Nearly 200 people attended the Whatcom Democrats endorsement meeting on Thursday evening to cast ballots in some of the state’s most closely-watched races.  In local races, Deborra Garrett for Whatcom Superior Court Judge and Brad Stone for Public Utility District #1, position #2 were endorsed.  Darcy Burner received the endorsement in the open seat for the 1st Congressional District.

Congratulations are in order to four Whatcom County Democrats, who were elected at the recent First and Second Congressional District caucuses to represent us at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina this August. The Second CD elected Hue Beattie, Jeremy Mohn and Lauren Hatch. Hue is a longtime PCO and State Committeeman, while Jeremy and Lauren are President and Vice President of the Whatcom County Young Democrats. The First CD elected Teresa Taylor-Oliver, PCO for precinct 504.

Many of you already know me as Natalie, the Chair of the party, but once I was just Natalie the citizen. I’ve been involved in my community all my life, from the Sierra Club and  community radio to the PTA and Boy Scouts. But about ten years ago, all hell broke loose. How can we forget: the stolen election of 2000, September 11, 2001, and the illegal, unprovoked invasion of Iraq. So in 2004, I decided it was time to get directly involved in electoral politics. It was clear, elections have consequences.

It’s time to gear up for 2012. The Republicans are on the march, and eager to undo all of our accomplishments in the last four years. They want to reinstate Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, hand over the job market to the 1% and send women’s rights back to the Stone Age.

We aren’t going to let that happen.

Welcome to the Democratic Caucuses 2012. Together we are banding together and doing the neighborhood level organizing that was such a success four years ago. We are recruiting volunteers, designing our message and working to ensure that on election day this November, we can go to sleep with a smile.

For voters who consider themselves Democrats, the 2012 Democratic Party Caucuses and Conventions are the way of choosing a nominee for President, shaping the Party platform, becoming a delegate to the 2012 Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, and getting involved with Democratic campaigns in 2012. This campaign season includes a brand-new Congressional District for most of Whatcom County outside of Bellingham, and caucus-goers will have an opportunity to learn about the six Democrats running for this seat.

DEMOCRATIC PRECINCT CAUCUSES facts
SUNDAY, April 15, 2012
1 - 3 pm

• Twenty locations in Whatcom County - Click Here for your precinct caucus location, or call 647-7661.
• No cost, but donations gladly accepted as the cost of conducting local caucuses and conventions are born by the local party
• Register to vote or update your voting address at the caucus and participate fully -- no need for advance registration or photo ID. Or register online HERE
• 17-year-olds who will be eligible to vote in the November general election may register to vote and participate in the caucuses
• Committed to diversity: Individuals who identify as a minority not traditionally represented in party leadership or elected office are especially encouraged to participate and run for delegate.
• Participants invited to bring a food item for their local food bank
• Anyone who can not attend due to time conflict with religious observance, military duty, or disability, may submit a proxy vote Surrogate Affidavit Form
• Anyone who can not attend for any reason may submit their name in writing for candidacy for a delegate position Precinct Caucus Declaration of Candidacy

Detailed explanation of the Democratic Precinct Caucus process

Election Year Dates:
Sunday, April 15, 1 pm – Democratic Presidential Precinct Caucuses in your community
Saturday, April 28 – 42nd or 40th Democratic Legislative District Caucuses & Whatcom County Democratic Convention
Sunday, May 20 – Democratic Congressional District Caucus
Saturday, June 2 – State Democratic Convention, Seattle
Tuesday, August 7 – State Primary Election
Week of September 3 – Democratic National Convention, Charlotte, NC
Tuesday, November 6 – General Election

Much of Whatcom County outside Bellingham is in the newly-drawn First Congressional District. With no incumbent running, it's wide open and currently has one Republican and at least six Democrats running. Watch Up Front for an overview of the race.

Republicans in Washington State will be caucusing to select their prefered Presidential candidate on March 3rd. Democrats will be waiting until April 15th to caucus. Here's the entire schedule:

Mark Your Calendars
Sunday, April 15 – Democratic Presidential Precinct Caucuses in your community [the Republicans of Washington State will be caucusing March 3rd]
Saturday, April 28 – Legislative District Caucuses & County Convention
Sunday, May 20 – Congressional District Caucus
Saturday, June 2 – State Convention, Seattle
Tuesday, August 7 – State Primary Election
Week of September 3 – Democratic National Convention, Charlotte, NC
Tuesday, November 6 – General Election

Although we will possibly be in new districts in 2012, the plan will use the current districts. So, if you reside in the 1st CD today, but in the 10th in 2012, you will still caucus with the 1st CD in May. Also, anyone who is will turn 18 before the 2012 general election (November 6, 2012) is eligible to participate in the caucuses.

Precinct Caucuses - Sunday, April 15, 2012 - 1 PM
LD Caucus - Saturday, April 28, 2012 - 10 AM
County Convention - Sunday, April 29, 2012 - 10 AM
CD Caucus - Saturday, May 20, 2012
2012 State Convention - Saturday, June 2 and 3 in Seattle