VOTE NO ON ISSUE 1 & ISSUE 2

On Sunday, October 9, the Executive Board of the Portage County Young Democrats met to review and consider support or opposition to State Ballot Issue 1 and Issue 2. All members of the Portage County Young Democrats were notified of this meeting, and encouraged to participate.

Following deep conservation amongst our Board and members present, and consideration of all available facts surrounding the issues, the Executive Board came to the following unanimous conclusion:

Ohioans should vote NO on issue 1:

• Issue 1 amends the Ohio Constitution to fix a nonexistent problem. This proposal was born out of divisive rhetoric to intentionally blur the lines between cash bail and public safety. We know that cash bail does not keep us safe, and this ballot measure only doubles down on the failed status quo, where wealthy individuals can purchase their freedom simply because they have the money to do so." (ACLU)

• "This whole effort can be boiled down to guilty until proven wealthy. Cash bail hurts our communities, our economy, and the disproportionate negative impact falls most heavily on our Black and Brown neighbors, and low-income Ohioans."

• Our local jails process more than 11 million people annually, and 3 in 5 are people too poor to afford the bail amounts set for them. With an annual price tag of more than $15 billion, taxpayers are shouldering a high price for a failed system. Approximately 70% of all people incarcerated in jails in this country have not been convicted of a crime.

• Suspects who cannot afford bail are left to languish in prison or jail for days, weeks, or sometimes even months until their trials, leading many Americans take a plea bargain and plead guilty (even if they are innocent) merely to get out of jail because they cannot afford the bail.

• African Americans ages 18 through 29 received significantly higher bail amounts than all other defendants, and are less likely to be released on their own recognizance than white defendants. Black defendants represent more than 43% of the pretrial jail population in the United States. Pretrial incarceration widens economic and racial inequalities, destabilizes families, undermines individuals’ employment opportunities, and compromises public safety.

• Cash bail also disproportionately impacts the LGBTQ community. Transgender individuals held pre-trial often have a very difficult time accessing basic medical care, such as hormone replacement therapy, and jails regularly house transgender women in men’s facilities, which is a dangerous practice that places those women at a higher risk for violence, sexual harassment, and sexual assault.

• Issue 1 takes the authority to set bail requirements away from our Judicial Branch and places it directly into the hands of the state legislature, and would allow the General Assembly to consider "any other factor the Ohio General Assembly may prescribe."

Ohioans should vote NO on Issue 2:

• Issue 2 could take away 17-year-olds’ longstanding right to vote in primary elections - something that is proven to increase buy-in for new, young voters, increasing their likelihood to vote again, or even at all.

• Issue 2 also restricts voter registration for an entire month before elections, an unnecessary and deliberate obstacle to voter access, and bars the General Assembly from lengthening the registration window in the future.

• Currently, the Ohio Constitution prevents noncitizens from voting in federal and state elections. But local municipalities can enact "home rule," which could allow them the ability to give noncitizens voting powers in local elections. Issue 2 removes the authority of local municipalities.

• Simply put, the Ohio Legislature is looking to solve a problem that does not exist. Given the absence of voting in Ohio by noncitizens for at least 205 years, the proposed amendment appears to be a solution in search of a problem. According to the Ohio Legislative Service Commission, it appears that only one Ohio municipality allows non-citizens to vote in local elections - the Village of Yellow Springs.

• Issue 2 targets individuals who are noncitizens, but who still work, live and pay taxes in our communities, and are impacted by the issues on our ballot. These individuals include students, green card holders, and individuals who are actively undergoing our very lengthy naturalization process, some of whom actively serve in the United States Military. Municipalities should have the ability to grant these individuals a voice on the local issues that impact them most.

Additionally, it should be noted that the commentary surrounding Issue 1 and Issue 2 is another page pulled directly from the Republican Party’s playbook. Republican leaders across the state paint both issues as a necessary response to a threat to our public safety, and paint those who oppose the issues as soft on crime.

These tactics serve only to stoke fear, encouraging an emotional response targeted toward low income and minority families, while also sowing doubt in our public institutions charged with carrying out fair and secure elections.

As such, the leadership of the Portage County Young Democrats stand united in denouncing both Issue 1 and Issue 2. This November, when you go to the ballot box, we urged you to VOTE NO ON ISSUE 1 and ISSUE 2.

