Abortion & Voter Suppression Bill Updates

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Hello Democrats. Last weekend, local Democrats were actively involved in local events to pay tribute to the inspiring legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. On Saturday, members of the Democrats of Indian River and the Democratic Club of Indian River came together at the MLK Jr. Scholarship banquet. Two days later, proud Indian River Democrats, alongside members of the Democratic Women's Club of Indian River County, united to participate in the MLK Jr. Parade in Gifford. It was a powerful display of unity, solidarity, and commitment to the values that Dr. King stood for.

Abortion Access ALERTS
Indian River County's State Representative, Erin Grall, has filed bill HB 561 which could have devastating consequences by opening the door to wrongful death lawsuits against abortion providers and even individuals assisting someone seeking an abortion.

Critics fear it could enable partners to exploit legal avenues, regardless of their initial agreement on the abortion decision. With abortion rights already under threat in Florida, this bill adds another layer of concern.

This isn't just a partisan issue; it's about safeguarding the rights and choices of individuals. As this bill looms over the legislative session, the need to protect reproductive rights becomes increasingly critical. The potential implications of this bill could severely impact access to abortion care in Florida.
Also, last week, Florida Republicans filed bill HB 1519 for what is basically all out abortion ban with no exceptions for rape or incest. This is cruelty for the sake of being cruel. Democrats will continue to work to ensure that any decision about having an abortion is made by the patient and their doctor, not politicians and the government.
Wednesday, February 7, 2024, the Florida Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on “The Amendment to Limit Government Interference with Abortion." Join Floridians Protecting Freedom for a statewide virtual Supreme Court Oral Arguments Watch Party. Floridians deserve to vote on this critical amendment! RSVP for this virtual event HERE ([link removed]) .
Join the Watch Party HERE ()
NEW Voter Suppression Bills
Florida Republicans are advocating for a significant overhaul of election laws, aiming to ELIMINATE vote-by-mail in Florida, with only minor exceptions.

Despite sounding appealing to some, hand-counting ballots is less accurate, more time-consuming, and more expensive than counting by voting machines. Yet, HB 359 was filed in the Florida House to allow ballots to be counted by hand and Republicans filed a bill in the Florida Senate that would eliminate universal voting by mail in Florida.

The fact is, studies show machine-counted ballots are more accurate than hand counts and any call for hand-counting ballots lacks an understanding of the practicalities involved in the process.

The freedom to vote is a bedrock principle of our nation but certain FL Republican politicians are attacking that right in order to gain and keep power. Democrats understand that our leaders should answer to all eligible citizens to ensure we have a government that matches the will of the people.

Learn more
HERE ([link removed]) and HERE ([link removed]) .
Voter Registration Opportunities
Volunteer HERE ([link removed])
Please complete this form ([link removed]) to let the Democratic Club of Indian River County know how you would like to participate in registering voters at the Fellsmere Frog Leg Festival.

Event Details: [link removed] ([link removed])
* Date: January 18th, 19th and 20th
* Location: 22 South Orange St, Fellsmere, FL 32948

What to Expect: We are not tabling at this event. Volunteers will be walking around the event registering voters.
Questions? Call our office at
Volunteer HERE ([link removed])
Please complete this form ([link removed]) to let the Democratic Club of Indian River County know how you would like to participate in registering voters at The Loop Outdoor Concerts.

Event Details: [link removed]
* Date: January 19th, 20th, 26th, 27th
* Location: 3250 Riverside Park Dr. Vero Beach, FL 32963

What to Expect: We are not tabling at this event. Volunteers will be walking around the event registering voters.
Questions? Call our office at

Volunteer HERE ([link removed])
Website Manager
We are in search of a website manager to help us keep our informative [link removed] website updated. Interested in learning more? Email us at [email protected].
TAKE ACTION
Did you know there is a proud Democrat running to unseat Indian River County's Congressman, Bill Posey? Meet Dan McDow ([link removed]) !

