The Hamilton County Democratic Party is seeking a campaign manager for the 2022 Judicial Coordinated Campaign. Details include:

• Create a campaign plan incorporating messaging and all of the following items, timeline and deadlines for deliverables. Include details of what the Campaign Manager will need from individual campaigns and HCDP to ensure all parties are aware of their roles, responsibilities and what is needed from each individual campaign for the coordinated effort to be successful. 

• Oversee fundraising of Judicial County Coordinated activities.
  • Create a fundraising plan and goal with a corresponding budget.
  • Set up meetings for party leadership and/or candidates with donors to meet coordinated fundraising goals.
  • Arrange all materials necessary for fundraising prospects.
  • Provide administrative support for fundraising meetings.
  • Track, record, and provide weekly updates on fundraising progress. 
  • Plan and lead any fundraising events for the coordinated.
    • Coordinate invitations, send letters, track RSVPs and contributions, and provide other support as needed.
  • Handle all administrative details associated with events,  including logistics and follow up thank-yous. 
  • Work in coordination with HCDP to manage budget, send out regular budget reports, and track  progress to goal. 
  • Work in coordination with HCDP to ensure all Campaign Finance laws and reporting is complied with and followed.

• Manage voter contact/voter outreach programs.
  • Develop a field program for judicial candidates. 
  • Lead canvasses, coordinate phone banks, texting campaigns, oversee and develop other tools in an ever-changing election cycle to reach voters. 
  • Manage all volunteer recruitment and placement for these efforts, including working with individual campaigns. 
  • Use digital tools, such as Reach, Mobilize, etc. that the coordinated and campaigns can use to reach out to voters.
  • Provide weekly reports on metrics, tools, and candidate involvement as tasked. 
    • Metrics will include voter contacts, voter attempts, support scores, volunteer shifts, and volunteer recruitment goals.
    • Tools will include apps to assist with virtual voter contact  and voter outreach programs as needed. 

•  Execute paid voter contact program. 
  • Assist with development of assets as per the coordinated  budget.
  • When requested, prepare weekly reports on all assets (mail,  digital, etc) that include but are not limited to: number of pieces dropped, number of impressions made, and number of voters reached.
  • When requested, provide updates to judicial coordinated and candidates on other paid voter contact happening in the county. 

• Additional Duties/Responsibilities. 
  • Assist in crafting and executing a GOTV plan that fits the November General Election 
  • Weekly check-in calls with Coordinated Campaign candidates or their representatives. Calls will focus on updates around fundraising, organizing, political updates, upcoming events, and other information.
  • When requested, prepare a report for all candidates summarizing  fundraising, organizing, upcoming events, and other information. 
  • Be available to work with individual campaigns on issues applicable to individual campaigns (e.g., volunteer recruitment,  relational tools, etc.) 

• Provide training, volunteer recruitment, and scheduling support to individual campaigns. 
  • Provide trainings on apps (Mobilize, VAN, etc.) to campaigns. 
  • Provide social media and relational outreach (voter contact and fundraising) trainings to candidates.
  • Ask for feedback on other trainings that would be helpful to  candidates.  

Required Skills/Experience:

• Minimum experience of two campaign cycles
• Experience with fundraising, campaign budgets
• Management or leadership experience desired
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines
• Great organizational and communications skills
• Ability to execute strategic goals and work effectively with political stakeholders, labor leaders, elected, constituency group leaders and others

If interested please send your resume to hcdemjudicial@gmail.com by Wednesday, March 23 at 5:00pm.

Please note that this document is not comprehensive of all duties that will be needed across the 2022 election cycle, and other duties will be assigned and communicated with appropriate notice over the term of this contract. 

The application process is now open for candidates seeking a 2022 judicial endorsement from the Hamilton County Democratic Party for the General Division of the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas.

If you are interested, please contact the HCDP Judicial Nominating Committee at hcdemjudicial@gmail.com and request an application. Applications must be returned no later than March 26, 2022.

In the News 

State Of Ohio

• The Primary Election may have to be delayed because Republicans cannot create a fair legislative map, according to the Secretary of State. Read the Ohio Democratic Party Chair’s comments here.

• Updates from Rep. Jessica Miranda: Rep Miranda recently introduced a bill that would require colleges and universities in the state to provide accommodation for students when there are conflicts between class assignments, exams and religious observances. Miranda condemned the Ohio House passage of House Bill 325, GOP legislation to prevent local law enforcement from temporarily restricting firearms in areas experiencing unrest or riots. Miranda also condemned HB 109, which would discourage Ohioans from participating in lawful protests and civil demonstrations for fear of running afoul of the proposed law’s broad and vague language.

Hamilton County

• The health and wellness of the deputies and staff in the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office are of the highest priorities for Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey.  To address this, the Sheriff launched a Wellness Program for the first time in the history of the department.  This WCPO story highlights the coordinator who has been hired to lead the health and wellness initiative.

• This summer the Black Music Hall of Fame will open on the riverfront. Watch this story with Commissioner Alicia Reece on how we will celebrate Black music icons in the Queen City.

City of Cincinnati

The Duke Energy Convention Center in blue and yellow, to match the Ukraine flag as a sign of solidarity. Cincinnati is a sister city with Kharkiv, the second-largest city in Ukraine.

• Councilmember Jeff Cramerding points to need to address capital needs in old City owned buildings and rec centers in this WCPO story.