Young Democrats Issue Primary Endorsements

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
16 MARCH 2022

Portage County Young Democrats Issue Primary Endorsements 

Kent, OH | The Portage County Young Democrats met on Wednesday to consider candidate endorsements for the 2022 Primary Election. After consideration of the voting membership, the following candidates were endorsed: 

FEDERAL

• Tim Ryan for U.S. Senate

• Matt Kilboy for U.S. House

STATEWIDE

• Nan Whaley for Ohio Governor and Cheryl Stephens for Lt. Governor

• Chelsea Clark for Secretary of State

• Jeffrey Crossman for Attorney General

• Scott Schertzer for Treasurer

• Taylor Sappington for Auditor

JUDICIAL

• Justice Jennifer Brunner for Ohio Supreme Court, Chief Justice

• Judge Terri Jamison for Ohio Supreme Court

• Judge Marilyn Zayas for Ohio Supreme Court

• Judge Thomas Wright for Court of Appeals, 11thDistrict

• Judge Laurie Pittman for Common Pleas Court, General Division

• Judge Paula Giulitto for Common Pleas Court, Domestic Relations

LEGISLATIVE

• Kathleen Clyde for Ohio House

COUNTYWIDE

• Geraldine Nelson for Commissioner

• Bradley Cromes for Auditor

The organization issued the following statement in the two contested races: 

GOVERNOR: Nan Whaley was a fierce advocate for the citizens of Dayton, and will continue to be a fierce advocate as Ohio’s next Governor. Throughout her career, Nan has been intentional about bringing young people to the table, and elevating their voices at every level. She got her start in the Young Democrats - it feels only fitting that we pay it forward by sending her to the Governor’s Mansion.

COMMISSIONER: Dr. Geraldine Nelson has been a pillar in the greater Portage County Community for over 30 years. She’s dedicated her career to advocating for young people, and to fighting for and lifting up underserved communities across Northeast Ohio. Her experience in higher education and social justice, in budget management and personnel management, and her unique perspective, will be crucial in moving Portage County Forward.

For more information about our Endorsed Democrats, and to view completed candidate questionnaires, visit www.portageyd.org/candidates.

Letter From The President

As we wrapped up 2021 with our final meeting of the year on Wednesday, I couldn’t help but take a moment to be grateful for all of the amazing work this organization did to support Democrats here in Portage County.

For the second year covid posed a unique set of challenges, and for the second year the Young Democrats met that challenge head on.

• We executed an extensive Primary and General Election endorsement process, through which we endorsed and supported thirteen Democrats in municipal and school board elections, our Municipal Court Judges, and the Portage County Library Levy.

• We designed, printed and distributed 7,500 custom pieces of literature across the county, with over 4,000 of those pieces being hand delivered directly to voters.

• We called nearly 6,000 voters across the county, with focused messaging to boost turnout on Election Day for candidates at every level.

• We launched a Voter Resources page on our website, providing information for voter registration, early and absentee voting, and democratic sample ballots to over 6,500 voters.

• We supported our candidates directly, providing assistance with print and marketing materials, web development, fundraising and compliance.

• We sponsored the Young Democrats of America Biennial Convention in Cincinnati, which saw close to 1,000 attendees from across the United States, and attended three digital conferences throughout the year.

• We connected hundreds of Portage County voters to our County Commissioners, demanding online streaming to ensure that their meetings were open and transparent during the pandemic.

• We donated over 250 personal hygiene items to support addiction recovery centers here in Portage County, and donated nearly 1,000 individual wrapped food items to combat food insecurity through Rural Relief.

• We spent countless hours building meaningful and intentional relationships with our Democratic Partner organizations across the county, assisting those groups in messaging, marketing, fundraising and programming.

• We’re wrapping up a years long push to write and send 2,500 postcards to first-time Democratic voters here in Ohio through the Progressive Turnout Project.

This organization is committed to living our mission and our values. That mission includes supporting our candidates, supporting our community, and connecting our voters to the resources they need to be a part of the democratic process.

I’m proud to say we’ve accomplished that this year, and look forward to new and exciting growth in 2022.

While this has been an amazing year for the Portage County Young Democrats, it hasn’t been easy. The pandemic has challenged us to find new and unique ways of meeting our voters, and our members, where they are. To do this we’ve had to make intentional decisions on how we spend our money, and where we have to cut back.

In order to be successful next year, we have to start building now. So I’m asking you to support PCYD today with $25, $50 $100 - or any amount you are able.

