Democratic Party - 49th Ward

Obama Moves the Nation!

Last night was a moment that makes every volunteer, every precinct captain, every Alderman and every Committeeman proud. Proud because someone who truly believes in the same values and ideas we do went to the national convention and moved the nation.

For all of us who started with Barack 15 months ago when he really was "a skinny guy from the Southside with a funny name" this is a dream come true. In my opinion, the content of the speech was an "A", and the delivery was only a "B-". As good as he was last night, we all know that he can do even better. Just wait until the rest of America discovers what we already know.

I hope that each of you who spent countless hours working for Barack and so many others see that every once in a while someone special comes along and really does change our world. It is because of the efforts we made that Barack Obama was the keynote speaker of the Democratic convention. And he is going to the United States Senate and he will be a player the day he arrives.

Fellow 49ers, job very well done!!

State Convention and State Fair

The Democratic Party of the 49th Ward will be participating in the Democratic Party of Illinois State Convention on Wednesday, August 18, 2004. The convention is in Springfield, IL. It is being held in the Springfield Hilton starting at 12:00 noon and will be followed by a rally at the State Fair for the Governor and the Democratic Party. If you would like to attend either the convention or the fair please contact us immediately.

These events are free, but you will need to provide for your own meals. If enough demand exists we will provide transportation. Springfield is a 4-hour trip each way and you must arrive no later than 11:30 am to register. You can expect to be home some time between 8:00pm and 10:00pm.

Voter Registration Online

While we have not yet reached the point where we can electroniclly register to vote yet, the forms necessary to register to vote are available online. We have official Chicago Board of Election Commission forms available for download.

You must keep in mind the following: After printing and completing this form you must mail it to the Chicago Board of Elections to be registered to vote. You must vote in person the first time you vote because you will be required to produce two forms of identification when you arrive at the polling place. If you intend to vote absentee you cannot register this way.

Forms are available in both English and Spanish on this site. Forms in Chinese, Polish, and Korean are also available from the Board of Elections.

In order to download the form you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer.

49th Ward Starts Young Democrats Chapter

The Democratic Party of the 49th Ward has initiated the formation of a Young Democrats chapter that will be affiliated with the Democratic Party of Cook County. The Young Democrats is an organization designed to bring young people into the political process and to provide leadership training and mentoring to the next generation of leaders.

The group is being led by three enegetic YD's: Michael Pond as Chairman and Vanessa Allmon and Amy Dean as Co-Chairs. The group is currently developing a mission statement and working on stratagies to reach out to the young voters of the 49th Ward.

If you are interested, have suggestions or ideas or know a young Democrat who might be interested please feel free to contact Mike, Vanessa or Amy. In order to be a Young Democrat you must be under 36 years old and be a Democrat.

No Political Meeting in August

This August the Democratic Party of the 49th Ward is playing hooky and going to the ballgame. We haven't called in sick yet so don't tell the Committeeman.

We will resume our regular schedule, the third Monday of the month, on Monday, September 20, 2004. We hope that by then the state will have a budget and our legislators can actually join us this time.

Registrars Needed for R.P. Jazz Series

On August 14-15, 2004 the Rogers Park Jazz Series will be held at Lunt and Sheridan during the hours of 10am to 10pm. We need volunteers to do voter registration during these hours. To see other opportunities go to the calendar or send an email to sign up for the day and the time you are interested in.

Election Judge Applications Due

Election Judges are appointed to a term. Every two years the terms of appointment for all Election Judges expire. In order to continue to serve every judge must apply for re-appointment. The term expired after the March primary election and all judges should have recently received applications and additional information from the Board of Election Commissioners. Those who wish to continue to serve must now renew.

The longstanding policy of the 49th Ward is to allow those Judges who have been working in a precinct to remain in that precinct if they chose to do so. The second step is to allow current Election Judges to move to open positions if they wish to move. The third step is to fill all remaining open positions with new applicants.

All applications for current Judges to be renewed is Monday, August 16, 2004. At that time any Judge wishing to change precincts must notify me of the request. All moves that are possible will be made that week and applications will be accepted for new applicants beginning Monday, August 23, 2004.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the office by email or call us at (773) 973-4949.