Minutes July 18, 2020
President Lynda Begnaud called the meeting to order at 4 pm. This meeting is being held via Zoom due to attendance restrictions of COVID-19. All pledged the flag.
Out guest speaker was Robert Vick, candidate for State Senate. His opponent is Republican incumbent, Brian Birdwell. There is to be a “meet the candidate” in support of Robert. In attendance will be Gilberto Hinojosa, State Chair of Texas Democratic Party and Beto O’Rourke, former U.S. Representative and former candidate for U.S. Senate. Details about location and times will follow. Robert is a good friend from Hood County and has assisted Ellis County in functions and activities in the past.
The minutes of the TDW June meeting were read by Secretary Tommy Cannaday. Helen Brock, Treasurer, read the financial report.
Old Business: A meeting was held at the Ellis County African American Hall of Fame. A registration booth was set up at the event and everyone was encouraged to register now in order to vote in November.
Lynda reported monetary contributions for North Ellis County Outreach are coming in nicely. Keep it up as there is still much need for food distribution in Ellis County.
New Business: Lynda also reported about 2,000 unregistered voters have moved into Ellis County who are likely Democratic voters. Lynda is planning to send letters to those voters along with registration forms. We are asking these folks to complete the registration and return it to the Elections Office. Lynda asked TDW members to volunteer to write letters to these newcomers, help address envelopes, stuff envelopes and/or contribute money for the purchase of paper, envelopes and stamps. After the election, these names will be matched to actual voters to measure the success of this TDW project.
Robert Vick said that young people should be contacted on the web. This would be the best way to persuade them to register and vote.
Kelly Blackburn, County Chair, reported on the Ellis County Democratic Party. The upcoming election is of course top of mind. More people are needed to serve as poll workers. At the runoff she said that Jana Onyon did a good job. Precautions necessary due to COVID-19 were observed to protect poll workers and voters. It is anticipated that early voting time will be extended for the November General Election. This year 16 year olds are eligible to serve as poll workers.
We need more social media contact made due to COVID.
Lynda reported that the Democratic National Convention will be help in August. We will be advised of dates and speakers. A few minutes of open group discussion followed.
Lynda adjourned the meeting at 4:47 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Thomas Cannaday