"The Republican Party has got to get a grip on itself. The leaders. . . are terrified."

Board of Elections Tentatively Chooses New Voting Machines

The New Hanover County Board of Elections met on October 1 to choose new voting machines for the next decade. The Board considered systems from two manufacturers, Elections Systems and Software ("ESS") and Hart Intercivic.

The Board selected ESS systems, which has provided elections systems to the county for many years. Arguments advanced in favor of ESS included it's long history and extensive customer support, including responding to Election Day emergencies. The discussion included ESS' history of successfully coding the many different ballots necessary to support even-year elections.

The Board recommended pursuing the following ESS systems: 1) Ballot Tabulation machines, 2) Express Voting Machines dedicated to disabled voters, and 3) Ballot On Demand machines.

The Ballot Tabulation machines are familiar to voters as the machine into which they deposit their hand-marked ballots at the polling place. In addition the purchase will include a high-capacity version used by the Board of Elections to verify vote totals before they are certified to the State Board of Elections following Election Day.

Express Voting machines (pictured left) are designed to be used by voters with visual and other handicaps. The system uses touch-screen technology to produce a paper ballot for tabulation. The system handles the entire marking process, eliminating marginal marks and the need for interpretation of the voter’s mark. These machines were controversial because they produce a ballot printed on thermal paper, which does not resemble a traditional ballot. Also controversial is the fact that although the printed ballot lists voter selections in user-readable form, it also

includes a bar code. The vote tabulator reads the bar code, which is not readable by voters, which may undermine confidence in the voting system. The Board voted to pursue a purchase of 60 Express Voting machines.

The Ballot on Demand machines (pictured right) are arguably the largest advance in voting technology. The system uses commercially available printing components and ESS proprietary software to enable poll workers to print ballots. Producing ballots on demand will enable the Board of Elections to reduce the expense and wasted paper which inevitably result from use of preprinted paper ballots. It is expected to be particularly helpful at early voting sites, where elections staff has till now had to select the correct ballot for individual voters in New Hanover elections in which a dozen or more different ballots may be required.

All of the systems which the Board of Elections considered were previously certified by the State Board of Elections in a process which included close scrutiny of election integrity issues, including cyber security. Board of Elections staff will now conduct testing of the machines and the County Commission is expected to vote on the purchase in December.

County Commission Announces October 15th Public Hearing On RFP

NHRMS and the New Hanover County Commission announced a public hearing on the Request for Proposal to sell NHRMC on October 15th at 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the auditorium at Snipes Academy at 2150 Chestnut Street in Wilmington. The hearing was announced on less than two week's notice. You can read more about it here.

2020 NC House Districts and US Congressional Districts Still Undecided

On September 27th Common Cause challenged the districts enacted by the General Assembly on grounds that the districts were adopted for reasons of partisan advantage in a non-transparent manner. They are asking that the districts be redrawn by the Referee appointed by the Court. This will affect House Districts 17, 18, 19 and 20. Click here to read the discussion of New Hanover and Brunswick Districts (on pages 35-40). The matter is now before the three-judge panel that held the previous districts unconstitutional under the North Carolina Constitution. You can read more about the challenge here. The Common Cause brief did not challenge the new NC Senate districts, which are presumably now settled.

On September 27th Common Cause and the Democratic Party also filed a new lawsuit challenging partisan gerrymandering of North Carolina Congressional Districts. The case was filed in Wake County Superior Court and it closely follows the outline of the recent successful case challenging NC General Assembly districts. The case was referred to the same three-judge panel that heard the previous case. Time is of the essence in this challenge; the assignment of the case to the same three-judge panel should help to expedite the case. You can view the Complaint here.

Party to Appoint Resolution Development Committee

At its August meeting, the New Hanover County Democratic Party adopted a motion calling for resolution development to be handled by a new committee.The resolution development committee will be made up of three members who must each be serving currently as an officer of the county party, a precinct chair, or a precinct vice chair. If you need more information on the proposed new committee, please contact Dennis Dixon at [email protected] or 240-743-8065. Those seeking appointment to the committee should contact Chairman Richard Poole at [email protected]. The party plans to make appointments by October 21.

