As we turn our attention to the general election on April 4, please save the date for Grassroots North Shore's program "Rescue Lady Justice." It will be held Sunday, March 12 from 4:00pm - 6pm at the North Shore Presbyterian Church (4048 N. Bartlett Ave. in Shorewood). Jodi Habush Sinykin the Democratic candidate for Senate District 8, and Deb Andraca, Representative for the 23rd Assembly District, will be two of our featured speakers. But the main attraction will be the progressive candidate on the ballot for the Supreme Court seat. Who is that? We'll know in a week. It's never too early to SIGN UP! And by the way, if you are one of those people who fret about two MAGA judges winning the primary, I have just the balm for you. Ben Wikler, chair of WisDems, has published a crystal clear piece on just why that outcome is so very unlikely. He's done the math so you don't have to. And he's shown his work in pie charts. Check it out.
Meanwhile, the double-edged sword that is Daniel Bice has brought us the news that a sentence Judge Jennifer Dorow issued last year has been overturned by the Appeals Court because the sentence was too lenient and did not meet the legal requirements for the offense. Former Supreme Court Justice Dan Kelly declined to comment on the matter but he or his allies have been attacking her for being "soft on crime." Dorow's been hitting back at Judge Grogan — who wrote the unanimous Appeals Court decision — by posting in their entirety the comments of the "conservative" radio, Mark Belling, who is supporting Dorow. Belling attacked Judge Grogan, who (according to Bice) is backing Dan Kelly. Bice writes, "in an article on his website, Belling wrote that Grogan was calling local lawyers to 'mock' Dorow and 'crow' about the appellate court ruling."
While we're looking ahead to the April election, Grassroots North Shore is offering many projects to inform voters about the elections and to get out the vote. So of course we need your help both right now and for the April 4 general election. Here are some of the things you can do by contacting the person who is leading each project or by volunteering on our website:
- Go to local university and college campuses to talk to students about the importance of the spring elections. Contact Norma Gilson or call 414-588-1241.
- Phone strong Democratic women in our North Shore communities and Ozaukee County. Contact Nancy Kaplan (443-465-1920).
- Canvass with our Neighborhood Action Teams: see the Events List for Saturday, February 18, and Sunday, February 19. There will also be canvasses on Monday, February 20, and Election Day. And the whole process will begin again after the primary. So start now and continue into spring!
- Write postcards to strong Democrats in Ozaukee and Washington Counties ahead of the April 4 election. Contact Norma Gilson or call 414-588-1241.
- Deliver Grassroots North Shore leaflets to our North Shore neighbors ahead of the April 4 election. Contact Norma Gilson or call 414-588-1241.
You can also volunteer with the Voter Protection Team: Join the Ballot Cure Program! WisDems are thrilled to announce the return of their ballot cure program for the April election! Ballot cure is a process whereby we contact voters whose absentee ballots are at risk of rejection and walk them through their options to make sure their vote will count. It's concrete, gratifying work that has a tangible impact on the lives of voters across Wisconsin and serves as a critical voter education opportunity for future elections. Unlike the fall, trainings will run for just one week, so be sure to sign up here to get involved! The same page will provide you with an opportunity to sign up as a Poll Observer, Voter Protection Phonebanker, and/or Poll Worker.
We're just a week away from the primary. So I hope everyone has already voted by absentee ballot, plans to vote early in-person, or has a plan to vote on Election Day. In Milwaukee early in-person voting began on February 7 and ends on Saturday, February 18, at a number of locations throughout the city. See specific information on the Milwaukee Election Commission site. In Ozaukee County and in the North Shore suburbs, early in person voting ends on Friday, February 17. For information specific to your municipality, see the information on GRNS' website.
If you don't yet know enough about the progressive candidates for the Wisconsin Supreme Court, you can find anything you need online. Here are some ways to get up to speed.
- View our "A Supreme Opportunity" event on the Grassroots North Shore YouTube channel.
