Jackson County Democrats Confront Tougher Campaign Season Amid Worsening COVID-19

The pandemic sidelines a great many get out the vote efforts . . . Here's a status report from one of the biggest local organizations that offers a glimpse at coronavirus impact on the local political scene . . .

Where the Jackson County Democrats Stand Going Into August

Last month, you may have read some frank and open remarks about the state of our organization. Our offices have been closed to the public going back to the first restrictions imposed in Jackson County in March. In addition, all in person meetings, fundraisers and gatherings continue to be canceled. We have also advised all Democratic candidates to do the same until recently and then with great restrictions; some are going door to door but have been advised to wear masks and keep distance.

As COVID-19 rates have started rapidly rising again, we have must largely remain less accessible for the upcoming weeks or months. 

First, as we have said in the past few weeks, Truman Gala will not go forward in a traditional sense. We will be announcing details of holding a diverse and exciting virtual event on September 26 featuring our annual award winners, state candidates, local and national office holders. We are also gathering campaign materials (buttons, signs, t-shirts, etc) and vouchers to area businesses to provide to our ticket buyers. Other rewards for buyers and VIP donors are still being secured.

This is important because, historically, we have secured an overwhelming majority of our annual budget by late June. With the gala pushed back and unlikely to raise as much as a traditional event, we have cut all expenses to the bone through spring and summer while we still have a great deal of voter outreach and candidate support left to do between now and November.

We know you are getting asks by every campaign to contribute before the August primary. The Jackson County Democratic Committee keeps our funds local and will be prioritizing voter education, mail in ballots/notaries, new voter identification, and races we have the best chance of winning across the ballot. If you can help us, we will stretch your dollar as far as it will go.
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