• Check out Councilmember Mark Jeffrey’s op ed: Safer Streets is not just small talk and get details on his upcoming Safer Streets public forum in “Take Action!” below.

• This month Councilmember Victoria Parks introduced an amendment to the 3CDC Convention District resolution calling for racial equity in the development. Parks has been busy touring various Black-owned businesses for Black History Month and she continues to look into violence prevention and racial justice for a comprehensive peace blueprint. Follow along on Parks’ Instagram account!

• Read Councilmember Reggie Harris’ op ed: City must cut red tape to create more Affordable Housing. Harris also recognized the life and work of Jennifer Foster, a leader in the Avondale community. Ms. Foster is a community health champion, a Doula, a volunteer with Healthy Moms & Babies and the Urban League, and a board member of the Avondale Community Council.

• Members of City Council and community groups joined Mayor Aftab Pureval to announce a powerful series of initiatives to increase affordable and workforce housing. Pureval said that by investing in the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, creating an annual revenue stream, we are creating a sustainable and successful model for incentivizing housing with equity in the center of the frame. He noted that through collaborative and innovative steps like this, we will continue to achieve transformational change in Cincinnati.

Take Action!

March 1st, 6:30pm | Hirsch Rec Center (3630 Reading Rd.) 

• Councilmember Mark Jeffreys hosts a public forum, “Safer Streets Now: Pedestrian Safety Forum.”

March 2nd, 5:00pm-7:00 pm | Nostalgia Jazz Bar (1432 Vine St., 45202)

• Rickell Howard Smith’s campaign kickoff for Juvenile Court Judge! 
• Rickell is the endorsed Democrat candidate. 
• You can follow Rickell’s campaign on her facebook page!

March 7th, 12:00pm 

• Deadline to apply for LEAD Ohio’s Campaign Staff Academy, (see story below).

March 24th, 2:00pm | Hamilton County Courthouse (1000 Main St), Courtroom 340

• You are invited to celebrate the Investiture of Judge Donte Johnson! 
• Please RSVP to donteforjudge@gmail.com.

March 29th, 5:30pm-7:00 pm | Location TBA

• Join the Hamilton County Democratic Party Women’s Caucus event for Women’s History Month celebrating Democratic elected Women officials in Hamilton County. 
• The location is to be announced and will be included in the next newsletter and on the Women’s Caucus facebook page. 
• This event is free of charge!  
• Sign up to join the Women’s Caucus email database here.

April 7th, 5:30pm | Virtual Event 

• It’s time for the 2022 HCDP Spring Celebration! 
• Please RSVP by clicking here, by emailing our Executive Director, Rachel Carman, at rachel@hamiltoncountydems.org, or by calling HCDP Headquarters at 513.421.0495.

Today  

• Follow a new twitter feed, the Hamilton County Justice Alliance, (@HCJA_Justice), for people and stories which move equity and justice forward in Hamilton County.

Check out the HCDP Calendar for Dem Club meetings in your neighborhood and Democratic Party meetings and events!

A Message from the Chair, Gwen McFarlin

The Ohio Democratic Party State Executive Committee made several statewide candidate endorsements. Under Ohio Democratic Party rules, county party organizations are bound by these endorsements and we are excited to support and promote the following endorsed candidates: 

• Tim Ryan | US Senate

• Justice Jennifer Brunner | Chief Justice, Supreme Court of Ohio 

• Judge Marilyn Zayas | Associate Justice, Supreme Court of Ohio 

• Judge Teri Jamison | Associate Justice, Supreme Court of Ohio

In the case of the candidates for Governor, the State Executive Committee made no endorsement.

Campaign Staff Academy

Applications for the LEAD Ohio Campaign Staff Academy are open!

Campaigns require more than strong, well-trained candidates to win elections. Campaign managers and staff play an important role to ensure campaigns are organized and effective, and we need more of them in Ohio. This training program is specifically tailored for current and future campaign managers and campaign staff. Whether you are working on a school board race or have your sights set on managing a candidate for Congress, the skills we teach and the network you’ll build in this Academy will be extremely valuable.

The LEAD Ohio Campaign Staff Academy will feature panels, speakers, and workshops led by campaign experts from across the state of Ohio. During this comprehensive training program, we will train attendees in best practices to build a strong campaign and navigate this career field in a sustainable way.

If you are a recent graduate looking for a career in progressive campaign politics, a seasoned campaign operative looking to brush up on your skills, a current campaign staffer who wants to grow in your role, or a super volunteer dedicating your time to electing progressive candidates, this training is for you.

Sound good? Click here to access the application.

Questions? Email Eddie Davenport at: eddie@leadohio.org

“The Republican members on the Ohio Redistricting  Commission continue to demonstrate they are obstructive and unconstitutional in the manner in which they have sliced and ripped apart cities and counties in Ohio.  They missed the opportunity to make decisions from a  bipartisan perspective and have failed once again to give Ohioans the fair maps they voted for..

Hamilton County Honk & Sign 

Drive-Thru Candidate Petition Signing Event

Wednesday 1/26 & Saturday  1/29 | 11:00am – 2:00pm

HCDP Headquarters | 6109 Webbland Pl., Cincinnati, OH 45213

• Make sure our Democratic candidates are on the ballot this year! 
• Drive up, honk your horn, and a volunteer will bring you candidate petitions to sign from the comfort and safety of your car!