EVENTS

Residents of Old Wilmington Candidate Forum -- Today, October 7

When: Monday, October 7, 5:30 p.m.

Where: The home of Frank Hobart and Betsy von Biberstein, 2805 Oleander Dr., Wilmington

Residents of Old Wilmington ("ROW") invites all Wilmingtonians to hear candidates starting at 5:30 pm with candidate meet and greet and a candidate forum starting at 6:00 pm.

Young Democrats Monthly Meeting -- Today, October 7

When: Monday, October 7, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Where: NHCDP Conference Room, 5146 New Centre Drive, Wilmington

Join New Hanover Young Dems for their monthly meeting

Reception for State House Candidate Leslie Cohen -- October 10

When: Thursday, October 10, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.

Where: The home of Frank Hobart and Betsy von Biberstein, 2805 Oleander Dr., Wilmington

Enjoy an evening in support of Leslie Cohen for NC House with special guest Deborah Ross at the home of Frank Hobart and Betsy von Biberstein. Deborah Ross, Former U.S. Senate candidate in 2016, served as a representative in the N.C. House for more than ten years, where she championed transportation, housing, infrastructure, historic preservation, ethics, voting rights, and domestic violence laws. Enjoy drinks and hors d'oeuvres. Tickets and sponsorships available here.

Ready to Lead Workshop in Charlotte -- October 12

When: Saturday, October 12, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Where: Charlotte, North Carolina, register to get address

Ready to Lead offers a full day workshop designed to support potential leaders who are taking their first steps towards running for office. As a result of this workshop, participants will be able to articulate why they want to step into public leadership, develop their personal narrative, and understand the basics fundraising, organizing, and how to start planning a campaign. Anyone interested should complete the online application, and applicants who are accepted will receive an email confirmation with a link to register. Don't delay! Space is limited, and spots are not guaranteed until the registration fee of $20 registration is paid. The fee covers the cost of lunch and materials for the workshop. Some scholarships are available. Contact Jenn Frye for more information: [email protected].

East Wilmington Community Day -- October 12 and 13

When: Saturday, October 12, 12:00 p.m., and Sunday, October 13, 3:00 p.m.

Where: 3009 Princess Place Drive (Corner of 30th Street and Princess Place Drive), Wilmington

On-Time Ministries and other organizations are hosting a weekend event to eradicate violence and unify the community. The gathering will include food, games and entertainment.

Sip, Savor & Support Event for Deb Butler -- October 12

When: Saturday, October 12, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Where: The home of Jef Bates and Bob Millar, Wrightsville Beach

Chef Sam Cahoon of award winning Savorez will be on site to prepare 5 course tasting menu to be paired with selected wines. This is an intimate evening hosted by Jef Bates & Bob Millar, owners of house featured in September issue of Wrightsville Beach Magazine. There are only a few tickets left. Tickets are available for purchase here.

Public Hearing On RFP To Sell NHRMC -- October 15

When: Tuesday, October 15, 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Where: Auditorium at Snipes Academy, 2150 Chestnut Street, Wilmington

NHRMS and the New Hanover County Commission has announced a public hearing to receive suggestions on the Request for Proposal to sell NHRMC. The hearing was announced on less than two week's notice.

You Can Vote Fundraising Party on Figure Eight Island -- October 16

When: Wednesday, October 16, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Where: Figure Eight Island location TBA

Join with You Can Vote for a fundraising event to empower voters in North Carolina. You Can Vote is working to turn out the vote and curb voter suppression in North Carolina. Meet TCV founder Kate Fellman and enjoy food and games. Event organizers have announced that a donor will match all funds raised at this event up to $5,000, so your tax-deductible contribution will go twice as far! For additional information, to purchase tickets or RSVP, go to youcanvote.org/F8.

Meet and Greet for Devon Scott and Kevin Spears -- October 18

When: Friday, October 18, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

Where: 111 Forest Hills Drive, Wilmington

Come to meet and greet Devon Scott and Kevin Spears, candidates for Wilmington mayor and city council, respectively. Hosted by Roberta Berg and Anne York. Donations not required but encouraged. Refreshments will be served.

