Group of six people, four women and two men, holding toys and gift boxes in a brightly lit room with blue curtains. They are smiling and appear happy, celebrating a gift exchange or similar event.

December 15, 2024

The Rural Dems stopped by The Chronicle Telegram to deliver a “sleigh full” of toys and pantry items in their annual contribution to the Not Forgotten Box as the last community activity of the year.

November 14, 2024

The Rural Dems and Lorain County Rising sponsored a “Thank You” celebration for all who worked at the Board of Elections during early voting through Election Day.

Five people sitting around a restaurant table with drinks and plates of food, smiling for the photo.

November 11,2024

Rural Dems held their monthly meeting at the Oberlin Democratic Headquarters. While there was disappointment with the election results, the presence of new faces ready to support Democratic provided hope for the future.

A diverse group of people standing in line outside a brick building on a sunny day.

October Voter Outreach Efforts

Two people walking along a grassy path in a park with trees and a parking lot in the background.

Group of five people outdoors holding political campaign flyers or brochures, with trees and a clear sky in the background.

During the month of October and through Election Day, Rural Dems teamed up with other Lorain County Democrats and were present daily at the Lorain County Board of Elections, beginning the first day of early voting, to encourage voters to say YES on Issue 1 and vote the Democratic Ticket. They also canvassed for member candidate Brenda Buchanan and all Democratic candidates.

Four people standing together, smiling, in front of a Sherrod Brown campaign backdrop featuring multiple campaign signs. From left to right: an older woman in a yellow cardigan with glasses, a young woman in a white shirt with a pug graphic, a man in a suit, and a woman in a black cardigan and striped shirt.

Campaign sign for Sherrod Brown, Ohio Senator, featuring a blue Ohio map, bold black text of his name, and red text with his website and title.

October 27,2024

Many Rural Dems supported Sherrod Brown by attending the Sherrod Brown Spaghetti Dinner in Lorain . In addition to the spaghetti, Senator Brown delivered a rousing speech! Some members also met Senator Brown for a photo op.

Group of five people in costume standing behind a booth at an outdoor event with colorful bowls of candy on the table.

October 19, 2024

People gathered around a booth at an outdoor event, with a blue canopy and a brick building in the background, some children and adults, and a stroller nearby.

Rural Dems went to Wellington and celebrated Halloween early! They handed out candies while also demonstrating a Democratic presence and commitment to Wellington and the surrounding area.

A man with glasses and brown hair, smiling, wearing a black judge's robe, white shirt, and patterned tie.

A political campaign sign with blue, white, and red colors. It reads 'IT'S TIME FOR FAIR DISTRICTS' and 'END GERRYMANDERING NOW!' with a website URL 'fairdistrictsohio.org' at the bottom.

October 14, 2024

Jim Slagle

Rural Dems held their monthly meeting at the Oberlin Democratic Headquarters. Jim Slagle, a representative for Fair Districts discussed the history of efforts to create a more equitable representational democracy by establishing fair voting districts as well as the details of Issue 1. Fair Districts Ohio is a coalition of grassroots organizations that is non-partisan team led by Common Cause Ohio, ACLU Ohio, and the League of Women Voters of Ohio, and joined by the Ohio A. Philip Randolph Institute, the Ohio Council of Churches, the Ohio Voter Rights Coalition, and other good government organizations.

Banner for 'Donuts & Democracy' event with logos of Lorain County Rising and Oberlin Democratic HQ, featuring donuts and a pink and teal color scheme.

October 5, 2024

Rural Dems met with Lorain County Rising and the Oberlin Democrats for Coffee and Donuts before heading out to canvas for Democratic candidates, make phone calls or write postcards to voters for a day of action.

Two elderly women having a conversation in a classroom or office setting with maps and posters on the wall.

Four people in a room with a brick wall, two women and two young men, engaged in conversation. One woman is standing, and a sign on the wall reads 'RESENDEZ FOR SUR JUDGE 2024'.

Four women in a room having a conversation, with one woman holding a plate of food. There are posters on the walls and maps in the background.

September 26, 2024

Three smiling people sitting at a table during an event, with a festive indoor setting and other guests in the background.

Three adults sitting at a dinner table, smiling and enjoying themselves, with drinks and napkins on the table.

September 20-22, 2024

Red apple-shaped sign with a green leaf, text reading 'Elyria Apple Festival,' and a brown caterpillar on the apple.

Rural Dems helped staff the DEMOCRAT Booth at the Elyria Apple Festival. While handing out yard signs and promoting Democratic voting, many good conversations were shared and tasty treats sampled.

Text that reads '#govote!' with '#' and 'vote!' in red and 'go' in blue, written in a handwritten style on a white background.

September 14, 2024

Rural Dems got together for chili and fixings while writing postcards to voters encouraging both registration and YES votes on Issue 1. Thanks to Sue for hosting the opportunity for fun with politics!