Congressional candidates are required to submit 5,500 petitions to qualify for the ballot. Be sure to stop by the Indian River Democrats headquarters at 2345 14th Ave. in Vero Beach to sign a petition and help get Democrat, Dan McDow ([link removed]) , on the ballot in 2024.

Petitions can be dropped off or signed in person at our office located at 2345 14^th Ave. Suite 7, in Vero Beach.
ALERT
Is your Vote-By-Mail ballot request up to date?

Signing up only takes a few minutes so be sure to take a moment to verify that your Vote-By-Mail registration has not been deleted!

Visit
[link removed] ([link removed]*F) to request your mail in ballot today.
[link removed] Facebook ([link removed])
[link removed] Instagram ([link removed])
[link removed] X ([link removed])
Help Your Contacts Vote-By-Mail With 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.

If you are a texter or had fun using Spoke, you are going to LOVE using SwipeBlue. Visit SwipeBlue.org ([link removed]) on your phone and download the app today. Partner code: FLMAIL
SwipeBlue User Guide ([link removed])
Save The Date
We are thrilled to invite you to save the date for the Blue Wave Bash, a standout event scheduled for Saturday, March 16th, beginning at 6 pm.

This unforgettable evening at Bent Pine Country Club will include a wine pairing dinner, silent auction and our distinguished speaker, David Jolly. As a Former Republican and Congressman turned MSNBC and CNN Political Analyst, Jolly brings a unique perspective offering valuable insights into the current political landscape.

Look out for your official invitation to be mailed soon. Your early confirmation is encouraged to secure your spot at the Blue Wave Bash! The ticket price is $250 per person.
DEMOCRATS OF INDIAN RIVER
Volunteer with Democrats of Indian River HERE ([link removed])

Steering Meeting
Thursday, February 8, 2024 5:00 p.m.
ZOOM Meeting

Democratic Executive Committee (DEC) Meeting
Thursday, January 25, 2024 6:00 p.m.
Vero Beach Main Library Multi-Media Room
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The Democratic Club of Indian River will be holding elections in March for its officers and directors. The chair of the nominating committee must also be appointed to help fill any openings.

The Club is especially important this presidential election year since its members compose a majority of our volunteers who register voters and get the vote out.

If you are interested in running for an officer or director position or to serve as nominating committee chair, please contact Claudia Martino at
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .
Board Meeting
Tuesday, February 13, 2024 6:00 p.m.
ZOOM
Democratic Club of Indian River Meeting
Wednesday, February 14, 2024 6:00 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 February 10, 2024 11:30 a.m.
6001 Clubhouse Drive, Vero Beach, FL 31967

The speaker is Matt Tanner, CEP of United Against Poverty.
The topic is "The Consequences of Income Inequality in America."

Save the date. More information to follow.
DWC Book Group Meeting
Friday January 26, 2024 2 - 4 p.m.
Bjorkman Room at Brackett Library on IRSC Mueller Campus

We will discuss, “Democracy in Chains:
The Deep History of the Radical Rights’s Stealth Plan for America”
By: Michelle Zauner (2021)

Questions? Email [email protected]
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GOVERNMENT MEETINGS
Monday, January 22, 2024 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
School District of Indian River County
School Board Business Meeting. Details here ([link removed]) .
Tuesday, January 23, 2024 9 a.m.
Indian River County
Board of County Commission Meeting. Details here ([link removed]) .
Tuesday, February 13, 2024 9:30 a.m.
City of Vero Beach
Regular City Council Meeting. Details here ([link removed]) .
Wednesday, January 24, 2024
Town of Indian River Shores
Regular Town Council Meeting. Details here ([link removed]) .
January 20, 2024
City of Fellsmere
Regular City Council Meeting details here ([link removed]) .
Wednesday January 24, 2024
City of Sebastian
Regular City Council Meeting at City Hall. Details here ([link removed]) .
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
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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