Events featured in our newsletter can also be found on the Events Calendar on the main page of our website.

IN IT TO WIN IT FUNDRAISER NEXT MONDAY!

WE ARE HOSTING OUR FIRST EVER IN IT TO WIN IT FUNDRAISER & SUPPORT OUR SLATE DINNER!!

Join us for this taco bar dinner at Carmelitas in Calumet on September 21. We’re looking forward to an evening of camaraderie and support for our fall slate of candidates.

Together we will make a difference as we fight to elect the candidates who will bring needed change to our state and country — candidates who share our democratic values.

If you’re unable to attend please consider a donation to help the HCDP get out the vote and to support our local candidates.

DOWNLOAD AND SHARE THE FLYER HERE!

Tickets are on sale now. Scan the QR code in the flyer or click the button below to get yours!

WE SUPPORT THE MILLAGE FOR NEW COUNTY JAIL

At our September meeting the membership of the HCDP endorsed the Millage for the jail that will be on the November ballot. A jail is never anyone's favorite priority for government spending but it's a necessary expense. In our letter to the County Board, we express appreciation for the long process of public input that was undertaken all year, which heard citizen concerns and made commitments on the spending of the millage money.

That letter is attached here - it's long and detailed, and we want to thank Justin LaCosse, our representative on the Jail Committee, for putting it together. It answers a lot of the objections you might hear about the millage, like "why so long" (it keeps the monthly cost per household down to just $5 on average) and "couldn't we sell something to raise the money" (no, the County mainly owns stuff we really need, so our saleable assets don't raise that much). Take a look if you'd like to see the numbers for yourself.

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS - WE’RE EXPANDING THE MAP!

Donald Trump is so far underwater he can't see daylight. Gas is $4 a gallon, we're in a tariff war with Canada, and he sits on a golden toilet while the ones on US Navy destroyers are busted. Congressional Republicans have enabled him every step of the way, and Michigan's state-level Democrats have been fighting him the same distance. Districts all across the country are in Play. Our door knocking turfs used to be mainly Dems who needed to be nudged a few times to get to the ballot box. Now we're getting turfs that include persuadable independents - likely to vote, but up for grabs.

Getting to those voters means we need shoes on streets, hands stuffing lit into bags, and other volunteer roles. Our main need right now is Saturdays and Sundays at noon, sending people out to knock doors.

PLEASE FILL OUT THE VOLUNTEER FORM ON OUR WEBSITE, OR COME TO THE OFFICE (323 QUINCY ST IN HANCOCK) AND SIGN UP ON OUR LIST THERE, OR JUST EMAIL US AT HOUGHTONDEMS@GMAIL.COM. 

And hey, if you think you're willing but maybe have just one round in you this year, sign up for the weekend before the election. Yeah, it's Halloween, but we'll be putting together a last blast before November 3. If you can do more before then, though, we'd love to have you.

HERE’S A FEW VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES - GET OUT THE VOTE WITH MDP ONE TEAM

Door knocking and phone banking continue in cooperation with the Michigan Dems’ One Team. Turn out is even more important this year than in previous years, and while pundits can make predictions for a “blue wave”, it won’t happen on Election Day without all of us working to Get Out the Vote! Join the door knocking and phone banking efforts and encourage your friends and family to vote!!

From the One Team:

HIGHWAY CLEAN UP SEPTEMBER 23

COME JOIN US FOR THE FALL HIGHWAY CLEAN UP!

Join us Wednesday, September 23rd as the Houghton County Dems go out on the road again for our fall highway clean up. We’ll be cleaning our stretch of highway as part of the Adopt-A-Highway program — M-26 from just past Goat Hill Rd heading out of Ripley, and on through to Dollar Bay.

STOP BY - THE OFFICE IS OPEN!

WHAT’S ON YOUR BALLOT?

Every election we put together a slate of Democratic candidates, nonpartisan judicial recommendations and “Vote YES” or “Vote NO” recommendations on ballot proposals.

You can find this year’s recommendations on our web page, or just click here (or on the image below) to get a two page PDF you can print out to share with friends and family or to take with you to the ballot box.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BALLOT PROPOSALS

Below are summaries and comments on the proposals on countywide ballots this year.

=================

See the item above - we support the millage proposal for the county jail and recommend you vote YES.

School Millage Proposals

The Copper Country Intermediate School District has a millage proposal on Houghton, Baraga and Keweenaw County ballots — HCDP recommends you vote yes.  

There is also at least one local school district millage proposal on specific precinct ballots in the county as well. While the Houghton County Dems support strong local public education, we are not recommending one way or the other on local school district proposals.

=================

Statewide Ballot Proposals

HCDP recommends you vote no on the Constitutional Convention Proposal: Proposal 2026-1 is the question of whether the state should hold a Constitutional Convention. This proposal automatically appears on the ballot every 16 years, and this is one of those years. It has appeared before voters three times since the current Michigan constitution was adopted in 1963, and has been soundly defeated each time. This time around both Democratic and Republican candidates are almost unanimous in saying they do not favor holding a new convention.

HCDP recommends you vote yes on the Money Out of Politics Proposal: Proposal 2026-2, also known as the Michigan Money Out of Politics proposal, would prohibit certain organizations and individuals — such as regulated electric and gas utilities, contractors with over $250,000 annually in government contracts, and people and organizations with substantial connections to those utilities or contractors — from making direct or indirect contributions to those who run for office, and also provide further regulations for campaign finance laws and spending on political communications.

SUPPORT YOUR DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES

Can’t door knock or phone bank this fall? Your monetary donation to a candidate can make a big difference in getting out the vote. Below are links to the ActBlue fundraising pages of our 2026 Michigan Democratic candidates. Please consider a donation:

TUE SEP 15

The Laurium Village Council meets tonight at 6 PM in the Council Chambers of the Town Hall. More info (including the GoTo Meeting link to attend virtually) can be found on the Village Council's web page.

The Calumet Village Council meets tonight at 6:00 PM in the Village Council Chambers. More information (including the Zoom link to attend virtually) can be found on the Village’s News & Events web page.

WED SEP 16

The Hancock City Council meets at 6 PM in the Hancock City Hall Council Chambers.

A FULL LISTING OF ALL LOCAL CITY, VILLAGE AND TOWNSHIP GOVERNMENTS, WITH CONTACT INFORMATION, AND (WHERE AVAILABLE) TIMING OF LOCAL COUNCIL MEETINGS CAN BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE.

SUBMIT YOUR IDEA FOR AN HCDP RESOLUTION

Events featured in our newsletter can also be found on the Events Calendar on the main page of our website.

LARGE TURNOUT FOR SENATOR SLOTKIN VISIT

Over 60 people turned out last week for the visit by Senator Slotkin to our monthly potluck and meeting. It was a great opportunity to hear directly from our Senator and to ask questions. Thanks to all who came out!

(Photo credits: Brian Hoduski & Barb Turuc)

ANOTHER LABOR DAY PICNIC IN THE BOOKS!

IN IT TO WIN IT FUNDRAISER

WE ARE HOSTING OUR FIRST EVER IN IT TO WIN IT FUNDRAISER & SUPPORT OUR SLATE DINNER!!

Join us for this taco bar dinner at Carmelitas in Calumet on September 21. We’re looking forward to an evening of camaraderie and support for our fall slate of candidates.

Together we will make a difference as we fight to elect the candidates who will bring needed change to our state and country — candidates who share our democratic values.

If you’re unable to attend please consider a donation to help the HCDP get out the vote and to support our local candidates.

DOWNLOAD AND SHARE THE FLYER HERE!

Tickets are on sale now. Scan the QR code in the flyer or click the button below to get yours!

HIGHWAY CLEAN UP SEPTEMBER 23

COME JOIN US FOR THE FALL HIGHWAY CLEAN UP!

Join us Wednesday, September 23rd as the Houghton County Dems go out on the road again for our fall highway clean up. We’ll be cleaning our stretch of highway as part of the Adopt-A-Highway program — M-26 from just past Goat Hill Rd heading out of Ripley, and on through to Dollar Bay.

GET OUT THE VOTE WITH MDP ONE TEAM

Join the Michigan Dems’ One Team efforts to Get Out the Vote! Across the UP this fall the Michigan Dems’ One Team is organizing door knocking and phone banking to get out the vote for Democratic candidates.

From the One Team:

NOW EVEN MORE OFFICE HOURS!

Join your hosts Bill and Diane Hougaboom to support of State Senate Candidate Kelli van Ginhoven. The house party fundraiser takes place September 12th starting at 6 PM. Tickets come in various fundraising levels, and are available through the button below or the QR code in the graphic. Find directions on Google maps here.

SUPPORT YOUR DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES

Can’t door knock or phone bank this fall? Your monetary donation to a candidate can make a big difference in getting out the vote. Below are links to the ActBlue fundraising pages of our 2026 Michigan Democratic candidates. Please consider a donation:

AN UPDATE ON BALLOT INITIATIVES

CITIZENSHIP VOTING PROPOSAL DEAD

In the August 11th newsletter we outlined two ballot initiatives likely to appear on the fall ballot. Two weeks ago we highlighted that one of those initiatives — the Citizen Voting initiative — had been considered by the Board of State Canvassers on August 24th, which deadlocked on the review of signatures by their professional staff. That deadlock meant that, barring action by the Michigan or Federal Supreme Court, the proposal was “dead” and would not appear on the fall ballot. Americans for Citizen Voting Michigan made emergency appeals of the Board’s actions to both the Michigan and Federal Supreme Courts.

Both courts have now ruled, and both have denied those appeals, which means that the Citizen Voting initiative WILL NOT appear on the ballot. With that proposal off the ballot there are now two proposals all Michigan voters will consider this fall.

MONEY OUT OF POLITICS

One, the Michigan Money Out of Politics proposal would prohibit certain organizations and individuals — such as regulated electric and gas utilities, contractors with over $250,000 annually in government contracts, and people and organizations with substantial connections to those utilities or contractors — from making direct or indirect contributions to those who run for office, and also provide further regulations for campaign finance laws and spending on political communications.

CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION

The second is the question of whether the state should hold a Constitutional Convention. This proposal automatically appears on the ballot every 16 years, and this is one of those years. It has appeared before voters three times since the current Michigan constitution was adopted in 1963, and has been soundly defeated each time.

This time around both Democratic and Republican candidates are almost unanimous in saying they do not favor holding a new convention.

TUE SEP 08

This month's regular meeting of the Houghton County Board of Commissioners, which would have normally been held on September 8, HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

WED SEP 09

The Houghton City Council meets at 5:30 PM on Wednesday. The Meeting Agenda is typically posted ahead of the meeting. Look for it in the Searchable Document Center of the Council's website.

A FULL LISTING OF ALL LOCAL CITY, VILLAGE AND TOWNSHIP GOVERNMENTS, WITH CONTACT INFORMATION, AND (WHERE AVAILABLE) TIMING OF LOCAL COUNCIL MEETINGS CAN BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE.

SUBMIT YOUR IDEA FOR AN HCDP RESOLUTION

Events featured in our newsletter can also be found on the Events Calendar on the main page of our website.

WE’VE HAD A BUSY AUGUST!

Starting with the Primary Election on August 4th it’s been a whirlwind of activity as we work to get the word out ahead of the fall election (Can you believe that absentee ballots will be available in less than a month?!) —

• We had two visits by Party leaders -

  • MDP Chair Curtis Hertel, and

  • CD1 Chair Chris Cracchiolo.

• We tabled at three events -

  • Pasty Fest in Calumet on the 15th, and

  • this past weekend we had two tables going simultaneously - at the Houghton County Fair and at MTU’s Afternoon on the Town.

• The office has been open every Tuesday and Saturday for you to pick up signs and campaign literature, and hours will expand going forward (see the item below for more info).

What do all of these things have in common? The hard work of motivated, dedicated Democratic volunteers. Thanks to everyone who has participated in making these events possible!

And there’s more to come in September, including a visit by Sen. Elissa Slotkin, our annual Labor Day weekend picnic, and a new fundraising event called In It to Win It at Carmelitas in Calumet. (More info on all of those events in the items that follow).

Thanks to the volunteers who make our work possible! (Photo credits: Brian Hoduski & William Keith)

Potluck starts at 6 PM with the meeting following at 7 PM. We return to the conference room at the Super 8 in Houghton for this month’s meeting.  

Bring a dish to share if you can, or just stop in and enjoy some quality time with your fellow Dems before we settle down to business at 7.  Among those joining us will be Senator Elissa Slotkin. Senator Slotkin is expected to mix and mingle while we share potluck, so please plan to arrive at 6 PM to participate.

Remote attendance for the business meeting is available by Zoom. Click here at 7 PM Wednesday to attend the monthly meeting by Zoom. 

Membership in the Houghton County Democratic Party is encouraged, but not required, to attend meetings. We welcome all Houghton County residents who support progressive Democratic government to attend our meetings and events and also to become involved.

IN IT TO WIN IT FUNDRAISER

WE ARE HOSTING OUR FIRST EVER IN IT TO WIN IT FUNDRAISER & SUPPORT OUR SLATE DINNER!!

Join us for this taco bar dinner at Carmelitas in Calumet on September 21. We’re looking forward to an evening of camaraderie and support for our fall slate of candidates.

Together we will make a difference as we fight to elect the candidates who will bring needed change to our state and country — candidates who share our democratic values.

If you’re unable to attend please consider a donation to help the HCDP get out the vote and to support our local candidates.

DOWNLOAD AND SHARE THE FLYER HERE!

Tickets are on sale now. Scan the QR code in the flyer or click the button below to get yours!

ANNUAL LABOR DAY WEEKEND PICNIC

Join us on September 6th at Kestner Park along the Canal in Houghton for our annual Labor Day weekend picnic. We’ll be serving burgers and hot dogs but ask you to please bring a dish to pass (side dish, appetizer or dessert). From 4 PM to 7 PM - it will be an afternoon of fun, fellowship and food!

Once again this year we are expecting to be joined by candidates and elected officials who will share a few words with us.

OFFICE HOURS

You can help expand our hours further for this election season - Volunteer to staff the office leading up to the November election! Shifts are flexible and are typically evenings and weekends. If you’d like to volunteer just drop a line to houghtondems@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at 906-523-1233.

Join your hosts Bill and Diane Houghaboom to support of State Senate Candidate Kelli van Ginhoven. The house party fundraiser takes place September 12th starting at 6 PM. Tickets come in various fundraising levels, and are available through the button below or the QR code in the graphic. Find directions on Google maps here.

WED SEP 02

The Hancock City Council meets at 6 PM in the Hancock City Hall Council Chambers.

THUR SEP 03

The South Range Village Council meets Thursday at 6 PM in the South Range Community Building. For more information contact the Village at sorange@southrange.com or call (906) 482-8833.

