Elect Progressives to the California Democratic Party
By: Cari Templeton For Cadem Delegate
Tags: Progressive, California, Politics

It’s holiday season (happy holidays!), and it’s ALSO time to request a ballot to elect members to the California Democratic Party, aka ADEMs.

TL;DR: If you are a registered Democrat, please request a ballot to elect delegates to the state party. You need to register at adem.cadem.org by January 11. It takes only a minute, so please request your ballot today. (NOTE: If you do, please let me know, and I will send out a reminder when it’s time to vote.)

Why? Electing delegates are how we get grassroots activists and progressives into decision-making roles in the party. This is one way to “build the bench.”

Electing delegates are how we get grassroots activists and progressives into decision-making roles in the party. This is one way to “build the bench.” What do delegates do? Elect party leadership, vote on party endorsements at the state and congressional level, and shape the party platform.

Elect party leadership, vote on party endorsements at the state and congressional level, and shape the party platform. How do I vote? Registered democrats can vote in their district (candidates are grouped by assembly district). Step 1: register for a ballot; Step 2: when the ballot arrives in mid-January, vote and mail the ballot back in time per the instructions. This is free and postage is paid.

Registered democrats can vote in their district (candidates are grouped by assembly district). register for a ballot; when the ballot arrives in mid-January, vote and mail the ballot back in time per the instructions. This is free and postage is paid. What’s new? In the past, these have been very large caucuses that involved hundreds of people gathering. Candidates used to work the line and introduce themselves and fight for the votes. Obviously, during the pandemic, such caucuses would not be a good idea. So we are moving to a vote by mail solution this year.

In the past, these have been very large caucuses that involved hundreds of people gathering. Candidates used to work the line and introduce themselves and fight for the votes. Obviously, during the pandemic, such caucuses would not be a good idea. So we are moving to a vote by mail solution this year. Who should I vote for? You can vote for 14 total (up to 7 women and up to 7 others), and sometimes it’s hard to know everyone who’s running. Candidates often run in groups called slates, and recommend each other to their supporters.

How do I find progressive ADEM candidates in my area?

Just ask. I’ll list as many as I can here. You can also ask your local activists, as they may be running! There are quite a few great candidates running in each district, listed below followed by the Assemblymember’s name who represents that district (does not imply endorsement).

AD 24 (Berman)

The North Star Progressive Democrats

Here’s a slate I personally approve with candidates I admire, and that’s why I am honored to work with them. You can meet all the candidates at https://ad24.vote.

AD 25 (Lee)

People Powered Progressives

AD 15 (Wicks)

Progressive Labor Slate

More coming soon!