August 2024
Letter from the Chair
The August 20th primary is upon us. Christian Nationalism has taken hold in Collier County, as seen in our Board of County Commissioners. One crucial area where we can push back is our school board. The Democratic Party has an obligation to inform our electorate about elections where they can vote. The upcoming school board race in the August Primary is the most significant election for the future of our public-school children.
Right now the Collier County Public School board is balanced and committed to keeping culture wars and religion out of the decisions that affect the quality of education. We need to ensure that every child can be themselves in a safe, secure environment and that every parent can raise their child according to their own values. We need to ensure that our tax dollars are used to provide an honest and comprehensive education. Every voter, no matter where you live in Collier County, can vote in the school board race.
Your Voting Plan
Vote-by-Mail: The final day to request a Vote-By-Mail ballot is August 8 by 5:00 PM. If you will be out-of-town in August, provide that address when you request your Vote-By-Mail ballot as the post office cannot forward ballots. Go to CollierVotes.gov/Voters/Vote-by-Mail to request a Vote-By-Mail ballot. Please remember to affix a first class stamp, $0.73, when mailing back your ballot and allow plenty of time for your ballot to reach the Supervisor of Elections office in time to be counted.
Early Voting: Early voting begins on August 10th through August 17th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. During the early voting period you can vote in any voting location. Please visit CollierVotes.gov/Election-Info/Vote-Early to find early voting locations along with wait times.
Election Day: On August 20th you are required to vote in your precinct. Check your voting location at CollierVotes.gov/Election-Day-Info.
One more thing before I go, please verify candidate information through reliable sources such as the Collier County Democratic Party. The Republican Party in Collier County has lied to their voters about the Democratic Party endorsing a Republican candidate. The Democratic Party does not and will not endorse any Republican candidate. Contact us at info@collierdems.org for more information.
You ARE the future. This election will shape our future, like no other before it. If you’re not already registered to vote, REGISTER or confirm your registration today.
Want to get involved and do more?
Message from Florida House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell
The Democratic Executive Committee (DEC) will meet
AUGUST 7, 2024 – 5:30 PM Meet & Greet, 6:30 PM Meeting
at Collier County Democratic Party Headquarters
600 Goodlette-Frank Road #110, Naples FL 34102
The DEC is the local official arm of the Florida Democratic Party and is comprised of elected Committeemen and Women. Official meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 PM. We will hold a public Meet & Greet at 5:30 PM at our August meeting. Please join us!
All registered Democrats may attend and observe as guests, and all attendees must register ahead of time. Only DEC members may vote and participate in the meeting. Attendees are encouraged to join 10 minutes early to get settled before the meeting begins.
To learn more about the Collier County Democratic Party, join us at one of our Saturday morning “Welcome to the Party” virtual sessions! See below.
INTRODUCTION to the Democratic Executive Committee (DEC)
Upcoming “Welcome to the Party” and Volunteer Orientation Events!
AUGUST 3 (full!) & 10, 2024 – 11:00 – 12:00
Virtual via Zoom
Please register to receive link to join our Zoom online session!
Join other Democrats for this virtual program that will introduce (or re-introduce) you to the Collier County Democratic Party, including our clubs, caucuses, and committees. You will also learn about how you can get more involved to help us protect our democracy in the 2024 election.
Because this is a virtual program, you can participate from anywhere. We also have volunteer activities you can do from wherever you are located!
Whether you’re an introvert, an extrovert, have very little or a whole lot of time to give, the contribution of your expertise and patriotism will be invaluable.
Pick the date that works for you. After you register, you’ll receive an email with information about how to attend the event. We look forward to seeing you!
The Collier County Democratic Club (CCDC) will meet
AUGUST 27, 2024 – 4:30-6:30 PM
Bistro 821
821 5th Ave S
SUMMER HAPPY HOUR SERIES
June – August 2024!
All Democrats Welcome. Please Join us!