A FULL LISTING OF ALL LOCAL CITY, VILLAGE AND TOWNSHIP GOVERNMENTS, WITH CONTACT INFORMATION, AND (WHERE AVAILABLE) TIMING OF LOCAL COUNCIL MEETINGS CAN BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE.

SUBMIT YOUR IDEA FOR AN HCDP RESOLUTION

Events featured in our newsletter can also be found on the Events Calendar on the main page of our website.

POTLUCK & MONTHLY MEETING WITH SPECIAL GUEST SEN. ELISSA SLOTKIN

Potluck starts at 6 PM with the meeting following at 7 PM. We return to the conference room at the Super 8 in Houghton for this month’s meeting.  

Bring a dish to share if you can, or just stop in and enjoy some quality time with your fellow Dems before we settle down to business at 7.  Among those joining us will be Senator Elissa Slotkin. Senator Slotkin is expected to mix and mingle while we share potluck, so please plan to arrive at 6 PM to participate.

Remote attendance is available by Zoom. Click here at 7 PM Wednesday to attend the monthly meeting by Zoom. 

Membership in the Houghton County Democratic Party is encouraged, but not required, to attend meetings. We welcome all Houghton County residents who support progressive Democratic government to attend our meetings and events and also to become involved.

IN IT TO WIN IT FUNDRAISER

WE ARE HOSTING OUR FIRST EVER IN IT TO WIN IT FUNDRAISER & SUPPORT OUR SLATE DINNER!!

Join us for this taco bar dinner at Carmelitas in Calumet on September 21. We’re looking forward to an evening of camaraderie and support for our fall slate of candidates.

Together we will make a difference as we fight to elect the candidates who will bring needed change to our state and country — candidates who share our democratic values.

If you’re unable to attend please consider a donation to help the HCDP get out the vote and to support our local candidates.

DOWNLOAD AND SHARE THE FLYER HERE!

Tickets are on sale now. Scan the QR code in the flyer or click the button below to get yours!

ANNUAL LABOR DAY WEEKEND PICNIC

Join us on September 6th at Kestner Park along the Canal in Houghton for our annual Labor Day weekend picnic. We’ll be serving burgers and hot dogs but ask you to please bring a dish to pass (side dish, appetizer or dessert). From 4 PM to 7 PM - it will be an afternoon of fun, fellowship and food!

Once again this year we are expecting to be joined by candidates and elected officials who will share a few words with us.

TABLE WITH US AT THE HOUGHTON COUNTY FAIR

Table with us at the Houghton County Fair. Please call or text Barb Turuc at (906) 370-5496 to volunteer.

Here are the hours for tabling at the fair: Thursday 6 PM to 10 PM, Friday & Saturday, 11 AM to 10 PM, and Sunday 11:30 AM to 5 PM. Volunteers are asked to cover at least a two hour shift during these hours.

OFFICE HOURS

We’d love to have your help — volunteer to staff the office leading up to the November election! Shifts are flexible and are typically evenings and weekends. If you’d like to volunteer just drop a line to houghtondems@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at 906-523-1233.

In honor of our nation’s 250th birthday we’d like to prepare a community cookbook so we can all cook up a celebration! So gather up the recipes for those longtime favorites and submit them our Community Cookbook! Just scan the QR code in the graphic, or click the button below to access our form where you can submit your recipe. Or if you’d like you can email your recipe to amy.hjerstedt@gmail.com. WE’D LOVE TO HAVE YOUR RECIPES NO LATER THAN SEPTEMBER 1ST. Thanks for participating, and please share with your friends and family!!

In the August 11th newsletter we reviewed the ballot measures likely to appear on the November ballot. That included an initiative from the group Americans for Citizen Voting Michigan. This initiative would bring measures very similar to the federal government’s SAVE Act into our state constitution. It is in essence a voter suppression measure masquarading as a vote protection measure (noncitizen voting is already illegal).

Late last week the nonpartisan professional staff of the Board of State Canvassers released a report showing that the proposal had fallen short of the required number of signatures needed. In their sample of 1000 signatures only 612 were found to be valid. Based on the total number of signatures gathered the sample would have needed 629 valid signatures to meet the requirement.

In their meeting yesterday the Board of State Canvassers considered their staff’s recommendation. The discussion went on for seven hours and was at times contentious. Individual signature issues were discussed and ruled on, aftere which the Board had identified 626 valid signatures. In the end the Board deadlocked 2 to 2. (The Board is composed of two Republican and two Democratic members). This decision means the ballot initiative IS NOT certified for the November election.

Paul Jacobs, chair of Americans for Citizen Voting Michigan, the group behind the petition stated that the group will take the case to the Michigan Supreme Court, and potentially the US Supreme Court.

You can find more on this decision in this article from Michigan Advance.

The statue of Anna “Big Annie” Clemenc was unveiled over the weekend in Calumet. Born Anna Klobuchar in 1888, Anna Clemenc was a member of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Western Federation of Miners, and was an active participant in the Miner’s Strike of 1913 - 1914. Big Annie was known for leading labor marches carrying a large American flag. She also led the funeral march for the victims of the Italian Hall disaster carrying the same flag.

Democratic candidates Brian Irizarry and Callie Barr attended the unveiling. Barr spoke briefly with TV6 reporter Ethan Desjardine. You can see the TV6 report here.

US Senate Candidate Callie Barr at the Big Annie statue unveiling on Saturday. (Photo credit: Lois Gemignani)

WED AUG 26

The Houghton City Council meets at 5:30 PM on Wednesday. The Meeting Agenda is typically posted ahead of the meeting. Look for it in the Searchable Document Center of the Council's website.

SUBMIT YOUR IDEA FOR AN HCDP RESOLUTION

Events featured in our newsletter can also be found on the Events Calendar on the main page of our website.

THE FALL ELECTION IS FAST APPROACHING!

Election Day is November 3rd, but absentee voting starts September 24th - that’s only 37 days away!! Here are key dates to be aware of for the fall election:

NEW EARLY VOTING SITE FOR NOVEMBER

County Clerk Jennifer Kelly has announced that the Early Voting Site for the November election will shift from the HOCO Arena to the Houghton County Building located at 19741 W. Sharon Avenue. (This is the former church building acquired by the county a few years ago.) The Early Voting Center will be open from Saturday, October 24 until Sunday, November 1 each day from 8 AM to 4 PM.

IN IT TO WIN IT FUNDRAISER

WE ARE HOSTING OUR FIRST EVER IN IT TO WIN IT FUNDRAISER & SUPPORT OUR SLATE DINNER!!

Join us for this taco bar dinner at Carmelitas in Calumet on September 21. We’re looking forward to an evening of camaraderie and support for our fall slate of candidates.

Together we will make a difference as we fight to elect the candidates who will bring needed change to our state and country. Candidates who share our democratic values.

If you’re unable to attend please consider a donation to help the HCDP get out the vote and to support our local candidates.

DOWNLOAD AND SHARE THE FLYER HERE!

Tickets are on sale now. Scan the QR code in the flyer or click the button below to get yours!

ANNUAL LABOR DAY WEEKEND PICNIC

Join us on September 6th at Kestner Park along the Canal in Houghton for our annual Labor Day weekend picnic. We’ll be serving burgers and hot dogs but ask you to please bring a dish to pass (side dish, appetizer or dessert). From 4 PM to 7 PM - it will be an afternoon of fun, fellowship and food!

Once again this year we are expecting to be joined by candidates and elected officials who will share a few words with us.

MEET MDP CHAIR CURTIS HERTEL AUGUST 20

MDP Chair Curtis Hertel will be here August 20th to meet with Houghton County Democrats. We’ll gather at the HCDP office at 323 Quincy Street in Hancock at 7:30 PM.

SEATING IS LIMITED! USE THE BUTTON BELOW TO RSVP

TABLE WITH US AT THE HOUGHTON COUNTY FAIR

Table with us at the Houghton County Fair. Please call or text Barb Turuc at (906) 370-5496 to volunteer.

Here are the hours for tabling at the fair: Thursday 6 PM to 10 PM, Friday & Saturday, 11 AM to 10 PM, and Sunday 11:30 AM to 5 PM. Volunteers are asked to cover at least a two hour shift during these hours.

PASTY FEST TABLE A SUCCESS!

Another great year for us tabling at the Pasty Fest! We had a near constant flow of like-minded visitors to our table, from near and far. Huge THANK YOU to our volunteers!

OFFICE HOURS

We’d love to have your help — volunteer to staff the office leading up to the November election! Shifts are flexible and are typically evenings and weekends. If you’d like to volunteer just drop a line to houghtondems@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at 906-523-1233.

In honor of our nation’s 250th birthday we’d like to prepare a community cookbook so we can all cook up a celebration! So gather up the recipes for those longtime favorites and submit them our Community Cookbook! Just scan the QR code in the graphic, or click the button below to access our form where you can submit your recipe. Or if you’d like you can email your recipe to amy.hjerstedt@gmail.com. WE’D LOVE TO HAVE YOUR RECIPES NO LATER THAN SEPTEMBER 1ST. Thanks for participating, and please share with your friends and family!!

DEMOCRATS RALLY FOR THE GENERAL ELECTION

After the primary the Michigan Democratic Party’s One Team held a General Election Rally in Detroit. The event took place the evening of August 7th. A statewide slate of

our candidates took the stage for the first time together in the campaign season.

The rally featured speeches from Eli Savit, Garlin Gilchrist, Jocelyn Benson, Pete Buttigieg, MDP Chair Curtis Hertel, Abdul El-Sayed, and MI Supreme Court nominees (and sitting Justices) Noah Hood and Megan Cavanagh. The whole event was captured on video, and is available on YouTube. Click below to view the one and a half hour event.

TUE AUG 18

The Laurium Village Council meets tonight at 6 PM in the Council Chambers of the Town Hall. More info (including the GoTo Meeting link to attend virtually) can be found on the Village's web page. 

The Calumet Village Council meets tonight at 6:00 PM in the Village Council Chambers. More information (including the Zoom link to attend virtually) can be found on the Village’s News & Events web page.

WED AUG 19

The Hancock City Council meets at 6 PM in the Hancock City Hall Council Chambers. This meeting is both the regular City Council meeting and a Public Hearing for the proposed Ordinance 318, which would grant SEMCO Energy Gas Company a franchise to supply gas to City of Hancock residents and businesses for a period of 30 years, subject to the rules and regulations of the Michigan Public Service Commission. More information is available in the PDF document posted on the City’s Events page, which can be found here.

SUBMIT YOUR IDEA FOR AN HCDP RESOLUTION

Events featured in our newsletter can also be found on the Events Calendar on the main page of our website.

PRIMARY VOTE RESULTS & THE FALL ELECTION

BOARD OF CANVASSERS CERTIFICATION & UNCERTIFIED RESULTS 

As announced by Clerk Jennifer Kelly, the Board of Canvassers meets today at 1 PM at the Houghton County Clerk's Office for the purpose of counting any MOVE (military & overseas), and cured signature ballots that were received by any City/Township Clerk by Monday, August 10, 2026 for the August 4, 2026 election. The Canvassers will certify the election after the ballots have been counted.

• While the certification process plays out, here are the uncertified winners in the contested Democratic primary races: For Governor: Jocelyn Benson. For US Senate: Abdul El-Sayed. For US House: Callie Barr.

• Candidates Kellie Van Ginhoven (for State Senate) and Brian Irizarry (for State House) ran unopposed in the Democratic primary.

• Candidates Garlin Gilchrist, for Secretary of State, and Eli Savit for Attorney General, along with candidates for the State Board of Education, Wayne State Board of Governors, MSU Board of Trustees, and U of M Board of Regents were endorsed at the MDP Convention in April, and will be nominated at the MDP Convention later this month. They too will appear on the November ballot. (See the April 21 newsletter for the full list of endorsed candidates.)

FALL ELECTION WILL BE HERE QUICKLY

Election Day is November 3rd, but absentee voting starts September 24th - that’s only 44 days away!! Here are key dates to be aware of for the Fall election:

• September 24 - Absentee ballots and drop boxes become available

• October 19 - Last day to register to vote online or by mail (registration in person at your local clerk’s office is still available up to and including Election Day.)

• October 24 - Early in-person voting begins

• November 3 - Election Day

PERMANENT ABSENTEE VOTER LIST

Not on the Permanent Absentee Voter List? Joining this list means you will automatically receive an absentee ballot, mailed to your home address, before every election. There is no need to apply for an absentee ballot before each election. More information about absentee ballots, including how to join the permanent list, can be found at this Michigan Department of State web page.

NOTE for those new to the state: Since 2018 Michigan law allows most voters to request and cast an absentee ballot without requiring a reason. What Michigan calls “absentee voting” is similar to what other states may refer to as their “vote by mail option”.

”IN IT TO WIN IT” FUNDRAISER

We are hosting our first ever “In It to Win It” fundraiser to support local candidates for office. This dinner will be held at Carmelita’s in Calumet on September 21. Tickets on sale starting next week.

ANNUAL LABOR DAY WEEKEND PICNIC

Join us on September 6th at Kestner Park along the Canal in Houghton for our annual Labor Day weekend picnic. We’ll be serving burgers and hot dogs but ask you to please bring a dish to pass (side dish, appetizer or dessert). From 4 PM to 7 PM - it will be an afternoon of fun, fellowship and food!

Once again we are expecting to be joined by candidates and elected officials who will share a few words with us.

FLOCK CAMERAS RESOLUTION

At the August meeting in Calumet last week the revised resolution regarding automated license plate recognition (ALPR) cameras was voted on as read and approved unanimously.

The approved resolution can be viewed at this link.

MI DEMS OF CD1 CHAIR HERE AUGUST 17

Join us on August 17 as we welcome the Chair of the MI Dems of CD1 (our Congressional District Dems group) to our office at 323 Quincy in Hancock.

We’ll gather at 7 PM to hear Chair Chris Cracchiolo speak about the CD1 group, after which he’ll take questions.

MEET MDP CHAIR CURTIS HERTEL AUGUST 20

MDP Chair Curtis Hertel will be here August 20th to meet with Houghton County Democrats. We’ll gather at the HCDP office at 323 Quincy Street in Hancock at 7:30 PM.

TABLE WITH US AT PASTY FEST & HOUGHTON COUNTY FAIR

TABLE WITH US AT PASTY FEST

Help is needed tabling at the 22nd annual Pasty Fest in Calumet. This is our first chance to promote our full November ballot slate! Available shifts are 12-2pm and 2-4pm. You would be joined by Nancy Verive - contact her at (812) 573-1403 to volunteer.

HOUGHTON COUNTY FAIR

Table with us at the Houghton County Fair. Please call or text Barb Turuc at (906) 370-5496 to volunteer.

OFFICE HOURS

We’d love to have your help — volunteer to staff the office leading up to the November election! Shifts are flexible and are typically evenings and weekends. If you’d like to volunteer just drop a line to houghtondems@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at 906-523-1233.

