Last weekend Virginia’s Republican Party held its convention to nominate its ticket for the 2013 election. And just when you thought Ken Cuccinelli was bad enough, the party doubled-down on crazy with the nomination of Bishop E.W. Jackson for Lieutenant Governor- a noted extremist and radical fundamentalist. You can read more about Bishop Jackson on Slate and on Buzzfeed. (warning: content may cause anger)

Allowing for the election of a Cuccinelli-Jackson ticket wouldn’t just set Virginia back, it would set it back to the 19th Century.

That’s why now is the time to start campaigning to the fullest to elect Terry McAuliffe and bring Democratic leaders and values to Richmond. As we learned last night from Robby Mook, this election is going to be close. It is going to be back-and-forth all the way up into November. And it is going to come down to which party can energize its base and build a winning coalition.

The work starts today. Check the Campaign Corner

to learn about campaign opportunities in this area. Contact our Political Director, Matt Brown, to begin volunteering. And start letting your friends, roommates, neighbors, colleagues and families know about the critical importance of this election.

Citizens who will be absent from Arlington on June 11, or who are unable to go to the polls because of illness or disabilities, may apply to have an absentee ballot mailed to them or vote by absentee ballot in person at the Office of Voter Registration in Courthouse. Virginia law requires a reason to vote absentee-visit the Arlington County website for more details.

In person balloting:

Mondays-Fridays until June 7
8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Saturday, June 8
8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Courthouse Plaza, 2100 Clarendon Blvd., Suite 320

Reminder that Primary Day is June 11, 6 a.m.-7 p.m. at your local polling place.

Visit the Arlington County website for more details.

The YDA Summer Meeting is in less than two weeks in nearby Charleston, WV. A great chance to show the strength of our chapter, help recruit individuals for Virginia’s critical statewide elections, improve your political acumen through networking and training opportunities, as well as show support to AYD’s own Atima Omara-Alwala in her candidacy to be YDA President.

Contact our President, Lauren if you are planning on coming or if you want more information.

Jay Fisette June Reelection Reception featuring Terry McAuliffe (June 3, North Arlington)

Join special guest speaker Terry McAuliffe in support of Arlington County Board Member, and AYD supporter, Jay Fisette. Jay is offering a special Young Dem rate for the reception of just $35.

You can secure your spot on ActBlue.

The reception is being held at the home of Kevin Ceckowski and Robert Christie in North Arlington by Marymount University (not Metro accessible, but a short walk from the nearest ART 54 stop)

Monday, June 3
6:30 p.m.
2560 N Vermont St
Arlington, VA 22207
(Street parking available)
Contact Jen with any questions.

AYD’s LGBT caucus is recruiting volunteers to help out with the Arlington Democrats during the annual DC Pride Festival. This is a great event aimed at energizing and informing potential Virginia voters about the 2013 elections.

Contact Amaka to sign up or learn more about this opportunity.

Join your fellow Young Democrats from across Virginia for a fundraiser reception at Bailey’s in Crystal City to learn more about the YDA National Convention, how you can support the Virginia delegation, and network with Young Dems from chapters across Virginia.

We will also hear from Arlington’s own Atima Omara-Alwala as she makes her historic bid for YDA President!

Young Dem price is just $25 and if ordered in advance, receive a free drink coupon

Purchase tickets here - https://secure.actblue.com/page/vaydtoyda

Complimentary appetizers will be served!

Sunday, June 9
2 p.m.
Bailey’s Pub and Grille (Crystal City)
2010 Crystal Drive
Metro accessible via the Yellow/Blue lines; parking available in area garages or on the street.

Atima Omara-Alwala is running for the Young Democrats of America presidency and she needs our help. Her campaign to bring our chapter’s values to the national level will culminate at the

YDA National Convention taking place in San Antonio August 9-11. All AYD members are encouraged to consider attending the annual convention.

The convention is a great opportunity to network with peers from around the country, as well as participate in numerous training sessions. It is a proving ground for up and coming leaders within the democratic party, and a chance for our chapter to showcase our accomplishments on a national stage.

If you are interested in attending, please contact Lauren. We strongly encourage attendees to begin to make travel arrangements early. AYD will be providing subsidies for members’ room and board needs.

With the primaries a few weeks away, and the governor campaign heating up, candidates for statewide offices will be frequenting Arlington over the next few weeks and they need your help.

Be sure to visit AYD’s Campaign Corner to find out all the important details on upcoming campaign-related events, volunteer opportunities and more.

And contact our Political Director, Matt Brown, if you’d like to learn more about how to get involved.

May 31-June 2: 2013 YDA Summer Meeting (Charleston, WV)
June 3: Jay Fisette and Terry McAuliffe Reception (North Arlington)
June 8: Final Absentee In Person Balloting Day (Courthouse)
June 9: DC Pride Festival (Downtown)
June 9: VAYD NoVA Fundraiser (Crystal City)
June 11: Primary Day
August 9 – 11: YDA Convention (San Antonio, TX)

Tonight in Atima’s honor, and to help raise the funds she needs for a national campaign, the AYD Women’s Caucus is hosting a reception in Clarendon. Tickets for young democrats are just $25 and include open bar (champagne, beer and wine).

All funds raised will go to help Atima as she campaigns across the country sharing her values and vision with young democrats across the nation!

The reception begins at 7 p.m. and is being held at the home of County Board member Mary Hynes in Clarendon.

RSVP on Facebook for address and additional information.