Join us at Bistro 821 on Fifth Avenue for camaraderie while the snow-birds are away. Apps are $11-$20 with wine starting at $9 and beer at $4. Wine and dine offer 8 choices at $26 including a glass of wine. These are nice events to feel out the political temperature without losing your cool!
The Democratic Women‘s Club of Marco (DWC Marco)
will meet
AUGUST 13, 2024 – 5:00-6:30 PM
online via Zoom
Our featured speaker will be DEC Vice Chair Sandy Ussia who will review the Key Issues and Talking Points highlighted on the Collier Dems website so we have a clear understanding of how to converse with family and friends on the issues.
Join Us! Registration is Required. Click the button at left to Register. Zoom will open at 4:45pm, and the meeting will begin promptly at 5:00pm. Please be on time.
Members and guests welcome! Community members interested in joining the club and promoting our Democratic values while supporting its charitable efforts can go to dwcmarco.org or contact us at info@dwcmarco.org.
The Collier County Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida
The Collier County Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida, CCDECF, is a chapter of the Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida. Democratic political parties, including our Collier County Democratic Party does NOT endorse one Democrat over another in the primaries. However, the Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida is allowed to endorse Democrats in a contested primary. If you would like to learn who the caucus has endorsed in the Democratic U.S. Senate in advance of the August 20th primary, as well as other races, click here: https://www.environmentalcaucus.com/candidaterecruitment/environmental-caucus-endorsements
The CCDECF completely supports the election activities of the Collier County Democratic Party. If we want to continue the climate and environmental achievements of the Biden/Harris Administration, we must keep the senate, and elect Kamala Harris to become the first woman POTUS. Please contribute funds to the Collier County Democratic Party, and volunteer for one of our campaign activities.
Join our state caucus, the DECF, for $10.00 per year, and then our Collier County Chapter for $15.00 per year!!
ONGOING MEETINGS – Make your voice heard in local government!
The Collier County arm of the Florida Democratic Party is supported entirely by volunteers and donations from voters like you!
We’re at a critical juncture, and your support has never been more vital. By donating today, your contribution will go twice as far, thanks to our generous donors who have pledged to match every dollar. This means your $100 donation becomes $200, directly impacting our efforts to uphold Democratic values and fight for the causes we believe in.
Additionally, we invite you to join this inspiring group of matching donors. Your commitment to match donations not only amplifies our collective impact but also motivates others to contribute, knowing their support will be doubled. Together, we can ensure our message resonates louder and reaches further. Your donation today can make all the difference in our shared fight for progress and justice. For information about becoming a matching donor, please email info@CollierDems.org.
How Your Donations Make a Difference Right Here In Collier: We are working to promote our Democratic values, fight for the issues that matter to you, and protect democracy and freedom for everyone in Collier. Your donations allow us to:
- support Democratic candidates
- get out the vote through our voter registration and Vote-By_Mail efforts
- secure your vote through our Voter Protection team
- prepare election materials and distribute to voters
- promote our Party and values at local events and through an array of communication channels
- maintain a local party headquarters for the use of voters, volunteers, and candidates
- and a whole lot more that would not happen without your generosity.
Please consider a one-time or monthly donation, or increasing your current monthly donation in the run-up to November. Only with your help can we maximize the impact we can make on this most crucial election year!
Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to every single one of our incredible donors! Our local party wouldn’t exist without you!
agosto 1, 2024
ARTÍCULO PRINCIPAL: PROYECTO 2025 – ¡LA AMENAZA ABIERTA DEL GOP A LA DEMOCRACIA DE EE.UU. Y A LOS HISPANOS! (VEA ABAJO)
¿Qué es el Proyecto 2025?
LLAMADA DE ACCION
Facebook Cuenta Oficial en español del Partido Demócrata de Florida.
Vote-by-Mail (VBM) Fast Facts: Did You Know?