Everything is on the line in 2022 - our lone County Commissioner seat, new legislative and congressional districts, and the Democratic Majority in the U.S. Senate. We’re up for the challenge, but we can’t do it alone. Please consider chipping in today to help us kick off the new year strong, and to hit the ground running in January.

Democratically Yours,

Christopher Clevenger-Morris
President

Help the Young Dems Pack The Bus!

The Portager and the Kent Rotary have partnered with the Rural Relief Mobile Food Pantry to “Pack the Bus!”, and event to fight food insecurity for students in Waterloo Local Schools! The Young Democrats will be accepting donations for the following items:

Granola bars, breakfast bars, fruit snacks, peanut butter or cheese crackers, cookies, chips, nuts, and other individually wrapped snack items!

Donations can be dropped of at the Democratic Party Headquarters in Ravenna during the following times:

Wednesday, September 15th | 10 AM - 2 PM
Friday, September 17th | 10 AM - 2 PM
Monday, September 20th | 10 AM - 2 PM & 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Address: 210 S. Meridian Street, Ravenna, OH 44266

Young Dems Respond to Randolph Fair Merchant Contract Changes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AUGUST 26, 2021 

YOUNG DEMS RESPOND TO RANDOLPH FAIR MERCHANT CONTRACT CHANGES 

On July 29, 2020 the Portage County Young Democrats contacted Portage County Randolph Fair President Tracey Koszalka and several Senior Fair Board members expressing our concerns surrounding the display and sale of items containing the Confederate Battle Flag during fair events. In that correspondence, our leadership shared the following: 

Since it’s conception in 1861, the confederate flag has been a symbol of racism and oppression in the United States. The confederate flag represents the history of a society that was built and thrived on slavery, and that fought and died to maintain that way of life… Should the Randolph Fair continue to allow the confederate flag to be displayed and sold, the Board sides with a time in history that worked to systemically oppress and dehumanize people of color in the United States. 

At that time, our organization provided nearly 300 signed petitions from Portage County residents calling on the Fair Board to take action. After the fair was effectively cancelled due to COVID-19, those letters went unanswered. 

Last week our organization again called on the Fair Board to take action. Once again, we received no response. 

Following our most recent outreach to the Fair Board, a local vendor brought to our attention that the Fair Board had in fact made updates to their Merchant Department Contract. The text below is directly quoted from that document:

No sale of drug related items/images, confederate flag related items/images, raffle tickets, laser pointers, silly string, stink bombs, poppers or similar items are strictly prohibited on the fairgrounds. (View Here)

Following a review of this document, the Portage County Young Democrats issued the following statement: 

While the Portage County Young Democrats are pleased to see the Portage County Randolph Fair leadership take this necessary FIRST step toward equity and inclusion, we find ourselves disappointed in how this situation was handled from the start.  

At no point did President Koszalka or the Fair Board find it necessary to wade into the conversation surrounding this important issue, or directly respond to the community at large. Instead, the Fair Board chose to take silent action behind the scenes, in an attempt to avoid drawing attention to the issue. They chose to enact a policy that no one (aside from vendors) could even be aware of, and a policy for which they essentially will not be held accountable for upholding. Their choice, and in turn silence, speaks volumes. 

What's even more concerning is that, while the merchant agreement claims these rules and regulations will be "strictly enforced with no exceptions", vendors have this week been seen selling apparel and other items adorned with the confederate battle flag. 

The leadership of the Portage County Randolph Fair must publicly and definitively pick a side - that side that works to uphold and perpetuate symbols of oppression and hate, or the side that takes a side in denouncing racism in the United States. 

Donate Personal Hygiene Items

The Portage County Young Democrats have partnered with the #PortageCares program to collect personal hygiene item donations for Root House and PARC, two amazing addiction recovery programs here in Portage County.

Our organization will be delivering supplies on Saturday, July 31 from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM in front of the Portage County Court House.

203 W. Main St.
Ravenna, OH 44266

If you can’t make it on Saturday, but would like to donate personal hygiene items to support the two groups, you can do so at any time at the following address:

1290 Denise Dr.
Kent, Ohio 44240

A drop box will be provided in front of the garage to collect donated items. For more information, email the Portage County Young Democrats at info@portageyd.org.

Please note: Razor blades or other items that could be used as a weapon are strictly prohibited. Items with alcohol (such as mouth wash), medications, aerosol (excluding hair spray), flammable substances, nail files and nail clippers are also prohibited.

