⚖️ Judicial gerrymandering and Upcoming Paramount Decisions

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October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and in an upcoming U.S. Supreme Court case, the safety of domestic violence survivors is at stake. From Florida's First District Court of Appeal to a Judicial Circuit Assessment Committee and the U.S. Supreme Court, our rights and freedoms are being determined by a number of upcoming paramount decisions.
Court to Decide Congressional District Map
A pivotal battle for fair representation is underway in our very own backyard and the hearing begins at 9 a.m. on Halloween. The Florida First District Court of Appeal will decide on Governor DeSantis' controversial congressional districting map, one that eliminates a crucial Black-opportunity district in North Florida. In a rare move, all 13 judges, most of whom were appointed by Republicans, will weigh in on this critical issue.

This case is not just about district lines; it's about defending the principles of the Voting Rights Act and ensuring fair representation for all. While the governor claims the previous district was a racial gerrymander, voting-rights groups argue that the new map violates both the Voting Rights Act and Florida’s Fair Districts Amendment.

As Democrats, we stand for inclusivity, fairness, and equal representation. The outcome of this case will directly impact minority representation and our ability to ensure everyone's voice is heard in the upcoming 2024 elections.
Judicial Gerrymandering
Will Tallahassee Republicans gerrymander our courts? Local FL communities should have the power to elect officials who ensure public safety. However, an unexpected proposal by House Speaker Paul Renner to consolidate the state's judicial circuits has sparked concerns. Many suspect this move aims to gerrymander districts, limiting progressive prosecutors' chances.
Read Our Blog Post HERE ([link removed])
SCOTUS & Domestic Violence Survivors

Radical justices are breaking with judicial norms and ignoring decades of legal precedent to impose their own right-wing agenda on our country and take away our freedoms. The Supreme Court will hear U.S. v. Rahimi on November 7. SCOTUS will decide the constitutionality of a federal law prohibiting possession of firearms by people subject to domestic violence protection orders — in other words, if an abuser who has a protection order or restraining order against them can legally keep their guns. The stakes are high. If the Supreme Court overturns this law, it would likely increase domestic gun violence and put lives—especially the lives of women—at risk. The current law has been in effect for almost 30 years.
Learn About US v. Rahimi HERE ([link removed])
Couch Canvassing with the SwipeBlue App
If you are a texter or had fun using Spoke, you are going to LOVE SwipeBlue. Your network of friends is a powerful organizing force. This easy-to-use phone app helps you mobilize your own network to request their vote-by-mail ballots. Visit SwipeBlue.org ([link removed]) on your phone and download the app today. Partner code: FLMAIL
SwipeBlue User Guide ([link removed])
TAKE ACTION
Request your vote-by-mail ballot HERE ([link removed]) .

Sign the petition for the right to clean and healthy waters
HERE ([link removed]) .

Sign the petition to put abortion access on Florida's ballot HERE ([link removed]) . Then, ask others to sign the petition too. We have copies for you at our office.

Petitions can be dropped off or signed in person at our office located at 2345 14^th Ave. Suite 7, in Vero Beach.
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DEMOCRATS OF INDIAN RIVER
Volunteer with Democrats of Indian River HERE ([link removed])
Democratic Executive Committee

Steering Meeting
Wednesday November 15, 2023 5 p.m.
zoom meeting

DEC Meeting
Thursday November 30, 2023 6 p.m.
Vero Beach Library

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Democratic Club of Indian River Meeting
Thursday, November 16, 2023 6 p.m.
BigShots Golf 3456 US-1, Vero Beach, FL

Join our club or pay dues HERE ([link removed]) .
Members, join our Dem Club Facebook group HERE ([link removed]) .
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Join our club HERE ([link removed]) .
DWC Luncheon at Bent Pine
Saturday November 11, 2023 11:30 a.m.
6001 Clubhouse Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32967

The Speaker is Dr. David Moore, Ed.D
Superintendent Indian River County School District
Non member guests are invited to attend. The cost is $30, payable at the door by cash or check. Please RSVP by Wednesday November 8 to [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) and include your meal choice:

Sweet Tea Brined Fried Chicken Breast
Pan Seared Salmon Filet
Vegetarian Plate

No phone calls or texts, please.There also will be an optional Thanksgiving non perishable food collection for the Food Pantry.
DWC Book Group
Friday October 27, 2023 2 - 4 p.m.
Bjorkman Room at Brackett Library on IRSC Mueller Campus

We will discuss, “Justice, Justice Thou Shalt Pursue: A Life’s Work Fighting For
A More Perfect Union” By Ruth Bader Ginsberg & Amanda Tyler

Questions? Email [email protected]
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GOVERNMENT MEETINGS
Monday November 13, 2023 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
School District of Indian River County
School Board Business Meeting. Details here ([link removed]) .
Tuesday November 7, 2023 9 a.m.
Indian River County
Board of County Commission Meeting. Details here ([link removed]) .
Tuesday, November 14, 2023 9:30 a.m.
City of Vero Beach
Regular City Council Meeting. Details here ([link removed]) .
Thursday, November 16, 2023
Town of Indian River Shores
Regular Town Council Meeting.
Thursday November 2, 2023 7 p.m.
City of Fellsmere
Regular City Council Meeting details here ([link removed]) .
Wednesday November 8, 2023 6 p.m.
City of Sebastian
Regular City Council Meeting at City Hall. Details here ([link removed]) .
Wednesday November 1, 2023 9 a.m.
Town of Orchid
Regular Town Council Meeting. Details here ([link removed]) .

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Indian River Democrats Office Location
2345 14^th Ave. Suite 7
Vero Beach 32960

Office Hours
Monday to Thursday 10am-3pm

(772) 226-5267

[email protected]
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