Arlington Democrats and learn more about how you can get involved in the local Democratic Party! We will be meeting in person at Innovation Elementary (2300 Key Blvd.). This meeting will also be livestreamed to the Arlington Democrats Youtube Channel View the Agenda

Democrats Outperform State Average to Secure Key Victories ARLINGTON, Va., Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2021—Work by hundreds of Arlington County Democratic Committee (Arlington Democrats) volunteers contributed substantially to successful efforts to win critical races in Virginia on Election Day. Arlington re-elected several members of the House of Delegates, including Patrick Hope (District 47), Rip Sullivan (District 48), and Alfonso Lopez (District 49). Voters also elected Elizabeth Bennett-Parker to represent District 45, which includes parts of Arlington. Bennett-Parker currently serves as Alexandria’s vice mayor. At the county level, voters re-elected Democratic nominee Takis Karantonis to the Arlington County Board, and elected Mary Kadera, who was endorsed by Arlington Democrats, to the Arlington School Board. Kadera succeeds Monique O’Grady, the 2017 Democratic-endorsee who did not seek reelection this year. “Arlington Democrats are grateful for Monique’s leadership in our schools during an incredibly difficult time,” Caiazzo said. “Her grace and wisdom have contributed immeasurably to the success of Arlington’s nationally recognized school system.” “The tremendous outpouring of Democratic support in Arlington was inspiring and contributed to victories in several critical races. At the end of the day, we fell short statewide, but we’re confident that the Democratic leaders elected today will continue the fight for a brighter future in Virginia for everyone.” Arlington voters backed bond referenda to fund infrastructure improvements for needs ranging from public transit to parks and recreation. In August, Arlington Democrats passed a resolution supporting these bond measures. Arlington Democrats, Arlington Young Democrats, and Beyond Arlington Worked on Behalf of Democratic Candidates Across Commonwealth Hundreds of Arlington volunteers called, texted, and wrote to voters across Virginia. “It was a real team effort that made a difference in several critical races across the Commonwealth,” Caiazzo said. “Arlington Democrats will always be there for our neighbors, supporting candidates who embody Democratic leadership principles in all corners of Virginia.” The Beyond Arlington team, which seeks to make a difference in key races outside of Arlington, fielded volunteers in support of five targeted House of Delegate candidates, including the successful reelection campaigns of Wendy Gooditis and Dan Helmer. In addition, the Arlington Democrats’ Blue Families program, which seeks to make political engagement accessible to parents and youngsters, wrote 54,000 postcards to voters and knocked on more than 1,000 doors in Virginia swing districts. Arlington Young Democrats logged more knocked doors and phone calls than any other Young Democrats chapter in the Commonwealth, totaling 3,779 voter contacts this election cycle. “This was a hard-fought slate of elections across the Commonwealth,” Arlington Young Democrats President Matt Royer said. “We supported Democratic leaders with the experience and empathy to tackle the complex problems and challenges the country faces. We stand ready to provide whatever they need to foster a secure, sustainable and equitable future for all Virginians.” House of Delegates Member-Elect Elizabeth Bennett-Parker (District 45) Bennett-Parker defeated former CIA branch chief-turned intelligence consultant J.D. Maddox. “I’m honored to be the Delegate-elect for the 45th district,” Bennett-Parker said. “Thank you to every voter who put their faith in me. I got into this race to continue delivering for our community. I will always strive to ensure that our Commonwealth is an equitable and inclusive place for all.“ House of Delegates Member Richard “Rip” Sullivan (District 48) Sullivan was re-elected by defeating Republican Edward Monroe. “Thank you to the people of the 48th District for your votes and your confidence in me,” Sullivan said. “I will continue to work with every fiber of my being to ensure our values are reflected in the policies made in Richmond over the next two years.” House of Delegates Member Patrick Hope (District 47) Hope defeated GOP challenger Laura Hall. “I am thankful to the voters of the 47th district for entrusting me with another term to serve as Delegate,” said Hope. “While I congratulate Governor-elect Youngkin on his victory, I remain committed to protecting the rights of every Virginian and build on the progress we have secured over the last two years. I look forward to working with my Republican colleagues to invest in education, end gun violence, invest in mental health and move our Commonwealth forward. I stand with my Democratic colleagues to steadfastly protect our progress.” House of Delegates Member Alfonso Lopez (District 49) Lopez defeated Republican opponent Timothy Kilcullen. “Thank you to the people of the 49th District for the opportunity to continue serving our amazing community in the Virginia House of Delegates,” Lopez said. “I’m deeply honored that you have chosen to send me back to Richmond to represent our values and priorities in the