Trump Campaign Ignores COVID-19; Endangers Own Supporters

To no one's surprise, several delegates and staff members at the Republican National Convention in Charlotte tested positive for COVID-19. NCDP Communications Director Austin Cook released the following statement: “Bringing hundreds of people together in our state during a pandemic was a slap to the face to the Charlotte community and all North Carolinians. This president has shown that even in the middle of a public health crisis, nothing is more important to him than a crowd -- even if it means risking lives."

President Donald Trump doubled down on the reckless pattern of putting his supporters at risk by packing about 1,500 of them on the South Lawn of the White House for his nomination acceptance speech Thursday night. The crowd stood shoulder to shoulder with few masks in sight for a 70-minute stream of lies and nonsense.

CNN News anchor Jake Tapper commented that the event had potential to be a "super spreader" event in which a few infected individuals could spread disease to hundreds. "Forget the Hatch Act violations, we’re getting into a matter of life and death here,” Tapper said. “It’s really alarming. And I have to say that the idea of this happening while this pandemic is going on, and the president and the White House are trying to convince us that it isn’t, is just otherworldly.”

Announcing September RiseUP Rally

A committee of volunteers is planning an exciting Zoom RiseUP Rally on September 26th to celebrate our party, our donors and our great volunteers.

We are planning for musical performances, comedians, awards, on-line auction and a few fun surprises.

More details to follow. Save the date and get ready to RiseUP and party for the party.

Veteran Teacher Seeks Seat on School Board

Chris Meek, a teacher for more than 20 years, is running for the New Hanover County Board of Education. Chris has taught at at Williston and Charles P. Murray middle schools and Northside High School. He holds a bachelor and master's degree from Stony Brook University and an Advanced Certificate in Leadership in Education Administration from Capella University.

Chris believes well educated students will help the community thrive, and feels some current board members have been inept. "Just as North Carolina has fallen from being the beacon of educational excellence in the Southeast, the recent revelations have led to New Hanover County Schools to fall with it," he said.

Democracy Heroes Needed to Staff Polling Places; Teens Eligible to Serve

(From the North Carolina Board of Elections) North Carolina election officials are searching for democracy heroes to work at polling places and voting sites for the November 2020 general election. Young people who will be 17 by election day are eligible to be Student Election Assistants, and they will be paid for the time they spend working and training. It's an opportunity to provide a vital service to the community while getting valuable experience in the democratic process. Student Election Assistants must be citizens who are currently enrolled as a student in good standing in a public, private or home school, and they must be a resident in the county. Additional details and an online application may be found here.

Of course, the Board of Elections also needs adults. There is a worker shortage due in part to the reluctance of older workers to serve during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you're not at high risk and interested in becoming an election worker in 2020, please contact the New Hanover County Board of Elections to apply.

Election officials operate the polls during early voting and on Election Day. Their tasks include setting up voting equipment, checking in voters, processing ballots, assisting voters with special needs, and closing down/securing the voting site at the end of the day. To qualify to work as an election official, the applicant must be a registered voter who resides in the county.

Blue Ballots Now Available

We just received 20,000 blue ballot door hangers! Several precincts said they planned to start doing literature drops, so these arrived on Friday. By purchasing in quantity we were able to drive the price down to about $40 per thousand. To contribute to the purchase of Blue Ballots, please click here.

You can click on the image to the left to see a larger PDF version, which you can print in landscape mode. You can also click it on your iPhone and save the Blue Ballot PDF to photos for later reference, and to share with others by text or email.

NHCDP Office Now Staffed On Monday, Wednesday and Saturday

The New Hanover County Democratic Party office at 5401 New Centre Drive, Wilmington will now be staffed on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from noon to 2:00 p.m. We will use the office primarily for pick up and drop off of yard signs, blue ballots and similar items. We do not anticipate scheduling meetings there at this time. Our office phone number is (910) 805-5703.

Democrat campaigns and volunteers really need this this service but we need to make it safe for volunteers and visitors. Please wear masks and observe social distancing. One visitor at a time in the office.

EVENTS

Combined Campaign Virtual Phone Banks for Joe Biden Now Through November 3

When: Every day except Monday.

Where: Join Phone Bank and call from home

Team Joe supporters from Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover, and Pender counties are invited for a virtual phone bank to make phone calls to voters. Training will be provided.

Lit Drop for Leslie Cohen -- Now through October 15

When: Now through October 15

Where: Register here to participate.

Because of the pandemic, volunteers cannot safely canvass voters as in the past. Instead, the Leslie Cohen for New Hanover County Board of Commissioners campaign needs volunteers to help spread Leslie's message across New Hanover County by lit-dropping in neighborhoods. This can be done on the volunteer's schedule at any time of day, since the campaign isn't trying to reach voters face-to-face. Lit-dropping involves dropping off campaign literature at voters’ homes. Safety is the campaign's biggest priority. Volunteers probably won’t have to interact with anyone as they drop off literature, but they will wear a mask just in case and use gloves and/or carry hand sanitizer to use as needed.

Virtual Phone Banks for Adam Ericson -- Wednesdays through October 28

When: Wednesdays from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. through October 28

Where: Join Phone Bank here and call from home

Adam Ericson is running against Republican Ted Davis Jr. for the position of State Representative for District 20.

Virtual Phone Banks for Harper Peterson -- Thursdays through October 29

When: Thursdays from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. through October 28

Where: Join Phone Bank here and call from home

Harper's campaign for State Senate will be hosting a weekly phone bank every Thursday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. through October 28.

