SCOTUS Ruling, Biden Rally, Ghost Candidates & Book Ban

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Hello Democrats,

Monday’s Supreme Court ruling in Trump v. United States is deeply concerning and sets a dangerous precedent. Conservative justices, appointed in part by Donald Trump, have eliminated a crucial safeguard as Trump continues towards authoritarian rule. This ruling facilitates Trump's stated ambitions to rule as a dictator from "day one," dismantle constitutional protections, replace nonpartisan government officials with loyalists, and misuse governmental authority against both citizens and political opponents. While the stakes were already significant before this week's decision, they are are now even higher, posing a direct threat to American democracy.

Our nation needs leadership committed to defending democracy and the rule of law. The American people deserve a president who prioritizes their interests and upholds constitutional norms, rather than one who considers himself above legal constraints. Voters must reject Trump's bid for reelection and instead support Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in November. This year's election is a critical opportunity to prevent Trump's self-serving agenda from further eroding democratic principles.
President Biden Rallies in NC
WATCH & SHARE HERE ([link removed])
Last week, President Biden delivered a strong and forceful speech in North Carolina, energizing a fired-up crowd. He made it clear that this election boils down to a fundamental choice: Biden believes in honesty, decency, and treating people with respect, ensuring everyone has a fair shot and no one is left behind. In contrast, Donald Trump sees America as a failing nation driven by revenge and retribution.

Highlighting Trump's weaknesses, Biden acknowledged that while he may not debate as effectively as before, he's resilient and bounces back when knocked down. Biden articulated a vision for the future focused on safeguarding democracy, protecting fundamental freedoms, and ensuring equal opportunities for all. He underscored the dangers Trump poses to working families, democracy, and the nation's future.

Biden also called out Trump for his series of falsehoods during the recent debate:
* Trump lied about his mishandling of the pandemic, which led to business closures, school shutdowns, and economic hardship.
* He lied about his mistreatment of veterans, whom he derogatorily called 'suckers' and 'losers'.
* Trump also lied about his involvement in the January 6th insurrection.

The president pointed out that the rare instances when Trump spoke truthfully, he doubled down on his divisive policies:
* Trump refused to commit to respecting election results.
* He praised efforts to overturn Roe v. Wade.
* Trump defended tax cuts benefiting the ultra-wealthy.

In essence, Biden framed the election choice starkly: Trump threatens to undermine democracy, while Biden pledges to defend it with unwavering commitment.
Poll Watching


** What is a Poll Watcher? A poll watcher is an individual designated by a candidate, political party, or political committee to watch and observe the conduct of elections. We are searching for individuals to join our poll watching team.
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To learn more about joining this team, please contact the Democrats of Indian River office at 772-226-5267.
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Ghost Candidates

In Indian River County, 'ghost candidates' are robbing tens of thousands of voters of their choices by exploiting loopholes to avoid fees and signature requirements, ensuring their names never appear on ballots. Despite their low visibility after qualifying, their mere presence mandates closed primaries, disenfranchising a significant portion of the electorate.

For instance, Deborah Cooney and Keith Ridings are write-in candidates for Sheriff and the District 5 County Commission seat in Indian River County. This situation diverges from typical Florida elections, where all voters can participate in primaries if all candidates come from one party, regardless of their own party affiliation. However, a constitutional amendment in 1998, designed to promote open primaries under such circumstances, inadvertently created a major loophole when a single write-in candidate enters the race.

Approximately 58,104 Indian River County voters who aren't registered as Republicans will be unable to vote for their next Sheriff or District 5 commissioner. This exclusion affects nearly half of the county's 117,226 voters, denying them a meaningful voice in these pivotal elections.

View which candidates will be on the August Democratic Primary ballot HERE ([link removed]) .
Book Banning Book Banned

The Indian River County School Board recently sparked national attention by banning the book "Ban This Book."

Jennifer Pippin, president of the local Moms for Liberty chapter, led the effort to ban the book citing concerns over sexual content. However, "Ban This Book" itself contains no such content.

The children's novel tells the story of a fictional fourth grader who covertly creates a library of banned books after the school board removes numerous titles from shelves. The tale's rogue librarian is eventually caught and comes to realize the consequences of her actions.

Pippin objected to the book due to its references to other works that allegedly include sexual themes. Despite these books not being available in Indian River County schools, three out of five board members found these references problematic.

Kevin McDonald, recently appointed to the board by the Governor, argued that students can access these other books elsewhere once they become aware of them. McDonald and two of his colleagues also had additional concerns about "Ban This Book," viewing its storyline as potentially encouraging rebellion against school board authority.