In honor of our nation’s 250th birthday we’d like to prepare a community cookbook so we can all cook up a celebration! So gather up the recipes for those longtime favorites and submit them our Community Cookbook! Just scan the QR code in the graphic, or click the button below to access our form where you can submit your recipe. Or if you’d like you can email your recipe to amy.hjerstedt@gmail.com. WE’D LOVE TO HAVE YOUR RECIPES NO LATER THAN SEPTEMBER 1ST. Thanks for participating, and please share with your friends and family!!

BALLOT INITIATIVES

In lieu of campaign updates for candidates, this week we are offering perspective on two initiatives likely to appear on November ballots this year:

MICHIGAN MONEY OUT OF POLITICS

The first initiative is the result of a campaign by a coalition of organizations and state residents called Michiganders for Money Out Of Politics. This proposal would prohibit certain organizations and individuals — such as regulated electric and gas utilities, contractors with over $250,000 annually in government contracts, and people and organizations with substantial connections to those utilities or contractors — from making direct or indirect contributions to those who run for office, and also provide further regulations for campaign finance laws and spending on political communications.

While signatures were gathered this initiative was often referred to as the MMOP or “Michigan Money Out of Politics” proposal.

This initiative cleared the State Board of Canvassers on July 24. Barring legal challenges it is expected to appear on the November ballot.

CITIZENSHIP VOTING INITIATIVE

Two petitions circulated earlier this year on the idea of “citizenship voting”. The petitions seek to enact under Michigan constitution voting restrictions similar to the Federal SAVE Act. These restrictions would require every voter in Michigan to submit documents to prove American citizenship in order to register to vote, with a very limited set of documents considered as proof (birth certificate or passport). Your Michigan Driver’s License would not be proof. Married women and others whose names have changed since birth would face further documentation challenges.

One of these initiatives, from the group Americans for Citizen Voting Michigan, claimed over 750,000 signatures on petitions they submitted to the state back in March, well in excess of the number required. Signature verification results have not been made public and as of now the State Board of Canvassers has not considered this measure for the fall ballot, but may yet do so.

Several groups, including the League of Women Voters of Michigan — who called it “needless voter suppression” — have come out against a citizenship voting proposal.

TUE AUG 11

This month's regular meeting of the Houghton County Board of Commissioners is tonight at 6 PM in the Conference Room on the fifth floor of the Houghton County Courthouse. Find more information on the Board's webpage (find the Microsoft Teams virtual meeting info in the Agenda).

WED AUG 12

The Houghton City Council meets at 5:30 PM on Wednesday. The Meeting Agenda is typically posted ahead of the meeting. Look for it in the Searchable Document Center of the Council's website.

SUBMIT YOUR IDEA FOR AN HCDP RESOLUTION

Events featured in our newsletter can also be found on the Events Calendar on the main page of our website.

PRIMARY VOTING

• NOT YET REGISTERED TO VOTE?: It’s not too late! In Michigan registration is allowed up to and including Election Day. In the last two weeks leading up to (and including) Election Day, state law allows registration only by visiting your city or township clerk’s office in person, and with proof of residency documentation.

• WHERE TO VOTE TODAY: Find your polling place, your local clerk, or almost anything else to do with voting at the Michigan Voter Information Center.

• VOTER GUIDES:

  • Find the non-partisan online Voter’s Guide produced by the League of Women Voters Education Fund at vote411.org. This guide includes information about voting in the Michigan primary, including links to the candidate’s websites and their responses to LWV questionnaires.

  • Another source of information to consider is the Blue Voter Guide. This guide shows you all Democratic candidates in the primary along with key endorsements for each. Find it at bluevoterguide.org.

  • Finally, links to the websites of all the fall Democratic candidates appearing on Houghton County ballots can be found on our own “2026 Democratic Primary Candidates” web page.

MONTHLY MEETING TO BE HELD IN CALUMET ON AUGUST 5TH

Remote attendance is available by Zoom. Click here at 7 PM Wednesday to attend by Zoom. 

Membership in the Houghton County Democratic Party is encouraged, but not required, to attend meetings. We welcome all Houghton County residents who support progressive Democratic government to attend our meetings and events and also to become involved.

Want more information about our meeting site for this month? Learn about the facilities offered by the Keweenaw Storytelling Center (owned by Real People Media, a 501(c)3 organization) on this web page.

VOTING ON THE FLOCK CAMERAS RESOLUTION

Voting on the revised resolution regarding automated license plate recognition (ALPR) cameras will be on the table at the August 4th meeting.

As a reminder, the first resolution on this topic was unanimously approved at the April meeting. At May meeting that resolution was rescinded - not because of its conclusion but due to concerns about the wording that laid the grounds for action in the resolution. (More information on the rescission can be found in the May 12th newsletter).

In preparation for the vote on the revised resolution, you are asked to please review it at this link.

MI DEMS OF CD1 CHAIR HERE AUGUST 17

Join us on August 17 as we welcome the Chair of the MI Dems of CD1 (our Congressional District Dems group) to our office at 323 Quincy in Hancock.

We’ll gather at 7 PM to hear Chair Chris Cracchiolo speak about the CD1 group, after which he’ll take questions.

MEET MDP CHAIR CURTIS HERTEL AUGUST 20

MDP Chair Curtis Hertel will be here August 20th to meet with Houghton County Democrats. We’ll gather at the HCDP office at 323 Quincy Street in Hancock at 7:30 PM.

TABLE WITH US AT PASTY FEST & HOUGHTON COUNTY FAIR

TABLE WITH US AT PASTY FEST

Help is needed tabling at the 22nd annual Pasty Fest in Calumet. This is our first chance to promote our full November ballot slate! Available shifts are 12-2pm and 2-4pm. You would be joined by Nancy Verive - contact her at (812) 573-1403 to volunteer.

HOUGHTON COUNTY FAIR

Table with us at the Houghton County Fair. Please text (906) 370-5496 to volunteer.

OFFICE HOURS

With the Primary Election today our office hours are in a bit of flux. We my not be staffed this evening, but will definitely be staffed this coming Saturday from 10 AM to noon.

We’d love to have your help — volunteer to staff the office leading up to the November election! Shifts are flexible and are typically evenings and weekends. If you’d like to volunteer just drop a line to houghtondems@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at 906-523-1233.

In honor of our nation’s 250th birthday we’d like to prepare a community cookbook so we can all cook up a celebration! So gather up the recipes for those longtime favorites and submit them our Community Cookbook! Just scan the QR code in the graphic, or click the button below to access our form where you can submit your recipe. Or if you’d like you can email your recipe to amy.hjerstedt@gmail.com. WE’D LOVE TO HAVE YOUR RECIPES NO LATER THAN SEPTEMBER 1ST. Thanks for participating, and please share with your friends and family!!

THANK YOU!!

The Houghton County Dems thank all of our members and supporters who have stepped up this primary campaign season to support the Democratic candidates of your choice for elected office. Whether you donated to a candidate’s campaign, knocked on doors or made phone calls for your candidate, put their sign up in your yard, or otherwise showed your support WE APPRECIATE YOU, and we thank you.

IT IS PEOPLE LIKE YOU WHO MAKE OUR DEMOCRACY WORK! AND THAT THAT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT IN THESE TROUBLING TIMES.

After the results roll in tonight, in the days leading up to the November election, we hope that you’ll continue to work on behalf of our democracy regardless of the results for any particular candidate you may have supported in the primary.

THUR AUG 06

The South Range Village Council meets Thursday at 6 PM in the South Range Community Building. For more information contact the Village at sorange@southrange.com or (906) 482-8833A FULL LISTING OF ALL LOCAL CITY, VILLAGE AND TOWNSHIP GOVERNMENTS, WITH CONTACT INFORMATION, AND (WHERE AVAILABLE) TIMING OF LOCAL COUNCIL MEETINGS CAN BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE.

SUBMIT YOUR IDEA FOR AN HCDP RESOLUTION

Events featured in our newsletter can also be found on the Events Calendar on the main page of our website.

PRIMARY VOTING

• EARLY VOTING HAS BEGUN

  • WHERE TO VOTE: 

    • This year’s primary early voting site for all Houghton County precincts is the HOCO Arena on the Houghton County Fairgrounds - 1500 Birch St in Hancock.

    • For residents of Keweenaw County the early voting site for all county precincts is the Eagle Harbor Township Hall - 321 Center Street in Mohawk.

  • HOURS FOR EARLY VOTING:

    • At the Houghton County early voting site: hours are 8 AM to 4 PM

    • At the Keweenaw County early voting site: hours are 9 AM to 5 PM

    • For both counties early voting is available every day from now through Sunday, August 2nd.

• VOTING ABSENTEE? Given the closeness to Election Day, to ensure timely receipt of your ballot its now best to return your ballot in person to the city or township clerk’s office or to your precinct’s secure drop box.

• NOT YET REGISTERED TO VOTE?:We are LESS than two weeks to Election Day now. Within two weeks of Election Day, state law only allows registration by visiting your city or township clerk’s office in person, and with proof of residency documentation. Registration at your clerk’s office is available up to and including Election Day.

• WHERE TO VOTE ON ELECTION DAY: Find your polling place, your local clerk, or almost anything else to do with voting at the Michigan Voter Information Center.

• VOTER GUIDES:

  • Find the non-partisan online Voter’s Guide produced by the League of Women Voters Education Fund at vote411.org. This guide includes information about voting in the Michigan primary, including links to the candidate’s websites and their responses to LWV questionnaires.

  • Another source of information to consider is the Blue Voter Guide. This guide shows you all Democratic candidates in the primary along with key endorsements for each. Find it at bluevoterguide.org.

  • Finally, links to the websites of all the fall Democratic candidates appearing on Houghton County ballots can be found on our own “2026 Democratic Primary Candidates” web page.

MONTHLY MEETING TO BE HELD IN CALUMET ON AUGUST 5TH

Remote attendance is available by Zoom. Click here at 7 PM Wednesday to attend by Zoom. 

Membership in the Houghton County Democratic Party is encouraged, but not required, to attend meetings. We welcome all Houghton County residents who support progressive Democratic government to attend our meetings and events and also to become involved.

More information about our meeting site for this month — the Keweenaw Storytelling Center, owned by Real People Media, a 501(c)3 organization — can be found here.

VOTING ON THE FLOCK CAMERAS RESOLUTION

Voting on the revised resolution regarding automated license plate recognition (ALPR) cameras will be on the table at the August 4th meeting.

As a reminder, the first resolution on this topic was unanimously approved at the April meeting. At May meeting that resolution was rescinded - not because of its conclusion but due to concerns about the wording that laid the grounds for action in the resolution. (More information on the rescission can be found in the May 12th newsletter).

In preparation for the vote on the revised resolution, you are asked to please review it at this link.

MI DEMS OF CD1 CHAIR HERE AUGUST 17

Join us on August 17 as we welcome the Chair of the MI Dems of CD1 (our Congressional District Dems group) to our office at 323 Quincy in Hancock.

We’ll gather at 7 PM to hear Chair Cris Cracchiolo speak about the CD1 group, after which he’ll take questions.

TABLE WITH US AT PASTY FEST & HOUGHTON COUNTY FAIR

TABLE WITH US AT PASTY FEST

Help is needed tabling at the 22nd annual Pasty Fest in Calumet. This is our first chance to promote our full November ballot slate! Available shifts are 12-2pm and 2-4pm. You would be joined by Nancy Verive - contact her at (812) 573-1403 to volunteer.

HOUGHTON COUNTY FAIR

Table with us at the Houghton County Fair. Please text (906) 370-5496 to volunteer.

OFFICE HOURS

Just a reminder of our current office hours (Tuesdays 5 PM to 7 PM, and Saturdays 10 AM until noon). These are our hours through the August primary election. Stop by to pick up campaign lit and yard signs!

As campaign season moves beyond the primary we would like to expand office hours as we have in previous years. And we’ll need volunteers to staff the office! Shifts are flexible and are typically evenings and weekends. If you’d like to volunteer just drop a line to houghtondems@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at 906-523-1233.

In honor of our nation’s 250th birthday we’d like to prepare a community cookbook so we can all cook up a celebration! So gather up the recipes for those longtime favorites and submit them our Community Cookbook! Just scan the QR code in the graphic, or click the button below to access our form where you can submit your recipe. Or if you’d like you can email your recipe to amy.hjerstedt@gmail.com. WE’D LOVE TO HAVE YOUR RECIPES NO LATER THAN SEPTEMBER 1ST. Thanks for participating, and please share with your friends and family!!

CAMPAIGN VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT —

— — — — — — — — —

KELLI VAN GINHOVEN CAMPAIGN

The Kelli van Ginhoven campaign is seeking volunteers for door knocking and phone banking throughout July and August. Opportunities are available on short shifts on weekday afternoons and evenings, and on weekends throughout the district. Door knocking in Houghton County is slated for Fridays. Sign up here to volunteer.

YOOPERS FOR ABDUL

“Yoopers for Abdul” are door knocking NOW. The campaign will meet briefly at the HCDP office at 323 Quincy Street in Hancock for training before heading out. The canvassing app is easy to use and the doors are Dem-friendly. Find Houghton County Canvass dates that work for you and sign up here!

OTHER CAMPAIGNS

Volunteer opportunities are available for other legislative candidates -

• State House Candidate Brian Irizarry: Brian Irizarry is seeking volunteers willing to knock doors on his behalf at the homes of “strong Democrats”. Sign up here to volunteer.

• US House Candidates

  •  Callie Barr - Volunteer here

  • Kyle Blomquist - Volunteer here

  • Wayne Stiles - Volunteer here

• US Senate Candidates

  • Haley Stevens - Volunteer here

MAKE A DIFFERENCE - VOLUNTEER FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS BOCCE BALL TOURNAMENT

From the good folks supporting the local Special Olympics Area 39:

There are no county, city or village council meetings scheduled for this week.

A FULL LISTING OF ALL LOCAL CITY, VILLAGE AND TOWNSHIP GOVERNMENTS, WITH CONTACT INFORMATION, AND (WHERE AVAILABLE) TIMING OF LOCAL COUNCIL MEETINGS CAN BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE.

SUBMIT YOUR IDEA FOR AN HCDP RESOLUTION

Events featured in our newsletter can also be found on the Events Calendar on the main page of our website.

PRIMARY VOTING UPDATE

EARLY VOTING STARTS SATURDAY!

In November 2022, Michigan voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment giving us an early and in-person voting option before statewide and federal election days. This option allows a voter to cast a ballot early similar to Election Day - you are issued a ballot at the early voting site and can then complete the ballot and insert it directly into a tabulator.

To avoid postal delays we recommend that you mail your ballot no later than today, July 21. After today, to ensure timely receipt its best to return your ballot in person to the city or township clerk’s office or to your precinct’s secure drop box.

NOT YET REGISTERED TO VOTE? 

