Democrats of the 40th Legislative District Washington (Whatcom, Skagit Valley, San Juan )

WELCOME

Welcome to the 40th Legislative District Democrats’ web page. If you are a current or recent member of the 40th LD, that’s great. If you are new to this website and want to understand legislative district politics, a hearty welcome to you too. You are encouraged to take a few minutes to understand the role of the 40th LD Democrats and consider joining our legislative district.

CHAIR’S PERSPECTIVE:
The Importance of Local Political Party Membership – Why it matters.

On Local Party Politics: Thanks to everyone who joined the 40th Legislative District Democrats and voted on which of our capable candidates to endorse in the 2008 40th LD race for State Senator. Some of you know of the State Party rules which went into effect in 2008. Washington State quite suddenly went from being a “Party Primary” state to a “Top-two Primary” state. The result was that political parties no longer had assurance that their parties preferred Democrat/s for office would make it through the Primary to the General Election. Instead, the top-two vote-getters in the Primary would face-off against each other in the General Election, regardless of which party they belonged to. If too many Democrat leaning candidates split the Democratic vote, there was a chance that no Democrats would make it to the General Election! The ruling also required that candidates in the Primary specify their party preference rather than identify the party they actually belonged to. Finally, if local political organizations would or could not endorse a single candidate for their open seats, the State Party would do this for them!

The 40th LD 2007-2008 Board chose not to abdicate the right to choose which candidate to endorse, and our membership agreed. Thus, the 40th LD undertook the task of giving all identified Democratic candidates several forums during which the general public and our members could evaluate the candidates.

Then, we held endorsement meetings in all 3 counties, and anyone who had been a member of the 40th LD for 30 days or more who was in good standing (had renewed their membership if it had lapsed), could vote on which candidate to endorse.

This in a nutshell is why it is important to retain your membership in the 40th. Only members have a vote on which candidates and issues we endorse -- the more people who join, the greater the impact of our endorsement. If the Democratic Party and its Platform are to remain guiding forces candidate choice and party goals, it is essential that we maintain party identity at the county, LD, State, and National level.

Roni Beall (Chair)

A LITTLE ABOUT WA STATE’S POLITICAL SYSTEM

Washington State is divided into 49 Legislative Districts and 39 Counties. In some cases, Legislative District boundaries and county lines are the same, but as frequently, they are not. There can be several Legislative Districts in a county; or Legislative District boundaries can cross county lines. For information on LD boundaries, go to www.wa-democrats.org, or click our LD website maplink.

The 40th LD includes all of San Juan County, most of Skagit County and most of South Whatcom County. We elect one state Senator and two state Representatives. Each of our legislators sits on a number of important state committees where they represent the interests of our legislative district.

As the democratic political entity which represents the 40th Legislative District, we 40th LD Democrats have the right to choose which candidate(s) to endorse to represent our LD. Our three Democratic County organizations, civic and business groups also endorse candidates, each according to their bylaws and/or endorsement policy.

The 40th LD also holds meetings to educate members and non-members on issues which will or may have the potential to change the rules of our political process, and serve as an information link between the Washington State Democratic Party and 40th LD members.

The 40th LD holds quarterly general membership meetings, and sometimes holds other special meetings. During these meetings, resolutions and issues may be presented and voted on; candidates and state propositions may be discussed and/or endorsed; and bylaw policy and rules may be discussed and voted on using the procedures in our bylaws.

The upshot is that if you want a voice and a vote regarding who is endorsed to represent the 40th LD in Olympia, and if you want to help determine which issues will be endorsed, and the guidelines under which we operate (and consider yourself to be a Democrat), you are encouraged to join.

All Precinct Committee Officers (PCOs) with precincts in the 40th LD are automatic members of the 40th LD. PCOs elected during the Primary preceding the biennial “Reorganization Meeting” who also meet our State’s Democratic party requirements elect the 40th LD Board (Most recently the 2009-2010 Board).

If you consider yourself a Democrats and live in the 40th you are eligible for “Active Membership.” By becoming an active member, you are eligible to vote on most matters which come before the 40th LD including candidate and issue endorsements. You can completion an application for membership on-line or meetings or events. People who live outside of the 40th LD are also eligible to join at the “Associate Membership” level. They are welcome to attend all meetings, but remain non-voting members.

Please fill out the this PDF file with your membership dues to become a member of the 40th LD fill out your information and send it to the address within the membership form or send by e-mail and pay and make donation with PayPal:

The 2009-2010 Board decided to leave our dues at $10 per year, and to try to simplify membership record keeping by offering 2 enrollment periods. Between January 1 and June 30, the full membership fee of $10 is suggested. If you join after June 30, your membership rate through the end of 2009 is $5, and will expire on January 31. Everyone is encouraged to renew annually to maintain their voting privileges. We also take membership applications online at any time, and at our quarterly meetings. Note: Payment of dues is not a requirement of membership but is appreciated as this is helps pay for postage, printing, and meeting costs. Note: PCOs are automatic members and need not pay dues, but are encouraged to do so.

Once you are a member, please also request membership in the Community Discussion listserv with two messages:

Summer Chili Cook-off: This typically American event is a friendly competition between counties, candidates and/or elected officials. It is our annual fundraiser and assures that we have funds to give to candidates and issues which receive the endorsement of our membership. Tickets go on sale June 1 for this August 2nd event.

Fall Luncheon: This gives members of the 40th an opportunity to meet and share information socially.