September 9, 2024

The Rural Dems met at the Oberlin Democratic Campaign Office. Lili Sandler, our local representative to the National Democrat Convention in Chicago, was the guest speaker. She shared her “behind-the scenes” look at the convention as well as the excitement of being a participant in this historic event!

Woman with glasses smiling at the camera wearing a white T-shirt with 'OHIO' and 'HARRIS WALLZ' printed on it, at a political event, with a large stage and screen in the background displaying 'DNC 2024'.

September Voter Registration Efforts

Members of the Rural Dems worked together and with other Lorain County Dems to register many new voters throughout September at a variety of events and locations including:

The Labor Day Festival on Sept 1
The Elyria Public Library beginning Sept 5
Lorain County Community College Sept 9 - Sept 14
Leather Leaf Community on Sept 15
Apples Grocery on Sept 28

Four people standing under a blue canopy tent at a voter registration event near a body of water with trees in the background. They are holding patriotic pinwheels and a sign that says 'VOTE'. One person is wearing an orange shirt that says 'Help you register to vote'. The scene is sunny with clear skies.

Two women sitting at a table with a sign that says 'Register to Vote here now' and another sign indicating the same. The table is covered with a blue tablecloth, and there are various papers and clipboards on it. Behind them is a glass display case with a yellow jacket and some other items.

August 29, 2024

Group of six people, including four women and two men, sitting and standing in an indoor setting with a flat-screen TV and a blue curtain in the background.

Members of the Rural Dems turned out in support of fellow member Brenda Buchanan’s Town Hall at the Elyria Public Library. Brenda is a Candidate for Ohio House Representative in District 54.

August 12, 2024

Man smiling and waving, holding a black folder, standing in front of a blue curtain and yellow brick wall.

Man in a blue polo shirt standing in front of a yellow brick wall and navy curtain, gesturing with his right hand.

The Rural Dems met at the Historic Grafton School. State Representative of the 53rd District, Joe Miller, discussed his experiences both as a candidate and as an elected official. Judge Frank Janik of the Lorain County Domestic RelationsCourt, who is running for reelection also spoke to his experiences as a sitting judge. Lori Resendez represented Rich Resendez, candidate for Sheriff and also an RLCDP member. Daisie Reish represented Brenda Buchanan, candidate for Ohio Representative in District 54 and also an RLCDP member.

August 3-4, 2024

Open cardboard box filled with toys, including a basketball, toy robot, teddy bear, and football, next to text that reads 'Community Yard Sale'.

The Rural Dems participated in the Elyria Community Rummage Sale on Friday, August 2 and Saturday, August 3, 2024. As a result, more than $400 was donated to the RLCDPA!

Thanks to everyone who participated in the sale!

July Canvassing

Rural Dems began canvassing for local Democrats like Rural Dem member Brenda Buchanan who is running for State Representative in Ohio House District 54.

Five people standing outdoors holding campaign flyers and brochures, with trees in the background.

July 20, 2024

The Rural Dems held a community picnic at Findley State Park. Approximately 100 Community Members, Rural Dems, and Political Candidates attended. New friends were made and picnic food was shared!

Invitation flyer for a Democratic picnic featuring puzzle pieces and text inviting rural Lorain County voters to attend a free event on Saturday, July 20.

Group of seven people gathered outdoors at a political rally, holding signs supporting democracy, choice, freedom, and healthcare, with trees and a parking lot in the background.

July 6, 2024

A group of people standing and sitting on a police car on a sidewalk during a community event on a sunny day.

Members of the Rural Dems marched in the Grafton Independence Day Parade. Everyone had a good time handing out candy and greeting the residents of Grafton.

People holding a banner that reads 'Rural Lorain County Democrats' during a parade, with decorated vehicles and onlookers in the background.

July 1, 2024

Four women standing in front of a wall with framed quotes. Three women are wearing black t-shirts that say 'GERRYMANDERING CITIZENS NOT POLITICIANS.' One woman is wearing a white jacket and a black hat with 'VOTE' written on it. They are smiling and one woman is pointing at a quote on the wall behind them.

Members of the Rural Democrats joined other Lorain County Democrats and supporters of ending gerrymandering from all over Ohio to deliver more than 731,000 signatures to the State House in support of the Citizens Not Politicians Amendment. The Amendment will be on the November 2024 ballot

Group of people at a protest holding signs supporting fair maps and opposing gerrymandering in Ohio, with banners and flags in a large indoor government building.

Group of people gathered indoors for a protest or rally, holding signs and wearing shirts with messages like "End Gerrymandering in Ohio," "Ban Gerrymandering! Citizens Not Politicians," and "Lorain County for Fair Maps."

June 27 - June 30, 2024

The Rural Dems hosted a booth at the annual Columbia Station Homecoming. Members greeted and talked with many Columbia Station residents. Despite the rain on Saturday afternoon, the event was a success!

A 2024 political campaign booth set up on a grassy field with signs supporting local Democratic candidates in Lorain County and opportunity to register to vote.

