The Bandera County Democratic Club met Saturday, Oct. 12, at the Silver Sage Dining Hall to discuss the November 5 ballot and candidates.
The club was able to examine sample ballots and review League of Women Voters information on the candidates. Several club members read to the group from the information supplied by the League of Women Voters.
President Essie Stewart introduced four new members of the club to the audience of twenty- five. She welcomed Elaine Chaviny, Harry and Andrea Seeley, and Harvey Raab, Jr to the group.
The September 2024 Minutes and Treasurer’s Report were approved.
Democratic County Chair Lynn Oliver spoke briefly about getting ready for the November 5 election. She referenced the many training courses and reports that needed to be completed before that date.
At present, Oliver noted that all polling positions were filled in the precincts for the coming election and all reports were filed.
Oliver also reminded the group that Harris/Walz signs were available. She asked for a small donation to defray the cost of the signs. Signs were available in fence size and yard size to club members.
In Old Business, Stewart recapped the annual coat drive process and asked Club members to donate to the community drive.
The coats will be picked up from the donation stations around the county (public libraries) on November 18, will be sorted, and made available to Arthur Nagel Clinic patients on November 19, 20, and 21.
Those coats that aren’t given out will be donated to the Silver Sage Thrift Store to help with the costs of the county’s Meals on Wheels program.
The Silver Sage Meals on Wheels program has suffered from a 70% funding cut from the federal government.
In New Business, the club was invited to an event at a member’s house to watch the debate between Colin Allred and Ted Cruz on Tuesday night. Club members were asked to RSVP for this get together.
President Stewart asked for a volunteer to serve on the three person Nominations Committee for club officers for 2025. She reminded the group that a new slate of officers would be voted on for the 2025 year.
Officers up for election are President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
Club member Tom Denyer gave a report on the Powered by the People Zoom call in which he participated. Denyer noted that Powered by the People had registered forty thousand new voters across Texas.
He also said that it was important to follow up with these new voters in Bandera County to make sure these residents are aware of where they can early vote or vote on Election Day.
Denyer also spotlighted the need to contact young women between the ages of 20 and 40. This target group is important to contact and encourage to vote.
Denyer also referenced the state party provided VAN data that is available when contacting registered voters. In Bandera County, Denyer identified 120 new registered voters through the VAN records.
President Stewart added that Club members should be able to answer questions about polling locations and even provide rides to voters, if needed.
After the business meeting was concluded, the Club distributed sample ballots to the members present. They reviewed the policy statements of some candidates from local races like the BISD School Board and the county government positions up for re-election.
President Essie Stewart reminded the club members about the 100-foot limit when at the polls. She also noted that hats or attire, even bumper stickers, with political advertising is not allowed within 100 feet of the door of the polling place.
A brief discussion on the relative merits of discussing policy positions during media interviews illustrated the strategy used at the national level to keep from alienating possible voters.
The meeting adjourned at 1:20 PM.