The deadline for online and mail voter registration was yesterday. As of today, you may only register by visiting your city or township clerk’s office in person, and with proof of residency documentation. Registration is available up to and including election day.

Find your polling place, your local clerk, or almost anything else to do with voting at the Michigan Voter Information Center.

HIGHWAY CLEAN UP RESCHEDULED - JOIN US TOMORROW

COME JOIN US FOR THE SECOND HIGHWAY CLEAN UP OF THE YEAR!

We unfortunately had to postpone last Wednesday’s Adopt-a-Highway clean up due to the wildfire smoke. The rescheduled date is tomorrow, and we’d love for you to join us as the Houghton County Dems go out on the road again for our second highway clean up of this summer.

We’ll be cleaning our stretch of highway as part of the Adopt-A-Highway program — M-26 from just past Goat Hill Rd heading out of Ripley, and on through to Dollar Bay.

ITS ALWAYS ADVISABLE TO BRING YOUR OWN WATER BOTTLES.

TABLE WITH US AT PASTY FEST & HOUGHTON COUNTY FAIR

TABLE WITH US AT PASTY FEST

Help is needed tabling at the 22nd annual Pasty Fest in Calumet. Contact Nancy Verive @ (812) 573-1403 to volunteer.

HOUGHTON COUNTY FAIR

Table with us at the Houghton County Fair. Please text (906) 370-5496 to volunteer.

MICHIGAN ONE TEAM WEEKEND OF ACTION

From the MDP’s Michigan One Team:

Sign up here for the July 22 session (Zoom option is available for Houghton participants).

Then, this Saturday join One Team Michigan for door knocking here in Houghton County:

Sign up here for the Saturday, July 25, 1 PM to 4 PM shift, then come on over to the Houghton Dems office at 323 Quincy Street in Hancock at 1 PM to join in.

OFFICE HOURS

Just a reminder of our current office hours (Tuesdays 5 PM to 7 PM, and Saturdays 10 AM until noon). These are our hours through the August primary election. Stop by to pick up campaign lit and yard signs!

As campaign season moves beyond the primary we would like to expand office hours as we have in previous years. And we’ll need volunteers to staff the office! Shifts are flexible and are typically evenings and weekends. If you’d like to volunteer just drop a line to houghtondems@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at 906-523-1233.

HELP US COOK UP SOMETHING GOOD

In honor of our nation’s 250th birthday we’d like to prepare a community cookbook so we can all cook up a celebration! So gather up the recipes for those longtime favorites and submit them our Community Cookbook! Just scan the QR code in the graphic, or click the button below to access our form where you can submit your recipe. Or if you’d like you can email your recipe to amy.hjerstedt@gmail.com. WE’D LOVE TO HAVE YOUR RECIPES NO LATER THAN SEPTEMBER 1ST. Thanks for participating, and please share with your friends and family!!

CAMPAIGN VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT —

— — — — — — — — —

KELLI VAN GINHOVEN CAMPAIGN

The Kelli van Ginhoven campaign is seeking volunteers for door knocking and phone banking throughout July and August. Opportunities are available on short shifts on weekday afternoons and evenings, and on weekends throughout the district. Door knocking in Houghton County is slated for Fridays. Sign up here to volunteer.

YOOPERS FOR ABDUL

A message from the “Yoopers for Abdul” campaigners:

OTHER CAMPAIGNS

Volunteer opportunities are available for other legislative candidates -

• State House Candidate Brian Irizarry: Brian Irizarry is seeking volunteers willing to knock doors on his behalf at the homes of “strong Democrats”. Sign up here to volunteer.

• US House Candidates

  •  Callie Barr - Volunteer here

  • Kyle Blomquist - Volunteer here

  • Wayne Stiles - Volunteer here

• US Senate Candidates

  • Haley Stevens - Volunteer here

MAKE A DIFFERENCE - VOLUNTEER FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS BOCCE BALL TOURNAMENT

From the good folks supporting the local Special Olympics Area 39:

TUE JUL 21

The Laurium Village Council meets tonight at 6 PM in the Council Chambers of the Town Hall. More info (including the GoTo Meeting link to attend virtually) can be found on the Village's web page. 

The Calumet Village Council meets tonight at 6 PM in the Village Council Chambers. More information (including the Zoom link to attend virtually) can be found on the Village’s News & Events web page.

WED JUL 22

The Houghton City Council meets at 5:30 PM on Wednesday. The Meeting Agenda is typically posted ahead of the meeting. Look for it in the Searchable Document Center of the Council's website.

A FULL LISTING OF ALL LOCAL CITY, VILLAGE AND TOWNSHIP GOVERNMENTS, WITH CONTACT INFORMATION, AND (WHERE AVAILABLE) TIMING OF LOCAL COUNCIL MEETINGS CAN BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE.

SUBMIT YOUR IDEA FOR AN HCDP RESOLUTION

Events featured in our newsletter can also be found on the Events Calendar on the main page of our website.

Thanks to everyone who marched with the Houghton County Dems at this past weekend’s Strawberry Fest! Our marchers were met with smiles and good responses despite the very warm day. (L to R (standing): Justin LaCosse, Valorie Troesh, Becky Darling, Barb Turuc, and William Keith. In front is state House candidate Brian Irizarry)

HIGHWAY CLEAN UP TOMORROW

COME JOIN US FOR THE SECOND HIGHWAY CLEAN UP OF THE YEAR!

Join us tomorrow as the Houghton County Dems go out on the road again for our second highway clean up of this summer. We’ll be cleaning our stretch of highway as part of the Adopt-A-Highway program — M-26 from just past Goat Hill Rd heading out of Ripley, and on through to Dollar Bay.

ITS ALWAYS ADVISABLE TO BRING YOUR OWN WATER BOTTLES.

TABLE WITH US AT PASTY FEST & HOUGHTON COUNTY FAIR

TABLE WITH US AT PASTY FEST

Help is needed tabling at the 22nd annual Pasty Fest in Calumet. Contact Nancy Verive @ (812) 573-1403 to volunteer.

HOUGHTON COUNTY FAIR

Table with us at the Houghton County Fair. Please text (906) 370-5496 to volunteer.

OFFICE HOURS

Just a reminder that the HCDP office is open on Tuesdays from 5 PM to 7 PM and on Saturdays from 10 AM until noon through the August primary election. Stop by to pick up campaign lit and yard signs!

As campaign season moves beyond the primary we would like to expand office hours as we have in previous years. To do so takes volunteers to staff the office. Shifts are flexible and are typically evenings and weekends. If you’d like to volunteer just drop a line to houghtondems@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at 906-523-1233.

HELP US COOK UP SOMETHING GOOD

In honor of our nation’s 250th birthday we’d like to prepare a community cookbook so we can all cook up a celebration! So gather up the recipes for those longtime favorites and submit them our Community Cookbook! Just scan the QR code in the graphic, or click the button below to access our form where you can submit your recipe. Or if you’d like you can email your recipe to amy.hjerstedt@gmail.com. WE’D LOVE TO HAVE YOUR RECIPES NO LATER THAN SEPTEMBER 1ST. Thanks for participating, and please share with your friends and family!!

VOTED McMORROW ON ABSENTEE BALLOT?

We’re highlighting the message shared on our Facebook page last week. The message is for anyone who cast an absentee ballot for Mallory McMorrow prior to her exiting the race, and who wants to understand their options to update their vote:

If you have any additional questions on this you can call the Michigan Democratic Party’s Voter Assistance Hotline at 833-MI-VOTES (833-648-6837)

CALLIE BARR TOWN HALL AT CALUMET THEATRE JULY 19TH

Callie Barr will hold a Town Hall at the Calumet Theatre this Sunday, July 19th from 5:30 PM until 7 PM. Joining the candidate will be former state and US House Rep. Bart Stupak. Find more information and RSVP here.

YOOPERS FOR ABDUL SEEKS DOOR KNOCKING VOLUNTEERS

A message from the “Yoopers for Abdul” campaigners:

MAKE A DIFFERENCE - VOLUNTEER FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS BOCCE BALL TOURNAMENT

From the good folks supporting the local Special Olympics Area 39:

TUE JUL 14

This month's regular meeting of the Houghton County Board of Commissioners is tonight at 6 PM in the Conference Room on the fifth floor of the Houghton County Courthouse. Find more information on the Board's webpage (find the Microsoft Teams virtual meeting info in the Agenda).

WED JUL 15

The Hancock City Council meets at 6 PM in the Hancock City Hall Council Chambers.

A FULL LISTING OF ALL LOCAL CITY, VILLAGE AND TOWNSHIP GOVERNMENTS, WITH CONTACT INFORMATION, AND (WHERE AVAILABLE) TIMING OF LOCAL COUNCIL MEETINGS CAN BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE.

SUBMIT YOUR IDEA FOR AN HCDP RESOLUTION

Events featured in our newsletter can also be found on the Events Calendar on the main page of our website.

THE SPIRIT OF ‘76

Fife and drums lead the Continental Army into war, as envisioned by Archibald Willard in his 1912 oil painting “The Spirit of ‘76”

VOLUNTEERING HAS ALWAYS BEEN A KEY PART OF THE AMERICAN CHARACTER

In June of 1775, two months after the battles at Lexington and Concord, the Continental Congress created the Continental Army with George Washington as its Commander-in-Chief. The new, national Army transformed the volunteer groups of local militias into a unified, though still mostly volunteer, national fighting force.

The Minutemen of Lexington and Concord, and the soldiers of the newly formed Continental Army volunteered to serve - inspired by the calls for liberty and independence, and by their own individual concerns with British rule that curtailed their freedoms and harmed their livelihoods. They were farmers, merchants and everyday people who understood that you must stand and fight for what you believe in.

Now that we have all observed our nation’s 250th birthday, let’s continue in our resolve to face today’s challenges to our freedoms and livelihoods by volunteering anew for the fight to preserve our democracy, as we continue the struggle for those unalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

In today’s newsletter we acknowledge and thank you for all that you have done for these American ideals, and we humbly submit for your consideration current opportunities, right here in Houghton County, for you to continue to carry on the Spirit of ‘76.

PARTY POSITIONS AVAILABLE

Are you interested in putting your time and effort toward Democratic success, but are reluctant to take a public role like running for office? Lots of volunteer opportunities to help elect Democrats will be popping up soon during the campaign season, but if you're interested in helping us out for a longer term, we have several Party positions open.

• Money helps a lot of things go better. Our Finance Chair helps us raise it. Some experience doing this with other organizations would be preferred. Our Treasurer handles the accounting and reporting - the Finance Chair organizes fundraisers, helps us maintain donor relations, and strategizes with us in our biannual budget
  process.

• Meanwhile, the rubber hits the road in our voter turnout operations. Our Political Organizing Chair wrangles volunteers, coordinates with the One Campaign (the MDP's central strategy operation), and stays in touch with campaigns to make sure we have things like signs stocked and lit bags ready at the office. If you have experience coordinating volunteers with another organization you could be perfect for this position.

• In addition to these officer positions, several of our Committees - Policy, Events, and others - can always use helping hands, not to mention folks shadowing our officers to help keep our lines of succession robust. If you'd like to help out but are leery of taking the lead we'd be happy to point you to one of these committees.

Interesting in learning more about these positions? Send us an email at houghtondems@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail at 906-523-1233. We’d love to talk with you! Or, drop by any of our monthly business meetings and you'll see the kind of work we do. We'd be happy to discuss the wide variety of ways you can join the team!

HIGHWAY CLEAN UP JULY 15 - VOLUNTEER!!

COME JOIN US FOR THE SECOND HIGHWAY CLEAN UP OF THE YEAR!

Join us next Wednesday as the Houghton County Dems go out on the road again for our second highway clean up of this summer. We’ll be cleaning our stretch of highway as part of the Adopt-A-Highway program — M-26 from just past Goat Hill Rd heading out of Ripley, and on through to Dollar Bay.

ITS ALWAYS ADVISABLE TO BRING YOUR OWN WATER BOTTLES.

OTHER VOLUNTEERING WITH THE HOUGHTON DEMS

WALK THE STRAWBERRY FEST PARADE WITH US

This Saturday, July 11th, we’ll be marching in the Strawberry Festival Parade in Chassell. Strawberry Fest is one of the largest festivals held in Houghton County each year, and the parade attracts lots of people. We’d love to have you join us - the more the merrier! Line up and decorating for the parade is at 10 AM near the Krist gas station and triangular park in Chassell. Look for William Keith's gray Ford Fusion with a VOTEBLU license plate.

TABLE WITH US AT PASTY FEST

Help is needed tabling at the 22nd annual Pasty Fest in Calumet. Contact Nancy Verive @ (812) 573-1403 to volunteer.

HOUGHTON COUNTY FAIR

Table with us at the Houghton County Fair. Contact Barb Turuc @ bturucmills@yahoo.com to volunteer.

HELP STAFF THE OFFICE

As campaign season moves beyond the primary we would like to expand office hours as we have in previous years. To do so takes volunteers to staff the office. Shifts are flexible and are typically evenings and weekends. If you’d like to volunteer just drop a line to houghtondems@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at 906-523-1233.

HELP US COOK UP SOMETHING GOOD

In honor of our nation’s 250th birthday we’d like to prepare a community cookbook so we can all cook up a celebration! So gather up the recipes for those longtime favorites and submit them our Community Cookbook! Just scan the QR code in the graphic, or click the button below to access our form where you can submit your recipe. Or if you’d like you can email your recipe to amy.hjerstedt@gmail.com. WE’D LOVE TO HAVE YOUR RECIPES NO LATER THAN SEPTEMBER 1ST. Thanks for participating, and please share with your friends and family!!

SERVE AS A SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER

Our Candidate Recruitment Committee encourages all interested Democrats and progressive citizens to file to run for your local school board.

THE FILING DEADLINE IS JULY 21ST.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT HOW TO FILE AND RUN FOR A SEAT ON YOUR SCHOOL BOARD CHECK OUT THE FOLLOWING RESOURCES:

• The 2026 Candidate’s Guide put together by The Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB) takes you through the process of becoming a School Board candidate, and helps you understand what it takes to be an effective School Board member.

• MASB is also offering “Get on Board” Town Halls, with two online sessions between now and the filing deadline. Information on the dates and times of the Town Halls is available in their Become a Board Member web page.

• The Great Lakes Political Academy (GLPA-LEAD) offers in-person and virtual training sessions for School Board candidates. This day-long training covers the key issues facing school boards, how to persuasively handle controversial issues in education today and the nuts and bolts of running for school board. More information on for GLPA-LEAD School Board Training, including dates and locations, can be found here.

SUBMIT YOUR IDEA FOR AN HCDP RESOLUTION

GRASSROOTS ADVOCACY IS AT THE CENTER OF THE HOUGHTON COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY

At our meeting last Wednesday the proposed Resolution to voice opposition to a “Documentary Proof of Citizenship” ballot initiative was unanimously approved. You can view the approved resolution here.