Learn More About Root House:

Root House is a 10-bed, SUD residential program for men. The program is staffed 24/7 to provide optimal support and treatment. Staffing includes a Program Manager and a therapist who provide individual, group and family therapy, as well as, case management services. While engaged in treatment at Root House, the men receive sobriety supports, building life skills, employment and housing linkage, and mental health services.

Learn More About PARC:

The Portage Area Recovery Campus (PARC) is a 23-bed, recovery housing facility for women. The program provides a safe, supportive environment for women to strengthen their recovery. F&CS employs 24/7 staffing to ensure support. This includes a Program Manager who conducts individual and group therapy and two case managers. The women at PARC are also offered a variety of treatment and support options including sobriety supports, building life skills, employment and housing linkage, and mental health services.

NOTICE: 2021 Primary Candidate Endorsement Meeting

The Portage County Young Democrats will meet on Tuesday, March 16 to consider the endorsement of Democratic Candidates for the Primary Election.

The Executive Committee will meet at 6:00 PM to consider recommendations from the Campaigns Committee, and will forward final recommendations to the Voting Membership.

The Voting Membership will meet at 8:00 PM to consider recommendations from the Campaigns Committee and Executive Committee, and will vote individually on each candidate who submitted a questionnaire.

Both meetings will take place via Zoom. Members may request a link to attend the meeting by emailing info@portageyd.org. Voting Members will receive details via email.

To view a list of Democratic Candidates click the link below:

Call to Action: Email Your Commissioners NOW

At a meeting of the Portage County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, Commissioners Sabrina Christian-Bennett and Tony Badalamenti discussed a last minute resolution that would change the way Portage County residents regularly access and attend Commission Meetings.

The Resolution is regressive, moving the county backwards and eliminating an online option for viewing live-streamed meetings. Instead, meetings would be recorded by audio, and later posted when the minutes from that meeting are made available to the public.

In the middle of a pandemic it has become increasingly difficult for individuals to attend Commission meetings. This move would result in residents waiting days or even weeks to hear what was passed during a meeting, or risking their own personal health to attend in person.

Join the Young Democrats in calling on the Portage County Commissioners to Let The Sunshine In! Complete the form below and your response will automatically be emailed to all three commissioners.

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THIS FORM HAS CLOSED

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UPDATE: COMMISSIONERS VOTE 2-1 TO REMOVE VIDEO LIVE STREAMING

On Thursday, February 25, the Portage County Commissioners voted 2-1 to rescind Resolution 20-0186, which allowed to Board of Commissioners to meet publicly by video conference.

The Portage County Young Democrats issued the following statement:

In just under 36 hours, the Portage County Commissioners received over 150 emails from concerned citizens through our website, all urging them to continue the practice of live streaming their meetings.

During today’s meeting, the Commissioners moved forward with removing the video live stream option. The vote was 2-1.

Commissioners Christian-Bennett and Badalamenti lied to the general public, calling our Call to Action “just a form”, when in fact 91 concerned citizens provided additional feedback in their own words, directly to our Commissioners.

Democracy dies in darkness. Today, the Portage County Commissioners have subverted the will of the people. They should be ashamed.

If you would like to voice your concerns directly, you can contact the Commissioners through the information provided below:

(330) 297-3605 | Sabrina Christian-Bennett - SChristianBennett@portageco.com
(330) 297-3600 | Tony Badalamenti - ABadalamenti@portageco.com
(330) 297-3600 | Vicki Kline - VKline@portageco.com

Letter From The President

As I write to you this morning, I'm happy to share that our Executive Committee had our final meeting of 2020 on Wednesday, and wow have we had a busy year!

While covid has definitely added some unique challenges, I'm proud of what our team accomplished this year and wanted to share a few of those accomplishments with you. 

• We executed an extensive Primary and General Election endorsement process, through which we endorsed and supported thirteen Democrats locally, including two Young Democrats.

• We launched a comprehensive online voter resource page, connecting more than 9,000 individual visitors to candidate information and questionnaires, voter registration and absentee request forms, polling information, and how they could volunteer with Democrats here in Portage County.

• We took a stand against systemic racism by demanding the Portage County Randolph Fair ban the sale and display of the confederate flag, and encouraged our community to join the conversation.

• We hosted a number of actions for candidates up and down the ballot, dropping thousands of pieces of campaign literature across the County. We also partnered with democratic groups to design, print and mail our first ever mail piece - 3,500 postcards supporting endorsed democrats.

• We attended two digital conferences with the Young Democrats of America as part of the delegation for Ohio, and two of our Officers served in national leadership positions.

