Just when you thought elections were behind us for a while, another election is looming on the horizon.
Elections for delegates to the California Democratic Party are now underway. Delegates are elected for two-year terms in each of the state’s 80 districts.
Delegates are responsible for endorsing and supporting Democratic candidates and legislation which matters to their community.
Additionally, delegates keep state legislators updated on what’s going on in their districts and advise legislators on policy matters that affect their district. Thus, delegates will play a part in shaping the future of California’s Democratic Party.
There are 57 people running for the 14 seats available in District 50 which includes West Hollywood. Some are running independently; some are running as part of a slate of 14 candidates.
Six people from West Hollywood are in the running for District 50:
- Marquita Thomas – running independently
- Chelsea Byers – running on grassroots slate
- Tai Sunnanon – running on grassroots slate
- Noemi Torres – running on grassroots slate
- Chris Bowen – running on progressive slate
- Sepi Shyne – running on progressive slate
One other West Hollywood resident’s name is also on the list of candidates – Karen Andros Eyres. However, she has dropped out of the race due to other commitments.
To read the candidate statements for each of the candidates for District 50, CLICK HERE.
District 50 covers West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Miracle Mile, Hancock Park, West LA, Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Agoura Hills, plus parts of Hollywood and the Hollywood Hills West. This is the area represented by Richard Bloom in the California state Assembly.
Registered Democrats Must Request Ballot
Anyone who is a registered voter and registered as a Democrat is eligible to participate in this election, which is being done entirely by mail due to the pandemic.
Registered Democrats must request a ballot be sent to them. Requests must be submitted by Monday at 11:59 p.m. This ballot will NOT automatically be sent; people must specifically request it.
Participating in this election is as follows:
- Request the mail-in ballot from the California Democratic Party at https://ademelections.com/?isCandidate=False. Alternatively, people can request a ballot by phone (916-442-5707) or email (adem@cadem.org). The deadline to request a ballot is Monday, Jan. 11 at 11:59 p.m. PST.
- Save the confirmation email that will arrive immediately after signing-up. That email will have a Voter Registration ID number, which must be included on the returned ballot.
- Return the ballot by Tuesday, Jan. 19 as ballots must be received by January 27 in order to count. (Postage for the ballot will be prepaid.)
People who are not a registered Democrats will not get a ballot even if they request it. Requests are cross referenced against voter registration.
There are 80 districts in the state. Each district is allowed 14 representatives, of which seven must be “self-identified female” and the other seven must be “other than self-identified female.”
If you live outside of District 50 or are unsure about what district you live in, consult this map: http://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov/
For more information, consult the Frequently Asked Questions by CLICKING HERE.