- Read the candidates' responses to our Grassroots North Shore questionnaire.
- Read the candidates' responses to the League of Women Voters questionnaire.
- Find the online information candidates have posted by visiting the GRNS page for the race. You will find links to candidates' websites, Facebook pages, and other social media.
- Watch the Oregon Area Progressive interview with Judge Janet Protasiewicz and the group's interview with Judge Everett Mitchell.
To be as prepared as possible, you should look up a sample of your ballot at MyVote.WI.gov. Those of you who live in Wisconsin Senate District 8, will find an extra primary on your ballot. Unlike the primary for Supreme Court, municipal elections, and school board elections, this special primary is a PARTISAN one. And it's confusing. There are three candidates vying to be the Republican nominee but only one Democrat. Because Wisconsin has an open primary system for partisan elections, you can choose to vote in any party's primary. There's a spot to fill in your choice. But you can vote in only one. If you choose to vote in the Democratic primary, cast your ballot for Jodi Habush Sinykin. You can find information about her on our elections website. The links to her online information are available on the page for each community that is within Senate District 8.
Those of you who live in Milwaukee will see contested primary races for city council in Districts 1, 5, and 9. The League of Women Voters Milwaukee County has posted candidates' responses to their questionnaire. So be an informed voter and don't skip these "down ballot" races.
The Milwaukee Public School Board has recently passed a resolution to develop a specific plan and timeline to increase voter registration and actual voting by eligible high school students! It's about time. So there will be several voter registration opportunities at select DMVs and at city high schools. I'll have more information for you next week since online registration does not begin again until after the primary. It will run from February 22 until March 15.
I'm a little apologetic about using the newsletter so exclusively for information about voting. But only a little. So let me end with some analysis of important national news. As you probably know, Jack Smith, the Department of Justice Special Counsel in charge of the investigations into the Jan. 6 events and the Mar-a-lago documents scandal, has subpoenaed former Vice President Pence. Today's news is that Pence plans to challenge the subpoena, not on the grounds of executive privilege, but on the grounds that being compelled to testify would violate the "speech or debate" clause of the US Constitution. A truly novel claim. Read about it in this piece by Laura Clawson at Daily Kos.
The multitude of efforts by TFG to overturn the 2020 election can get to be pretty confusing. But Talking Point Memo's Josh Kovensky has put together a cogent explanation in his article How The Fake Electors Scheme Explains Everything About Trump’s Attempt To Steal The 2020 Election. He has persuaded me that everything, including the Insurrection, hinged on getting fraudulent electors to displace the certified ones on January 6. It's really worth reading.
EVENTS
Wednesday, February 15
Oz Dems Meeting, 7:00 - 8:00pm
1930 Wisconsin Ave, Grafton
Join the monthly meeting of the Ozaukee County Democratic Party. Dr. Charles Franklin who heads up the polling operation at Marquette Law School, will be our speaker. Ozaukee's momentum is getting noticed. You'll want to hear what all the buzz is about. Also Come out early before the meeting to meet some candidates for local office at our Meet the Candidates event at our Grafton office from 6-7 p.m. Connie Kincaide, Mike Maher and others will be in attendance.
Thursday, February 16
Weekday Grafton Canvass!, 3:00 - 5:00pm
1930 Wisconsin Ave, Grafton
Join the Ozaukee County Democratic Party to knock doors in Grafton in support of the open Senate District 8 seat and to turn out progressives for the Spring Primary election! We'll begin with a training on our script and the miniVAN app, and then hit the doors! Sign up.
