Scott County Democrats

Trevor White, one of the most active of Scott County’s youngest crop of Democrats, has joined the U.S. Navy, leaving for basic training on the morning of November 5. In the days leading up to his departure, Trevor was a very visible and active participant in the campaigns to elect Democratic leaders for our nation.

Trevor’s political activism and his desire to join the Armed Forces both come his deep caring and commitment to both his county and his country.

The Scott County Democratic Commitee joins with Trevor’s family and friends in wishing him God speed, and in praying for his safe return.

The numbers while not final, are very telling, even with some states still out. The Electoral College votes are 338 to 156, with a popular vote lead of 3,793,167. (The individual votes for both candidates are still climbing.)

John McCain has given a gracious and moving concession speech, urging his supporters to work across the political divide, as he pledged that he himself would work with President Elect Obama to meet the challenges still facing the United States.

Indeed, there is some feeling here at Democrat Headquarters that the John McCain who spoke tonight, was not the same John McCain that has been campaigning these last months; that now “Big Mac was back” in truth, not the candidate trying to rally a divisive Republican base, but the John McCain who has shown that he can work with those across the political aisle.

We very much hope that the message of unity that President Elect Obama has put forward will become a reality in the days ahead..

A PDF of unofficial results is available courtesy of the Scott County Virginia Star.

Rick Boucher, the Democrat incumbent running unopposed for the 9th District House Representatives, received 7,345 votes. Former Democratic Governor Mark Warner received 5,226 votes for the U.S. Senate over rival  James Gilmore, also a former Governor, who received 4,238 votes.  The Independent and Independent Green candidates combined received 91 votes.

As expected, Scott County supported the Republican Ticket of McCain-Palin over Obama-Biden, with  President Elect Barack Obama earning roughly 30% of the popular vote in Scott County.  This was not a loss - it is a sucessful statement for positive change that many said could not be made in this area, a statement made possible with the hard work of many volunteers, young and old.

Note: These results are not official. Results are not official until certified by election officials.

IMPORTANT: If you encounter problems in voting, please contact at least one of these numbers for help:

• Virginia State Board of Elections at 1-800-552-9745
• Peter Teigland, Campaign for Change, at 704-575-5662 or 276-494-4115.
• 1-877-462-6608 (CNN Voter helpline)

Less than two hours after polls have opened, voting problems are already being reported in the town of Gate City.  Rita Hughes and Lillie Hughes are stating that they have been denied the right to vote.  The two ladies, both African American, went to their local polling location at Gate City Middle School, along with two of Rita’s sons, Joseph and Damien.  The two sons were allowed to vote, but the women were told their names were not on the list of registered voters.  The women stated that they had voted in last year’s countywide elections.

After the voting officials made some calls, Rita and Lillie were told they would have to re-register and vote in the next election.  The ladies then asked to be given a provisional ballot under state election regulations. The request was denied, as they were told that since their names did not appear on the state list, they were not eligible to vote.

It should be noted that lawsuits involving voter fraud and disenfranchisement are nothing new to this area.  Only two short years ago, former Gate City mayor Charles Dougherty Jr. was found guilty of 13 counts of voter fraud stemming back to the 2004 Gate City Mayoral Election.

Update after being contacted by legal counsel, local officials did allow Rita Hughes and Lillie Hughes to cast provisional ballots in accordance with state law.

According to CNN, Republican strategist Karl Rove is predicting the Presidential Race will be won by Senator Barack Obama in a landside election.

Some people have put forth the opinion that Rov may be trying to lull Democratic voters into staying home. The Scott County Democratic Party urges you not to take the election for granted, and to make certain you cast your vote today.

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/04/rove-predicts-obama-landslide/

Wednesday, Oct. 22, 4 P.M.

Young Democrats of Scott County will be canvassing in Yuma. Meet at the Yuma Ruritan Building.

Thursday, Oct. 23, 4 P.M.

Canvas in Nickelsville. Meet at Keith Memorial Park at the Building.

EVERY MONDAY, 7:30 P.M.

Meet at the Yuma Ruritan Building. To join, visit vayd.org or contact Trevor at 386-2825 or 276-594-9680.

Other Canvas Events: Contact Peter at the Campaign for Change at 704-575-5662 or 276-494-4115.

Young Democrats of America has chartered a chapter in Scott County, VA effective Monday, September 15 with 18 members on the rolls.

Their first meeting is scheduled at the Scott County Courthouse on Monday, September 22 at 7 p.m.
Further meetings will be held at Scott Democrat Headquarters, located across from the courthouse parking lot.

Anyone needing more information should Trevor White at 276-386-2825

Interested people can sign up at the Young Democrats of America website.