VOTE IN THE AUGUST PRIMARY... BY MAIL BALLOT | |
For the first time, Connecticut voters in the August 11 primary have three options: voting in person on Election Day, voting early in the days beforehand, or voting by mail ballot without an excuse. This year, there are strong reasons to choose the third option.
Donald Trump and his allies are doing their best to delegitimize mail-in voting, despite years of experience across thousands of elections and tens of millions of votes cast showing that it is safe and secure. Mail ballots also increase access for working people, caregivers, students, young people, the elderly, and voters with disabilities — pretty much everyone. By voting by mail, you help send a message to Trump and his allies that you're standing up for voter access and won't be deterred by scare tactics.
You'll also be supporting our hard-working local elections officials and volunteers here in Connecticut. Here's why: in 2024, Connecticut voters strongly approved a ballot question amending the state constitution to allow no-excuse absentee ballots. This year, the legislature passed the enabling legislation to make it a reality. Unfortunately, the legislature left in place 14 days of early voting for general elections (7 days for primaries), which obligates small towns as well as larger municipalities to staff up for the entire period — notwithstanding the small number of voters who trickle in each day.
Early voting was an important reform when it was implemented several years ago, but it serves little purpose now that mail voting is available to everyone. Voting by mail is, in effect, early voting, but it's available a full 31 days before a general election (21 days before a primary).
And early voting in person is expensive to administer, especially for the many small towns across Connecticut. In light of no-excuse absentee voting, town clerks and registrars — both Democratic and Republican — from towns across the state in joined in lobbying for a reduction in early voting days. Proponents of keeping the full 14 days argued that no-excuse absentee voting was new and unproven in Connecticut, and that more data on voting patterns was needed before any changes are made. You can help make the case for reducing early voting days by casting a mail ballot. We need to show the legislature that we voters are happy to make mail voting, instead of early voting, the cornerstone of enhanced access to the polls.
And remember that you're free to return your "mail ballot," three different ways: by US mail, in person at the Town Clerk's office, or using the secure drop box in front of Town Hall.
To request an application for a mail ballot, contact the Salisbury Town Clerk at (860) 435-5182 or use the state's online portal.
As always, every vote matters,
Your Faithful Editor
| |
In This Issue
- Vote for Governor Ned Lamont in the Primary
- Joe Woodard Elected as DTC Chair
- Salisbury Dems' Liberty Tree: A New Way to Mark Independence Day
- Things You Can (and Should) Do Now
- Join a Stand-out Protest in Your Community
- Other Upcoming Events
- Letter from Georgia
- In Case You Missed It
- Get These Other Sources For Action
- This Month from A.R.T. (Art Rejects Tyranny)
- Did You Miss a Newsletter?
- Share Your News
- Tell Us What You Think
- Spread The Word
| | |
VOTE FOR GOVERNOR NED LAMONT IN THE PRIMARY
While many of us are intensely focused on preserving fair elections and voting rights in other states, what we do as Democrats to get out and vote here in Connecticut also matters. On Tuesday, August 11, our governor faces a primary challenger. The Salisbury Democratic Town Committee endorses Governor Ned Lamont for another term.
Lamont has provided steady leadership, fiscal discipline, and tangible policy gains — especially in stabilizing state finances, expanding social programs, and investing in long-term infrastructure and clean energy. He has delivered multiple consecutive balanced budgets and large surpluses over his tenure, restoring Connecticut's finances after prior deficits, through debt reduction and improved credit ratings.
He enacted the largest middle-class tax cut in state history, expanded property tax credits and child tax rebates, and eliminated taxes on some retirement income. He capped insulin costs. He implemented paid family and medical leave, providing up to 12 weeks of paid leave, and increased the minimum wage. His signature investment was expanding affordable childcare for working families.
He secured hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding for transportation upgrades, investing in rail, bridges, housing development, and transit-oriented projects. On clean energy and climate leadership, he set a goal of a 100% zero-carbon electric grid by 2040 and advanced offshore wind and renewable energy projects that power hundreds of thousands of homes.
