From the Chair, News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Re: The resignation, vacancy and replacement of Clerk Kareemah Fowler
SOUTH BEND, JULY 29, 2019 — Kareemah Fowler(D), South Bend City
Clerk, has announced her resignation from the elected office of South
Bend City Clerk. The St Joseph County Democratic Party would like to
thank her for service. Clerk Fowler has served admirably in the office as
well as in her community. We wish her the best in her future ventures.
The vacancy in the office became official August 1, 2019. The
vacancy must be filled within thirty (30) days of this date by a caucus
election held by the St. Joseph County Democratic Party.
This caucus election will allow all Democrat precinct chairpeople with-in
the municipal limits of South Bend to vote by secret ballot to elect a new
clerk to complete the term of office ending December 31, 2019. Precinct
chairs will be notified not less than ten (10) days prior to the election of
the time and place of the election. Voting members must be present to
vote.
Candidates seeking to fill the vacancy must meet the legal requirements
to hold the office. Candidates must complete and file forms CEB-5 and
CAN-12 with the Chairman of the party and the County Clerk
respectively. Candidates will be granted an opportunity to address the
voting members at the caucus election. The winning candidate must
receive a majority of the votes based on the voting members present.
Clerk Kareemah Fowler will remain on the November 2019 General
Election ballot. She may not be removed under state election law and
will appear unopposed on the ballot and is expected to win re-election. A
second caucus election will be held to fill the vacancy created after the
General Election following the same guidelines outlined above.
Featured, From the Chair
Jason Critchlow
Jason Critchlow, chair of the St. Joseph County Democratic Party, sent the following message via email on Friday, January 11, 2019.
Friends,
I am writing to inform you of my decision to resign as St. Joseph County Democratic Party chair.
As a volunteer and executive of this complex organization, my goals were to create one that is modern and professional, advocate for policies that help the lives of working families, and empower and elevate good people to do great things in our community in order to create a more dynamic future for everyone.
I am proud to say that we have met those goals together and believe I leave this role with a reputation of hard work, consensus-building, and fair practices. Now is the time for a new leader to step in to maintain that reputation and build upon our successes.
The party has recruited more candidates, helped foster diversity in leadership positions, elected more Democrats, and deepened its relationship with communities across the county. We gained a new synergy as we fought and won battles to protect working families, individual rights, and the integrity of the vote. We have celebrated our victories, learned from our failures, and emerged from every struggle stronger than before.
The role of a volunteer party chair is important, but difficult. Balancing the responsibilities with my professional and home life was always a tricky balance, and I thank my wife, Olivia, for her never ending support.
I also want to thank the many in our community who offered guidance or support along the way, especially Vice Chair Debbie Ladyga-Block and the entire Central Committee, elected officials, candidates, activists, supporters, and community leaders. Everything we accomplished was done together as a diverse community of individuals.
Vice-Chair Debbie Ladyga Block will immediately assume the daily duties of party chair and will convene a caucus to nominate a successor to serve as a permanent replacement. She, along with the entire Central Committee and Precinct Committees, have my full faith and confidence.
Four years ago, you put your faith in me and allowed me the opportunity to earn your trust. I thank you and plan to continue the work of advancing our progressive priorities to make our community stronger for all.
Thank you for everything and for all you do,
Jason Critchlow
Featured, From the Chair
*Note: St. Joseph County Democratic Party Chairman Jason Critchlow sent the following message via email on Wednesday, Nov. 7, the day following the 2018 election.
Jason Critchlow
Friends,
Although we are saddened by some of last night’s results, we must celebrate our wins—including the Democratic Party’s overall success at the national level—while learning from our losses. Most importantly, we never stop fighting for our future and what we know to be right.
Our candidates were each incredible individuals who put their hearts and souls into their campaigns, and for that we are immensely proud. Although some were unable to cross that finish line, they have proven that they have a bright future. Their dedication, passion, and spirit give strength to all those around them.
You can see final results here.
We want to thank every individual, volunteer, activist, supporter, and organizer for everything you have done. What you did absolutely matters and made a huge difference.
In addition to the Blue Wave that swept Democrats into control of the United States House of Representatives, here are some takeaways and bright spots from yesterday’s results locally:
- Joe Donnelly and Mel Hall received a 17,336 and 13,701 respective vote advantage from our county.
- Democrat candidate for secretary of state, Jim Harper, won our county when our previous candidate lost. This means Democrats will now appoint the inspectors at the polling locations for future elections as well as be listed first on General Election ballots.
- The two other statewide candidates each won St. Joseph County.