The resolution shared above was adopted because a member brought it forward, and you can do the exact same thing! By submitting a resolution idea for consideration at our monthly meetings, you directly guide the local party on where to stand and how to support on local, state, and national issues.

Ready to make an impact? Use our Resolution Request Form below, available every week in our newsletter, to shared your ideas and start the formal consideration process with the HCDP community. You can take part in the writing of the resolution, or simply submit your idea and our Policy and Resolutions Chair will compose the resolution with the guidance you have provided. Please keep in mind that only members are allowed to vote on the adoption of a resolution, so take the opportunity here to become a member today!

SUPPORT YOUR DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES

We are now in the midst of the 2026 primary election, with absentee ballots available since last week. Here are some opportunities to help support our Democratic primary candidates:

• State Senate Candidate Kelli van Ginhoven: The van Ginhoven campaign is seeking volunteers for door knocking and phone banking throughout July and August. Opportunities are available on short shifts on weekday afternoons and evenings, and on weekends throughout the district. Door knocking in Houghton County is slated for Fridays. Sign up here to volunteer.

• State House Candidate Brian Irizarry: Brian Irizarry is seeking volunteers willing to knock doors on his behalf at the homes of “strong Democrats”. Sign up here to volunteer.

Volunteer opportunities are available for other legislative candidates as well -

• US House Candidates

  •  Callie Barr - Volunteer here

  • Kyle Blomquist - Volunteer here

  • Wayne Stiles - Volunteer here

• US Senate Candidates

  • Abdul El-Sayed - Volunteer thru “Yooper Counties for Abdul” here

  • Haley Stevens - Volunteer here

CALLIE BARR TOWN HALL AT CALUMET THEATRE JULY 19TH

Callie Barr will hold a Town Hall at the Calumet Theatre on Sunday, July 19th from 5:30 PM until 7 PM. Joining the candidate will be former state and US House Rep. Bart Stupak. Find more information and RSVP here.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE - VOLUNTEER FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS BOCCE BALL TOURNAMENT

From the good folks supporting the local Special Olympics Area 39:

WED JUL 08

The Houghton City Council meets at 5:30 PM on Wednesday. The Meeting Agenda is typically posted ahead of the meeting. Look for it in the Searchable Document Center of the Council's website.

A FULL LISTING OF ALL LOCAL CITY, VILLAGE AND TOWNSHIP GOVERNMENTS, WITH CONTACT INFORMATION, AND (WHERE AVAILABLE) TIMING OF LOCAL COUNCIL MEETINGS CAN BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE.

SUBMIT YOUR IDEA FOR AN HCDP RESOLUTION

Events featured in our newsletter can also be found on the Events Calendar on the main page of our website.

POTLUCK & MONTHLY MEETING TOMORROW

Join us for our monthly meeting tomorrow, Wednesday July 1st at 7 PM at the Super 8 in Houghton.  

Potluck starts at 6 PM. Bring a dish to share if you can, or just stop in and enjoy some quality time with your fellow Dems before we settle down to business at 7.  

Remote attendance is available by Zoom. Click here at 7 PM Wednesday to attend by Zoom. 

Membership in the Houghton County Democratic Party is encouraged, but not required, to attend meetings. We welcome all Houghton County residents who support progressive Democratic government to attend our meetings and events and also to become involved.

THREAT TO VOTING RIGHTS - RESOLUTION FOR CONSIDERATION AT JULY MEETING

At our meeting on July 1st we will consider a resolution to voice opposition to a “Documentary Proof of Citizenship” ballot initiative that would amend our state constitution. This ballot proposal is similar to the SAVE Act favored by Trump and the Republicans. The group behind the initiative, Americans for Citizens Voting, received $3.5 million dollars last fall in funding from Restoration of America, a dark money group that is not required to disclose its own donors.

If approved, this initiative would require U.S. citizens to show burdensome documents when registering to vote and when voting in the state of Michigan.

In preparation for discussion and a vote on this resolution, you are requested to please review the proposed resolution here.

You may also want to view this summary from the nonpartisan League of Women Voters of Michigan about anti-voting petitions/ballot proposals. The summary, from earlier this year, includes the proposal from Americans for Citizens Voting.

OFFICE HOURS

We had a great turn out for our Office Open House last Wednesday. Thanks to everyone who stopped by to say hello, check out the space, sample some snacks, and pick up yard signs and campaign literature.

Office hours for now are Tuesday evenings from 5 PM to 7 PM, and Saturday’s from 10 AM to noon. Stop by and pick up a yard sign!

As campaign season moves beyond the primary we would like to expand office hours as we have in previous years. To do so takes volunteers to staff the office. Shifts are flexible and are typically evenings and weekends. If you’d like to volunteer just drop a line to houghtondems@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at 906-523-1233.

Click to see our office location on Google Maps.

WALK WITH US JULY 4TH IN THE SOUTH RANGE PARADE!

Walk with us in the annual South Range Fourth of July Parade on Saturday, July 4th! Parade line-up is at 1pm at the South Range Elementary School. The parade begins at 2pm. Look for the blue Nissan Murano, which we will decorate with signs and garland. We will have pre-made posters to carry or you can hand out candy. Be sure to wear red, white, and blue! For questions, contact Nancy Verive at 812-573-1403.

Looking ahead, we will also be marching in the Strawberry Festival Parade on Saturday, July 11. That parade begins at 11am.

HELP US COOK UP SOMETHING GOOD

 WE WANT YOU (TO SHARE YOUR RECIPES!!)

For many of us the Fourth of July won’t be complete without a gathering of friends and family for a barbecue or cookout. Often the focus at these gatherings is on longtime favorite foods - special dishes and deserts that help us celebrate the day, and the summer.

In honor of our nation’s 250th birthday we’d like to prepare a community cookbook so we can all cook up a celebration! So gather up the recipes for those longtime favorites!

If you’d like to participate in our Community Cookbook, scan the QR code in the graphic above, or click the button below to access our form where you can submit your recipe. Or if you’d like you can email your recipe to amy.hjerstedt@gmail.com.

WE’D LOVE TO HAVE YOUR RECIPES NO LATER THAN SEPTEMBER 1ST.

Thanks for participating, and please share with your friends and family!!

CALLIE BARR ENDORSED BY BART STUPAK

Over this past weekend Bart Stupak endorsed Callie Barr for the US House. The endorsement was shared by the Callie Barr campaign on Saturday.

Former Representative Stupak said:

KYLE BLOMQUIST CAMPAIGN - HANCOCK TOWN HALL TOMORROW EVENING

Kyle Blomquist has announced a Town Hall in Hancock. The Town Hall, scheduled for July 1 at 6 PM, will be at the Orpheum Theater. Find more information and pre-register here.

CALLIE BARR TOWN HALL AT CALUMET THEATER JULY 19TH

Callie Barr will hold a Town Hall at the Calumet Theatre on Sunday, July 19th from 5:30 PM until 7 PM. Find more information and RSVP here.

LWV HOLDS “WE DECLARE” - PUBLIC READING OF THE DECLARATION

From the League of Women Voters of the Copper Country:

NEWS OF INTEREST TO LOCAL DEMOCRATS — 250 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE EDITION

CELEBRATING AMERICA

• THE COPPER COUNTRY CELEBRATES:

  • Marching in a parade or watching from the sidelines as the kids scoop up candy and thrill to the blaring horns of the firetrucks.

  • Kid’s races and horseshoe tournaments and dances in the street.

  • 50/50 drawings.

  • Watching fireworks.

  • Cookouts at the lake.

  • Entertaining extended and returning family members.

  • Folks here know how the celebrate the Fourth. Check out the Fourth of July Events Calendar from The Keweenaw Report to see all the ways we do it, and Happy 250th to all our neighbors!!

• WHAT DOES IT MEANS TO BE AN AMERICAN? As our nation celebrates its 250th birthday, longtime PBS anchor Judy Woodruff set out across America to talk to people about what it means to be an American today. See the video of her full report here.

• TEXT OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE: 

  • Most Americans are familiar with the soaring text that begins the Declaration of Independence, particularly the first line of the second paragraph - “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

  • Over the last 250 years the values expressed in those opening paragraphs have served as the foundation for much of the forward progress of our nation. But for the men of the Continental Congress the primary focus of the document they signed on July 4, 1776 was to answer the question of why the American colonies were rebelling against the British crown.

  • To do that, the Declaration outlined the grievances of the Founding Fathers in order to “let Facts be submitted to a candid world.” You can read the full text of the Declaration at the National Archives. Or better yet, participate in the reading of the text led by the League of Women Voters (see item above).

FAILING TO CELEBRATE AMERICA

• WHY IS TRUMP’S AMERICA 250 CELEBRATION SUCH A FAILURE? 

  • Our nation is struggling through a time when its economy is not working for many Americans. The man in the White House, elected to fix that very problem, has instead made it worse. Trump busies himself diverting attention from the Epstein files with cage matches on the White House Lawn.

  • He’s failed at waging a war with Iran that he entered into BY HIMSELF.

  • He’s failed at “beautifying” the Reflecting Pool, with a no bid contract he awarded to his buddy BY HIMSELF.

  • He’s failed to justify tearing down the East Wing of the White House, which he did BY HIMSELF.

  • He’s failed to find funding for the ballroom he wants to replace the East Wing, which he promised he would do BY HIMSELF.

  • Is it any wonder then, that when he decided he wanted to control America’s 250th birthday celebration BY HIMSELF that it would not go well? Read The Daily Beast article Trump’s State Fair Faces Fresh Embarrassment, and The Atlantic’s Trump is Making the 250th Small.

THUR JUL 02

The South Range Village Council meets Thursday at 6 PM in the South Range Community Building. For more information contact the Village at sorange@southrange.com or (906) 482-8833

A FULL LISTING OF ALL LOCAL CITY, VILLAGE AND TOWNSHIP GOVERNMENTS, WITH CONTACT INFORMATION, AND (WHERE AVAILABLE) TIMING OF LOCAL COUNCIL MEETINGS CAN BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE.

SUBMIT YOUR IDEA FOR AN HCDP RESOLUTION

Events featured in our newsletter can also be found on the Events Calendar on the main page of our website.

OPEN HOUSE TOMORROW AT THE OFFICE

Join us TOMORROW to celebrate the opening of the HCDP Office! Stop by our Open House on June 24 to check out the office, learn about volunteer opportunities, meet fellow members and supporters, and enjoy light refreshments.

We look forward to seeing you at the Open House!!

Click to see our office location on Google Maps.

THREAT TO VOTING RIGHTS - RESOLUTION FOR CONSIDERATION AT JULY MEETING

At our meeting on July 1st we will consider a resolution to voice opposition to a “Documentary Proof of Citizenship” ballot initiative that would amend our state constitution. This ballot proposal is similar to the SAVE Act favored by Trump and the Republicans. The group behind the initiative, Americans for Citizens Voting, received $3.5 million dollars last fall in funding from Restoration of America, a dark money group that is not required to disclose its own donors.

If approved, this initiative would require U.S. citizens to show burdensome documents when registering to vote and when voting in the state of Michigan.

In preparation for discussion and a vote on this resolution, you are requested to please review the proposed resolution here.

You may also want to view this summary from the nonpartisan League of Women Voters of Michigan about anti-voting petitions/ballot proposals. The summary, from earlier this year, includes the proposal from Americans for Citizens Voting.

WALK WITH US JULY 4TH IN THE SOUTH RANGE PARADE!

Walk with us in the annual South Range Fourth of July Parade on Saturday, July 4th! Parade line-up is at 1pm at the South Range Elementary School. The parade begins at 2pm. Look for the blue Nissan Murano, which we will decorate with signs and garland. We will have pre-made posters to carry or you can hand out candy. Be sure to wear red, white, and blue! For questions, contact Nancy Verive at 812-573-1403.

Looking ahead, we will also be marching in the Strawberry Festival Parade on Saturday, July 11. That parade begins at 11am. More details in next week’s newsletter.

HELP US COOK UP SOMETHING GOOD

 WE WANT YOU (TO SHARE YOUR RECIPES!!)

We’re looking for a few good recipes from you and all of our fellow Houghton Dems and newsletter readers. In honor of our nation’s 250th birthday we’d like to prepare a community cookbook so we can all cook up a celebration!

If you’d like to participate, scan the QR code in the graphic above, or click the button below to access our form where you can submit your recipe. Or if you’d like you can email your recipe to amy.hjerstedt@gmail.com.

WE’D LIKE TO HAVE YOUR RECIPE NO LATER THAN SEPTEMBER 1ST.

Thanks for participating, and please share with your friends and family!!

RURAL SUMMIT HELD LAST WEEK

Former Senator Debbie Stabenow and MDP Chair Curtis Hertel were among the many speakers at this year’s Rural Caucus hosted by the MDP Rural Caucus.

Last week five members of the Houghton County Dems attended this year’s Rural Summit. The event was held at the UAW’s beautiful Black Lake Resort in Onaway, MI. Our local attendees included our Democratic candidate for the MI House Brian Irizarry, who spoke at the event.

The Rural Caucus holds this event each year. The four day Summit is an opportunity for Michigan Democrats from rural counties across the state to meet, network, hear from candidates and elected officials, and participate in educational sessions. Attendees include members of local county parties, as well as other MDP caucuses, including the MDP Senior Caucus and the Michigan College Democrats.

(A reminder that you can be both a member of a county party AND a member of an MDP Caucus. Caucuses represent many different needs and communities within the Party. A full list of MDP Caucuses is available here.)

Houghton’s own Brian Irizarry speaks at the Rural Summit. Brian is running for the MI House here in the 110th District. Not pictured is Kelli van Ginhoven, candidate for the MI Senate here in District 38. Sorry that I was unable to get her photo at the event.

Among the other Democratic candidates who spoke over the four days of the Rural Summit are (clockwise from the top left): Eli Savit, candidate for MI Attorney General; Mallory McMorrow, candidate for the US Senate; Garlin Gilchrist, candidate for MI Secretary of State; Kyle Blomquist, candidate for the US House; Callie Barr, also candidate for the US House; and Sheriff Chris Swanson, candidate for MI Governor. Several other candidates for offices outside our district(s) also spoke.

CALLIE BARR CAMPAIGN - UP TOWN HALLS SCHEDULED

Callie Barr has three UP Town Halls scheduled. The first will be held TONIGHT, June 23rd at 4:30 PM in Watersmeet. The Marquette Town Hall will be tomorrow, June 24 at 5:30 PM at NMU. The third will be here in Houghton County at the Calumet Theater on July 19th.

• For the Watersmeet Town Hall, find more information and pre-register here.

• For the Marquette Town Hall, find more information and pre-register here.

RANK MI VOTE HOLDS “PATH TO VICTORY” EVENT

Join Rank MI Vote TONIGHT at 7 PM for a statewide call to learn more about their new strategic plan to win Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) and give more choice and voice to all voters by...