Poll Observer Info Session, 5:00 - 6:00pm
Online
Being a poll observer is the most direct way to protect voting rights: as a poll observer, you will be the last line of defense against instances of voter suppression and a crucial resource for voters. And in our April 4th election, it’s never been more important to show up for voters: if we flip the court, we will have the chance to overturn Wisconsin’s 1849 abortion ban and fight for fair maps. Please email us at [email protected] if you have any questions in advance. Sign up. https://www.mobilize.us/dpw/event/547274/
Waukesha County Dems Meeting, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Southminster Presbyterian Church, 200 Richard St, Waukesha
Joining us will be Kevin Kane, founder of Green Homeowners United. Kevin will be talking about this mission driven company, the rebates available in the Inflation Reduction Act, and we will be connecting this to selling Joe Biden's accomplishments to voters in Waukesha County! At this meeting we will also be discussing the February primary, and ways to get involved to help us win in April!
Friday, February 17
Understanding Wisconsin's Supreme Court Election, 10:00am - 5:00pm
University of Wisconsin Law School, 975 Bascom Mall, Rm 7200 Lubar Commons, Madison
The State Democracy Research Initiative (SDRI) and the Elections Research Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison invite you to attend a panel on state judicial elections. The February primary and April general election for the open Wisconsin Supreme Court seat have high stakes, potentially affecting the Court's decisions on a wide range of important issues. But why are Wisconsin judges and justices elected in the first place? What advantages and disadvantages are associated with judicial elections? How do judicial campaigns compare to campaigns for other state offices? Our panelists, Professor Miriam Seifter (UW Law School, SDRI faculty co-director), Professor Barry Burden (UW Political Science, Elections Research Center director), and Professor Jane Schacter (Stanford Law School), will aim to situate this election in broader context. The panel will be moderated by Professor Rob Yablon (UW Law School, SDRI faculty co-director).
Repro Shabbat, 7:30 - 9:00pm
Congregation Emanu-El B'ne Jeshurun, 2020 W Brown Deer Rd
Livestream available at CEEBJ.org
Congregation Emanu-El B'ne Jeshurun and NCJW Milwaukee (National Council of Jewish Women Milwaukee) are proud to welcome Attorney General Josh Kaul to discuss reproductive rights in Wisconsin on Repro Shabbat. Repro Shabbat highlights Judaism's support for reproductive freedom. On this Shabbat, Jews around the world read the verses of Parshat Mishpatim, commonly used as the foundation of Judaism's approach to reproductive health, rights, and justice.
Saturday, February 18
Whitefish Bay Gets Out the Primary: 3-hour shifts, 9am and 12pm
4845 N Newhall St, Whitefish Bay
Join us as we GET OUT THE VOTE in Whitefish Bay for Jodi Sinykin and in anticipation for the upcoming Supreme Court race this Spring. Jodi herself will join us at 9am AND at noon to greet canvassers and to canvass herself in the noon-3pm shift! Knocking on doors & talking to voters face to face is one of the most effective ways YOU can make a difference this February and April. This year is critical for our Democracy - winning in Wisconsin is VITAL! We need all hands on deck to get out the vote! Whether you are a first time volunteer or a canvassing pro, we will make sure you have everything you need. We will start the canvassing shift with training and give you all the materials you need to volunteer. The more the merrier - please feel free to bring friends & family members with you to your shift! Sign up.
Weekend Grafton Canvass: 3-hour shifts, 9am, 12pm, & 3pm
1930 Wisconsin Ave, Grafton
Join the Ozaukee County Democratic Party to knock doors in Grafton in support of the open Senate District 8 seat and to turn out progressives for the Spring Primary election! We'll begin with a training on our script and the miniVAN app, and then hit the doors! Sign up.
Fox Point Gets out the Primary!, 3 hour shifts, 9am, 12pm & 3pm
7632 N Beach Dr, Fox Point
Join us as we GET OUT THE VOTE in Fox Point for Jodi Sinykin and in anticipation for the upcoming Supreme Court race this Spring. Knocking on doors & talking to voters face to face is one of the most effective ways YOU can make a difference this February and April. This year is critical for our Democracy - winning in Wisconsin is VITAL! We need all hands on deck to get out the vote! Whether you are a first time volunteer or a canvassing pro, we will make sure you have everything you need. We will start the canvassing shift with training and give you all the materials you need to volunteer. The more the merrier - please feel free to bring friends & family members with you to your shift! Sign up.