About the Opportunity

The Hamilton County Democratic Party (HCDP) is seeking an Executive Director. In partnership with the Chair of the HCDP, the Executive Director is responsible for the strategy, activities, management, and growth of the HCDP. This specifically includes, but is not limited to, election-based activities, fundraising, budgeting, communications, outreach, and building Party infrastructure. This position has a wide range of responsibilities, serving as a trusted advisor and strategic asset to the Chair, its elected and party officials, its candidates, and leaders across the county.

Minimum Requirements:

• An Associates Degree or higher
• A minimum of four (4) years of political experience
• At least two full years of leadership national, state, or local campaigns, committees, and/or organizations
• Strong abilities in organization planning from strategy
• Extensive team management skills with demonstrated ability to achieve high levels of performance and outcomes through management and influence
• A reputation for leading with integrity and making decisions with the input of the appropriate stakeholders, under supervision of the Chair
• Conflict and crisis management experience with proven, clear decision making ability
• Demonstrated skills in fundraising

Core Competencies:

• Clear, effective, high-quality writer
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills
• Good information/administrative organization skills
• Digital by nature – with smartphone, tablet, and laptop for work and personal reasons: monitoring email and social media in real time is intuitive
• Familiarity with Google Workspace
• Some knowledge of loading and sending emails via NGP, EveryAction, or similar software
• Some knowledge of Votebuilder
• Attention to detail
• Highly Communicative – responsive to internal and external requests, emails, calls, within reason
• Able to juggle multiple activities yet not lose focus on top priorities largely without assistance
• Organized in thinking and doing
• Committed to the values and practices of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace with the ability to take feedback and learn
• Knowledge of Hamilton County politics
• Be a registered, active Democratic voter
• Ability to work flexible hours
• Successfully complete a criminal background check

Interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter to Alex Linser, alexlinser@gmail.com. Applicants are encouraged to submit their materials by Dec 30, 2021. This job posting will remain open until the position is filled.

HCDP recognizes that our success requires us to be a place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come and do their best work. We are focused on building a team that is diverse in race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin and all the other fascinating characteristics that make us different. Candidates of color, women, LGBTQIA+, and more are encouraged to apply.

November 24, 2021 — The Hamilton County Democratic Party is seeking candidates to replace the Clerk of Courts vacancy following Aftab Pureval’s election as Mayor of the City of Cincinnati.

By law, the selection for replacement of the Clerk of Courts is the authority of the county central committee of the political party that nominated the last occupant of the office as a candidate of the office. The committee’s appointment must be made between five and 45 days after the vacancy occurs. The unexpired term will also be on the November 2022 ballot.

Candidates interested in seeking the appointment to the Clerk of Courts position should submit their resume to Chair Gwen McFarlin at Gwen@hamiltoncountydems.org by December 6, 2021

“We are looking for community leaders who can successfully manage this critically important county-wide office and continue to advance justice reform in Hamilton County. We look forward to a fair, open and transparent screening process as we select the strongest democratic candidate to fill the vacancy as Clerk of Courts”.

Gwen McFarlin, Chair of the Hamilton County Democratic Party, has charged a nine-person screening committee with interviewing and making a recommendation for nomination and appointment by the end of 2021.

Mayor-elect Pureval is to be sworn in as Mayor of the City of Cincinnati on January 4, 2022.

September 18, 2021 – The Hamilton County Democratic Party voted to endorse the Children’s Services levy, Issue 1 and the Great Parks of Hamilton County levy, Issue 29.

The Executive Committee voted to endorse the Children Services levy which provides a critical safety net. Far too many children in our county suffer from abuse and neglect, and the Children’s Services levy helps ensure their safety and well-being. This important issue keeps children safe at home or safe with relatives, in foster-care and adoption without raising taxes. 

Great Parks of Hamilton County’s levy was also endorsed. Great Parks preserves and protects natural resources and provides outdoor recreation and education for us and for future generations. Great Parks manages 21 parks and nature preserves spanning 17,700 acres across the county.

Vote YES on Issue 1 and 29. For more information:

Children’s Services levy, Issue 1: https://keephamiltoncountykidssafe.com/

Great Parks of Hamilton County levy, Issue 29: https://www.greatparks.org/about/levy

Greg Fritz, Precinct Executive of the Year
Harriet Russell, Ward Chair of the Year
Wyoming Dems, HCDP Democratic Club of the Year
Former Commissioner Victoria Parks, Racism as a Public Health Crisis, Official Action of the Year
Aftab Pureval for Clerk of Courts, Campaign of the Year
Michele Fisher, Volunteer of the Year
Judge Alan Triggs, Judge of the Year
Mayor Chuck Johnson, Local Elected Official of the Year
Commissioner Denise Driehaus, Countywide Elected Official of the Year
Eddie Davenport, Todd B. Portune Spirit of Service Award

Juneteenth HCDP Press Release

The Cincinnati Democratic Committee met on Tuesday, June 1st at 5:30 PM via Zoom to vote on the endorsement recommendation of the Nominating Committees for CPS School Board and Cincinnati City Council.

Please view the minutes from the meeting here.

Please view the vote totals for each of the five votes of the evening here.

To view the Official Program and Sponsors for the 2021 Spring Celebration Event, please click the link below!