General Assembly. It’s incredibly humbling to be able to represent my friends and neighbors in Arlington and Fairfax. Thank you for your trust and support. Together, we will continue working to build a Commonwealth that lifts everyone up and leaves no one behind.” Arlington County Board Member Takis Karantonis Karantonis prevailed over independent candidates Audrey Clement, Michael Cantwell and Adam Theo. “I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity and the privilege to continue serving #ArlingtonVA as a Member of the County Board for the next 4 years,” Karantonis said on Twitter. “I am humbled by the confidence, encouragement and support I received from Arlingtonians across our entire County. Thank you! — Back to work now!” Arlington County School Board Member-Elect Mary Kadera Kadera was victorious over independent Major Mike Webb. "I am honored by the faith that voters have placed in me to serve you on the School Board,” she said. “I'm committed to strengthening our schools, supporting our staff and collaborating constructively and respectfully with APS families so all our students will thrive." Bond Issues The bond issues on the ballot were: Metro Capital Funding. A $38.7 million bond issue to finance Metro, road and pedestrian capital projects. Arlington County Parks and Recreation Capital Funding. A $6.8 million bond issue to underwrite capital improvements to local parks and recreational facilities. Arlington County Neighborhood Conservation and County Facilities, Infrastructure Capital Funding. A $17 million bond issue to finance capital projects that will improve neighborhood conservation, county facilities, the courthouse, and county infrastructure. Arlington School Capital Funding. A $52.7 million bond issue for capital projects to Arlington Public Schools. Strong Early Voting Trend in Arlington Sets New Turnout Record For Governor’s Race Leveraging voting reforms passed by the Democratic-led Virginia General Assembly last year, and responding to the Arlington Democrats’ call for early voting to minimize public health risks posed by the pandemic, more than 41,167 Arlington voters cast their ballots early. This was more than three times the number of Arlingtonians who voted under the previously more restrictive absentee in-person and by-mail system. Under that system, in 2017, only 12,480 voters cast ballots early, according to figures compiled by the Virginia Public Access Voting Project. Arlingtonians also voted early substantially more often than voters across northern Virginia, and the Commonwealth as a whole, VPAP numbers showed. “As they always do, the Arlington Registrar’s Office did a remarkable job running this election, particularly as the pandemic continued to pose challenges and the extreme Trump-GOP continued to make baseless attacks on our election processes,'' Caiazzo said. “Arlington Democrats is deeply appreciative to all election officials and volunteers for providing another safe and professional experience for voters across the county and the Commonwealth.” In Arlington County, 93,811 voters cast ballots as of Election Day, which constitutes nearly 61% of active voters (with additional early votes still being counted)—besting the prior turnout record for a governor’s race of 60.2% set in 1989. Of Arlington votes counted so far, 76.49% were cast for McAuliffe. In comparison, the 2017 gubernatorial race drew 85,382, or 59%, of all registered Arlington voters, with 79.91% voting Democratic.

Join fellow Arlington Democrats and learn more about how you can get involved in the local Democratic Party! We will be meeting in person at DREW Elementary) (3500 23rd St S). This meeting will also be livestreamed to the Arlington Democrats Youtube Channel View the Agenda | View the Video | View the Presentation

When it comes to engaging voters around Virginia to vote Democratic, the Arlington County Democrats have few peers. With three groups active downstate, Arlington Dems have been punching above their weight for years, organizing canvassing, phonebanking, and postcard writing to support Democratic candidates in swing districts. They're doing the same again in the crucial 2021 elections - and they need YOUR help !! Rose Fabia (3rd from right), Josh Kaplowitz (5th from right) and other volunteers supporting Briana Sewell (2nd from left) Rose Fabia, chair of Beyond Arlington, who has been organizing for Democrats since she was a high schooler in ruby-red Kansas, sees it all the time. “When I go to campaign in another part of the state and they find out I’m with Beyond Arlington, a campaign manager will say, `I know of, like, five campaigns that need your help!’ And I just have to say, `We will do what we can!’” Beyond Arlington, a committee of the Arlington County Democratic Committee (ArlDems) that was founded in November 2016 by Steve Baker, certainly accounts for the lion’s share of our renown in Virginia Democratic circles. However, Blue Families, another ArlDems group led by Josh Kaplowitz, and the Arlington Young Democrats (AYD), led by Matt Royer, have become some of Beyond Arlington’s most reliable and frequent collaborators. Beyond Arlington and Friends Josh says he was drawn to “getting outside of Arlington” after hearing Del. Rip Sullivan say that at least 17 of the Virginia House Delegate districts won by Hillary in 2016 were held by Republicans. “And I thought, `Now that’s how we can really resist Trump, by showing we can win those seats in VA!’” he said. Blue Families organized canvassing outside of Arlington to help elect Pennsylvania’s Conor Lamb to Congress and postcards for the Senate campaign of Alabama’s Doug Jones in 2017. In 2018, AYD joined Beyond Arlington and Blue Families to ensure that Elaine Luria, Abigail Spanberger and Jennifer Wexton ousted three Republican incumbents from the U.S. House Virginia delegation. Rose said the Spanberger win remains the one of which she is most proud. “Steve and I were down there working almost every single weekend. I could drive that route in my sleep!” she said. After hosting almost a dozen in-person postcard writing parties in 2018, in 2019, Blue Families initiated a system of pre-packaging its postcard-writing efforts. As the efficient pre-packaging setup made the projects even more successful, both for voter turnout and for recruiting volunteers, Blue Families plugged it into various grassroots coalitions and campaigns. The result? In 2020, ArlDems Blue Families delivered nearly a quarter-million (243,000 to be exact) postcards to voters in Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina, Michigan, and Texas. A Blue Families Postcard Party Says Josh, “I know that during the Trump era, it became common for blue regions to fan out to less Democratic states and counties, but just how many blue counties punch above their weight like Arlington does? If the same percentage of Democrats in the New York metro area, for example, would fan out to Pennsylvania in 2022, it would really help us take that Senate seat.” Meanwhile, says Matt, the Arlington Young Dems, which he joined in 2016, have been focused on flipping GOP-held seats “for as long as I can remember!” “Every year, Arlington AYD is tops for doors knocked” among other AYD chapters, he says. “I don’t see it as a competition, but an uplift, a question of `how can we help our fellow Dems’. Arlington just has a way of doing it. There are not a lot of places that go out as cohesively or smoothly as we do.” “I realized that we are younger, with fewer responsibilities, so we could travel out more to these districts and benefit from having such a tight-knit network with other VAYD groups, such as our council of VAYD presidents,” he said. “So, I said, `Let’s go wherever we can, so we targeted 5 Senate and 10 House seats.” In November 2019, the Democrats took control of the Virginia Statehouse. “When we flipped the House and Senate, it was like a huge weight off our chest, and gave us the momentum to say, `Yes, we will take back the White House,” said Matt. AYD in the Field for Larry Barnett Last year opened with enormous promise for Arlington Dems’ ability to turn elections in our favor. In fact, the trip Josh counts as Blue Families’ biggest success occurred on March 7-8, 2020, about a week before the pandemic shut everything down. “We put together a coalition of people from DMV to bring 40 people to the Research Triangle, and we registered 200 new voters,” he says. “It is kind of bittersweet because we could have registered 2,000,” had they been able to undertake trips throughout the year, he said. One lesson from the pandemic reinforced the extraordinary influence of canvassing on voters. Rose, Josh, and Matt agree with studies that have shown person-to-person contact to beat all other forms of contact, requiring the fewest “touches” before a voter will act. Rose, Josh. and Matt also all agreed that not being from the area being canvassed makes no difference. “I think it’s only a positive,” said Rose. “People I canvass say, 'Thank You’, and `There must be something about this candidate for you to drive two hours down here to work for them!’ And I always tell them that “VA is my district,” that whatever they do in the state legislature affects my life in Arlington.” The key is simply to be in tune with the audience. “You ask them, 'What is most important to you?’,” said Matt, and avoid trying to tell the voter what’s “important.” “The thing is to gear the conversation toward what the person wants to talk about,” he said, and to be ready to explain why voting for Democratic candidates will support their interests. Getting people comfortable with canvassing is important, says Matt. “With the Young Dems, we get people out of their shell first, then say, come out with us. We had people who had never done anything, now every weekend, they’re doing a couple of packets!” Meanwhile, the slowdown in downstate electioneering last year clearly did not affect the Arlington Democrats’ reputation as a powerhouse ally to winning races. Early on this year, the campaign manager for Paul Siker, who is challenging extreme Trumpista Dave LaRock for the 33rd VA delegate district, reached out to Arlington Dems for assistance. Says Rose, “We decided to go with the races in NoVa that we knew would be the tightest: Dan Helmer, Wendy Gooditis, Josh Cole, Paul Siker and Briana Sewell, to hold onto Hala Ayala’s seat.” With Beyond Arlington, Blue Families and the Arlington Young Dems all working for their election, their odds have all improved--especially if you come out and join them! Sign up with the group of your choice, watch this website for opportunities, and let’s all push our Democratic candidates over the line across the entire state to keep Virginia Blue.