Ready to Lead Workshop in Washington, NC -- October 19

When: Saturday, October 19, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Where: Washington, North Carolina, register to get address

Ready to Lead is a full day workshop designed to support potential leaders who are taking their first steps towards running for office. See details for the Charlotte Event above.

Reception for Judge Chris Brook -- October 20

When: Sunday, October 20, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Where: Wrightsville Beach Brewery, 6201 Oleander Drive, Wilmington

Judge Brook is seeking election to the seat he now holds on North Carolina Court of Appeals. From 2012 through his appointment to the Court of Appeals by Governor Roy Cooper in April of 2019, Chris was the legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina. In 2016, the North Carolina Association of Women Attorneys awarded him with the Gwyneth B. Davis Public Service Award. Chris was also the winner of the North Carolina Justice Center's Defender of Justice Litigation Award in 2017.Tickets for the reception are available here.

Reception for Governor Roy Cooper in Wilmington -- October 22

When: Tuesday, October 22, 5:30 p.m.

Where: The home of Ronna and Herbert Zimmer, details TBA

Governor Roy Cooper says he's really looking forward to his visit to Wilmington. He said, "While the state was commemorating the 18th anniversary of 9/11, Republicans in the legislature blatantly lied to override my veto of a budget that valued corporate tax cuts over investment in public education and denied healthcare to 500,000 working North Carolinians. I need your help now so we can keep moving North Carolina forward and to stop these deceptive attacks on our democracy." You can make a contribution online today at https://secure.actblue.com/donate/wilm22oct. or by mailing a personal check made out to "Cooper for NC" to PO Box 1190, Raleigh, NC 27602.

Town Hall with NC Attorney General Josh Stein in Hampstead -- October 24

When: Thursday, October 24, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Where: Hampstead Women's Club, 14435 US-17, Hampstead

For information about Stein visit here. For a video on Stein's efforts to limit robocalls go here.

Precinct W25 Voter Canvass -- October 26

When: Saturday, October 26, 9:00 a.m.

Where: Java Dog, 303 N. Front St., Wilmington

Precinct W25 is reaching out to Democratic voters. Please contact JJ Jahn, 1^st Vice Chair, [email protected], 248-534-0002, if you would like to participate. Also, if you find you are not receiving email notices from W25, please email JJ so that she can be sure you are on the list.

Democratic Women of New Hanover County Social -- October 26

When: Saturday, October 26, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Where: Good Hops Brewery, 811 Harper Ave., Carolina Beach

Democratic Women of New Hanover County’s Fall Social will be held at Good Hops on Carolina Beach. It’s Halloween so come dressed as your favorite political “shero”.

One Year to Victory Picnic! - November 2

When: Saturday, November 2, 2019, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Where: Ogden Park Shelter #2, 615 Ogden Park Dr, Wilmington

Join Democrats from the Harnett precincts for food and fellowship at the One Year To Victory picnic. Each Precinct will be bringing food to share with an Italian theme. Lasagna or other favorites welcome! Sign up and your Precinct Chair will contact you with further details of the event. We are planning multiple sessions with experts to comment on topics such as the state of gerrymandering and our new districts, our local fisheries, composting, and protecting our trees. Representative Deb Butler and other local elected officials and candidates will join the crowd to get us revved up for 2020. One Year to Victory! Plan to arrive promptly at 1:00 so that you do not miss the food and lively discussion. Kid Friendly!

Reception to Honor Mal Maynard -- November 21

When: Thursday, November 21, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Where: City Club of Wilmington, 23 S. 2nd Street, Wilmington

The North Carolina Justice Center is hosting a reception for Mal Maynard of the Financial Protection Law Center for his years of extraordinary advocacy and commitment to the practice of community law. The NC Justice Center works to reduce poverty and to build an economy where all families and communities can thrive. Tickets are $50 and sponsorships are available. RSVP to [email protected]

Best,

Richard Poole, Chair

News Content by James Cummings (James was away at a family event this week and did not participate in this email.)

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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