The current COVID-19 health crisis means that a lot of Georgians are voting by mail (or “absentee,” as it’s called) for the first time.

So you’ve requested your ballot and received a big envelope in the mail. You marked your choices on your ballot. Now what?

You should receive three items with your ballot:

• Privacy sleeve
• Instructions
• Return envelope

But the instructions say to “securely seal the ballot in the smaller of the two envelopes provided”. But wait, you only see one envelope!

The “second envelope” is actually that folded in half sheet of paper that reads “OFFICIAL ABSENTEE BALLOT/BALLOT MUST BE ENCLOSED”. It’s more of a privacy sleeve.

Here’s what you should do:

Read more: https://www.georgiademocrat.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/FAQVBMInnerSleeve.pdf

(click image to enlarge)

Since we want to make sure our community stays safe, we’re sharing some resources that we think may help you through this new and challenging time in our history.

For updates on COVID-19 (coronavirus), please refer to:

The Georgia Department of Public Health: https://dph.georgia.gov/

Fulton County government: https://www.fultoncountyga.gov/covid-19

If you think you may have a case of coronavirus, please call the Georgia COVID-19 hotline. Do not show up unannounced to a hospital or health care facility: (844) 442-2681.

Ways you can help:

• Donate to the Atlanta Community Food Bank
• Donate to North Fulton Community Charities
• Order takeout or delivery from your favorite local restaurants (or buy a gift certificate, or check to see if they have a Gofundme site set up)

For more information:

The 2020 Census is coming up! What is it? Why should you care? Can the information you share be used against you? Here are your frequently asked questions with answers.

What is the Census?
Once every ten years, the census takes place to have an accurate count of how many people are living in
the United States. This is required by the Constitution. Invitations to complete the census form will be
mailed out around March 12 – 20 and you can respond online, by mail or by phone.

Why is the census important?

• Allocation for funding and resources

It is important to know who is living where to ensure that funding and resources such as hospitals,
schools, roads, and other public resources we all use are allocated fairly to the communities that
need them.

• Legislative districts

Districts are redrawn every ten years to account for population changes.

• Fair Representation

Census data is used to reapportion representatives in the U.S. House of Representatives to
determine how many seats each state receives.

• Local governments

Local governments use census data to plan effective public safety and emergency response.

• Businesses

Businesses use census data to determine where to build new factories, offices and stores which
creates new jobs.

Who should complete the Census?
EVERYONE! The census counts every person living in the United States, regardless of citizenship or legal
status.

Why should I complete the census?

The census accounts for how roughly $800 billion tax dollars will be spent. This money goes to things like roads, parks, public transportation and more. Each person who takes the census brings in more than $2300 in funding to Fulton County!

Is there a citizenship question on the census?

There is no citizenship question on the form. Additionally, you will not be asked for your social
security number, bank accounts, or political affiliations. All information is confidential and will only be
used for statistical purposes.

Is there a cost to take the census?

There is no fee required to complete the census.

For more information:
https://www.fultoncountyga.gov/inside-fulton-county/fulton-county-initiatives/census-2020
https://2020census.gov/content/dam/2020census/materials/languages/guides/English-Guide.pdf
Para más información:
https://2020census.gov/content/dam/2020census/materials/languages/guides/Spanish-Guide.pdf

The Fulton County Dems are hosting a Day of Action at the Capitol on Tuesday, March 10.
Tentative schedule:

Here are some bills that have surfaced either in committee or in the House or Senate. You may wish to discuss one or more of these bills with your legislator:

SB434 – Plastic Bag Ban
Prohibits plastic bags and food service disposable containers made from Styrofoam. For more information: https://www.facebook.com/sallyharrellga/videos/835725570237094/

SB409 – Vote by Mail
Would allow Georgians to always vote by mail without having to request every single election. For more information: https://www.ajc.com/news/state–regional-govt–politics/bill-would-allow-georgians-always-vote-mail/t1vglJzzazXvs15fNf4PNI/?fbclid=IwAR0JCtnsB7zHs3DeX38ntE2r7lejTFJJzYjNZg8oTccw7JPq-ny0IVX2KpU

HB994 – “Anti-Gang” Bill
Has undergone multiple revisions but still:

– Allows prosecutors to move juvenile cases related to gang activity to the adult system with permission from a juvenile judge

– Defines “criminal street gangs” as any group – of people of three or more who are suspected of coordinating criminal activity

– Lengthens prison sentences and extends the reach of law enforcement agencies across county lines

– Expands the powers of campus police and school security officers so they can have arrest powers 880 yards beyond school boundaries

https://www.ajc.com/news/crime–law/kemp-anti-gang-bill-amended-due-opposition/yeOQplDDd8ym7aIGQliHSL/

Our legislators need to be focusing on the societal barriers that lead young people to gang involvement and invest in the resources necessary to ensure that children and their families can thrive. This bill is extremist and if unchecked, will incarcerate young people at a disturbing rate, undoing the bi-partisan work that has grounded Georgia’s criminal justice reform. There appears to be no mention of Alt-Right Militias being considered a ‘gang’. This bill defines behaviors that can be attributed to urban culture as potential crimes

SB357 – Guns in Private Schools and Churches
Will allow people to bring guns into private schools and places of worship

HB440 – Raise the Age for Juveniles

Will raise the age of minors prosecuted in the juvenile justice system to 18. The majority of offenses committed by 17 year-olds are misdemeanors. Raising the age for jurisdiction of the juvenile court system to include children who are under the age of 18 will result in better outcomes for young people who are at an age where they may act impulsively but who have great capacity for rehabilitation.

The Raise the Age Bill is in the House Juvenile Justice Committee. At the Feb 18th Talk Justice Tuesday, a 19 year-old named Dylan bravely shared his story of how when he was 17 he and his 16 year old friend were arrested for breaking and entering. Dylan’s friend was processed through the juvenile system while Dylan went through the adult system. The outcomes for the two were completely different. Dylan’s case took 2 ½ years to be resolved, he dropped out of school to get a job to pay his fines, will serve a five year probation sentence and have to deal with the stigma of a criminal record for the rest of his life. His friend has already finished his probation, he got his high school diploma and his record will be sealed.

HB1060 – Anti-Trans Bill
Preventing doctors from providing life saving treatment to trans minors. For more information: https://www.legis.ga.gov/Legislation/en-US/display/20192020/HB/1060

SR654 – Tax Dollars for Public Transit (sponsored by Sen. Sally Harrell D)
Constitutional amendment to allow motor fuel tax money to be used for transit and not just roads and bridges.

SB386 – Money away from public schools
This bill is a secret school voucher bill, expanding access to special needs scholarship funds to all students with 504s. It takes money away from public schools.

HB756 and 297 – Coal Ash Pollution
Would require polluters to store coal ash in lined pits. 

HB995 – Discrimination on College Campuses
Allows discrimination on college campuses it would roll out the red carpet to permit “religious”, “political”, or “ideological” student orgs to discriminate in membership, leadership.

SB334 – Community Midwifery Bill
Licenses for midwives in Georgia. For more information: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/en-US/Display/20192020/SB/334

HB528 – Record Restriction (sponsored by Rep. Mandi Ballinger R)
Allows for the restriction (expungement) of most misdemeanor conviction records after four years.

HB714 – Solitary Confinement (sponsored by Rep. Bee Nguyen D)
Defines solitary confinement and prohibits the practice for people with mental illness, children and elderly.

SB463 – “Anti-Voting” Bill
Will slash the number of machines in precincts, and make it easier to reject absentee ballots. For more information: https://indivisiblegeorgiacoalition.org/2020/03/04/voting-rights-theyre-coming-for-your-absentee-ballot/

HB117 – Vote Anywhere in Your County
This bill would allow Election Day voting to be anywhere withing your county of residence, instead of at your assigned voting precinct.

HB487 – Re-Criminalize Hemp
Possession of small amounts of hemp is a misdemeanor. More information: https://hightimes.com/news/georgia-lawmakers-pushing-bill-essentially-re-criminalize-hemp/

Want to get involved? This is a roundup of legislative advocacy events for March 2020. Please note that some have admission fees and all events are subject to change due to changes in the legislative calendar. These events are not hosted by us, but these are all great organizations–please check with them for any changes to the schedule. Check out our events calendar for meetings and events hosted by the Fulton County Democratic Party Committee.