- We re-elected state Rep. Joe Taylor and fell just 466 votes short of electing Don Westerhausen.
- We elected Democrat Jason Cichowicz to replace Republican Jim Fox in the Probate Court.
- Democratic candidate for Sheriff, Bill Redman, was the top vote-getter in our county, with a whopping 21,044 vote victory.
- Democratic candidate for commissioner, Tim Swager, fell just short of unseating incumbent Andy Kostielney by only 488 votes.
- We elected Democrat Joe Canarecci to the County Council, maintaining a 6-3 Democratic majority.
- Democrat Cindy Kilgore fell just 438 votes short of taking away another Republican seat on the County Council—the slimmest margin for this seat in decades.
- Four township advisory board positions went from Republican to Democratic candidates with the election of Chris Bowman, Sean O’Brien, Mindy Fountain, and Lacy Hahn. Jennica Liberatore fell just 47 votes shy of adding one more.
We know there is work still to be done, and our future together is bright and strong.
The fight for 2020 begins today, and we look forward to meeting the challenge ahead alongside each of you.
Thank you again,
Jason M. Critchlow
Chairman – St. Joseph County Democratic Party
News
There are two places that offer early voting prior to Election Day (Tuesday, Nov. 6):
South Bend
Lobby of St. Joseph County City Building
227 W. Jefferson Blvd, South Bend
AND
Mishawaka
Mishawaka County Services Annex
219 Lincolnway West, Mishawaka
Times:
8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Saturday (Oct. 27 & Nov. 3)
12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Sundays (Oct. 28 & Nov. 4)
Voters with an injury or illness, caring for a confined person, or with disabilities may vote absentee by Travel Board beginning October 23 until November 3 at noon. Please call Absentee Voting at 574-235-9101 or 9105.
You can also request a free ride to the polls to vote on or before Election Day.
To learn more about all of our candidates, visit stjoedemocrats.org/2018-democratic-candidates.
News
Do you need a ride to the polls to vote? Do you want to volunteer to drive others who can’t drive themselves? Did you know that either way, you don’t have to wait until Election Day to exercise your right to vote or help others do the same?
Early voting has already started at these two locations:
South Bend
Lobby of the County City Building
227 W Jefferson Boulevard
South Bend, IN 46601
Mishawaka
Lobby of the County Services Annex
219 Lincoln Way West
Mishawaka, IN 46544
Starting Wednesday, Oct. 17, and continuing through Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 6, free rides to these sites will be available every day the polls are open.
To request a free ride to the polls:
Fill out this form to request a free ride to the polls.
Alternatively, you can call 317-245-4417 to request that someone fill out the form for you. You can also email rides@indems.org if you have questions.
To volunteer to drive people to the polls:
Fill out this form to sign up to drive people to the polls.
The Blue Wave we’re all hoping for will be built on each individual vote. Thank you for helping us work toward a day when every voice will be heard.
Events
Below is a list of October 2018 events you may be interested in attending.
If you have questions about any of these events, please feel free to contact us at info@stjoedemocrats.org.
We also encourage you to check out our directory of all the Democratic candidates running for local, state, and federal office this November.
Tuesday, October 2
Council District C (Cindy Kilgore) Debate
6:00 p.m.
IUSB
Council District H (Joe Canarecci) Debate
7:00 p.m.
IUSB
Thursday, October 4
Bobby K for Council/Jason for Judge Fundraiser
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
South Bend Firefighters Hall
Sheetmetal Workers – Meet the Candidates Night (candidates only)
6:00 p.m.
Sheetmetal Workers Union Hall, South Bend
Saturday, October 6
Coffee at Chico’s with Bill Redman for Sheriff
8:00 a.m.
Chico’s (2418 W. Western Ave, South Bend)
Sunday, October 7
Trippel for Penn Trustee Fundraiser
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Main Street Grille, Mishawaka
Tuesday, October 9
State Rep. District 5 (Don Westerhausen) Debate
6:00 p.m.
IUSB
Wednesday, October 10
Swager for Commissioner Fundraiser
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Virtuoso Distillers (4211 Grape Rd., Mishawaka)
Thursday, October 11
Commissioner (Swager) Debate
6:00
IUSB
Events
Below is a list of September 2018 events you may be interested in, including our annual dinner and gala, which this year features the Hon. Joseph Kennedy III, U.S. Representative from Massachusetts’ 4th District.
If you have questions about any of these events, please feel free to contact us at info@stjoedemocrats.org.
We also encourage you to check out our directory of all the Democratic candidates running for local, state, and federal office this November.
