Caledonia County Democrats

The event for this Saturday has been postponed. Stay tuned for more information on this important issue as the debate continues in our State Legislature,

Caledonia County Democrats Affirm Rural Community Schools are the Heart of Caledonia County. Read the full op-ed at caledoniademocrats.org/wp-content/u...

If you get 3SquaresVT, you may have heard about work reporting requirements—and you may be confused about what they actually mean. There are organizations across the state that are trained to help you. Learn more: https://dcf.vermont.gov/benefits/3SquaresVT/WorkRules

Use your voice, vote your values! Vermont Town Meetings are traditionally the first week in March every year. To find the exact date, time, and location of your town meeting visit your town website or call your town clerk's office.

Have questions about education reform in Vermont? Join us for a local forum and discussion. Learn more here caledoniademocrats.org/event/act-73...

VT Democrats LGBTQI+ Retreat RSVP Event Address: Upper Valley Food Co-op, 193 North Main St, White River Jct. Event Date/Time: Sat, March 14 from 12 noon to 4 pm Contact us at lgbtqi@vtdemocrats.org

docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

Don't miss this chance to interact directly with your elected officials. Light breakfast served. $5 donation.

I was grateful to reconnect with Mahmoud Khalil last week as he continues to fight for his 1st amendment rights.

Speaking up for what you believe in is not a crime. We stand with you, Khalil.

I’m thrilled my bill with Senator Blackburn requiring baby changing stations on Amtrak trains passed out of the Senate Commerce Committee.

Now we need all our Senate colleagues to help us pass this important legislation that’ll make it easier for parents to travel with their kids.

Opinion — Mike Pieciak: Medical debt relief is a direct investment in Vermonters Without requiring additional taxes or fees, our proposal would make a one-time investment of $1 million to eliminate up to $100 million of medical debt.

I’m working to eliminate up to $100 million in medical debt for working and middle-class Vermonters.

No new taxes or fees required.

This investment will help thousands of Vermonters make ends meet by eliminating debt they don’t deserve.

vtdigger.org/2025/02/06/m...

Battle of the Bulge Episode 6: Patton’s Army on the Move This one was personal: I had people in Patton’s Third Army and heard stories about the Battle of the Bulge and Bastogne as a kid, but it’s only with this series the pieces are falling into place.

The Battle of the Bulge Episode 6: Patton's Army On the Move

UPDATE! Due to ongoing water issues in St. Johnsbury, tonight's (2/16) After Hours meeting at Sam's is 𝗖𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗗. Please join us online for our next meeting March 2 for a local candidate town hall.

Our website is the best place to stay up to date on the latest news and events in our region. Check it out at caledoniademocrats.org

Text of statement over American flag background reads: Vermont Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas Responds to President's Statement Attacking Mail-In Voting, "Voting Machines." “The President appears to be confused about several key facts when it comes to American elections. For one, he says in his post that when it comes to election administration, states must do what he tells us. As I detailed in a statement just last week, the U.S. Constitution gives the states control over elections and gives only Congress the power to pass laws regulating elections; it does not empower the president or executive branch to do so (U.S. Constitution Article I, Section 4). This means that, in the absence of a law passed by Congress, state law dictates all matters around elections. Either way, our country is not set up to operate by executive fiat – our founding fathers were quite clear about that. Mail-in ballots are not only a secure method of voting, they also greatly increase voter turnout by allowing more voters to cast their ballot from the comfort of their home, removing the constraints of work and caretaking schedules and transportation. While I, of course, love to get out and vote at the polls on Election Day, many Vermonters find it more convenient and accessible to vote by mail – and that shows in the numbers." Continued

Text over American flag background reads: ...continued: "Since Vermont’s first universal vote by mail general election in 2020, we’ve seen more than 70% of Vermonters vote in presidential election years – and the majority of those votes were mail-in ballots. I’ve heard personally from members of all three of Vermont’s political parties who’ve told me how important it is for them to be able to receive and cast their ballot from home. I want more voters casting their ballots in elections, not less. This strengthens our democracy. Now, as for the ‘voting machines’ that the president referenced, it’s unclear whether he’s referencing the vote counting machines, known as ‘tabulators,’ used in every Vermont district that has more than 1,000 voters. He did mention that he likes paper ballots – I do too. Per state law, we use paper ballots and those are kept for 22 months after a federal election. In truth, 98% of Americans cast paper ballots. Our secure, air-gapped tabulators are faster and more accurate than hand-counting. As Vermont’s Chief Elections Officer, I won’t tolerate any effort to undermine the integrity and accessibility of our democracy. To the extent that the President seeks to overstep his authority, I will continue to work with Attorney General Clark to protect Vermonters’ rights. The Attorney General and I will also continue to coordinate with other states that are committed to preserving the constitutional balance of power.”

Bar graph shows voter turnout levels in 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022 and 2024 elections. Emphasizes the percentage of the overall turnout that was absentee or vote by mail. Through 2018, percentages were in the 25% range. Since 2020, they've risen to the 63% range.

The President stated that when it comes to election administration, the states must do what he tells us - the U.S. Constitution says otherwise. Nearly 2/3 of Vermonters voted by mail in 2024, and we have seen consistently higher voter turnout since 2020. Vote by mail is here to stay.