Efforts to End Cruel and Unusual Punishment in Georgia – Tues, March 3
9am – 11am, Trinity United Methodist Church, 265 Washington St
Georgia’s criminal legal system is full of cruel and unusual punishments, with practices that include executing people, giving children life sentences, prosecuting children as adults and confining people with serious mental illness to solitary confinement. This advocacy day will provide attendees with information about the current efforts to address these harsh practices and offer specific opportunities for people to advocate for reform to lawmakers. RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/468304654055488/

Women in Blue Day at the Capitol – Tues, March 3
8:00 am – 1:30 pm. RSVP to GFDWwin@gmail.com
Join the Georgia Federation of Democratic Women at the Capitol to lobby legislators. Start with breakfast and networking, followed by lobbying. Please wear blue!

LGBTQ Lobby Day at the Capitol – Mon, March 9
8:30 am – 12:00 pm, Georgia State Capitol
This event will provide a free training on how to educate state legislators on issues and policies that affect LGBTQ Georgians. RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/174241827209068/

Fulton Democrats Day of Action at the Capitol – Tues, March 10
9:00 am – 1:00 pm, CLOB Room 510
Join us at the Coverdell Legislative Building for a quick lobby training, then we’ll walk across the street to “work the ropes.” RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/128094955293743/

Crossover Day – March 12

Mujeres at the Capitol – Wed, March 18
9:00 am – 2:00 pm, Georgia State Capitol
The 2nd Annual Mujeres at the Capitol will be an exciting day were Latinas will have the opportunity to talk to their Representatives about issues that are impacting their community. This is a free event hosted my Georgia Shift, Alpha Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc and the Latino Community Fund. Breakfast and Lunch will be provided. RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/614281832673141/

Want your group’s event featured here? Email communications@fultondems.org.

Want to get involved? This is a roundup of legislative advocacy events for February 2020. Please note that some have admission fees and all events are subject to change due to changes in the legislative calendar. These events are not hosted by us, but these are all great organizations–please check with them for any changes to the schedule. Check out our events calendar for meetings and events hosted by the Fulton County Democratic Party Committee.

SPARK Organizing Intensive Training and Brunch – Sat, Feb 1
10am – 2pm 561 West Whitehall St SW, Free
Interested in making a change in your community, but not sure how to get started? Curious about Reproductive Justice and how to be an agent for radical change? Do you want to learn how to show up and advocate for the Trans and GNC community? RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spark-organizing-intensive-soi-tickets-89828442289

Stop Violence Against Women Day 2020 – Tues, Feb 4
Doors open at 8:30 a.m. Free, but must register:  https://www.facebook.com/events/2686645598085629/
Hosted by Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

LWVGA Legislative Day- Mon., Feb. 10
8:00 am -12:00 pm. Hosted by League of Women Voters of Georgia
Join members of the League of Women Voters across the state as we celebrate the League’s 100th Anniversary at our annual Legislative Day at the Georgia Capitol.  https://www.facebook.com/events/472390370137070/?active_tab=about

Second Chances: Expanding Expungement and Voting Rights – Thurs, Feb 11
9 am – 12 pm https://www.facebook.com/events/466051070775509/
Attendees will learn about the current efforts to expand expungement and voting rights for people with a criminal history and what they can do to influence lawmakers during the 2020 session.

Women in Blue Day at the Capitol – Tues, Feb 11
8:00 am – 1:30 pm. RSVP to GFDWwin@gmail.com
Join the Georgia Federation of Democratic Women at the Capitol to lobby legislators. Start with breakfast and networking, followed by lobbying. Please wear blue!

Forestry Day at the Capitol – Tues, Feb. 11
7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Georgia is the #1 forestry state in the nation, and working forests and forest product industries play a vital role in our state’s economy and environment. Forestry Day at the Capitol provides YOU with an opportunity to celebrate the impacts of working forests in Georgia, while networking with Georgia’s political leaders. https://www.facebook.com/events/773806366429033/

New Americans Celebration – Thurs, Feb. 13
Free, please RSVP. https://www.facebook.com/events/1809633535835629/
Annual day of education and outreach for refugees, immigrants and their supporters. Engage with legislators and share why refugees and immigrants should be welcomed.

