This year, 2021, would normally be an “off” year. A year for planning, training, recruiting and getting ready for the 2022 campaign season. Looking back at 2021, history had other things in mind. What should have been a celebratory January, was instead one in which we saw just how fragile our democracy actually is.
Locally, throughout the year, our county Board of Supervisors continued to support COVID policies that placed a greater emphasis on profits than human life. Strident voices in our community continue to urge our neighbors to support policies which benefit no one and place us all in danger.
Recall Election
Our organization was forced to go into campaign mode when the GOP managed to get enough signatures to force a recall of the Governor (the sixth such effort in two years). Fortunately, the voters of California spoke loudly and clearly in rejecting this recall effort.
We were able to take lessons learned in 2020 and put together a very good outreach effort to Placer County voters under the restrictions of COVID. This included going “rogue” and developing our own messaging and signage better suited to our voters than that provided by CADEM and the official campaign.
Starting again
Just this week, we were able to host our first in-person event following all applicable safety protocols. With some luck, we will have more coming in 2022.
Finally, we are in the final days of the reapportionment and redistricting process that follows a census. Our volunteers have gone above and beyond in their efforts to provide voters with fair district maps that fulfill the intent of this process. The best news is that it appears their work has paid off.
It’s all about the volunteers
In all of these efforts, looking back at 2021, our members have been joined by volunteers from our clubs and the community at large. They serve on our various standing committees and step up to help at our events. They provide their time, talent, and treasure for the benefit of their family, friends, and neighbors. I truly appreciate their efforts .
We will be kicking off 2022 with pre-endorsement conferences in February, and a CADEM convention in March. After that we will be in full campaign mode.
Happy 2022
Enjoy this holiday season. Spend as much time with loved ones as you can. Thank you for everything you’ve done in 2021. Thank you for all the work you will do in 2022.
In solidarity,
-tomas vera
Chair, Placer County Democratic Central Committee