• Electing pro-RCV leaders to key offices Lobbying for pro-RCV legislation in Lansing

• Winning and implementing RCV in more cities

• Securing majority support for RCV statewide

Special guests Washtenaw Prosecutor Eli Savit, candidate for Attorney General, and Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, candidate for Secretary of State.

KYLE BLOMQUIST CAMPAIGN - HANCOCK TOWN HALL SCHEDULED

Kyle Blomquist has announced a Town Hall in Hancock. The Town Hall, scheduled for July 1 at 6 PM, will be at the Orpheum Theater. Find more information and pre-register here.

KELLI VAN GINHOVEN CAMPAIGN ANNOUNCES “DAYS OF ACTION”

Kelli van Ginhoven has announced her campaign’s “Days of Action”, and is seeking volunteers for canvassing. The campaign will be knocking on doors in Dickinson County every Monday starting next month. Help spread the word to your friends in Dickinson County. Interested in joining in yourself? Just fill out this form to volunteer.

NEWS OF INTEREST TO LOCAL DEMOCRATS — PRIMARY ELECTION INFORMATION EDITION

Thanks to the Abdul El-Sayed campaign (https://abdulforsenate.com/) for putting together this handy-dandy summary of important voting dates for the 2026 Michigan primary season.

JOIN THE PERMANENT ABSENTEE BALLOT LIST

Who can join the list? Any voter in Michigan can join the Permanent Mail Ballot List. Voters who wish to vote from home in every election, but who may not be at the same address for each election — snowbirds, for example — are still able to join the list, but they must remember to update their mailing address with their local clerk.

Worried about whether the US Postal Service will deliver your absentee ballot in a timely manner? You have other options to make sure your ballot is counted. (1) After you receive your ballot, you can complete it at home, and drop it off in the designated drop box for your precinct. (2) You can complete your ballot at home and take it to your early voting site or to your polling place on Election Day. Let the poll workers know that you would like to put it into the tabulator. (3) Finally, you can give your ballot to the poll workers at the early voting site or polling place and ask them to “spoil” it. They will give you a new ballot that you can complete at the early voting site or polling place.

How do I join the list? You can join the Permanent Mail Ballot List when you apply for an absentee ballot for an upcoming election, whether online, by mail, or in-person. Just check the box for automatically sending an absent voter ballot for each future election.

How do you know if you’re already on the permanent absentee list? If you think you already signed up for the list but are not sure, contact your city or township clerk to confirm.

How do I contact my clerk? For contact information for your city or township clerk, for the location of your polling place, to see if you are registered to vote, or for almost all your Michigan voting questions you can check the Michigan Voter Information Center at mi.gov/vote.

NOTE: Thanks to MichiganVoting.org, from whom much of the information above has been summarized.

WED JUN 24

The Houghton City Council meets at 5:30 PM on Wednesday. The Meeting Agenda is typically posted ahead of the meeting. Look for it in the Searchable Document Center of the Council's website.

A FULL LISTING OF ALL LOCAL CITY, VILLAGE AND TOWNSHIP GOVERNMENTS, WITH CONTACT INFORMATION, AND (WHERE AVAILABLE) TIMING OF LOCAL COUNCIL MEETINGS CAN BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE.

SUBMIT YOUR IDEA FOR AN HCDP RESOLUTION

Events featured in our newsletter can also be found on the Events Calendar on the main page of our website.

OPEN HOUSE AT THE OFFICE

Volunteers have been hard at work getting furniture and supplies out of storage and setting up the Houghton County Dems office for the 2026 election season.

Join us to celebrate the opening of the HCDP Office! Stop by our Open House on June 24 to check out the office, learn about volunteer opportunities, meet fellow members and supporters, and enjoy light refreshments.

We look forward to seeing you at the Open House!!

Click to see our office location on Google Maps.

HELP US COOK UP SOMETHING GOOD

 WE WANT YOU! (OR AT LEAST YOUR RECIPES!!)

We’re looking for a few good recipes from you and all of our fellow Houghton Dems and newsletter readers. In honor of our nation’s 250th birthday we’d like to prepare a community cookbook so we can all cook up a celebration!

If you’d like to participate, scan the QR code in the graphic above, or click the button below to access our form where you can submit your recipe. Or if you’d like you can email your recipe to amy.hjerstedt@gmail.com.

We’d like to have your recipe no later than September 1st.

Thanks for participating, and please share with your friends and family!!

HCDP AT BRIDGEFEST AND PRIDEFEST

Clockwise from the top: (1) Houghton Dems marchers in the Bridgefest Parade: Mick Sheridan, William Keith, Barb Turuc, 1st District US House candidate Callie Barr, Miranda Verive, Nancy Verive, the Barr daughters, Lily Dixon. (2) Campaigners for Kelli including candidate for MI Senate Kelli van Ginhoven. (3) MI House candidate Brian Irizarry. (4) The HCDP booth at Kestner Park. (Photos 1 & 4 courtesy Brian Hoduski, photos 2 & 3 courtesy Kim Cook.)

Another Bridgefest is in the books - this one was pretty windy!! We had a great showing for Democrats in this election year. Besides our HCDP volunteers we also had candidates Callie Barr (US House), Kelli van Ginhoven (MI Senate) and Brian Irizarry (MI House) marching in the parade. Thanks to everyone who stopped by our table or cheered as we paraded by.

From the top: (1) HCDP Finance Chair Amy Hjerstedt chats with a Pridefest attendee. (2) A great set of colorful buttons! (3) Candy and flyers welcome Pridefest goers to our table.

We engaged with folks who visited our table throughout the Pridefest event on Saturday June 6th. Steady traffic, making new contacts, giving reminders about the primary, and fun buttons! Thanks to our volunteers who made it happen! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🌈

JOIN US! BECOMING A MEMBER OF THE HOUGHTON COUNTY DEMS IS EASY TO DO!

Many of our readers are not members of the Houghton County Dems, or may have let their membership lapse. That’s okay, we love having you here of course. But…we’d really love to see you become a member — AND IT’S EASY TO DO!

You become a member of our county party by joining the Michigan Democratic Party. Anyone who lives in Houghton County who is a member of the Michigan Democratic Party is automatically also a member of the Houghton County Democratic Party. 

Membership in the Michigan Democratic Party is available at various levels (free up to $250 per month). For the paid memberships you can choose monthly or annual payment options.

By joining the MI Dems you not only automatically become a member of your local county party, but you are also helping to support candidates across the state and you have the privilege of voting at our county party meetings and at the MI Dems state convention.

If you join the MI Dems at the ‘Activist’ level ($25/year) or a higher, the Houghton County Dems will be allocated a portion of your membership payment.

For paid options, click the button below:

CALLIE BARR CAMPAIGN - SOCIAL SECURITY FORUM RECORDING AVAILABLE ON FACEBOOK, UP TOWN HALLS SCHEDULED

Two Fridays ago the Callie Barr campaign for the US House held two community forums (in Traverse City and Marquette) on “Protecting Social Security” featuring the candidate and the former governor of Maryland Martin O’Malley (who also served as the Social Security Administrator under President Biden). A video recording of the Marquette forum, including Q&A, is available on the campaign’s Facebook page. If you’re on Facebook, you can view that video here.

Callie Barr also has the first of three UP Town Halls scheduled for June 23rd in Watersmeet on June 23rd at 4:30 PM. She will hold additional town halls in Marquette on June 24th and here in Houghton County at the Calumet Theatre on July 19th. For the Watersmeet Town Hall, find more information and pre-register here.

NEWS OF INTEREST TO LOCAL DEMOCRATS — ENERGY EDITION

The J. H. Campbell coal-fired power plant in West Olive, MI was slated to close at the end of May, but Trump admin policy has forced the plant to remain open, despite it’s replacement being operational. (Photo source: Public News Service, photo credit: Consumers Energy)

• HOW MUCH HAS THE TRUMP WAR WITH IRAN COST YOU?: to answer that question to the Watson School of International and Public Affairs at Brown University put together their “Iran War Energy Cost Tracker” that tracks the increased cost of gasoline and diesel. According to their methodology, as of this weekend the Iran War has cost Americans over $58 billion dollars in increased energy costs. That’s over $440 per household. You can find the Iran War Energy Cost Tracker at this website. Look for the link at the top if you’re curious about the methodology behind the statistics.

• TRUMP TARGETS LIHEAP: When Trump says he doesn’t think about American families finances we know he means it, and he’s found another way to prove it. His budget for 2027 proposes eliminating the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This program provides direct support to those most impacted by the very crisis he is accelerating. As Michigan Advance says in their article from last month “LIHEAP extends a lifeline to over 430,000 Michiganders and five million Americans, including people with disabilities, families, seniors and households with high energy burdens, with both seasonal and year-round support.”

• TRUMP ADMIN FORCES COAL PLANTS TO REMAIN OPEN, DOUBLING COSTS FOR SOME RATEPAYERS: Coal-fired plants in Michigan, Colorado, Washington state and Indiana have been forced to remain open despite plans to close them thanks to a Trump admin ruling. Michelle Solomon, energy manager for the nonpartisan policy think tank Energy Innovation, says downstate Michigan customers of Consumers Energy “are paying double for the electricity that they would need that’s coming from this coal plant because they’re already paying for the new resource in addition to now paying for the coal plant that’s being kept online.”

• CLEAN ENERGY AMONG THE QUESTIONS FACED BY GOVERNOR CANDIDATES: Bridge Michigan asked the eight candidates running for Governor some pretty in-depth questions about the environment, including their plans for a clean energy future for the state. You can find the newspaper’s write up of their answers in this article.

TUE JUN 16

The Laurium Village Council meets tonight at 6 PM in the Council Chambers of the Town Hall. More info (including the GoTo Meeting link to attend virtually) can be found on the Village Council's web page.

The Calumet Village Council meets tonight at 6:00 PM in the Village Council Chambers. More information (including the Zoom link to attend virtually) can be found on the Village’s News & Events web page.

WED JUN 17

The Hancock City Council meets at 6 PM in the Hancock City Hall Council Chambers.

A FULL LISTING OF ALL LOCAL CITY, VILLAGE AND TOWNSHIP GOVERNMENTS, WITH CONTACT INFORMATION, AND (WHERE AVAILABLE) TIMING OF LOCAL COUNCIL MEETINGS CAN BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE.

SUBMIT YOUR IDEA FOR AN HCDP RESOLUTION

Events featured in our newsletter can also be found on the Events Calendar on the main page of our website.

NOTE FROM THE CHAIR: COUNTY SEEKS EARLY VOTE WORKERS

Defending the electoral process is one of our Party's top priorities, and the County has a great opportunity for someone willing to pitch in with that this year. Early voting is a useful convenience for many Houghton County citizens. County Clerk Jennifer Kelly is calling for staffers for the Early Voting Center, needed for the two 9-day periods before the primary and the general election: Saturday, July 25 to Sunday, August 2, and again from Saturday, October 24, 2026 to Sunday, November 1, all 8 AM to 4 PM. The work is PAID and training will be provided.

If you are not on the ballot for any other office this year, and are not sure that knocking on doors for candidates is a good fit for you, then this is a good way to help protect access to the ballot in Houghton County. Just email the Chair at william.keith@gmail.com with your name, phone number, and email address saying you are interested in the position, and your contact information will be forwarded to Clerk Kelly with our gratitude.

POTLUCK & MONTHLY MEETING TOMORROW

Join us for our monthly meeting tomorrow, Wednesday June 3rd at 7 PM at the Super 8 in Houghton.  

Potluck starts at 6 PM. Bring a dish to share if you can, or just stop in and enjoy some quality time with your fellow Dems before we settle down to business at 7.  

Remote attendance is available by Zoom. Click here at 7 PM Wednesday to attend by Zoom. 

Membership in the Houghton County Democratic Party is encouraged, but not required, to attend meetings. We welcome all Houghton County residents who support progressive Democratic government to attend our meetings and events and also to become involved.

RESOLUTION FOR THE JUNE MEETING

We will consider the following resolution at our monthly meeting tomorrow.

FLOCK CAMERAS

The resolution will again consider the position our county party wants to take on Flock cameras. The first resolution on this topic was unanimously approved at the April meeting. Then at last month’s meeting that resolution was rescinded - not because of its conclusion but due to concerns about the wording that laid the grounds for action in the resolution. (More information on the rescission can be found in the May 12th newsletter).

In preparation for the vote on the revised resolution, you are asked to please review the Flock Camera Fact Sheet shared by Policy and Resolutions Chair Katie LaCosse.

SEE YOU AT PRIDEFEST

There will be live music, fun and games, and community at Keweenaw Pridefest, and once again the Houghton County Dems will have a table! Stop on by and say hello.

Keweenaw Pridefest began in 2023 and is hosted by the parent organization Keweenaw Queers. Learn more about Keweenaw Pridefest at https://keweenawpridefest.org/.

NOTE FROM THE EVENTS CHAIR: WALK OR TABLE WITH US AT BRIDGEFEST!

WE ARE LOOKING FOR BRIDGEFEST PARADE WALKERS

Walk with us in the annual Bridgefest Parade on Friday, June 12th! This year’s theme is ‘America 250: Keweenaw's True Red, White & Blue’.

Parade line-up will begin in Hancock on at 5:30 that evening, with the parade beginning at 7:05 PM. Our actual line-up number and location where we will meet in Hancock to decorate our vehicle entry will be in next week’s newsletter if known, or if necessary, shared separately with volunteers.

We will have pre-made posters to carry or you can hand out candy. I will have room for two passengers or can save space for anyone who prefers to walk half/ride half. For questions or to reserve a seat in the vehicle, contact Nancy Verive at 812-573-1403.

VOLUNTEER TO TABLE AT BRIDGEFEST

Many volunteers are still needed for Tabling at Bridgefest. Tabling involves greeting people who stop by, answering questions, and helping to make buttons. Email or text Events Chair Nancy Verive (nn_verive@yahoo.com / 812-573-1403) to sign up for any of the following shifts:

CALLIE BARR CAMPAIGN TO HOLD COMMUNITY FORUM IN MARQUETTE ON FRIDAY

The Callie Barr campaign for the US House will hold a community forum on “Protecting Social Security” at the Peter White Public Library in Marquette this Friday, June 5th from 2:30 to 4 PM.

From the campaign:

KYLE BLOMQUIST CAMPAIGN TO HOLD TOWN HALL IN MARQUETTE ON FRIDAY

Candidate for US House Kyle Blomquist holds a Town Hall at the Marquette Commons this Friday starting at 5:30 PM.

From the campaign:

CANDIDATES FOR US SENATE DEBATED AT MACKINAC POLICY CONFERENCE LAST THURSDAY

Democratic primary candidates for the US Senate Mallory McMorrow, Haley Stevens and Abdul El-Sayed on stage at the Mackinac Policy Conference. (Photo source: Bridge Michigan)

The three Democratic candidates for US Senate participated in a debate at the Mackinac Policy Center last Thursday. Bridge Michigan called the debate “heated”, with the candidates "trad[ing] jabs” on AIPAC funding, Medicare for All and AI data centers.