Spring Celebration Dinner – Sponsors and Program

NOTICE OF CINCINNATI DEMOCRATIC COMMITTEE MEETING TO CONSIDER ISSUE 3

April 23rd at 6:00 pm by ZOOM

On Friday, the CDC received a request to bring Issue 3 to our membership for a Vote. We have invited both sides of Issue 3 to present before the CDC membership on April 23rd at 6:00 pm by Zoom. We will give each side 15 minutes to present and then precinct executives may ask questions.

Cincinnati Precinct Executives will receive registration information for the meeting this week. Please remember only precinct executives who live in the city of Cincinnati may vote on this matter as they make up the membership of the Cincinnati Democratic Committee, which is the pertinent body to consider endorsements on matters relating the City of Cincinnati.

Should you have any questions, please email cdc@hamiltoncountydems.org.

Notice from Hamilton County Board of Elections:

POSTED TO AREA MEDIA: The Hamilton County Democratic Party has an opening for Deputy Director at the Hamilton County Board of Elections.

The posting is open from April 5th, 2021 to April 30th, 2021.

In addition to the job summary, applicants should include in their resumes a detailed description of their Democratic Party involvement and understand that the position can be 24/7 at election times.

Interested candidates can email or mail application (see link below) and letters of interest or question to: Sally Krisel, Deputy Director, Hamilton County Board of Elections. 4700 Smith Road Cincinnati, OH 45212 — sally.krisel@boe.hamiltoncountyohio.gov

For a PDF of the full listing, click the link here and download –> Job posting Deputy Director Ham. Co. BOE

Tomorrow, April 6^th 2021, marks the beginning of Early and Absentee voting for the 2021 May Primary Election! The municipalities with elections or issues on the ballot are as follows: City of Cincinnati, Village of Silverton, Deer Park, North College Hill, Indian Hill School District, and Winton Woods School District.

As with elections in the past, electors in these municipalities have three ways that they can cast their vote: voting in-person early at the Hamilton County Board of Elections, voting by mail by requesting an absentee ballot, or voting in-person at your polling location on election day!

Voting Early at the Board of Elections

Electors from these municipalities can go to the Hamilton County Board of Election – located at 4700 Smith Rd, 45212 – during specified hours to cast a ballot.

• April 6^th– April 23^rd: The Board is open for voting Monday – Friday between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
• April 26^th-April 30^th: The BOE is open for voting Monday-Friday between the hours of 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM.
• Saturday, May 1^st: The BOE is open for voting between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
• Sunday, May 2^nd: The BOE is open for voting between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM.
• Monday, May 3^rd: The BOE is open for voting between 8:00 AM and 2:00 PM.

Voting Early by Mail

Electors from these municipalities can request an absentee be mailed to their voting address by completing an “Absentee Vote by Mail Application” specific to the May 4^th Primary Election. Submitted applications must be received by the Board of Election no later than noon on Saturday, May 1^st in order to be processed and result in a ballot being mailed. It is recommended that you submit as soon as you can!

Voters can obtain an application to complete a few different ways:

• Visit the Board of Election’s Website and print one off!
  • Visit http://votehamiltoncountyohio.gov/voting-options/, and click “Application for the May 4^th 2021 Election” to go
    or
  • Click here for a PDF to print off!
• Call the Board of Elections (513-632-7000) and request an Absentee Ballot application be mailed to you!
• Visit the Board of Elections (4700 Smith Road, Norwood OH 45212) to complete a form in person!

Once completed, follow the instructions on the application and mail to Hamilton County Board of Elections, 4700 Smith Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45212 OR drop off in 24 hour monitored drop box on site at the Board of Elections!

Voting on Election Day: Tuesday, May 4^th 2021

Polling locations in municipalities with elections and issues in the May Primary Election will be open from 6:30 AM – 7:30 AM on Tuesday, May 4^th 2021. When you go to vote, bring a valid ID that shows your name and address that matches your registered voting address with the Hamilton County Board of Elections (you can check that by visiting http://votehamiltoncountyohio.gov/check-registration-status/)

Learn where your polling location is by visiting https://votehamiltoncountyohio.gov/where-to-vote/

Valid Photo IDs include the following: Ohio Driver License/Ohio State ID/Ohio Interim Documentation, State of Ohio or Federal Government Photo ID, Ohio Concealed Weapons.

Acceptable documents as ID must show your name, current address, and be dated within 12 months. Those include: utility bill, bank statement, government check, payroll check, government document, military ID issued by U.S. Dept. of Defense.

Note: Voters presenting an Ohio driver license or Ohio ID card that shows a voter’s former address is permitted to cast a regular ballot so long as the voter’s current residential address has been updated with the Board of Elections and appears in the official poll list of registered voters for that precinct. Voters NOT providing one of any of these documents at the precinct will still be able to vote using a provisional ballot, providing the last four digits of their social security number or by appearing at the Board of Elections office within 7 days of the Election Day to provide valid ID.

Learn more by visiting https://votehamiltoncountyohio.gov/voting-options/election-day/

March 30, 2021

City Council & CPS School Board Candidate Notice

The City Council and School Board nominating committees are beginning the endorsement process that will include the following steps:

Candidate Questionnaire – If you would like the questionnaire, please send your candidate contact information to: cdc@hamiltoncountydems.org. The committee will distribute a candidate questionnaire via email in early April.

Questionnaires are to be returned by email to cdc@hamiltoncountydems.org no later than Monday, April 19th at 5:00 pm. Submitting a questionnaire does not guarantee an endorsement interview. Interviews will be scheduled at the discretion of the nominating committees.

