It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you stop complaining about corporations going woke and start giving a damn about real people and real lives.” - Then-Governor Tim Walz
Early Voting - Take a Friend!
As we bask in the glow of the hope and joy the Harris-Walz ticket is creating, (more on that below), it's important to remember the important election going on right now in Duval. Primary elections traditionally see low turnout. That means our votes matter even more.
Don't miss this final week of early voting. Vote at any early voting location from 10 AM - 6 PM today through Saturday, August 18. You can also vote on Election Day, August 20, but on that final day you must vote at your assigned precinct. Many of those have changed; to check yours click here.
If you're voting by mail (VBM) but don't trust the post office, use the drop-boxes at any early voting location this week. But be aware, if you plan to take your VBM to a local drop box, you can only do that during early voting. Election Day polling places will have no drop boxes. Your only option then will be to vote a regular ballot at your assigned precinct, or to deliver your completed VBM ballot to the Supervisor of Elections' Office at 105 E Monroe St, before 7 pm on election day. Once you've mailed or delivered your VBM ballot, click here to check to make sure it's been received and counted.
If anyone you know needs more information about races & candidates, BAM's Election Guide can help.
Critical School Board Election Is NOW
In addition to voting yourself, be sure like-minded friends and family make it to the polls - especially those who live in other Duval School Board districts. As Katie Hathaway & Elizabeth Andersen detailed at last week's BAM gathering, strong candidates who support public schools are facing a slate of Moms for Liberty- and DeSantis-endorsed candidates in all 4 races. Moms for Liberty, have championed local book bans, the elimination of support programs for LGBTQ students, and curbs on sex education. While we don't have a race on our ballot at the Beach, the school board's decisions affect all of us and our schools, including school closures. Thanks to all the volunteers who joined us in writing 1000 postcards to support our partners Indivisible Mandarin in their efforts to get out the vote (GOTV) for their District 7 candidate Sarah Mannion, a strong proponent of public education. And for those still looking for ways to help GOTV in this vital election:
Chip in and help the Duval DEMS put up five billboards supporting candidates facing Moms for Liberty & DeSantis-endorsed opponents. They just need $1,300 more to do it!
The Florida Democratic Party is sponsoring a phone bank for School Board candidates in key races on Thursdays and Sundays at 6:30 p.m. Volunteers will be able to pick the candidate they are phoning folks to support: Sarah Mannion (District 7), Hank Rogers (District 5) and Nadine Ebri (District 1). Register here to join.
Equality Florida will be canvassing for Sarah Mannion on Saturday, Aug. 17 from 9 am to 1 pm. Register here.
Join the Duval Dems for a final GOTV canvass on Sunday, August 18. Click here to register.
Wave signs! Local public education advocates need sign wavers to support these candidates at early voting sites in their districts. Sign up here.
Bringing Back the Joy Takes Work!
If you missed last week's Philadelphia rally when Kamala Harris introduced her impressive Vice Presidential partner, Tim Walz, here's your chance to see both remarkable speeches. As this dynamic duo barnstorms across the nation, the enthusiasm for their positive vision of America has continued to grow. But even as polls begin to reflect an encouraging shift, we all know polls do not equal votes. Consider these ways to help keep the momentum going - and if you know of others,email us and we'll share them.
Brunch-Time Phone Bank: Join BAM & Beaches Democratic Club this Saturday, August 17, 11-12:30, and every Saturday through the November election. This is a virtual phone bank you can join from anywhere - with guaranteed fun & expert coaching. Help reach out to Duval voters. Click here to register.
Phonebank with Florida for Harris! 2024 FL Victory is hosting three phone banks each week to support Kamala Harris: Mellow Monday from 4:30 - 8 p.m., Thirsty Thursday from 5 - 8 p.m. and Family Night Friday from 5 - 8 p.m. Phonebanks are held at the Harris campaign headquarters on Beach Boulevard. Click on the event of your choice to register!
Chucks on the Ground. Knock doors with the Harris for President team every Saturday - one group starts early, one late afternoon. Choose your dates & times here.
Give. As all our bulging inboxes show, it takes a lot of money to run for office in America these days. If the Harris-Walz ticket excites you, consider donating here.
Remember the Senate
To give a Harris-Walz administration its most promising start, Democratic control of the US Senate is vital. Nine closely fought Senate races will likely determine Senate control: Colin Allred (TX), Tammy Baldwin (WI), Sherrod Brown (OH), Bob Casey (PA), Ruben Gallego (AZ), Jacky Rosen (NV), Adam Schiff (CA), & Elissa Slotkin (MI). If you want to learn more about these candidates - and make a donation that could help them all - join political commentator Robert Hubble and California Senate candidate Adam Schiff for a fundraising zoom conversation this Wednesday, August 14th at 8:00 pm. Click here to learn more.
Support Renaming of Confederate Street to Honor Ben Frazier
Two weeks ago, Jacksonville City Council Member Jimmy Peluso introduced an ordinance to honor distinguished journalist and civil rights leader Ben Frazier, Jr. by renaming Confederate Street (between Hubbard and Liberty Streets) “Frazier Place.” Frazier, who died in 2023, was the founder of the Northside Coalition of Jacksonville and a tireless advocate for social, racial, and economic justice. He was a good friend of BAM's. The gesture is a fitting tribute to his efforts to remove Confederate statues in the city. You can lend your support to the proposed ordinance by signing this petition to the City of Jacksonville and emailing all our City Council members, to support the ordinance.
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