Grassroots Glendale Gets out the Primary!, 3 hour shifts, 12pm and 3pm
6563 N Crestwood Dr, Glendale
Join us as we GET OUT THE VOTE in Glendale in anticipation for the upcoming Supreme Court primary on February 21st. Knocking on doors & talking to voters face to face is one of the most effective ways YOU can make a difference this February and April. This year is critical for our Democracy - winning in Wisconsin is VITAL! We need all hands on deck to get out the vote! Whether you are a first time volunteer or a canvassing pro, we will make sure you have everything you need. We will start the canvassing shift with training and give you all the materials you need to volunteer. The more the merrier - please feel free to bring friends & family members with you to your shift! Sign up.
Brown Deer Gets Out The Vote For The Milwaukee Primary: 3-hour shifts, 9am, 12pm, 3pm
Address with sign up
Join us as we GET OUT THE VOTE in Milwaukee in anticipation for the upcoming critical Supreme Court race and other pivotal local races this Spring! By knocking on doors and speaking to voters face to face, we have the chance to ensure a progressive future for ALL Wisconsinites and YOU can play a significant and decisive role in that. Whether you are a first time volunteer or a canvassing pro, we will make sure you have everything you need. Each canvassing shift includes a training and all the materials you need to turn out the vote! The more the merrier - don't hesitate to bring friends & family members with you to your shift! Sign up.
Weekend Canvass in Mequon: 3-hour shifts, 9am and 12pm
Address sent that week
Join team Mequon to knock doors in Mequon in support of the open Senate District 8 seat and to turn out progressives for the Spring elections! We'll begin with a training on our script and the miniVAN app, and then hit the doors! Note: You will receive the location of the canvass the week of. Sign up.
Stand for Peace, 12:00 – 1:00pm
Sherman & North, Milwaukee
Stand for Peace has resumed in-person events with masks and social distancing. Check for more information. Organized by Peace Action Wisconsin.
Get Out the Spring Primary Vote!: Milwaukee East & Riverwest, 12:00 - 3:00pm
Collectivo, 2999 N Humboldt Blvd, Milwaukee
Join us in canvassing to Get Out the Vote for the extremely important Wisconsin Supreme Court race coming up this spring. It is critical that we turn out lots and lots of Democratic voters for the February 21 primary and the April 4 election. A brief training is provided at the beginning of each shift. Bring a friend to canvass with you! Sign up.
Sunday, February 19
Brown Deer Gets Out The Vote For The Milwaukee Primary: 3-hour shifts, 9am, 12pm, 3pm
Address with sign up
Join us as we GET OUT THE VOTE in Milwaukee in anticipation for the upcoming critical Supreme Court race and other pivotal local races this Spring! By knocking on doors and speaking to voters face to face, we have the chance to ensure a progressive future for ALL Wisconsinites and YOU can play a significant and decisive role in that. Whether you are a first time volunteer or a canvassing pro, we will make sure you have everything you need. Each canvassing shift includes a training and all the materials you need to turn out the vote! The more the merrier - don't hesitate to bring friends & family members with you to your shift! Sign up.
Fox Point Gets out the Primary!, 3 hour shifts, 9am, 12pm & 3pm
7632 N Beach Dr, Fox Point
Join us as we GET OUT THE VOTE in Fox Point for Jodi Sinykin and in anticipation for the upcoming Supreme Court race this Spring. Knocking on doors & talking to voters face to face is one of the most effective ways YOU can make a difference this February and April. This year is critical for our Democracy - winning in Wisconsin is VITAL! We need all hands on deck to get out the vote! Whether you are a first time volunteer or a canvassing pro, we will make sure you have everything you need. We will start the canvassing shift with training and give you all the materials you need to volunteer. The more the merrier - please feel free to bring friends & family members with you to your shift! Sign up.