Ned Lamont has earned the right to another term leading Connecticut.
| | |
JOE WOODARD ELECTED AS DTC CHAIR
The Salisbury Democratic Town Committee has elected Joe Woodard to succeed Al Ginouves, who recently resigned for health reasons. The election took place at a special meeting on July 21. Al, who led the SDTC for more than a decade, has been sidelined by complications resulting from recent surgery. Fortunately, he is making a steady recovery. The SDTC passed the following resolution in appreciation of Al's leadership:
WHEREAS, Al Ginouves ably led the Salisbury Democratic Town Committee for two decades; and
WHEREAS, he carried out his responsibilities with skill and unflagging energy; and
WHEREAS, he led with good humor, creativity, and respect for all; and
WHEREAS, he shepherded the Committee through difficult times and even more difficult times;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Salisbury Democratic Town Committee extends its deepest thanks to Al Ginouves for his many years of devoted service, and its heartfelt wishes to him and his family for his speedy recovery.
| | |
SALISBURY DEMS' LIBERTY TREE: A NEW WAY TO MARK INDEPENDENCE DAY
On July 4th, the Salisbury Democrats added a new feature to the usual Independence Day festivities at the Town Grove. Visitors to the Grove were invited to decorate our "Liberty Tree" by writing what American freedom and democracy mean to them on a red, white, or blue ribbon and tying it to the tree. The response was enthusiastic, and organizers hope the Liberty Tree's messages will later be displayed in a public area.
The original Liberty Tree was a historic elm in Boston that served as a rallying point for the Sons of Liberty as they protested British rule. Thank you to everyone who contributed their thoughts to our tree.
| |
|
THINGS YOU CAN (AND SHOULD) DO NOW
There is no summer off in Donald Trump's America. With the midterms just three months away, our actions are critical in shaping the election results. Here are a few suggested actions you can take -- both here in our community and remotely in battleground states.
Join Georgia Dems' “Ready to Vote” Initiative — Great Remote Opportunity!
The Georgia Democrats’ Voter Protection Team is seeking volunteers to join its Ready to Vote initiative. Starting now, volunteers will make calls to voters who may need assistance ahead of the election—those who have been challenged or purged from voter rolls, previously had absentee ballot applications rejected, or recently moved and need to update their registration. No matter the issue, Georgia Democrats are committed to ensuring every eligible voter is ready to cast a ballot this November. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to help, this is a great opportunity to make a direct impact from home. Sign up here.
Be a Hotline/Ballot Cure Volunteer in Wisconsin — 100% Virtual Work!
In Wisconsin, mail-in ballots are sometimes rejected for minor technical issues—such as missing signatures, improper sealing, or incomplete witness information. These simple errors can prevent votes from being counted. Fortunately, the Wisconsin Democrats (WisDems) run a highly effective ballot cure program that contacts voters and helps them fix these issues in time. As a volunteer, you’ll reach out to voters whose ballots need curing—people who have already voted and are typically grateful for assistance. This is an easy, high-impact way to help protect the vote, and it can be done remotely from anywhere in the country. Sign up here.
Volunteer to Re-Elect Maria Horn
Our stalwart state rep, Maria Horn, is looking for our help reaching voters through doorknocking and phone banking. Doorknocking events are scheduled in several towns in August, September, and October. It's fun and rewarding -- and one of the most effective ways to engage voters. You’ll talk with neighbors about the issues that matter to them and share information about Maria’s work. If you’re new, don’t worry — you’ll receive training and all the materials you need and will be paired with an experienced volunteer. Click to sign up for doorknocking.
Can't doorknock? Consider helping Maria by signing up to phonebank. Her campaign is hosting virtual phonebanks (VPBs) from now until Election Day. You make calls to voters in the district from your home using your computer/tablet and your phone. The campaign will provide all the training you need, including the scripts, phone numbers, and other information for making the calls. You can schedule a time to make calls anytime that works for your schedule. It's a fun and easy way to share with your neighbors your enthusiasm for Maria and the other candidates on the Democratic ticket. Click to sign up to phonebank. Contact Cindy Barrett at (860) 781-5066 or cbingoshen57@gmail.com with any questions.
Volunteer for CT State Senate Candidate Aaron Zimmer
Aaron Zimmer is running for the CT State Senate in our district (30th District). This is a seat that Democrats have not held for nearly 50 years, but this time could be different. The campaign is shifting into high gear. Canvasses are starting and the digital teams are mobilizing. Volunteers across the district are stepping up because they know what's at stake. Aaron is now actively recruiting volunteers to knock doors or call voters (training provided), share about Aaron’s campaign on social media, be a driver, and other important tasks. Grassroots campaigns don't win because of one candidate. They win because an army of neighbors decides to do something. Please sign up to volunteer.
| |
JOIN A STAND-OUT PROTEST IN YOUR COMMUNITY
There are more towns than ever with regular protests. Keep building the pro-democracy momentum that's sweeping our country. Show up at one of the protests happening every week in our area. Bring a sign or a flag if you can—but what matters most is simply showing up.
Saturdays
Salisbury - 11am-noon at the Salisbury Town Green at the White Hart Inn, 15 Under Mountain Road, Salisbury.
