March 2026 Newsletter
The votes are out there – Let’s go get them!
You may have seen a statistic regarding the 2024 General election that roughly a third of eligible voters voted for Trump, a third for Harris and a third did not vote at all.
It’s both shocking and compelling.
Why did almost 90 million Americans not vote for a presidential candidate?
In looking for answers, The Guardian offers insight. Their research found that voters in non-swing states believe their votes did not count due to the electoral college. Younger voters were turned off by Harris’ and the Democratic Party’s stance (or lack thereof) on Gaza/Israel/Middle East or any real plan to combat Climate Change. Some didn’t vote “just to make a point”.
Additionally, non-voters noted a very real disillusionment with our two-party system in which they believe both parties pander to the donor-class and are disconnected from the working-class.
We have also noticed a disconnect between the Democratic Party of Wisconsin Platform, our Candidates/Legislators actions and voters’ awareness of what the Democratic Party stands for.
For example, did you know that the State Party’s platform calls for Universal Healthcare?
“Access to affordable, quality healthcare is a right. The best solution to our national health care crisis is a single-payer system. It must provide universal access for individuals of all ages; promote preventive measures; include comprehensive dental, eye, and ear care; provide medications and therapy; and cover all physical and mental illnesses equally.”
Yet many eligible voters are unaware of that, along with so many other positions supported by the Party, it’s fair to ask Democrat Legislators what they are doing towards that end. It’s fair to ask our Candidates how do they plan to uphold the Party’s position or plan to turn those “planks” into a reality? And it’s fair to challenge local leadership on how to better communicate the platform to voters.
While the world and our priorities have already changed dramatically in a little more than a year, it will be even more important for the Democratic Party of Kewaunee County, of Wisconsin, the Democratic National Party and all our candidates and legislators to be crystal clear on their plans for 2026 and beyond. Now is not the time to be coy, but to be bold and forthright in thought and action.
However, we must also be crystal clear in this: every similar-minded person,18 years or older, whether they identify as “independent”, “progressive”, “Green” or “Democrat”, must REGISTER to vote https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/Register-To-Vote and then VOTE, on April 7, for Judge Chris Taylor.
Voting is the best way to stop the extremist and inhumane laws and policies being foisted upon us by the Republicans. The people in Kewaunee County, in Wisconsin and in the United States cannot withstand another year of absolute Republican control in our state house or at the federal level. We simply do not have the luxury to “make a point” by not voting. Without hyperbole, peoples’ lives and livelihoods depend on every single person who can, voting for every Democrat on the ballot, at every level.
The alternative is unimaginable.
Jodi Parins, Vice Chair, Democratic Party Kewaunee County
HELP GET THE VOTE OUT FOR APRIL 7th ELECTION
Around the country we are seeing Democrats in red states winning previously unreachable legislative seats. Not just barely squeaking it out, but by landslide victories. Let’s work to add Wisconsin and even, deep red, Kewaunee County on that list.
The recent Marquette University poll shows that over 60% of eligible voters are “undecided” for their choice of Supreme Court Justice. Their experts attribute this to, first, a lack of awareness of an April election and second, to any real knowledge of the candidates. This presents a huge opportunity for us as a party AND for you to get involved! Here are just a few ways you can help.
POSTCARDS FOR JUDGE TAYLOR
We have roughly 650 voters in the County who typically vote for Democrats in general elections but skip the lesser-known spring elections. There is no Electoral College in the spring elections, so every vote that is cast, counts (unlike the Presidential election). These are additional votes that should be “low hanging fruit” and easy to get out so we have created postcards urging these folks to go vote.
Now we need help to write and mail. Here are the details from Colleen O’Brien, who is coordinating the effort:
Postcard packets are available to be picked up at the Algoma office Mondays 3-6PM and Fridays 4-7PM starting March 2nd. There are 15 postcards per packet, along with directions, scripts and postage. The cards are all addressed, so volunteers just need to jot down the provided script and place the stamp. Take as many packets as you can complete. Using the Goldilocks method--we want the cards mailed out between March 13-19th, not too soon, not too late.
PHONE BANKING
We are currently asking for help contacting folks who have volunteered with us in the past to get them onboard for upcoming door to door canvassing efforts. If you have done phone banking in the recent past or have a smart phone and are somewhat tech-savvy, feel free to sign up for the weekly phone banking effort coordinated by our regional field organizer, Molly Zelloe.
Phone banking is virtual on Fridays from 4-6p. Sign up here: https://www.mobilize.us/wisdems/event/903185/
CANVASSING
A proven method to get likely democratic voters OFF their couches and TO the polls is by going door to door in the weeks leading up to April 7th. Based on volunteers’ availability and locations, we are hoping to canvass in the County from 9am – noon the weekends of March 28 and April 4. Not a “Door to Door” type? That’s ok - we also have administrative roles and are always looking for people to serve as hosts in your home or even place of business. Let us know if you want to be part of this effort that really makes a difference.
UPCOMING EVENTS
GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE COMMUNITY FORUM
Saturday April 11, 11am – 2pm
In a historic partnership with the Democratic Parties of Door, Brown and Manitowoc Counties and Invisible groups in Door and Brown Counties, we are happy to host this first of its kind event!
This is your chance to meet and speak with many of the gubernatorial candidates in small group settings.
More details to follow along with registration link
SPEAKING OF DEMOCRACY – ST. PATRICK’S DAY EDITION
WHEN: Tuesday March 17th 6p-8p
Algoma Boat Club, 6th and Perry St Algoma
Our monthly events are intended as part business, part fun. It’s a chance to put faces to names, hear the latest in the Party’s efforts and find out how you can make a difference.
8th CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT ANNUAL CONVENTION
WHEN: Saturday May 2nd
WHERE: University Union @ UW-Green Bay
This is the annual business meeting with sibling County parties of the 8th Congressional District. While final details are still in the works, in even numbered years, the Convention votes on resolutions to the State’s Platform from the Counties. The gubernatorial candidates are also being invited to participate.
Kewaunee County, by way of our membership count, can send EIGHT delegates. If you are interested in participating, drop us a note or see any of the Leadership team at upcoming events.
NO KINGS DEMONSTRATION
WHEN: Saturday March 28 10-11:30am
WHERE: Harbor Park, 212 Harrison, Kewaunee
Sponsored by Kewaunee County’s own Vocal Locals, these nationally coordinated days of peaceful demonstration have become a sustained national resistance to tyranny, spreading from small towns to city centers and across every community determined to defend democracy. Click here to register to let us know you will attend.Make it stand out
NEW OFFICE HOURS
We are open again! Starting March 2nd, the office will be open Mondays 3-6PM and Fridays 4-7PM. The office is located at 305 Steele Street, Algoma, Suite 102. The building is on the corner of Steele and 3rd St. During regular business hours the front door on Steele Street is open. During office hours the middle door on 3rd St with the flag outside, is also open
We could use at least two more volunteers to assist with staffing. Volunteer by going to the website and clicking on Volunteer Now found on the homepage.