NC House District Legislative Forum -- September 1

When: Tuesday, September 1, 10:00 a.m.

Where: Virtual event. Register here.

Precinct H13 and NHCDP are hosting a Legislative Candidate forum on September 1st, and you are invited! Your MC will be Precinct Chair Steve Hamburger, hosting Harper Peterson and Adam Ericson.

Reception for NC Attorney General Josh Stein -- September 2

When: Wednesday, September 2, 6:00 p.m.

Where: Online

This event will take place by teleconference for supporters in the Wilmington area at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, September 2nd. To attend or to contribute, click here.

The 2020 Election Begins Today -- September 4

When: Friday, September 4

Where: Your Mailbox

We estimate that 20,000 vote by mail ballots will be sent to New Hanover residents on September 4th. They will be mailed to everyone who previously filed an application for an absentee ballot. Here's what you must do to make your absentee ballot count: Read and follow the instructions carefully and make your do these three things: (1) sign it, (2) make sure your witness signs and fills our their information, and (3) return it promptly with postage of 55 cents.

Legislative Candidate Facebook Live Forum Hosted by NAACP -- September 8

When: Tuesday, September 8, 6:00 p.m.

Where: Facebook live link here

The New Hanover County NAACP along with the Wilmington Chapter of Links, Inc., National Pan-Hellenic Council-SE NC and the Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will host a Facebook live forum with legislative candidates. Any questions you wish to have asked please inbox the New Hanover County NAACP or email [email protected]

An Evening With the Artist, Leslie Cohen -- September 9

When: Wednesday, September 9, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Where: Zoom virtual event. Reservations link here.

This is an opportunity to spend an hour in the studio with New Hanover County Commission candidate Leslie Cohen as she works on a new painting. Leslie will do her best to explain her process as she works and answer your questions as she goes along. Plus, you will have the opportunity to own one of Leslie’s original oil paintings. There are two ways to get a painting: 1. By donating you will be entered into a drawing to win Two Calla Lillies (6”X12” framed oil on canvas, Retail value $600). 2. The supporter making the largest donation will receive Storm Over Old San Juan (24"X30" framed oil on canvas. Retail value $2,000). The drawing will be held on Facebook live on Wednesday, September 16th at noon. The highest donor will also be announced at that time.

Stories From Behind the Screen with Kyle Horton -- September 14

When: Monday, september 14, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Where: Zoom virtual event. For details and reservations click here.

Film and TV have been a big part of New Hanover County for many years. Join Kyle and several of our favorite actors for a virtual event, as they share their experiences and stories. Kyle is excited to have Nick Basta (Harriet) , Jane McNeill (The Walking Dead) and Tammy Arnold (Ozark) join her for a behind the scenes look at our film and TV industry. After you purchase your ticket, an email with the zoom link for the event will be shared with you. This event is a fundraiser for Dr. Kyle Horton for New Hanover County Commissioner.

Celia and Friends Fundraiser for Marcia Morgan -- September 24

When: Thursday, September 24, 6:45 p.m. sponsor reception, 7:00 p.m. main event.

Where: Register here.

In times like these, don't we all need a good laugh to keep from crying? Award-winning syndicated humor columnist and New York Times bestselling author Celia Rivenbark will join the Marcia Morgan Team for an evening filled with her trademark wit and humor, and she'll be joined by a few friends who have their own talents to share. This is a FREE virtual event but sponsorships are available at a number of levels. Proceeds support the candidacy of Maricia Morgan for NC House District 19.

RiseUP Rally -- September 26

When: Saturday, September 26, 6:00 p.m.

Where: Zoom

Hold the date for an exciting Zoom RiseUP Rally to celebrate our party, our donors and our great volunteers. More details to follow. Save the date and get ready to RiseUP and party for the party.

Vote Counting Begins -- September 29

When: Tuesday, September 29

Where: Online

The Board of Elections will begin counting the absentee ballots around September 29th. No results will be announced, but your ballot will be scanned, and you will able to confirm online that it has been received and accepted. If you are in this group, your vote will be announced on Election Day right after the polls close.

Supreme Court Town Hall Meeting for Congressional District 7 -- October 1

When: Thursday, October 1, 7:00 p.m.

Where: Zoom meeting. Reservation link here.

Supreme Court candidates Chief Justice Cheri Beasley, Justice Mark Davis, and Judge Lucy Inman will meet in a community town hall for Congressional District 7. Learn more about the candidates and the work of North Carolina’s Supreme Court.

Costume Party and Scavenger Hunt with Marcia Morgan -- October 15

When: Thursday, October 15, 7:00 p.m.

Where: Resigter here.

Come help Marcia Morgan celebrate the start of early voting and have a little fun before the presidential debate with a costume party & scavenger hunt with Team Marcia. There will be voting on and awarding prizes for the best costumes in a variety of categories, an at-home scavenger hunt, lessons on how to make a signature cocktail and much more! Sign up now for Marcia's last fundraiser for the 2020 election cycle and join the Team for what will be a fun and memorable evening. Tickets are $25 and sponsorships are available. Proceeds support the candidacy of Maricia Morgan for NC House District 19.

Best,

Richard Poole, Chair

News Content by James Cummings

If you have any announcements, comments, questions or concerns regarding this email series, please contact the Editor here.

Paid for by the New Hanover County Democratic Party

Mailing Address:

NHCDP

PO Box 3036

Wilmington, NC 28406

Office Address:

5041 New Centre Drive

Wilmington, NC 28403

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