Weekend Grafton Canvass: 3-hour shifts, 9am, 12pm, & 3pm
1930 Wisconsin Ave, Grafton
Join the Ozaukee County Democratic Party to knock doors in Grafton in support of the open Senate District 8 seat and to turn out progressives for the Spring Primary election! We'll begin with a training on our script and the miniVAN app, and then hit the doors! Sign up.
Weekend Canvass in Mequon: 3-hour shifts, 9am and 12pm
Address sent that week
Join team Mequon to knock doors in Mequon in support of the open Senate District 8 seat and to turn out progressives for the Spring elections! We'll begin with a training on our script and the miniVAN app, and then hit the doors! Note: You will receive the location of the canvass the week of. Sign up.
Grassroots Glendale Gets out the Primary!, 3 hour shifts, 12pm and 3pm
6563 N Crestwood Dr, Glendale
Join us as we GET OUT THE VOTE in Glendale in anticipation for the upcoming Supreme Court primary on February 21st. Knocking on doors & talking to voters face to face is one of the most effective ways YOU can make a difference this February and April. This year is critical for our Democracy - winning in Wisconsin is VITAL! We need all hands on deck to get out the vote! Whether you are a first time volunteer or a canvassing pro, we will make sure you have everything you need. We will start the canvassing shift with training and give you all the materials you need to volunteer. The more the merrier - please feel free to bring friends & family members with you to your shift! Sign up.
Whitefish Bay Gets Out the Primary 12:00 - 3:00pm
4845 N Newhall St, Whitefish Bay
Join us as we GET OUT THE VOTE in Whitefish Bay for Jodi Sinykin and in anticipation for the upcoming Supreme Court race this Spring. Knocking on doors & talking to voters face to face is one of the most effective ways YOU can make a difference this February and April. This year is critical for our Democracy - winning in Wisconsin is VITAL! We need all hands on deck to get out the vote! Whether you are a first time volunteer or a canvassing pro, we will make sure you have everything you need. We will start the canvassing shift with training and give you all the materials you need to volunteer. The more the merrier - please feel free to bring friends & family members with you to your shift! Sign up.
Monday, February 20
Democratic Party of Milwaukee County Meeting, 6:00 - 7:30pm
734 N. 26th Street Milwaukee, WI 53233
Join us for our second membership meeting of 2023! We will host our Black History Month program, discuss the urgent Spring 2023 elections and perhaps hear from candidates! RSVP on Facebook.
Tuesday, February 21
PRIMARY ELECTION DAY, 7:00am - 8:00pm
Your polling location
Determine who will be on the April 4 ballot for the open seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Even if there are no other races on your primary ballot, this one will be on EVERY WISCONSIN VOTER'S BALLOT. And it really matters. Two progressive judges are running: Judge Everett Mitchell and Judge Janet Protasiewicz. Make sure to vote for one of them. You can read their responses to the Grassroots North Shore questionnaire and/or the League of Women Voters' questionnaire. Check the location of your polling place and see a sample ballot at MyVote.WI.gov.
Tuesday, February 28
DEFENDING DEMOCRACY: THE IMPORTANCE OF STATE LEGISLATURES, 6:00 - 7:30pm
Zoom
Looking ahead: Please join the Wisconsin Jewish Democrats and our friends at the Jewish Battleground Coalition (JBC) and Democratic Jewish Outreach Pennsylvania (DJOP) for this free, timely and important Zoom event on the importance of winning the next round of state legislative races to turn state legislatures in states like Wisconsin blue again and how we can accomplish this. This event features our own Deb Andraca of WI Assembly Dist. 23 (Milwaukee Co. North Shore, Grafton, Thiensville, and much of Mequon), among other great speakers from around the country! Sign up.
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