Anyone who requested a VBM ballot for the August Primary should have received their ballot by now. If you plan to use this powerful feature of our voting system, here are some facts that might be of help to you or your loved ones.
Q: Why haven’t I received my VBM Ballot?
A: Contact the Supervisor of Elections (SOE) immediately at 239-252-8683.
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Q: Is it too late to request a Vote by Mail (VBM) ballot?
A: No, it is not too late. The last day to request a VBM ballot for the Primary is August 8th by 5:00 PM. Contact the SOE to request a VBM ballot by doing one of the following:
Phone 239-252-8683 (this is the easiest way!)
Request Online: Online VBM Request
Email: MailBallot@CollierVotes.gov
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Q: I am a snowbird. Can my ballot be sent to an address other than my legal residence?
A: Yes, your VBM ballot may be sent to your permanent mailing address or a temporary address. Note: VBM ballots will NOT be forwarded by the USPS; these are returned to the SOE. Instead, you must provide an alternate address when making a request.
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Q: Can I pick up someone else’s VBM ballot prior to election day?
A: Yes, the voter must contact the SOE office at 239-252-8683 to make arrangements. A qualified VBM voter may designate, in writing, another person to pick up a VBM ballot for the voter. The designee may only pick up 2 VBM ballots per election other than his or her own, except for VBM ballots picked up for members of his/her immediate family.
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Q: I submitted my VBM ballot. How do I track its status?
A: You may track your ballot and confirm that your vote has been counted Click HERE.
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Q: If I have a VBM ballot, can I still vote in person at the polling place on election day?
A: Yes, you may vote in person provided that the election clerk can verify that you have not yet voted. If you haven’t voted, you can vote in person and surrender your VBM to a poll worker or be told to destroy your VBM ballot when you get home.
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Q: What if I have other VBM questions that are not answered here?
A: Lots of Options:
Go to the Supervisor of Elections website at: www.colliervotes.gov, where there is a wealth of information. Click on “Vote by Mail” on the Home Page.
Call the SOE office at: 239-252-8683.
Call the Collier County Democratic Party headquarters at 239-434-7754 day or night and on weekends. Press 1 for Voter Protection and you can leave a message with your question. Our goal is to return your call within 24 hours.
YOU can make a huge difference in the November elections. Florida Democrats are energized and galvanized, and in Collier County, we are too. The Harris campaign and the DNC now view Florida as a swing state.
Increasing Democratic turnout in the August 20th primary AND in November will elect a Democratic U.S. Senator, and give us a real chance to send our electoral college votes to a President Kamala Harris. You can help Make It So by becoming a part of our campaign to increase Democratic turnout:
Sign up to learn about how the Collier County Democratic Party works, get an overview of all of our activities, including door knocking, phone banking, post carding, poll watching and greeting, ensuring Vote by Mail Ballots are counted, voter registration, and more. Learn how you can get involved here: https://www.mobilize.us/colliercountydec/event/594344
Call fellow Democrats who regularly Vote by Mail, but who are not yet enrolled this year, to help them reenroll to receive their Vote by Mail ballots. (phone banking) Register here: https://www.mobilize.us/colliercountydec/event/657118
Send postcards to fellow Democrats reminding them to enroll in vote by mail. If interested, email Ken Haar at KennyHaar@comcast.net;
Help put on meet and greet gatherings for fellow Democrats. Contact Judy Freiberg at judyfreiberg@sbcglobal.net;
Help out at Democratic Headquarters answer phones, greet visitors, and help with various activities happening there. If you are interested, contact: jpursley1955@yahoo.com
The Collier County Democratic Executive Committee (CCDEC) is the official, local county arm of the Florida Democratic Party. The CCDEC has oversight over all Democratic Party activities within Collier County. LEARN MORE
The Collier County Democratic Party is an all-volunteer, entirely donor-funded organization. Our local party can not exist without volunteers and donors like you.