Candidates who do not submit a questionnaire by April 19th at 5:00 pm will not be considered for an endorsement interview.

Candidate Interviews – Candidates must have signatures submitted and reported as “Sufficient” by the Hamilton County Board of Elections staff by April 23rd at 5:00pm.

City Council endorsement interviews will be scheduled April 26, 27 and 28th between 5:00 – 9:00 pm.

CPS School Board endorsement interviews will be scheduled April 29th between 5:00 – 9:00 pm.

Endorsement Vote

The CDC members will vote on the recommendations of both nominating committees. All Precinct Executives for precincts located in the City of Cincinnati are members of the CDC. For the CPS School Board endorsement recommendation vote, Precinct Executives representing precincts located in the CPS footprint will vote. The meeting date for the endorsement vote will be determined after the nominating committees complete their work. 

As previously communicated, to ensure our endorsed candidates are not part of another political party’s slate, which could promote candidates the Democratic Party has not had an opportunity to interview, vet and endorse, we will not endorse candidates who have been endorsed by another political party. (i.e. The Republican party, Charter Party, Green Party or any other political party operating in the City of Cincinnati.) Therefore, we will not consider any candidate that has accepted the endorsement of another political party.

As in previous election cycles, we pledge a fair and transparent process as we consider endorsements. We look forward to a strong coordinated campaign to be sure we elect Democrats to our city and school board leadership. Questions regarding this process should be directed to: cdc@hamiltoncountydems.org

3.20.21 HCDP Executive Committee Agenda

Click above to access the agenda for the March 2021 Executive Committee Meeting.

February 24, 2021

CDC Endorsement Information for City Council and School Board Candidates

The Cincinnati Democratic Committee, made up of all Precinct Executives in the city, is organizing for our city and school elections this year. 

Over the past several years, the Hamilton County Democratic Party has worked hard to run coordinated campaigns each cycle to elect a slate of candidates for both city and county offices. 

Endorsed candidates are expected to support the coordinated campaign financially, participating in coordinated paid advertising, GOTV activities and organizing your campaign’s volunteers for election day poll coverage to distribute the slate card. 

The endorsement process will begin with the selection of the nominating committees in mid/late March. There will be two separate nominating committees: one for School Board and one for City Council. Candidate interviews will occur in April/May.  The CDC membership will vote on the nominating committees’ recommendations in May, unless the process concludes earlier than expected.  The timing will vary based on the number of candidates that wish to be considered, time for the completion of questionnaires and scheduling interviews.  

CANDIDATES: Please review this important information: 

• If you will seek the Democratic Party’s endorsement, please send your candidate contact information to: cdc@hamiltoncountydems.org. 

• Candidates must have signatures turned in and verified by the Hamilton County Board of Election staff before their endorsement interview to be considered for endorsement.  

• To ensure our endorsed candidates are not part of another political party’s slate, which could promote candidates the Democratic Party has not had an opportunity to interview, vet and endorse, we will not endorse candidates who have been endorsed by another political party. (i.e. The Republican party, Charter Party, Green Party or any other political party operating in the City of Cincinnati.) Democratic Party endorsed candidates will participate in our coordinated campaign effort to elect our slate. It will confuse voters if our endorsed candidates are also part of another political party’s slate.  
• The candidate questionnaires will be distributed in April. Candidates will need to return questionnaires by the deadline to be considered for an interview. We expect to schedule candidate interviews in late April/early May. The schedule for this process, once finalized, will be posted on our website, emailed to the CDC and HCDP email list, sent to media and announced on HCDP Facebook and Twitter pages.

As in previous election cycles, we pledge a fair and transparent process as we consider endorsements. We look forward to a strong coordinated campaign to be sure we elect Democrats to our city and school board leadership. 

HAMILTON COUNTY MUNICIPAL COURT VACANCY

DISTRICT 2

URGENT NOTICE

Hamilton County Municipal Court – D2

Judge Alan Triggs was elected to the Court of Common Pleas on 11/3/20.  As a result we will have a vacancy in the Hamilton County Municipal Court.

We are seeking qualified candidates to run for this spot in November 2021 in Municipal Court District 2.  We have a short turn-around time as the petitions for this judicial position must be submitted to the Hamilton County Board of Elections by 2/22/2021 before 4:00 PM.  

The petitions can only be picked up at the Hamilton County Board of Elections and not on the Secretary of State’s petition form 3-1.  The filing fee is $80.00.  Signature requirement is a minimum of 100 valid signatures – but candidates can submit no more than 300 – and must consist of registered voters who only live in district 2. The judicial election will occur on 11/2/2021.

Municipal District 2 includes the areas as shown in the attachment included in this email.  Time is of essence. As you can see this is a strong democratic district and we will not give this district to the Republican Party on 11/2/2021.

I am certain that by now the Republican Party is preparing to submit their candidates to Governor DeWine to be appointed to this seat.  By Ohio law, DeWine has the authority to fill this judicial vacancy.

Our judicial committee is preparing to schedule meetings to interview candidates interested in seeking the Hamilton County Party Democratic endorsement. All qualified candidates interested in the endorsement must email HCDP Executive Director Eddie Davenport for application materials at: eddie@hamiltoncountydems.org or call 513-421-0495.  Candidate’s information will be forwarded to our judicial chairs.  Because of this critical time period interested candidates must contact us no later 1/29/2021.