• We hosted a ‘Culture of Corruption’ live conversation online with Democratic leaders in the Statehouse, reaching over 1,000 Portage County Residents.

• We attended multiple in person and virtual events to support Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, and connected Portage County residents to resources (and swag) from their campaign.

• And finally, we jumped into the Georgia Special Election, preparing 500 postcards for registered voters, and participating in multiple action events through the Ohio Young Democrats, Young Democrats of America, and the DNC.

I'm so incredibly proud of our organization and what we've accomplished this year, and can't wait to hit the ground running in 2021!

In spite of a global pandemic and the challenges it presented, the Portage County Young Democrats worked tirelessly this entire year to safely and effectively support Democrats at every level, by partnering with our endorsed Candidates and brother/sister Dem orgs, while growing our membership and reach across Portage County.

As we look forward to 2021, we know we can not do this alone. We rely on the support of our stakeholders, like you.

So, we are asking you to support PCYD today with $25, $50 $100 - or any amount you are able.

We intend to build on our organizational successes, and have outlined an aggressive plan to do even more next year. Please consider chipping in today to help us kick off the new year strong, and hit the ground running in January.

Democratically Yours,

Christopher Clevenger-Morris
President

NOTICE: Constitutional Convention Scheduled

The Executive Committee of the Portage County Young Democrats approved and scheduled a Constitutional Convention for Monday, January 11 at 6:30 PM.

Pursuant to the Constitution and Bylaws of this organization, all proposed amendments must be received and posted by 6:30 PM on December 26, 2020. A list of proposed amendments will be added below upon receipt.

Members may request a link to attend the meeting by emailing info@portageyd.org.

A copy of the agenda for the meeting can be found by clicking here.

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PROPOSED CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS AMENDMENTS

• 001 - Voting Verification by Sergeant-At-Arms (December 22, 2020)

• 002 - Continuity of Membership Rolls (December 22, 2020)

• 003 - Honorary Appointment by President (December 22, 2020)

• 004 - Elected Officers Title Update (December 22, 2020)

• 005 - Special Election (December 22, 2020)

• 006 - Binding Appointments (December 22, 2020)

• 007 - Officer Duties (December 22, 2020)

• 008 - Officer Duties - 2 (December 22, 2020)

• 009 - Elections (December 22, 2020)

• 010 - Standing Committees (December 22, 2020)

• 016 - Temporary Emergency Powers (December 23, 2020)

PROPOSED STANDING RULES AMENDMENTS

• 011 - Code of Conduct (December 23, 2020)

• 012 - Affiliations (December 23, 2020)

• 013 - Endorsements (December 23, 2020)

• 014 - Financial Accounting Procedures (December 23, 2020)

• 015 - Chapter Building Committee (December 23, 2020)

• 017 - Meetings Not In Person (December 23, 2020)

TO BE PROPOSED FROM THE FLOOR (EMERGENCY CONSIDERATION)

• 018 - IRS Documentation Update (January 9, 2021)

NOTICE: Elections Meeting Scheduled

Pursuant to the Portage County Young Democrats Constitution and Bylaws, as laid out in Article VI, an elections meeting for the offices of Vice President and Treasurer will take place on Tuesday, January 12 at 6:30 PM.

ARTICLE VI, SECTION II:

All Officers and candidates for office shall be Voting Members in good standing and remain so throughout their term of office, as well as meeting any and all requirements set forth by this organization's Constitution, Bylaws and Standing Rules.

ARTIVLE VI, SECTION III:

All individuals seeking election in the organization must have been a Voting Member in good standing for a minimum of three months the calendar year prior to the current election.

ARTICLE VI, SECTION VI:

Elections for Vice President and Treasurer shall take place in odd numbered years, to be scheduled no earlier than the seventh (7th) of January and no later than the twenty-first (21st) of January.

ARTICLE VI, SECTION VII:

Any individual who has not yet attained their eighteenth (18th) birthday by the date of the election shall be prohibited from seeking office.

ARTICLE VI, SECTION IX:

Any individual who has attained their thirty-eight (38th) birthday on or before the date of the election shall be prohibited from seeking office.

This meeting will take place via zoom. Voting members of the Portage County Young Democrats will receive an emailed link for the meeting. General and honorary members wishing to attend the meeting, but not vote, may request a link to the zoom meeting by emailing info@portageyd.org.

An agenda for the Officer Elections Meeting can be found here.