Fair Districts Lobby Day – Wed, Feb.18
8:00a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Free, but space limited so please RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/FairDistrictsGA/posts/2499023517023299
Advocate for fairness in districting.

Asian American Advocacy Day at the Capitol – Mon, Feb 24
7:30am – 1pm https://www.facebook.com/events/1083348925330742/
Our Advocacy Day is designed to be a relationship-building opportunity among Asian American leaders, Georgia elected officials and other policy makers. Our event draws the largest number of Asian American business and community leaders to the Georgia Capitol each year, typically bringing together over 300 guests.

Capitol Conservation Day – Wed, Feb 26
7:30am – 12:00pm, $10 fee per person, breakfast included
Join the Georgia Water Coalition on Capitol Conservation Day to hear updates on relevant bills and meet your state representatives. Register today; only 200 seats available! https://www3.thedatabank.com/dpg/218/mtglistproc.asp?formid=2020CCD&caleventid=28661 

2020 Housing Day at the Capitol – Wed., Feb. 26
7:30a.m. – 3:00p.m. Complimentary breakfast & lunch with RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/572961846877109/
Join Georgia Advancing Communities Together for advocacy at the Capitol on affordable housing issues.

Moms Demand Action – Advocacy Day at the Capitol- Thurs, Feb.27
10:00 am.  201 Washington St SW, RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/3067395416819139/
There will be a short rally at the church across the street and then we will head to the capitol in our red shirts to talk to our legislators.

Justice Day at the Georgia Capitol – Thurs, Feb 27
9 am – 1 pm. Please RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/499282650993226/
On February 27th several partners of the Justice Reform Partnership will come together to host the 9th Annual Justice Day at the Capitol. Justice Day will bring together a wide array of community members and organizations to show Georgia lawmakers that there is still a need for criminal justice reform and meaningful changes to promote healthy and safe communities. 

Want your group’s event featured here? Email communications@fultondems.org.

Want to get involved? This is a roundup of legislative advocacy events for January 2020. Please note that some have admission fees and all events are subject to change due to changes in the legislative calendar. These events are not hosted by us, but these are all great organizations–please check with them for any changes to the schedule. Check out our events calendar for meetings and events hosted by the Fulton County Democratic Party Committee.

Environmental Issues: Sierra Club GA – To Be announced
The Sierra Club GA is launching 3 campaigns to mobilize around priorities in the GA Legislature; clean energy, transportation & good government. To get involved and sign up to receive notifications about legislation and advocacy events go to https://www.sierraclub.org/georgia/blog/2019/12/help-us-fight-for-environment-georgia-legislature-2020

ACLU of Georgia Community Lobbyist Training – Tues. Jan. 7
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.  Join the ACLU of GA for community lobbyist training. Learn about the state legislature, how a bill becomes a law, and how you can become a community lobbyist.
https://www.facebook.com/events/2447311702061809/

Legislative Advocacy Workshop 2020 – Sat. Jan. 11
11:00 am – 4:30 pm, $15 advance/$20 at door. Learn to be a strong advocate for reproductive rights. Open to the public, hosted by Feminist Women’s Health Center – Atlanta
https://www.facebook.com/events/2691512824248848/

58th Annual Wild Hog Supper – Sun. Jan. 12
5:30 pm – 7:30pm, $35. Eat BBQ and rub shoulders with state leaders, hosted by Georgia Food Bank Association
https://www.facebook.com/events/479505169313465/ 

Class is Back in Session & Pink Out the Halls: Mon. Jan 13
Planned Parenthood Southeast Advocates has regular advocacy education events on Wednesday mornings during the session; to kick off this year they’re wrapping the Capitol to show the state legislature that they won’t back down. To find out more go to:
https://www.facebook.com/events/831024440704309/
https://www.facebook.com/events/446711266260403/

The Ratification of the ERA and what it Means for Georgia: Mon. Jan 13
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Join National ERA Advocate Sharon J Hill to discuss the current state of the Equal RIghts Amendment in Georgia and where we go from here.
https://www.facebook.com/events/2396816670568524/