You can view the full debate on YouTube:

REGULATING DATA CENTERS IN MICHIGAN

The Washtenaw County Dems, in conjunction with the Michigan League of Conservation Voters, is hosting the Zoom webinar “Big Tech, Big Questions: Regulating Date Centers in Michigan” this Thursday beginning at 5:30 PM. Learn more about the webinar here.

From the organizers:

THU JUN 04

The South Range Village Council meets Thursday at 6 PM in the South Range Community Building. For more information contact the Village at sorange@southrange.com or (906) 482-8833

A FULL LISTING OF ALL LOCAL CITY, VILLAGE AND TOWNSHIP GOVERNMENTS, WITH CONTACT INFORMATION, AND (WHERE AVAILABLE) TIMING OF LOCAL COUNCIL MEETINGS CAN BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE.

SUBMIT YOUR IDEA FOR AN HCDP RESOLUTION

Events featured in our newsletter can also be found on the Events Calendar on the main page of our website.

A NOTE FROM CHAIR WILLIAM KEITH - 2026 HCDP CAMPAIGN OFFICE

WE HAVE NOW LEASED THIS YEAR'S OFFICE SPACE

We owe a huge thank-you to all who donated for the office fund, which allowed us to explore more options than we have in past years, including space on Shelden Avenue in Houghton (expensive!), and in the Hancock Community Hub (high-demand!). In fact we were ready to sign on the dotted line for one of those spaces when it got leased out from under us.

Fortunately, our longtime partners at Lahti Properties came through with flying colors, and we have returned to our familiar office at 323 Quincy Avenue in Hancock. The funds we have collected will carry us through the mid-term campaign season comfortably, and we may well have enough left over to get some useful organizer furniture, or possibly even run some short-term events as opportunities arise.

The lease begins June 1st. We will take some time to clean and set up, and activities at the office will ramp up closer to the election. As the campaign season gets into swing, one thing we will need is volunteers to keep the doors open for visitors, so please consider whether you might be able to spend a few hours saying hello to people stopping in.

Click to see our office location on Google Maps.

POTLUCK & MONTHLY MEETING NEXT WEDNESDAY

Join us for our monthly meeting next Wednesday June 3rd at 7 PM at the Super 8 in Houghton.  

Potluck starts at 6 PM. Bring a dish to share if you can, or just stop in and enjoy some quality time with your fellow Dems before we settle down to business at 7.  

Remote attendance is available by Zoom. Click here at 7 PM Wednesday to attend by Zoom. 

Membership in the Houghton County Democratic Party is encouraged, but not required, to attend meetings. We welcome all Houghton County residents who support progressive Democratic government to attend our meetings and events and also to become involved.

RESOLUTIONS FOR THE JUNE MEETING

We will consider the following resolution at our monthly meeting next week.

FLOCK CAMERAS

One resolution will again consider the position our county party wants to take on Flock cameras. The first resolution on this topic was unanimously approved at the April meeting. Then at last month’s meeting that resolution was rescinded - not because of its conclusion but due to concerns about the wording that laid the grounds for action in the resolution. (More information on the rescission can be found in the May 12th newsletter).

In preparation for the vote on the revised resolution, you are asked to please review the Flock Camera Fact Sheet shared by Policy and Resolutions Chair Katie LaCosse.

MANY HANDS MAKE LIGHT WORK ON FIRST HIGHWAY CLEAN UP OF THE YEAR

Posing here are nine of the eleven people who showed up to clean our stretch of M-26 last Wednesday. (Photo courtesy of Tony Villa-Real)

GREAT TURN OUT FOR HIGHWAY CLEAN UP!

A big thank you to the eleven folks who turned out for last Wednesday’s highway clean up. Our event organizer, and HCDP Secretary, Barb Turuc, commented that she hadn’t seen that many folks turn out in quite some time. With eleven people cleaning the task went much quicker than usual!

We clean the stretch of M-26 from outside of Ripley to just beyond Dollar Bay at least twice each season. Look for the announcement of our next clean up in a future newsletter. Hoping you can join us then!

UPCOMING EVENTS

With Spring Fling now behind us, many summer events are coming up quickly. For Parades, we will share information about walking in them closer to each date.

We now have enough volunteers for Pridefest, but many volunteers are still needed for Tabling at Bridgefest.  Tabling involves greeting people who stop by, answering questions, and helping to make buttons. Email or text Events Chair Nancy Verive (nn_verive@yahoo.com / (812) 573-1403) to sign up for any of the following shifts:

RURAL CAUCUS’S RURAL SUMMIT UPDATE

We highlighted the Michigan Rural Caucus’s 2026 Rural Summit in last week’s newsletter but unfortunately included the incorrect link for registering to attend the Summit. Click the button below for the correct link.

The Rural Summit runs from June 16th to the 20th and is held at the UAW Black Lake Conference Center in Onaway, Michigan. The Summit kicks off with a Meet & Greet at 7 PM June 16th. The daily schedule of Summit sessions starts June 17th.

The Rural Caucus is still taking registrations (through June 1st) with the entry fee ranging from $85 to attend for any 1 day, up to $325 for the full four day event. These costs includes meals but not lodging. Lodging is available (but filling up) at the Black Lake Conference Center and can be reserved when registering.

KELLI VAN GINHOVEN CAMPAIGN HOLDS FUNDRAISER IN HANCOCK

The Kelli Van Ginhoven campaign will hold a fundraiser at 5th & Elm in Hancock this Saturday, May 30th from 2 to 4 PM.

From the campaign:

ABDUL EL SAYED CAMPAIGNING IN EASTERN UP ON FRIDAY

Abdul El-Sayed, Democratic candidate for the US Senate, will be stopping in St. Ignace and Sault Ste. Marie this coming Friday.

Doors open at 11 AM in St. Ignace where Abdul will appear with the Mackinaw County Dems. For more information, and to RSVP to attend the event visit this Mobilize page.

In Sault Ste. Marie the candidate joins EUP Solidarity for his appearance beginning at 5:30 PM. For more information, and to RSVP to attend the event visit this Mobilize page.

NEWS OF INTEREST TO LOCAL DEMOCRATS - BERGMAN EDITION

This photo of Rep. Bergman and Trump appeared on the front page of this weekend’s Daily Mining Gazette, with the caption - “Rep. Jack Bergman issued a statement on Wednesday, sharing this photo with President Donald Trump along with the release. (Courtesy photo)”

FRONT PAGE DMG ARTICLES ARE NOT A SIGN OF STRENGTH FOR BERGMAN

• BERGMAN PLANTS HIMSELF SQUARELY IN TRUMP’S SHADOW - Rep. Jack Bergman knows exactly who he owes his allegiance to (and it isn’t his constituents). In a statement carried on the front page of the Daily Mining Gazette this past weekend, Bergman proclaimed Trumpily that “The America First movement is stronger than ever.” He urged his fellow Republicans who don’t back Trump to step aside or “face defeat in August“. He also decried “divisive intra-party fights”.

• HE EVEN POSTED ABOUT IT TO FACEBOOK - Yes, he posted his full statement to his Facebook page. Judging from the comments, that didn’t go over too well.

• LAFAVE GETS A FEATURE ARTICLE TOO - Republican Beau LaFave got himself a feature article on the front page of that same edition of the Gazette. Bergman endorsed LaFave in his race for MI Senate earlier in the year. He found himself in hot water with his fellow local elected Republicans as a result. Ed McBroom, Greg Markkanen and Karl Bohnak all withdrew their support for Bergman’s re-election. McBroom even accused Bergman of lying to him (about not endorsing anyone in the race). Perhaps that’s the “intra-party fight” Jack had in mind…

• BERGMAN’S SCANDAL ALLEGATIONS TIED TO LAFAVE? - The corruption allegations that have led to calls for an ethics investigation of Bergman (see our last newsletter) also appeared in news reports from back in February. It was then that Bergman endorsed LaFave and his “intra-party fight” broke into public view. Iron Mountain’s Daily News carried an article on February 19 covering the then emerging feud. The article quoted a news release from McBroom as follows: “Even more disturbing is that Beau just hired Jack’s chief-of-staff’s consulting services. Jack has a clear history of automatically endorsing Tony’s clients, helping his own employee’s personal business.”

• JACK IS FIGHTING FOR HIS POLITICAL LIFE THIS YEAR - and he knows it. There are principled contenders in the Democratic primary - Callie Barr, Kyle Blomquist and Wayne Stiles. And, Bergman’s also earned himself two Republican challengers - Justin Michal and Matt DenOtter. He’s clinging tighter and tighter to Trump in response, not seeming to know or care that Trump’s approval ratings are sinking lower and lower with each passing week. And, with Bergman’s own support among local Republicans in the district showing wide cracks, he is cranking up the PR machine, hoping it holds off his Republican challengers, and praying it will help him escape the mess he’s made.

WED MAY 27

The Houghton City Council meets at 5:30 PM on Wednesday. Agendas and agenda packets for Council meetings are typically placed in the City’s Searchable Document Center on the Monday before the meeting by 5:00 p.m.

A FULL LISTING OF ALL LOCAL CITY, VILLAGE AND TOWNSHIP GOVERNMENTS, WITH CONTACT INFORMATION, AND (WHERE AVAILABLE) TIMING OF LOCAL COUNCIL MEETINGS CAN BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE.

SUBMIT YOUR IDEA FOR AN HCDP RESOLUTION

Events featured in our newsletter can also be found on the Events Calendar on the main page of our website.

FIRST HIGHWAY CLEAN UP OF 2026 WILL BE TOMORROW, WEDNESDAY, MAY 20

COME JOIN US FOR THE FIRST HIGHWAY CLEAN UP OF THE YEAR!

Join us tomorrow evening as the Houghton County Dems go out on the road again for our first highway clean up of this summer. We’ll be cleaning our stretch of highway as part of the Adopt-A-Highway program — M-26 from just past Goat Hill Rd heading out of Ripley, and on through to Dollar Bay.

IT’S STILL EARLY IN THE SEASON BUT ITS ALWAYS ADVISABLE TO BRING YOUR OWN WATER BOTTLES.

UPCOMING EVENTS

With Spring Fling now behind us, many summer events are coming up quickly. Our first event is the first 2026 Highway Clean Up on May 20. See above for more details. For Parades, we will share information about walking in them closer to each date.

We now have enough volunteers for Pridefest, but many volunteers are still needed for Tabling at Bridgefest.  Tabling involves greeting people who stop by, answering questions, and helping to make buttons. Email or text Events Chair Nancy Verive (nn_verive@yahoo.com / (812) 573-1403) to sign up for any of the following shifts:

RURAL CAUCUS’S RURAL SUMMIT UPDATE

Joe Gutowski, chair of the Michigan Democratic Party’s Rural Caucus, and the Keynote Speaker at our Spring Fling earlier this month, sent an email last week to county party leaders, offering an update on the Caucus’s Rural Summit. Here is part of what he said:

Joe went on to list some of those already confirmed to be attending the Rural Summit. They include:

• State Party Chair Curtis Hertel

• Former U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow

• Candidate for Governor Chris Swanson

• President of the Michigan AFL-CIO Ron Bieber

• Vice President of the UAW Mike Booth

• MEA Vice President Brett Smith

• MDARD - Director of Community Engagement Nate Engle

• Former State House Representative Barb Byrum

• Former State House Representative and Former MDARD Director and State Representative Gary McDowell

• Executive Director of Vote Common Good Doug Pagitt

• Candidate for U.S. Senate, Congresswoman Haley Stevens

• Candidate for U.S. Senate, State Senator Mallory McMorrow

• State Representative Carrie Rheingans, who will present her MI-Care Townhall to the entire Summit audience

• And many more.

KELLI VAN GINHOVEN CAMPAIGN HOLDS FUNDRAISER IN HANCOCK

The Kelli Van Ginhoven campaign will hold a fundraiser at 5th & Elm in Hancock on Saturday, May 30th from 2 to 4 PM.

From the campaign:

FIND PRIMARY CANDIDATE INFO ON OUR WEBSITE

Just a reminder that we have a list of all the Democratic primary candidates for August on our website, along with links to their websites. The list has slimmed down a bit over the last month, with a few candidates dropping out.

You can find our list at https://www.houghtoncountydems.org/2026-primary-candidates.html.

SKIRTING OF RULES LEADS TO ETHICS COMPLAINT

Rep. Jack Bergman scowls during a hearing in the US House of Representatives

The Detroit News first broke the story about Rep. Bergman’s top aide over two weeks ago. “The chief of staff for a Michigan congressman has a side hustle running a political consulting firm in Michigan, and his taxpayer-funded House pay is structured so that he has avoided having to disclose his business or what he's made from the company since it began nearly five years ago.” So began the News article by reporter Melissa Nann Burke on May 7th.

Last week the Detroit News and the Traverse City Record-Eagle followed up with reporting on an ethics complaint filed against Bergman by two of his constituents. A retired judge and a former Navy chaplain have asked the House Ethics Committee to investigate Rep. Bergman about his chief of staff running a political consulting firm while evading financial disclosures about the business. (You can read that Detroit News article here.)

Bergman’s chief of staff, Tony Lis, runs Right Way to Win LLC. The consulting company “has brought in more than $446,000 in consulting and other fees from various state-level campaigns and committees since 2021, and another $143,000 from federal candidates or committees, according to campaign finance filings.” the Detroit News says.

In 2025 Lis earned over $221,000 in compensation from the US House. Even though that figure exceeds the level at which reporting of outside income is required, Lis’s base pay had been adjusted by Bergman’s office to below the salary cap required for reporting ($150,000).

Commenting on the consulting scheme, Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel released the following statement:

ALL ROADS LEAD TO THE SOUTH

Thousands traveled to Selma and Montgomery Alabama over the weekend to protest the gutting of the Voting Rights Act by the Supreme Court. They were participating in the “All Roads Lead to the South” National Day of Action, organized by Black Voters Matter, the NAACP, the AFL-CIO and more than 90 other civil rights, labor and community organizations. Click on the video below to see Joseph King, Sports & Culture Reporter at Gulf States Newsroom file his report on TikTok from the rally in Montgomery.

@_josephcking_

Thousands of people gathered in Montgomery, Alabama for a national day of action called “All Roads Lead to the South.”  This was in respon... See more

COPPERWOOD & THE PORKIES - A FOLLOW UP

The Copperwood Project (Photo source: https://www.copperwoodproject.com/)

Last week’s newsletter included an item on an effort by the group Protect the Porkies. The item encouraged our readers to participate by providing comments on a permit being sought for wastewater discharge for the Copperwood Project. This brought a quick response from a newsletter reader who wondered if such an anti-mining action really belonged in the newsletter of the Houghton County Democratic Party.