Gwen McFarlin

Chairwoman

Hamilton County Democratic Party

The Hamilton County Board of Elections is seeking applicants for the position of Administrative Associate and the window is open NOW through 12/24/2020 to apply! Read below to learn more about the position and for how to apply!

JOB POSTING -From December 11 to December 24, 2020

Send resume or contact:  Sally Krisel, Deputy Director at the Hamilton County Board of Elections, sally.krisel@boe.hamiltoncountyohio.gov – 513/632-7011

TITLE:  ADMINISTRATIVE ASSOCIATE

DEPARTMENT:  ADMINISTRATION

REPORTS TO:  DIRECTOR/DEPUTY DIRECTOR

JOB SUMMARY:

Provides administrative support to Director/Deputy Director and Board Members and serves as initial contact for the general public, candidates and campaigns 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides administrative support to Director/Deputy Director
• Creates and maintains yearly election schedule, candidate/issue listing by election, elected officials list and county central committee lists
• Receives requests for information and complaints, evaluates and resolves or refers to appropriate administrator or other staff member
• Distributes candidate and issue petition forms and filing instruction/information 
• Answers questions from candidates or political subdivisions regarding candidate and issue filing requirements and forms
• Receives, reviews and processes candidate and issue petitions and prepares petitions for checking
• Answers questions regarding tax levies, bond issues, initiative/referendum petitions, charter amendments, and local options
• Completes required ballot documents regarding candidates and issues
• Works with overlapping counties to report combined election results for reporting to the Ohio SOS
• Proofreads ballot materials, ballot language, sample ballots and candidate information lists 
• Prepares and submits election advertisements and legal notices for publication 
• Coordinates and tracks public record requests 
• Processes requests from the Ohio Division of Liquor Control 
• Performs other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Be a registered and active voter of the State of Ohio
• General knowledge of the function and duties of the Hamilton County Board of Elections
• Ability to work both independently and part of a team
• Basic knowledge of general office equipment and computers; specifically experience in Microsoft Office is preferable
• Ability to work extended hours
• Successful completion of a criminal background check

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Sit for extended periods of time
• Occasional standing, walking, stooping, kneeling or crouching
• Repetitive movement of hands and fingers (typing and/or writing)
• May be required to lift a maximum of thirty pounds

Save and download this image to your phone to use on Election Day! Vote a full ticket!

The Hamilton County Democratic Party Central Committee’s Reorganization Meeting for the 2020-2022 term will occur on Thursday, 5/21/2020 at 6:30 PM. Proper notification has sent to newly elected Central Committee members via first-class mail and email. If you are a newly elected member and have not received notification, please contact Executive Director Eddie Davenport at eddie@hamiltoncountydems.org.

The meeting can be viewed by the general public by visiting our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/hamiltoncountydems/) on Thursday, 5/21/2020 at 6:30 PM.

A courtesy copy of the existing bylaws that will be considered at the meeting on the 21st can be found by visiting www.hamiltoncountydems.org/about/bylaws/ .

Members of Hamilton County Democratic Party,

There will be no Executive Committee Meeting on this upcoming Saturday. There is currently to meeting scheduled to occur beyond this weekend – notification of the next meeting will come once the Primary results are finalized and the Party’s next organizational meeting occurs. With no finality the current election, HCDP will be unable to schedule its organizational meeting with our Central Committee as well. We will provide more information to our new Central Committee members once this election is finished and certified.

We have received many messages regarding the status of the Primary election and what is happening next. While much is still up in the air and there is no finality to what is going to happen, the Ohio Democratic Party took legal action on Tuesday to ensure that a primary will still occur and voters who didn’t vote prior to 3/17/2020 will have a chance to cast a ballot. While Secretary of State Frank LaRose is still pushing a potential June 2nd Election Day date out to the public, there are still legal actions happening that push for other outcomes. This situation has not yet resolved itself and we cannot speak with certainty about how the election will proceed from here.

The Ohio Democratic Party, in its suit, is asking for the election to proceed mainly by vote-by-mail ballots and wrap up on April 23rd. This gives every Ohioan the chance to request and cast a ballot in the 2020 Primary Election while protecting the health of high-risk populations and limiting any potential spread of COVID-19 that may occur.

Learn more about ODP’s actions in the statement that they released below, or by following their Twitter thread about this matter here. Below, please also find a statement from HCDP Chairwoman Gwen McFarlin. We will provide more information as it becomes final and available.

We urge all members to follow the guidelines being set forward by Gov. DeWine, Commissioner Driehaus, Mayor Cranley, and public health organizations to ensure not only their health and safety, but that of the community at large.

Take care and be well,

-HCDP Leadership

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STATEMENT FROM HCDP CHAIRWOMAN GWEN McFARLIN:

Ohio Democratic Party Chairman David Pepper is be commended for his quick response to this matter, filing a legal writ with the Ohio Supreme Court to ensure our right to vote, and that of hundreds of thousands of others across the state of Ohio, will not be jeopardized.

Just a reminder to our Central Committee members — until the ligation is completed, we are unable to schedule our organizational meeting as well.  I am asking you to call your elected Ohio Statehouse legislators and urge them to support a primary election that ends prior to June 2, and is run mainly by vote-by-mail ballots. This will ensure a timely conclusion to this suspended election while ensuring the safety of all those individuals involved.