Sunday, September 2
Penn TWP Fundraiser
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
DeAmici’s Club
Food/Beer/Wine Included – $20.00 at the door
Friday, September 7
Joe Canarecci for Council Fundraiser
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Goodson Event Center (1905 Goodson Ct., South Bend)
Thursday, September 13
Jim Harper for Secretary of State Fundraiser
5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
The Exchange Whiskey Bar
Saturday, September 15
Madison TWP Candidates Hog Roast
5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Wyatt Conservation Club
Friday, September 21
County Party Gala
Main Event – Sold Out
Live Stream Starts at 7:00 pm at Vegetable Buddies – Tickets Still Available
Sunday, September 23
Candidate Meet and Greet – Delta Sigma Theta
3:00 pm
Charles Martin Youth Center (802 Lincolnway West, South Bend)
Monday, September 24
Redman for Sheriff Fundraiser
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Pub, Granger
Events
Below is a list of August 2018 events you may be interested in. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us at info@stjoedemocrats.org.
We also encourage you to check out our directory of all the Democratic candidates running for local, state, and federal office this November.
Wednesday, August 1
Gala Planning Meeting
5:00 pm
St. Joseph County Democratic Party HQ (135 S. Lafayette, South Bend)
Don Westerhausen for Indiana House (District 5) Fundraiser
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Villa Macri
Friday, August 3
Mayor Pete Golf Outing
Elbel Golf Course
Building Trades Golf Outing
Whispering Pines
Saturday, August 4
Joe Taylor for Indiana House (District 7) Backyard BBQ Fundraiser
2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
217 Parkwood Lane, South Bend
Friday, August 10
David Niezgodski for State Senate Golf Outing
Whispering Pines Golf Course
Redman for Sheriff Trivia Night
7:00 pm
Goodson Event Center
Saturday, August 11
Get Downtown Voter Education Event
12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Downtown South Bend – Plaza Across From Bruno’s
Sunday, August 12
Don Westerhausen Absentee Ballot Drive
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Heritage Square, Granger
Wednesday, August 15
New Carlisle Democratic Convention
5:30 pm
New Carlisle Olive Township Library
Thursday, August 16
Swager for Commissioner Fundraiser
5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Lasalle Kitchen & Tavern
Friday, August 17 – Sunday, August 19
IDP French Lick Convention
French Lick, IN
Osceola Bluegrass Festival
Events
Below is a list of July 2018 events you may be interested in. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us at info@stjoedemocrats.org.
We also encourage you to check out our directory of all the Democratic candidates running for local, state, and federal office this November.
Saturday, July 14
Door-to-Door Canvass with Mel Hall and Donnelly Campaign
2:00 pm
St. Joseph County Democratic Party HQ (135 S. Lafayette, South Bend)
Sign Up/More Information
Sunday, July 22
Corey Noland for Council Once a Fricken Again Steak Fry
2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Mulligan’s Bar and Grill (1705 South Bend Ave., South Bend)
Suggested Contribution: $30
Monday, July 23
Press Conference: Jim Harper, Democratic candidate for Indiana Secretary of State
12:00 pm
Lobby of the County City Building (South Bend)
Topic: Security of Indiana elections
Saturday, July 28
New Carlisle Hometown Days Parade
Line up by 11:30 am
Parade at 12:00 pm (Eastern)
County Line Rd and Rt 20 behind Dollar General
Events
Below is a list of June 2018 events you may be interested in. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us at info@stjoedemocrats.org.
We also encourage you to check out our directory of all the Democratic candidates running for local, state, and federal office this November.
Friday, June 1
Cichowicz for Judge Golf Outing
Blackthorn Golf Course
Thursday, June 7
Redman for Sheriff Fundraiser
6:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Goodson Event Center
$25 at the door
Friday, June 8
Dave Thomas for Commissioner Golf Outing
Whispering Pines
Saturday, June 16
Indiana Democratic Party State Convention
Indianapolis, IN
Friday, June 22
Young Democrats of SJC Party
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Julian Sweeney Law Office
$20 at the door
https://www.facebook.com/events/1639297459438931/
Ed Liptrap for State Senate Young Democrats After Party
8:00 pm – ???
CJ’s Pub
Wednesday, June 27
Cindy Kilgore for Council Fundraiser
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Villa Macri, Granger
$30 at the door
https://www.facebook.com/events/180998552608635/
Jennica Liberatore for Clay TWP Fundraiser
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
St. Michaels Episcopal Church, Ironwood Dr.
$10 at the door
https://www.facebook.com/events/656767621362228/