It’s a good question.

Protecting our environment is an important principle for us, and for the tourism that our county depends on. It's proper for us to be elevating local actions when they align with our principles.

But protecting the environment is not the only principle the Democratic Party stands for.

Economic opportunity is another of our principles, and that means good jobs that support local people and local families. Mining has a long history in our county, to the benefit of many local families. The people behind the Copperwood effort have estimated that 300 to 700 temporary and permanent jobs would be created by the new mine in the Western U.P. Our own Senator Slotkin was quoted as saying “I’m a firm believer in bringing things home to the United States so that we’re not dependent on other countries, and we know the Western U.P. knows how to mine copper safely and effectively.” (Daily Mining Gazette, Sept. 30, 2025)

The Democratic Party has always prided itself on being a “big tent”. To be a big tent party means standing up for shared principles. But when principles seem to be at cross purposes, listening to our community is the first step in determining action.

So, we want to hear your voice. Where do you stand? Is this an issue the HCDP should speak out on, and if so, what should we say? You can reply directly to the emailed newsletter, or if you’re reading online, send us your thoughts at houghtondems@gmail.com. If enough of you share your thoughts, we’ll summarize what we’ve heard in a future newsletter.

MEMORIAL DAY

Next Monday is Memorial Day.

Originally called Decoration Day, Memorial Day began after the Civil War to honor fallen Union soldiers, and has evolved into a national day of remembrance for all U.S. military personnel who died in service.

Memorial Day is a time for visiting cemeteries and memorials to mourn military personnel who died in the line of duty. It can also be a quiet thank you to those who never came home. Their duty was to serve. Ours is to remember.

Whatever your plans this Memorial Day weekend, take a moment to reflect on those who never came home. And pledge to fight for the freedom that they gave their lives for.

TUE MAY 19

The Laurium Village Council meets tonight at 6 PM in the Council Chambers of the Town Hall. More info (including the GoTo Meeting link to attend virtually) can be found on the Village's web page. 

The Calumet Village Council meets tonight at 6:00 PM in the Village Council Chambers. More information (including the Zoom link to attend virtually) can be found on the Village’s News & Events web page.

WED MAY 20

The Hancock City Council meets at 6 PM in the Hancock City Hall Council Chambers.

A FULL LISTING OF ALL LOCAL CITY, VILLAGE AND TOWNSHIP GOVERNMENTS, WITH CONTACT INFORMATION, AND (WHERE AVAILABLE) TIMING OF LOCAL COUNCIL MEETINGS CAN BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE.

SUBMIT YOUR IDEA FOR AN HCDP RESOLUTION

Events featured in our newsletter can also be found on the Events Calendar on the main page of our website.

HCDP HOSTS WAYNE STILES TONIGHT

Join us this evening at 6 PM at the Super 8 in Houghton for a Meet & Greet with candidate Wayne Stiles.

From the candidate’s website:

An RSVP is not required for this event.

FIRST HIGHWAY CLEAN UP OF 2026 WILL BE NEXT WEDNESDAY, MAY 20

COME JOIN US FOR THE FIRST HIGHWAY CLEAN UP OF THE YEAR!

The Houghton County Dems will be out on the road again for our first highway clean up of this summer. We’ll be cleaning our stretch of highway as part of the Adopt-A-Highway program — M-26 from just past Goat Hill Rd heading out of Ripley, and on through to Dollar Bay.

IT’S STILL EARLY IN THE SEASON BUT ITS ALWAYS ADVISABLE TO BRING YOUR OWN WATER BOTTLES.

OUR FLOCK CAMERAS RESOLUTION RESCINDED FOR REWORK

A Flock Safety automated license plate reader (ALPR) camera (photo credit: Tony Webster, photo source: https://w.wiki/N4pJ)

In our April 1st meeting, the Houghton County Dems unanimously passed a resolution opposing the implementation of Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) cameras, as sold by Flock Group Inc. (See the April 7th newsletter for more information). Last week, in our May meeting, Policy and Resolutions Chair Katie LaCosse motioned to have that resolution rescinded, while proposing to submit a revised resolution on ALPR cameras at our June meeting. Her motion was approved.

The reason for the motion, as explained at the meeting, was not a concern about what was actually resolved, but about the wording that laid the grounds for action in the resolution. A close reading after the fact by a lawyer in our midst led to the conclusion that perhaps some of the legal cases cited in the resolution can be seen as part of still evolving law, and so might not be as solid a basis for our resolution as originally thought.

In anticipation of the revised resolution at the June meeting, Katie has asked that we all review the Flock Camera Fact Sheet she shared with us so as to be prepared to discuss the new resolution in June.

SENIOR CAUCUS HOLDS “PROTECTING OUR ELDERS” ZOOM CALL

THE MICHIGAN DEMS SENIOR CAUCUS INVITES YOU TO A ZOOM CALL ON MONDAY, MAY 18, AT 7 PM.

Scott Teter, head of the MI Department of Attorney General’s Financial Crimes Division, and lead of the Department’s Elder Abuse Task Force, will speak on important legislation that will protect Seniors, Person with Disabilities and Veterans.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing Zoom info about joining the meeting.

UPCOMING EVENTS

With Spring Fling now behind us, many summer events are coming up quickly. Our first event is the first 2026 Highway Clean Up on May 20. See above for more details. For Parades, we will share information about walking in them closer to each date.

Most urgently, we need to fill the shifts for Tabling at Pridefest and Bridgefest. Tabling involves greeting people who stop by, answering questions, and helping to make buttons. Email or text Events Chair Nancy Verive (nn_verive@yahoo.com / (812) 573-1403) to sign up for any of the following shifts:

SPECIAL ELECTION IN MI SENATE 35TH DISTRICT WON BY IMPRESSIVE MARGIN!

Democratic Candidate Chedrick Greene takes a selfie with the crowd at his campaign victory celebration in this uncredited photo sourced from the campaign’s Bluesky account.

Chedrick Greene won the special election last week in Michigan’s 35th Senate District (Saginaw area) with 58.5% of the vote, beating his Republican opponent by 19 points. Greene won in all three counties in the district - Midland, Saginaw and Bay counties. In the city of Midland Greene won every single district. He won Saginaw with 81% of the vote, and Bay City with 69%.

These are impressive results, given that Kamala Harris took the district in her 2024 Presidential bid by a margin of only 1. Greene’s win continues the string of “over-performance” by Democratic candidates since Trump began his second term.

FIND PRIMARY CANDIDATE INFO ON OUR WEBSITE

Just a reminder that we have a list of all the Democratic primary candidates for August on our website, along with links to their websites. The list has slimmed down a bit over the last month, with a few candidates dropping out.

You can find our list at https://www.houghtoncountydems.org/2026-primary-candidates.html.

PROTECT THE PORKIES

Protect the Porkies is, according to their website, “a collective of concerned citizens from around the Upper Peninsula, the great state of Michigan, and beyond, who are uniting to resist the development of Copperwood, an inexperienced Canadian company's proposal to mine next to and underneath Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park.”

The group is asking for action THIS WEEK - they are asking concerned folks to comment on the company’s permit for wastewater discharge with EGLE, the state’s environmental protection agency. There are specific steps to take, but they must be taken by this Friday May 15th.

Protect the Porkies stresses that “EGLE thinks this is a permit without public interest. Let’s show otherwise by setting a record for the most comments ever received on a NPDES (wastewater discharge) permit.”

Click on the button below to learn more about the permit, the comment process, and how you can help.

TUE MAY 12

This month's regular meeting of the Houghton County Board of Commissioners is tonight at 6 PM in the Conference Room on the fifth floor of the Houghton County Courthouse. Find more information on the Board's webpage (find the Microsoft Teams virtual meeting info in the Agenda).

WED MAY 13

The Houghton City Council meets at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday. The Meeting Agenda is typically posted to the Searchable Document Center of the Council's website in advance of the meeting.

MON MAY 18

The Calumet Village Council will hold a Public Hearing at 6:00 PM in the Red Jacket Ballroom to discuss Calumet Train Depot’s request to abandon a section of 9th street. This meeting is also available via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86998774486. For Zoom attendance, use Meeting ID: 869 9877 4486, and Passcode: 699798

A FULL LISTING OF ALL LOCAL CITY, VILLAGE AND TOWNSHIP GOVERNMENTS, WITH CONTACT INFORMATION, AND (WHERE AVAILABLE) TIMING OF LOCAL COUNCIL MEETINGS CAN BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE.

SUBMIT YOUR IDEA FOR AN HCDP RESOLUTION

Events featured in our newsletter can also be found on the Events Calendar on the main page of our website.

SPRING FLING WELL ATTENDED

Thank you to everyone who turned out on Saturday for the 2026 Spring Fling at the Bonfire in Houghton. We had 90 people join us for dinner, drinks, our annual awards ceremony, speakers and silent auction. As you know the Spring Fling is our largest annual fundraiser, and the support of our community is very much appreciated!!

__________________

We would especially like to recognize and thank the many individuals and businesses who so generously donated items for our Silent Auction. Please be sure to patronize these businesses and thank these friends in our community!

__________________

Speakers and Award Recipients with HCDP Chair William Keith.

POTLUCK & MONTHLY MEETING TOMORROW EVENING

Join us for our monthly meeting tomorrow, Wednesday, May 6 at 7 PM at the Super 8 in Houghton.  

Potluck starts at 6 PM. Bring a dish to share if you can, or just stop in and enjoy some quality time with your fellow Dems before we settle down to business at 7.  

Remote attendance is available by Zoom. Click here at 7 PM Wednesday to attend by Zoom. 

Membership in the Houghton County Democratic Party is encouraged, but not required, to attend meetings. We welcome all Houghton County residents who support progressive Democratic government to attend our meetings and events and also to become involved.

UPCOMING EVENTS

With Spring Fling now in the rear view mirror, our summer schedule of events is coming up fast. Besides the activities in the graphic below, we also will have our annual highway clean up days coming up - look for news about the first clean up date soon. And, we’ll be having a Community Garage Sale in June - more on that in an upcoming newsletter.

If you’d like to volunteer for any of the upcoming events listed below please contact our Events Chair Nancy Verive at nn_verive@yahoo.com.

IT’S SPECIAL ELECTION DAY FOR MI SENATE 35TH DISTRICT. GO CHEDRICK GREENE!

Democratic Candidate Chedrick Greene on the campaign trail. (photo credit: Riley Murdoch for mlive.com)

Today’s the day for Chedrick Greene in the May special election for the state Senate seat in the 35th District (Saginaw area). This open seat that will decide majority control of the state Senate, and it will take an all-out effort to win. Chedrick needs all of us in this fight now.

Good luck Chedrick - you’ve got folks in the Keweenaw rooting for your victory.

THU MAR 05

The South Range Village Council meets Thursday at 6 PM in the South Range Community Building. For more information contact the Village at sorange@southrange.com or (906) 482-8833

A FULL LISTING OF ALL LOCAL CITY, VILLAGE AND TOWNSHIP GOVERNMENTS, WITH CONTACT INFORMATION, AND (WHERE AVAILABLE) TIMING OF LOCAL COUNCIL MEETINGS CAN BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE.

SUBMIT YOUR IDEA FOR AN HCDP RESOLUTION

Events featured in our newsletter can also be found on the Events Calendar on the main page of our website.

MINGLE WITH YOUR NEIGHBORS, MEET CANDIDATES, AND SUPPORT THE HOUGHTON COUNTY DEMS THIS SATURDAY! SEE YOU THERE!

__________________

SOCIAL HOUR, DINNER, SPEAKERS, AWARDS & A SILENT AUCTION

__________________

SPEAKERS

Our Keynote Speaker this year is Joe Gutowski, Chair of the MDP Rural Caucus. Joe is the driving force behind the legislative influence of the Rural Caucus, working to ensure that the voices of small communities are heard at the state level. His leadership and dedication have also been instrumental in organizing the Rural Summit, which will be held at the UAW Education Center June 16 through June 20.

MDP Rural Caucus Chair Joe Gutowski poses here with Secretary Pete Buttigieg

Other speakers expected at the Spring Fling include:

• Kelli van Ginhoven, candidate for MI Senate

• Brian Irizarry, candidate for MI House

• Callie Barr, candidate for US House

• Kyle Blomquist, candidate for US House

• Craig Waddell, Houghton City Council

• Glenn Anderson, County Board of Commissioners

• Gretchen Janssen, County Board of Commissioners

Plus recorded remarks from more of our candidates and officeholders.

__________________

EASY FILING FOR PRECINCT DELEGATE

__________________

SILENT AUCTION

__________________

POTLUCK & MONTHLY MEETING NEXT WEDNESDAY

Join us for our monthly meeting next Wednesday, May 6 at 7 PM at the Super 8 in Houghton.  

Potluck starts at 6 PM. Bring a dish to share if you can, or just stop in and enjoy some quality time with your fellow Dems before we settle down to business at 7.  

Remote attendance is available by Zoom. Click here at 7 PM Wednesday to attend by Zoom. 

Membership in the Houghton County Democratic Party is encouraged, but not required, to attend meetings. We welcome all Houghton County residents who support progressive Democratic government to attend our meetings and events and also to become involved.

HELP US GET OUR CAMPAIGN OFFICE UP AND RUNNING

Help us open our local Democratic Party office to support brave candidates, connect volunteers, and turn their vision for a stronger Houghton County into action. We can give volunteers a place to gather, neighbors a place to learn, and candidates a base to turn their message into real impact.

Click the button below to donate today, or visit our ActBlue donations page at actblue.com/donate/hcdp-2026-office-fundraiser.

BARAGA COUNTY DEMS HOLD MEET & GREET WITH CALLIE BARR

If you’re in the area of L’Anse Saturday morning (before making your way up to the Spring Fling in Houghton in the evening) you’ll have a great opportunity to hear from US House candidate Callie Barr. The Baraga County Dems sponsor a Meet & Greet with her at 10 AM at the L’Anse Township Hall.

LAST OPPORTUNITY TO HELP GET OUT THE VOTE IN THE MAY SPECIAL ELECTION

Headed into the final week, and the final push to get out the vote for Chedrick Greene in the May special election for the state Senate seat in the 35th District (Saginaw area). This open seat that will decide majority control of the state Senate, and it will take an all-out effort to win. Chedrick needs all of us in this fight now.

And yes, there are two more virtual phonebanks that you can participate in to help get out the vote! Join the phonebank tomorrow evening starting at 6 PM, or on Saturday starting at 1 PM.

This week

There are no local county, city or village council meetings scheduled for this week.

A FULL LISTING OF ALL LOCAL CITY, VILLAGE AND TOWNSHIP GOVERNMENTS, WITH CONTACT INFORMATION, AND (WHERE AVAILABLE) TIMING OF LOCAL COUNCIL MEETINGS CAN BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE.

SUBMIT YOUR IDEA FOR AN HCDP RESOLUTION