Gwen McFarlin

Chairwoman

Hamilton County Democratic Party

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OHIO DEMOCRATIC PARTY TAKES LEGAL ACTION TO PRESERVE PRIMARY ELECTION AND PROTECT OHIOANS’ RIGHT TO VOTE

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Democratic Party today filed a writ of prohibition with the Ohio Supreme Court to ensure the primary election will take place and protect Ohioans’ right to vote, after polling places were barred from opening by the state Department of Health.

“This primary election must move forward,” said Ohio Democratic Party Chairman David Pepper. “Earlier today we said that we would litigate to defend voters’ right to fully participate in the state’s Democratic primary election, and in the absence of action by the General Assembly and with other actors moving to shut down the primary, we have filed with the Ohio Supreme Court to ensure that all eligible Ohio voters are able to exercise their right to vote in this primary.

“Yesterday’s actions did not create unchecked authority with the governor or secretary of state to run a new election. So authority for a new election must come from the legislature or from a court. Today’s action seeks that court order, preserving the primary while also proposing a more workable window for the election to take place, along with multiple opportunities and a reasonable amount of time for voters to vote.

“We hope the court, governor, secretary of state, legislative leaders and other parties see the necessity of this order to preserve the right to vote and complete a fair and timely election in Ohio.”

Click here to view the Ohio Democratic Party’s complaint in original action for writ of prohibition.

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HCDP Chairwoman Gwen McFarlin Statement Regarding Cincinnati Councilmember Tamaya Dennard

Reminder: District level delegates will be elected tonight! Doors open at 6:00 and caucuses begin at 7:00!

Learn more about the Ohio Delegate Selection plan and see where you can go to participate by clicking below! 👇👇🏼👇🏾👇🏿

https://ohiodems.org/2020-dnc-delegate-selection-plan/

Interested in learning more about how to become a Democratic Delegate from Ohio? Click the link below to learn more about Ohio’s process and how YOU could become a delegate in 2020! The deadline to apply is Tuesday, December 31st!

https://ohiodems.org/2020-dnc-delegate-selection-plan/

As 2019 draws to a close, the time has arrived to look forward to the 2020 Democratic Primary in March. Below, please find the information on how to get involved with the 2020 cycle as either a candidate seeking office or by applying to become a member of one of HCDP’s Nominating Committees.

If you wish to serve on Nominating Committee ahead of the 2020 primary, please read below and notify us of your interest by Friday, November 29th.

Regards,

Eddie Davenport

Executive Director

Hamilton County Democratic Party

Call for 2020 Candidates seeking endorsement

If you are a Democrat wishing to run for local office in 2020, please reach out to us here at HCDP and let us know! Email us at HCDP@hamiltoncountydems.org with subject line “2020 Candidacy” and let us know which office you are considering running for, and provide basic contact information (phone number, address, etc).

Candidates expressing interest will be sent a questionnaire in 2nd week of December. Any candidate not previously sent a questionnaire that submits valid petitions by the December filing deadline will have an endorsement questionnaire sent to them on December 19th, 2019.

Questionnaires are due back to the Hamilton County Democratic Party by email to HCDP@hamiltoncountydems.org by 11:59 PM on Tuesday, December 31st, 2019. Interviews will be scheduled for a date between January 4th and January 16th of 2020.

Any questions with the process should be directed to HCDP@hamiltoncountydems.org, or to HCDP Democratic Headquarters by phone at 513-421-0495.

Apply to Serve on a 2020 Nominating Committee

Endorsements will be done through three separate committees. A Judicial Nominating Committee, a County Nominating Committee, and a Congressional/Legislative Nominating Committee.

The Judicial Nominating Committee is chaired by Judicial Committee Co-Chairs Frmr. Judge Mariana Bettman and David Sturkey. This nominating committee has already completed its selection process and call for candidates seeking endorsement. The Judicial Nominating Committee is currently working to complete its process of interviewing candidates before making its endorsement recommendations to the HCDP Executive Committee on November the 23rd.

The County Nominating Committee will be chaired by HCDP Chairwoman Gwen McFarlin and HCDP Officer Britt Born. This Nominating Committee will handle endorsements for our Hamilton County Executive offices including Sheriff, Prosecutor, Clerk of Courts, County Commission, and other county-wide offices.

Congressional/Legislative Nominating committee will be chaired by HCDP First Executive Vice Chair Alex Linser and HCDP Officer Mayor Chuck Johnson. This nominating committee will handle endorsements for our Congressional races, as well as our State House and State Senate races.

If you wish to be considered to serve on either nominating committee, please email HCDP@hamiltoncountydems.org by 5:00 pm on Friday, November 29th.

In that email, use subject line “2020 Nominating Committee” and please include the following information:

1. Your name, phone number, and personal email address.
2. Which nominating committee you would like to serve on.
3. Your past involvement with the Hamilton County Democratic Party (committees, campaigns, etc).
4. Brief paragraph of why you should be selected to serve on a HCDP nominating committee.
5. Any declarations of support (whether by donation, your position on campaign/host committee, or other means) you have made for a candidate in their campaign building towards a 2020 election.

The selection of applicants to become members of a specific Nominating Committee will follow the rules as dictated by the “Hamilton County Democratic Party Nomination/Recommendation Ground Rules” that were discussed at the HCDP Executive Committee on July 20th, 2019 by former Vice Chair Janaya Trotter Bratton. Those rules can be found at the bottom of this email.