Litchfield - 11am 46 West Street, Litchfield Green.
Torrington - 11am-noon at Coe Park, 101 Litchfield Street, Torrington.
Cornwall - 12 noon at the triangle intersection of Routes 4 and 7 South in Cornwall Bridge.
Amenia - 12 noon at Fountain Square, corner of Routes 22 and 343.
New Milford - 12 noon - Protest and Food/Diaper Drive at the Old East Street School near CVS, 50 East Street, New Milford.
Kent - 2-3pm - At 50 North Main Street, north of the Welcome Center.
Fridays
Sheffield (MA) - Standout Protests in Sheffield (MA) - 4-5pm at Main Street (Rt. 7), across from Roberto’s Pizza. Contact Ricky Bernstein for details at rickypenrose@gmail.com.
Other Days
The Berkshire Visibility Brigade is holding standouts on the Mass Pike overpasses in Stockbridge, West Stockbridge, and Lee (MA) on Sundays, Wednesday, and Thursdays. Click for details and sign-up.
| |
OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS
Thursdays, August 6, 13, 20, 23, & 27 at 2-3:30pm - Postcarding at the White Hart. Saving Democracy's postcard group meets in the Garden Room at the White Hart. You are welcome to sit and write in the Garden Room, take your cards to a table on the lawn, or just stop by to pick up a packet to complete another time. Sarah Zarbock and John Hoffman will also have a box with packets of postcards on the bench by their front door and you can grab a bunch during daylight hours...no need to ring the bell, just take a packet or two from the box. They are at 37 Chatfield Drive in Lakeville. To receive updates and future event information, join the Saving Democracy email list by contacting kathyvoldstad@gmail.com.
Thursdays, August 6, 13, 20, 23, & 27 at 3pm: What’s the Plan? Weekly Call with Indivisible’s Founders. The chaos coming out of the White House is a deliberate strategy to sow confusion and make us believe we are powerless to fight back. The antidote? Coming together as a community to cut through the noise and unite around strategies for resistance. Join Indivisible co-founders Leah Greenberg and Ezra Levin each week for an hour to discuss what’s happening—and, more importantly, what's the plan. These calls can be very uplifting! Click for details and registration.
Tuesday, August 11 - CT Democratic Gubernatorial Primary. This election between Governor Ned Lamont and challenger Josh Elliott will determine who will be the Democratic candidate in November. Polls are open from 6am to 8pm and for seven days of early voting.... but please vote using a mail ballot (see article above).
Tuesday, August 18 at 7pm: Salisbury Democratic Town Committee. This regular meeting of the SDTC will be held at Town Hall and on Zoom. Please email Lee Greenhouse to receive a copy of the agenda and the link to the meeting. All are welcome.
Thursday, August 27 from 4-6pm - Meet Congresswoman Jahana Hayes and State Representative Maria Horn. Sponsored by the Democratic Coalition of NW CT. Event is at 286 Gay Street in Sharon. Please bring a dish to share and RSVP to cbingoshen57@gmail.com.
| | |
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Trump WILL Try to Steal the Midterms. Here's How — And How We Prevent Him from Doing So. In this piece, Robert Reich lays out what he sees as a six-part strategy by the Trump administration to undermine the fairness of November's midterms — from dismantling election oversight agencies to easing spending limits for coordinated party spending, using ICE to intimidate voters, and casting early doubt on results. He closes with concrete steps Democrats can take now: voter registration drives, get-out-the vote efforts, watching for irregularities, and lining up legal support. It's worthwhile reading to understand what we can each do to win the midterms. Read the full piece in Reich's substack.
Department of Justice Threatens Election Officials Over Noncitizen Voters. The US Department of Justice has warned election officials in several states that they could face criminal penalties related to noncitizens appearing on voter rolls or participating in federal elections. The letters have sparked debate among election administrators and legal experts, who note that states already have procedures in place to verify voter eligibility and that documented cases of noncitizen voting remain extremely rare. Read the full report on the DOJ’s actions, election officials’ responses, and the broader implications for election administration. Read the full story in VoteBeat.
When a Clerical Error Becomes a "Scandal" — But Only in Blue States. Texas recently admitted that non-citizens had been mistakenly registered to vote — a clerical error the state quietly corrected with no fanfare. Last week, New Jersey disclosed a nearly identical software glitch. The response from Trump, his administration, and right-wing media? Outrage, conspiracy theories, and fresh calls for the SAVE Act — a law that wouldn't have prevented either error, but would make it harder for eligible citizens, especially women and Black voters, to register. Read the full story in Democracy Docket to see how the double standard plays out, and why fighting it matters.
