February 24th Democracy Night Recap
We had great attendance for Democracy night! Speakers from the federal, state, and local levels talked about specific initiatives and civics refreshers on how our Democracy functions.
View the meeting Livestream on Facebook
Update from Rep. Pramila Jayapal’s Office
Marielle Trumbauer, Outreach and Grants Coordinator
Our Congressional Representative (WA-07) has been very busy! We heard updates on legislative initiatives impacting College for All, Medicare for All, Dignity for detained immigrants, domestic workers, the trans community, and ICE to name a few. The Congresswoman has held 129 Town Halls to meet with constituents (sign up for the newsletter to learn when these are scheduled). And there was a shoutout from the audience for the Resistance Lab training! Folks had questions on justice for Epstein survivors, a website for recovered funds, ICE and immigration, and leases for detention centers.
Steve Vuleta, WA Secretary of State Civic Engagement Program
Aly introduced Steve with this: We are living through a period when elections are being contested in ways we haven’t seen in our lifetime. It’s easy to be angry and tune out - the antidote is knowing how the systems actually work.
Steve: This is a 20-minute crash course on government of the people by the people. Thank you for being here doing your duty as citizens and informed residents. Vote in every single election. Mark the Ballot is our mascot; pick up some swag on the way out.
Our office engages with citizens in a variety of ways: Rural (most of the state); tribal, criminal justice (reintegration into society from prison).
Steve talked to us about civic engagement at the State and Federal levels but also the importance of local engagement, of neighborhood projects and volunteers. Actions citizens can take: Voting, Volunteering, Running for Office, Protest, Boycotts and Buyouts, Resistance Lab. There are a lot of ways to be involved.
At the State level he talked about the biennial legislative sessions and Budget, how a bill becomes a law, and bill tracking. Our legislature comes from 49 Districts, each with 2 state Representatives and one state Senator. They meet for long sessions in odd years and short sessions in even years. The Biennial Budget is passed in the long session.
At the Federal level he talked about what the Constitution says about elections, and discussed the SAVE Act. WA Secretary of State Steve Hobbs is working to safeguard our election process. (The link to the presentation slides are here. )
Chirag Vedullapalli, Fremont PCO (Precinct Committee Officer)
Chirag is our Fremont/Wallingford neighbor and is a Precinct Committee Officer. The PCO Project is a great tool in the toolbox for building back and strengthening our democracy.
A Precinct is the smallest part of the electoral map, a neighborhood of about 1000 people, with about 550 of those being eligible voters. In WA there are 7500 precincts, with two PCOs (one for each party) each, or 15,000 PCOs. More than half of those positions are unfilled. PCOs are elected. If no one runs, the party can appoint someone.
A PCO gets out the vote, works to increase party involvement, advises the party platform, and recommends appointments. A 17-year-old can file to run for PCO if they will be 18 by the primary date.
PCO Project: The last three elections have had low voter turnout, especially among young people. The purpose is to raise awareness, empower young people to have agency, and educate them about the role, responsibilities and process. This is someone in your neighborhood who knows what needs to be fixed (potholes example). The Project was started in 2023 with the long-term goal of filling every PCO position. It is non-partisan, providing resources to teachers for a high-school civics class. Students study both party platforms.
PCO is a civic responsibility, the next step up from voting before becoming a full-time advocate or moving up the chain. PCO is the most overlooked and impactful position for the time commitment (a few hours a year). Precincts with PCOs get higher voter turnout. (The link to the PCO slides is here)
Steve ended the Civics session with this:
Eternal vigilance is the price of freedom. The bill is come due, we have to get out there. We are opposed to federal law enforcement at polling stations and are trying to ensure that rights are being respected. Face the risk, we are standing beside you. Keep fighting.
Announcements
Aly went through the postings of current FNC Projects and volunteers needed. This is a low effort way to get involved in your community. Keepers of Quirk, Public Art Protecters. Helen Tapp Bench project, something we need help with long-term. B.F. Day Emergency Hub, Colleen is leading that. 46th Street Mural project, Caroline leading.
Mer: In dark and scary times, look for a helper; if you don’t see one, be a helper. Looking for ICE rapid response in Fremont. I would like for us to be pre-organized and ready. Look for me after the meeting. Colleen: Our next meeting will be ICE training in general.
Anna: Same topic, looking for a place to host a watch party for WAISN training. Room for maybe 30 people. We had an event last week with larger turnout than expected.
Sophie: If you feel inspired, we have vacancies on our Board, talk to me or go to our website.
Eve: In keeping with the ICE and WAISN topics, pick up a whistle on the way out.
Ellen: I’m trying to move to the neighborhood, would anyone like a housemate?
Tristan: I’m looking for a studio space for a pattern maker, sewing designer.
Leo: FAC is having a fundraiser for the Solstice Parade, an April 4th Gala.
Pete: The Pickler will be opening soon, maybe March 21st. There was a live Geekwire podcast with a tech company, showcasing our Fremont orgs and all the cool funky businesses in the community, FCC has a series of sponsored articles.
Lydia: There is an Evening Market this Thursday on 35th. Pete: By the Rocket, from 4-8pm. We’re hoping the Art Walk and other events will come back on that night (last Thursday of the month).
Simone: Put our meetings on your calendar, pay your annual dues, spread the work, take a yard sign, suggest a speaker and maybe invite them. Join the Board. It takes a villager to be in a village.
Board Business:
January minutes approved.
Discussion of possible future meeting topics: ICE in March, April AGM, May Stone Way pedestrian improvements and new buildings on 36th.
Leo Griffin gave updates of the Benches for a Troll project.
Question of what month the FNC report is due to WA SOS.
Chamber of Connection offering tabling at the Nordic Museum.
Annual Elections in April: Let Sophie know if you are not continuing in your board positions.
Coffee chats: March planning meeting will be on Google Meet.
Flyering update.
Evgeny discussion and vote on up to $200 to send membership postcards, passed.
Push to get FNC yard signs in traffic circles (maintain traffic visibility).
Brandon is working with FCC to find businesses to participate in an FNC rewards program.
Audrey shared info and materials from the ACLU.
Detailed minutes of past meetings can be found here!