The deadline to apply for a nominating committee consideration is Friday, November 29th at 5:00 PM. Applicant consideration will occur as applications are made aware to the co-chairs with the final selection of each nominating committee occurring by December 5th. Committees will then convene to discuss further timelines and meeting requirements.

Questions pertaining to the selection process can be directed to HCDP@hamiltoncountydems.org or by calling the Hamilton County Democratic Party Headquarters at 513-421-0495.

How Are Committee Members chosen?

• All Precinct Executives should be notified when a Committee is formed and given the opportunity to apply.

• You must be a registered Democrat with the Board of Elections to serve on a Nominating Committee, with preference given to Precinct Executives and members of Executive Committee.
  Voter registration records will be examined prior to appointment on a committee!

• Every effort will be made to have the process of choosing Committee members transparent to the organization as a whole.

• The Committee Co-Chairs will endeavor to make the committee representative of the demographics of the Party & City/County.

• Representation includes taking into consideration Minorities, Women, LGBTQ Community, Labor, and Geography.

• NOTE: Judicial Committee must include at least some non-lawyers, preferably with Court experience.

• The Committee Co-Chairs will recruit people based on representation needs.

• The Co-Chairs will consider an individual’s activity level in the party, including attendance at regular CDC and HCDP meetings.

• Elected officials and/or anyone running for office are unable to serve on the Nominating Committee for which their office falls under (i.e. State representative cannot serve on legislative nominating committee).

• This restriction does not include an office holders or candidates ability to serve on standing committees that are not nominating committees involving their office (i.e. Judicial Committee).

• Hamilton County Democratic Party Chair or Co-Chairs have final approval of any formed Nominating Committee.

Size of Nominating Committees

• 9 to 15 excluding Committee Co-Chairs for CDC Nominating Committees.
• 9 to 20 excluding Committee Co-Chairs for Judicial Nominating Committees.
• 9 to 15 excluding Committee Co-Chairs for all other HCDP Nominating Committees.

Conflict of Interest rule

• Campaign managers, candidates, candidate staff, and any individual who has publicly declared a preference for a candidate for office cannot be on the Nominating Committee that falls under the office the candidate is seeking. Publicly declared preference is defined as a person who has demonstrated vocal support for a specific candidate seeking endorsement for a current race, and their demonstrated support would give the appearance of impropriety and possibly affect the purpose of the committee to be fair and impartial to all candidates seeking endorsement.

• • Note: this restriction on publicly declared preference is limited to each current election cycle.

Reminder to all Hamilton County Democratic Party Executive Committee Members:

The Executive Committee meeting originally scheduled for 11/16 has been moved to 11/23 due to unavailability of the meeting space.

The November Executive Committee meeting will occur on Saturday, 11/23 at 9:30 AM. The meeting will occur at the normal location, 3457 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, OH 45207.

Questions can be directed to HCDP@HamiltonCountyDems.org

The application process is now  open for candidates seeking a 2020 judicial endorsement  from the Hamilton County Democratic Party.

If you are interested, please contact the HCDP Judicial Nominating Committee at hcdemjudicial@gmail.com and request an application. Applications must be returned no later than November 8, 2019.

This afternoon, Hamilton County Commissioner Todd Portune announced that he will not be seeking reelection in 2020 as his cancer has tragically returned.

Todd Portune is the epitome of good government in action. Greater Cincinnati is a far better place to live and work because Todd Portune has worked to make it so. 

From leading enormous projects like The Banks development to helping individual homeowners with a flooded basement, Todd has worked tirelessly on every problem and opportunity he has faced as a Hamilton County commissioner and Cincinnati city council member.

Just as importantly, Todd treats friends and opponents alike with dignity and respect, relishing the chance to talk an opponent into seeing things his way. 

And there is no better role model for perseverance than Todd, who battled through serious health issues for decades with grace and stoicism.  

Todd has stayed true to his values as a Democrat while working across party lines to get things done. He has earned the respect of people across the spectrum — the business community, educators, people of color and especially advocates for the disabled. 

We are so grateful for his continuing service, and we pray for healing and strength. Thank you, Commissioner.

This is a backroom deal that would limit the number of African-American officials, extend the influence of big business, and crowd out grass-roots candidates.

The plan and proposed map were cooked up behind closed doors with no community input. The public needs to be part of any plan that vastly reshapes how we elect our city representatives.

Second, our current system has worked well to elect a council that is representative of who we are. Implementation of this proposed plan would make it harder for candidates of color to win more than two seats.

Finally, and most critically, this new plan calls for head-to-head races for each seat. This new scheme would allow money to have an oversized role in electing members to council while inviting in increased negative campaigning and messaging. These are both things that we, as Democrats, should be working against. 

The Democratic Party has not been approached by the organizers of this proposal for endorsement consideration, but on its face it seems to be contrary to our Party values. We urge Cincinnati voters to not sign the circulating petitions as we believe this newly proposed plan is not good for the City of Cincinnati and its voters.

Following monumental success in the 2018 cycle, the Hamilton County Democratic Party Judicial Committee is currently taking in applications for Hamilton County Democratic Party endorsement from potential candidates interested in running for a Municipal Court seat in the 2019 cycle.

Applications for consideration will be taken until March 21st, 2019. 

If you are interested in being considered for endorsement, please reach out to the Judicial Committee at hcdemjudicial@gmail.com and request a questionnaire. More information about the process will be provided to applicants.