Rahm Emanuel on The New Yorker Radio Hour. Rahm Emanuel is a Democratic Party elder, having served in the Clinton and Obama Administrations and as mayor of his native Chicago for two terms. He’s a centrist known for valuing political wins over ideology, making it especially notable that Emanuel recently gave a blistering speech in Israel, calling the country’s path “not sustainable politically.” Among other things, he says in this interview that the US should no longer grant Israel unconditional military support. Emanuel, who hasn’t formally announced but appears to have embarked on a campaign for the 2028 Presidency, defends his position on trans rights, which has angered many on the left, and his contention that the Democratic Party is overly concerned with identity politics. Listen to this interview on the New Yorker Radio Hour.
The Logo for Donald Trump International Airport Appears to Be AI Slop. Donald Trump is the first sitting U.S. president to have an airport named after him. The Palm Beach airport, recently renamed for President Trump, has unveiled its new logo — and eagle-eyed observers say it's clearly AI-generated, and badly done. The emblem, a gold riff on the Great Seal, has mismatched eagle talons, uneven feathers, and a shield with the wrong number of stripes. Airport officials didn't deny the AI origin when asked. It's a fitting emblem for an administration that has repeatedly leaned on AI-generated imagery for its messaging. Read the full story from Futurism.
| | GET THESE OTHER SOURCES FOR ACTION | |
Because we publish only once a month, there are many events that never make it into our pages. To keep informed about those events, we strongly suggest that you subscribe to some of the excellent, more frequent sources that are listed below.
-
Robert Hubbell's Today's Edition provides daily analysis and commentary on the latest political happenings and practical suggestions for what citizens can do. He started the newsletter in 2017 to provide hope and perspective to his family after the unexpected results of the 2016 election. Over time, his family email was shared among friends and became of community of like-minded citizens devoted to preserving American democracy. Click to read his latest posts and subscribe.
-
Jill Drew’s Today's Action Daily Blast – This twice-a-week email suggests a single, focused calling action to our public officials each day, most often providing carefully-researched sample scripts along with the contact information for calling US Senators and Representatives serving Northwestern Connecticut and the adjoining area of New York’s Hudson Valley. To sign up email jill@jilldrew.com.
-
Saving Democracy email - Indefatigable activist Kathy Voldstad provides announcements of actions for people in and around Salisbury and elsewhere. Kathy's emails also provide inspiration that we all need in times like these. To sign up, email kathyvoldstad@gmail.com.
-
Jessica Craven's Chop Wood, Carry Water – This is one of our perennial favorites. Activist Jessica Craven provides daily suggestions on easy actions that each of us can take. Read it here and subscribe free for her daily dose of actions.
| | |
THIS MONTH FROM A.R.T. (ART REJECTS TYRANNY)
This month’s featured work from Art Rejects Tyranny (A.R.T.) is Roe vs. Wade by Sharon Curran, an artist in Bethlehem CT. It is an abstract sculpture that depicts a woman who is not in control of her body. Click to see the work and learn more about the artist.
A.R.T. is a local, collaborative creative project that inspires people to create something in response to the destruction being wrought in Washington. Works can include, but are not limited to, painting, drawing, collage, photography, sculpture, scrapbooking, or poetry. Click to learn more about A.R.T, including.how to submit a work.
| |
Roe vs. Wade
Sharon Curran, artist.
Bethlehem, CT
Dimensions: 10” wide x 24” high
Medium: Ceramic and metal
| | |
DID YOU MISS A NEWSLETTER?
The entire archive of past newsletters is available at the Salisbury Democratic Town Committee website.
| | |
SHARE YOUR NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Please send us any news or announcements that you would like us to share with our community. We publish on the first of each month, so please send us any submissions at least one week in advance. Please submit to the editor at salsdemsnews@gmail.com.
| | |
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK
We love hearing from you, our readers. Every edition of our newsletter is created with you in mind — to inform, engage, and inspire. But your feedback helps us do our job better. Drop us a note — even a few lines can make a big difference. Reach us anytime at salsdemsnews@gmail.com.
Please take our reader survey, If you haven't already done so.
| |
If you've read this far, it's probably because you like this newsletter. Please feel free to forward it to your friends and family. Let them know that they are welcome to join our mailing list no matter where they live. We are delighted to have readers from anywhere – Salisbury, the Northwest Corner, or elsewhere in the world. They can sign up with the QR code or click here to sign up or go to salisburydemocrats.com and click below to join our mailing list.
| | | | |