The decision to remove "Ban This Book" from school libraries was supported by board members Gene Posca and Jacqueline Rosario, resulting in a narrow 3-2 vote in favor of the ban. Earlier, McDonald had advocated following the recommendations of a minority faction within the school advisory panel that opposed the book, contradicting the majority's stance to retain it.

Critics argue that banning a book merely because it challenges authority is akin to authoritarianism.

View which school board candidates will be on the August Democratic Primary ballot HERE ([link removed]) .
UPDATE: The Democratic Club of Indian River has postponed their Garden Party event. Stay tuned for updated date and time information.
Postcarding
Sign up below to write postcards to rally Democrats in Florida to vote on Nov 5. Postcards to Swing States will mail you free postcards, voter lists and instructions with three message options. You'll provide the postcard stamps and mail the postcards in October on the instructed date.
Sign Up HERE ([link removed])
Upcoming Events
College Dems, High School Dems, and FL Young Dems are hosting the Youth Summit in Orlando, Florida on July 12th and 13th as we come together to empower and engage the next generation of Democratic leaders.

This event will feature workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities designed to inspire and equip young Democrats with the tools and knowledge they need to drive meaningful change in their communities.

Date: July 12-13, 2024
Location: Grand Avenue Neighborhood Center, Orlando, FL
Agenda: Workshops, panel discussions, networking sessions, and keynote speeches

The event is primarily open to students with sponsorships available for candidates, elected officials, clubs, and caucuses to be in attendance. To secure one of those - click HERE ([link removed]) . It’s free for students and they can RSVP HERE ([link removed]) . If they need a travel stipend, they can apply HERE
([link removed]) .

Every Tuesday at 6pm-7:30pm, the Voter Registration Department at FDP will be hosting voter registration specific virtual phone banks on Zoom. Click here ([link removed]) to join the weekly phone banks on Tuesdays at 6pm-7pm ET.

Join Yes on 4 for weekly virtual phone banks. Call voters to invite them to take action and support Yes on 4 this election cycle. No experience is necessary. Training and support provided.
RSVP HERE ([link removed])
More Opportunities to Get Involved

As we gear up for the 2024 election year, we're on the lookout for a talented and dedicated Social Media Intern to help us spread our message, engage with voters, and amplify our impact online. This is a part-time, paid internship opportunity. To apply for the Social Media Intern position, please send your resume to .
ALERT: To ensure your participation in the upcoming elections, make sure your Vote-By-Mail ballot request is up to date by visiting [link removed] ([link removed]*F) to request your mail-in ballot today.
DEMOCRATS OF INDIAN RIVER
Volunteer with Democrats of Indian River HERE ([link removed])

Steering Meeting
Wednesday, July 17, 2024 5:00 p.m.
ZOOM Meeting

Democratic Executive Committee (DEC) Meeting
Monday, July 22, 2024 6:00 p.m.
Vero Beach Main Library Multi-Media Room

Voter Registration Team Meeting
This is the first step in participating in our monthly voter registration events.
Every Monday 11:30 a.m.
Democrats of Indian River Office

Editorial Team Meeting
Thursday, July 18 5:30 p.m.
Virtual ZOOM Meeting
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Board Meeting
Tuesday, July 9, 2024 6:00 p.m.
ZOOM
Democratic Club of Indian River Meeting
Wednesday, July 10, 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 Book Group Meeting
Friday, July 26, 2024 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Bjorkman Room at the Brackett Library on the IRSC Mueller Campus

We will discuss “The Teachers: A Year Inside America’s Most Vulnerable, Important Profession” by Alexandra Robbins
Questions? Email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
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GOVERNMENT MEETINGS
Monday, July 22, 2024 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
School District of Indian River County
School Board Business Meeting. Details here ([link removed]) .
Tuesday, August 20, 2024 9 a.m.
Indian River County
Board of County Commission Meeting. Details here ([link removed]) .
Watch livehere ([link removed]) .
Tuesday, July 23, 2024 9:30 a.m.
City of Vero Beach
Regular City Council Meeting. Details here ([link removed]) .
Thursday, June 27, 2024
Town of Indian River Shores
Regular Town Council Meeting. Details here ([link removed]) .
Thursday, July 11, 2024
City of Fellsmere
Regular City Council Meeting details here ([link removed]) .
Wednesday July 10, 2024
City of Sebastian
Regular City Council Meeting at City Hall. Details here ([link removed]) .
Thursday, September 16, 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
Copyright © *2023* *Democrats of Indian River All rights reserved.

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