The 31st Legislative District body of the Democratic party not only functions as a central organizing hub for local progressive activism, but it is the primary voice that supports local Democrats and pushes progressive local and state legislation. We create a space for residents to come together and shape a Platform and positions that have real weight with elected representatives and with the State Democratic party. We provide the most effective way for individuals to move Washington in the direction of progress.

By becoming a member, you gain full voting privileges, including the ability to endorse candidates, propose and adopt Resolutions, and shape the Rules and Bylaws that govern our processes. Annual dues are $31 per calendar year. Reduced dues are available in limited income situations that include, but aren’t limited to: veteran, senior and/or student status, with a minimum of $5 that ensures full rights and privileges.

Traditionally, membership dues have been our primary source of funding. We rely on them to cover our regular operating expenses, which allow us to maintain our presence in the district through monthly meetings, maintaining a basic website, publishing this monthly newsletter, and renting booth space at fairs and festivals in our district. With this presence, we have sought to spread our Democratic ideals online, in print, and through community interaction.

As you might know, we upped our game in the last election cycle: not only did we have a great membership turnout, but one-time and monthly-recurring donations, on top of membership dues, allowed us to contribute materially to elections in our district. Our contributions directly affected Democrat visibility in the 31st: in only a short time, our candidates came within striking distance of winning their seats, easily outperforming previous Democratic candidates. While this visibility did not win us any seats in 2017, it has given us the step up that will help us win in 2018.

All that we need now is you! Your membership, your voice, your ideas. You are the 31st District Democrats. And, if you can, please consider making a one-time or recurring donation on top of membership dues to help us keep this momentum going.

 

 

All current members in good standing of the 31st will have a vote in the endorsements. Any pending endorsements are located on our website. According to our bylaws each candidate seeking an endorsement will have completed a questionnaire no later than three weeks prior to the vote, and the candidate will appear in person for the vote. In special circumstances, one or both of those requirements may be waived by a 2/3 vote of the present body.

 

Judge Marshall Ferguson is on our February Agenda. He is seeking an endorsement for the King County Superior Court Judgeship — Pos. 31, a position that he was appointed to in July of 2018 by Gov Inslee. You can read his entire questionnaire here, below you'll find his response to how, if elected, he would work towards improving access to justice for all citizens, particularly those unfamiliar with our legal system:

 

"It starts on an individual scale, by asking people who come before the Court whether they understand what is happening today. If they are pro se, have they sought an attorney? Do they need an interpreter and can an interpreter be found? Funding for interpreters and court system training has remained flat for over a decade while the needs and costs for those essential services have increased dramatically. When I meet with local legislators, I will express my support for the judiciary’s 2019-2021 request for $2.1 million to help more cities and counties with the rising cost of providing credentialed court interpreters. I will also be participating in high school mock trials and Constitution Day events at local schools."

 

Allison Pincas is currently looking for volunteers to help update the endorsement questionnaire to include topics that our members care about currently, if you are interested in helping here on this project please reach out! 

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 Feb 27 (Wed), 6 PM - 9 PM: 31st District Democrats general meeting at Edgewood Fire Station (10105 24th St E, Edgewood, WA 98371).

 

 

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