Georgia Healthcare Unscrambled – Tues. Jan 14
7:30 am –11:30 am, The Freight Depot, $50. Georgians for a Healthy Future hosts this annual event to discuss health care issues coming up in the GA legislature.
https://healthyfuturega.org/ghf_event/health-care-unscrambled-2020/

2020 Common Cause Legislative Kickoff – Thurs. Jan. 16
9:00 am –12:00 pm.  First lobby day with Advocacy 101 training for those who haven’t “worked the rope line” before. Common Cause is a non-partisan watchdog against corruption, abuse of power & advocate for voting integrity. Common cause hosts biweekly lobby days on Thursdays: Thursdays, 1/30, 2/6, 3/12 at 9am.  Hosted by Common Cause Georgia
https://www.facebook.com/events/537491276797006/

Talk Justice Tuesday – Tues. Jan. 21
8:00 am – 12:00 pm, Coverdell Legislative Office Building. Learn about issues in the criminal justice system, from local governments’ reliance on money from fines and fees to the privatization of prisons driving mass incarceration (and more).
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/talk-justice-tuesday-follow-the-money-the-dollars-and-sense-of-criminal-justice-reform-tickets-81751245175

Georgia Budget Policy Institute/ Insights 2020 – Fri. Jan. 24
$75 tickets required. Annual policy conference giving up to date budget and fiscal policy information. Keynote speaker Nikole Hannah Jones, architect of NY Magazines 1619 project.
https://ow.ly/vqyi50xJYhp

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention GA State Capitol Day – Date To be Announced
Advocate to pass HB580 Youth Mental Protection Act prohibiting conversion therapy. For more information go to https://afsp.org/chapter/afsp-georgia/

Georgia Equality Advocacy Training 2020 – Sat. Jan. 25
1:00 pm- 4:00 pm.  Legislative update and advocacy training on LGBTQ issues. Hosted by Georgia Equality
https://www.facebook.com/events/811849119266227/

2020 Maternal and Infant Health Policy Breakfast – Wed. Jan. 29
7:30-2:30 $50+ Policymakers and GA legislators will discuss what maternal and health issues will be addressed in 2020. Hosted by Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia
https://www.facebook.com/events/2559676384130816/

Fair Districts Lobby Days – Wed. Jan. 29
8:00 am – 1:00 pm Free, but space limited so RSVP. Advocate for fairness in districting. https://www.facebook.com/FairDistrictsGA/posts/2499023517023299

Want your group’s event featured here? Email communications@fultondems.org.

When is the Presidential Primary? When is the registration date cutoff? You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Bottom line: expect to head to the polls a lot in 2020.

Presidential Primary Date: June 9, 2020.
General Primary Date: June 9, 2020
**Voter Registration Cutoff: May 11**
This is when you’ll go to vote for who you want to represent the Democrats for federal and state offices (ie: who you want to challenge Senator David Perdue, who you want to represent you in Georgia’s state house and senate, etc)

General Primary Runoff: August 11, 2020
**Voter Registration Cutoff (federal offices only): June 22**
If someone doesn’t get 50% + 1 of the popular vote in the June 9 primary, the election will go to a runoff of the top two candidates.

 General Election: November 3, 2020
**Voter Registration Cutoff: October 5**
This is it. The Big Day. Get out and vote like your rights depend on it (they do).

General Election Runoff for State and Local Offices: December 1, 2020
**Voter Registration Cutoff: October 5**
If someone doesn’t get 50% + 1 of the popular vote in the November 3 election, the election will go to a runoff of the top two candidates.

General Election Runoff for Federal Offices: January 5, 2021
**Voter Registration Cutoff: December 7, 2020**
Basically, this is going to be the runoff for Isakson’s seat. Since his election is a special jungle election, there may be more than two candidates running for one party. And if someone doesn’t get 50% + 1 of the popular vote on November 3, this will be the date of the runoff.

What about early voting? That will be decided about 2 months before each election. Stay tuned!

We’re going to be busy in 2020, knocking doors and explaining all these elections to people. Can you spare $5 a month for a recurring donation so we can print canvassing handouts and run Facebook ads?

Source: Georgia secretary of state