Atima’s campaign will culminate at the YDA National Convention taking place in San Antonio August 9-11.

The annual convention is a great opportunity to network with peers from around the country, as well as participate in numerous training sessions. It is a proving ground for up and coming leaders within the democratic party, and a chance for our chapter to showcase our accomplishments on a national stage.

If you are interested in attending, please contact Lauren. We strongly encourage attendees to begin to make travel arrangements early. AYD will be providing subsidies for members’ room and board needs.

School Board Caucus (Thursday or Saturday)

The voting for the Arlington Democrats’ endorsement of a school board candidate will take place Thursday, May 9 and Saturday, May 11. All registered Democrats in the county are eligible to vote.

Caucus details:

Thursday May 9 at Drew Model School in Shirlington (3500 23rd St S 22206)

Voting open 7 p.m.-9 p.m.

Saturday May 11 at Washington-Lee High School in Ballston (1301 N. Stafford St 22201)

Voting open 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Volunteers are needed to help staff Saturday’s voting site in Ballston, including setup and cleanup.  Volunteer roles are varied, but mostly include greeting and directing voters as they go through the voting process, and staffing the registration table.

Volunteers who can work three hour shifts (or more!) are greatly appreciated. If you are able to help out please contact Conor Marshall.

Arlington Democrats’ Second Saturday Breakfast (May 11, Shirlington)

Have breakfast with two candidates running for statewide office at May’s Second Saturday breakfast at the Busboys and Poets in Shirlington. Democratic candidates for Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General, Ralph Northram and Justin Fairfax, respectively, will be on hand to meet with Arlington democrats and speak about their campaigns.

Saturday, May 11

8:30 a.m.

Busboys and Poets

4251 S. Campbell Ave

Please bring cash to help split up the bill.

AYD Career and Networking Happy Hour (May 14, Courthouse)

New to the area? Looking for a new job? Just like to network? Then come join AYD’s Career and Networking Caucus for its first happy hour of 2013. This will be a great chance to meet area young professionals, network, make new friends and maybe secure a job lead or two.

Tuesday, May 14

6 p.m.

Ireland’s Four Courts

2051 Wilson Blvd

(Right across from the Court House metro stop)

Bring friends and be sure to RSVP on Facebook.

AYD Political (& Pop Culture) Trivia (May 15, Ballston)

AYD’s May monthly meeting will test your political knowledge (with a little pop culture mixed in). Come out to Bailey’s Pub in Ballston for your chance to prove that you are the biggest political wonk in AYD. There will be prizes for the winners, along with free appetizers.

Wednesday, May 15

Bailey’s Pub and Grille (Ballston)

4238 Wilson Blvd (in the Ballston Mall)

Metro accessible via the Orange Line; parking available in the mall garage or on the street.

Invite your friends and please RSVP on Facebook.

Second Annual Members-Only BBQ  (May 18, Virginia Square)

Join President Lauren Hall for AYD’s second annual members-only BBQ near the Virginia Square metro.  AYD will provide some basic BBQ items (burgers and such), but members are asked to bring a potluck item of their choice.

We will also need some volunteers to help with set up, the grill, the check-in table, and clean up.

Please sign up if you can volunteer or would like to bring a potluck item.

The grill will be fired up at 4 p.m., and we’ll be cooking out until 6:30 p.m.

You must be an active (paid) member to attend. Please join/renew your AYD membership by Friday, May 17*. If you have questions about your membership status, please contact our membership team.

*Sign up ahead of time! Additional fees may apply for day-of sign-ups.

And don’t forget to RSVP on Facebook!

Terry McAuliffe Happy Hour with Robby Mook (May 20, Courthouse)

Top Democrat strategist and Terry McAuliffe Campaign Manager Robby Mook will be joining area democrats for a special happy hour at Guarapo on Monday, May 20. Mook is an expert when it comes to winning campaigns, and will be able to provide direct insights into the gubernatorial campaign.

Monday, May 20

Guarapo

2039 Wilson Blvd  (across from the Courthouse Wendy’s)

Metro accessible via the Orange Line. Limited street parking available.

Young Dems Summer Meeting (May 31-June 2, Charleston, WV)

Mark your calendars for the YDA Summer Meeting in nearby Charleston, WV. A great chance to show the strength of our chapter, help recruit individuals for Virginia’s critical statewide elections, improve your political acumen through networking and training opportunities, as well as show support to AYD’s own Atima Omara-Alwala in her candidacy to be YDA President.

Contact our President, Lauren if you are planning on coming or if you want more information.

Campaign Corner- Primary Edition

With the primaries just a month away, and the governor campaign heating up, candidates for statewide offices will be frequenting Arlington over the next few weeks and they need your help.

Contact our political director, Matt Brown, to learn more about all of the great volunteer opportunities happening in our area.

Remember these Dates:

May 7: Champagne Reception (Clarendon)

May 9, 11: School Board Caucus (Metro & South Arlington)

May 11: Arlington Democrats’ Second Saturday Breakfast (Shirlington)

May 14: AYD Career and Networking Happy Hour (Courthouse)

May 15: AYD Monthly Meeting (Ballston)

May 18: 8th District Convention (Springfield)

May 18: AYD President’s BBQ (members only) (Virginia Square)

May 20: Terry McAuliffe Happy Hour with Robby Mook (Courthouse)

May 31-June 2: 2013 YDA Summer Meeting (Charleston, WV)

August 9 – 11: YDA Convention (San Antonio, TX)