Here’s our email newsletter for the month of September.
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Dear friends,
As summer is winding down, I want to thank all of the volunteers who helped make our presence known at events this summer – including the Knox County Fair, all of the Mount Vernon First Fridays, and the Mount Vernon Music and Arts Festival. Thanks also to everyone who visited us at our table at any of these events – whether to learn about how they can help or just looking for a like-minded friendly person. We’re only eight months into this second Trump Administration, and we need to support each other as we have much work to do.
Redistricting Ohio
As you know, Ohio is working on redrawing congressional district maps. This is happening because, in 2021, when the state was due to redraw maps based on the 2020 Census, our elected officials could not reach a bipartisan consensus on the congressional districts. A decision was made at that time that we would use the unconstitutional maps in 2022 and 2024, but by 2026 new maps needed to be redrawn. Well, now that re-drawing process has begun. To stay informed, here’s an excellent resource.
The unfortunate upshot of all of this is uncertainty about what counties will share a congressional district with us in the 2026 election. So, while in some past election cycles, we might already be out working for a congressional candidate, at this time we don’t even know who our candidate might be.
Maybe it could be you! You are probably at least as qualified as our current congressman, Troy Balderson, a former farmer and small businessman. And, as a reader of this newsletter, you certainly have a stronger sense of right and wrong.
There are a number of offices to consider, including state senator (District 19) as well as state representative and Democratic Party central committee positions. A wealth of training and fundraising support is available. For example, the Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus will be hosting a Candidate Finance Training on October 18. Space is limited. In order to be considered, all candidates should fill out this application by no later than October 1.
Email me, please, if you are interested in running for any office.
November 2025 Election
We do have some important local elections this November, including in the city of Mount Vernon. If you live within the city limits, Dale Miller will be on your ballot, running for City Council. He would love to have his yard sign posted on your front lawn and will deliver one to you as soon as possible if you fill out this form to let him know of your interest.
In November, we’ll also be voting for school board and many township trustee positions. The list of candidates whose petitions have been approved thus far is available here, and ballots will be updated on the Board of Elections website soon.
Please note also that some polling locations have been changed. If your polling location has changed, you will be notified by U.S. mail.
The last day to register to vote or update your address prior to the November 2025 election is Monday, October 6. Check your registration status here and please make sure everything is correct and up to date so there are no questions when you show up to vote.
Petitions
Petitions for the Ohio Equal Rights and Ohio Right to Marry amendments are now available for your signature in the Knox County Dems office, 9 E Vine Street, Mount Vernon. We are open Wednesdays and Saturdays, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.
If enough valid signatures are collected by June 2026, these amendments will be on our ballots in November 2026, as amendments to the Ohio constitution. Visit the Knox Dems office for more information, or see the Ohio Equal Rights website.
Also needing signatures and available in the Knox Dems office: petitions for state candidates. Please stop by!
Upcoming Events
Ohio Democratic Party Annual Dinner, Saturday, October 11. Columbus Convention Center, 400 N High Street, Columbus. Speakers will include Ohio Dems Chair Kathleen Clyde, Sherrod Brown, and others. Tickets are $75 if you register through me. Email me for more information and to sign up. Pre-registration is required.
No Kings II Protest*, organized by Knox County Ohio Indivisible in conjunction with Signs on the Square. Saturday, October 18, Mount Vernon Public Square, 1:00 -2:00 pm. More than 500 people showed up to the first No Kings protest on June 14, which surely made an impact. Plus we had a lot of fun! Let’s make it even bigger this time. Please register here so the organizers can anticipate the number of protesters and prepare accordingly.
I hope to see you soon.
All my best,
Kathy Tate, Chairwoman, Knox County Democratic Party
*Note: A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action. All participants should seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events.