June 10 ,2024

Ohio Supreme Court Justice Michael Donnelly was the guest speaker at our June Meeting at the Grafton Willow Park. Click below to read the Chronicle Telegram coverage of the event.

Chronicle Telegram Article

2024 candidate for Supreme Court Judge speaking to potential voters.

2024 group of people gathered around picnic tables under a shelter, with signs in the background that say 'Democracy Delivered'.

Week Days in May 2024

Rural Dems are joining other Lorain County Dems to collect signatures at the BMV’s in Elyria, Lorain and Avon Lake.

2024 Text graphic with the words "Citizens Not Politicians" in large, bold font, with "Citizens" in gray and "Not Politicians" on a red banner.

May 6, 2024

The Rural Dems joined with Lorain County Rising in Oberlin for a joint meeting in May. Rachel Coyle a co-founder of the group How Things Work at the Ohio State House was the guest speaker. Rachel discussed the importance of being an activist at the state level. Like many of us, Rachel didn’t know much about what was going on at the state level until she began working at the Ohio Statehouse. She emphasized just how much power citizens actually have in stopping bad bills from being passed at the state level.

Close-up of a woman with red hair speaking during an interview. Text overlay reads "Rachel Coyle, How Things Work at the Statehouse."

The image shows a historic government building with large columns in the front, two American flags on flagpoles, and a clear blue sky in the background.

April 15, 2024

A woman speaking at a meeting or presentation, holding papers, with a table of puzzles and snacks in front of her and other people partially visible.

Robyn Forney from Red, Wine and Blue was the guest speaker at the RLCDPA April meeting . She discussed the group’s goal of meeting people on the issues and building relationships while avoiding political divisions.

Week Days in April 2024

Rural Dems are joining other Lorain County Dems to collect signatures at the BMV’s in Elyria, Lorain and Avon Lake.

March 11, 2024

Lili Sandler, Lorain County-Erie County Co-Lead for Citizens Not Politicians, the organization spearheading the Ohio redistricting constitutional amendment, was the guest speaker at the March RLCDPA meeting. She explained the proposed amendment in detail including how the redistricting commission will be appointed.

Week Days in March 2024

Rural Dems are joining other Lorain County Dems to collect signatures at the BMV’s in Elyria, Lorain and Avon Lake.

Graphic with the text 'CITIZENS NOT POLITICIANS' in bold, with 'CITIZENS' in black and blue, and 'NOT POLITICIANS' in white on a red background.

March 24, 2024

In 2022 the RLCDPA worked with Field Team 6 to contact 8,300 voters in Congressional District 5. Phone Bank Training was held to train members in the process of accessing the phone bank and making calls in preparation for the focus on Lorain County in 2024.

Text reading 'Field Team 6' with a white background

Field Team 6 Website

March 9, 2024

More than 300 post cards encouraging voter registration were completed at the Post Card Writing Party.

A speech bubble with the words 'Your Vote Counts' and a red checkmark.

A woman with long dark hair wearing sunglasses and a black puffer jacket sitting on a porch with green wooden siding and a door visible behind her.

February 19, 2024

Brenda Buchanan, Rural Lorain County Democrat member, kicked off her campaign tor the Ohio Senate in District 54 from her front porch in Columbia Station on February 19th.

A promotional sign advocating for citizens' control over elections instead of politicians, urging people to sign a petition for fair districts, with scheduled signings on Tuesdays and Thursdays in February from 1 PM to 3 PM.

Tuesdays and Thursdays February 2024

Rural Dems joined other Lorain County Democrats to collect signatures for the Citizens not Politicians amendment to end gerrymandering petition. They were stationed at the Urban League, located at 200 Middle Avenue in Elyria on Tuesdays and Thursdays in February between 1 PM & 3 PM.

January 29, 2024 Helping the Community

Members of the Rural Dems worked in the Repack Room at Second Harvest Food Bank. They joined in packing 250 boxes of food for delivery to senior citizens in need.

Group of ten people, some wearing volunteer shirts, standing in front of a yellow wall with a volunteer sign, smiling, with boxes and supplies nearby.

Three people packing boxes in a warehouse, smiling and working together.

Two women in a warehouse surrounded by boxes and packages, working together to pack or organize supplies, smiling at the camera.

People packaging food items in a warehouse or distribution center, with shelves of boxes and canned goods in the background.

January 22-26 Signature Collection at LCCC

Members of the Rural Dems collected 327 signatures at LCCC to put the Citizens Not Politicians amendment on the November ballot. Additionally, many new young persons were registered to vote.

A total of 1,260 signatures were collected in Lorain County in January.

Four women standing together inside a building, wearing black sweatshirts with slogans about citizen empowerment, smiling for the camera.

January 9, 2024 Democratic Party Delegate Selection Caucus

Several Rural Dems joined other Lorain County Democrats in attending the Delegate Selection Caucus held in Bowling Green, Ohio. Three delegates were chosen from Lorain County: Corey Barnes, Joe Miller and Lil Sandler.

Group of diverse women and men smiling and posing together in an indoor conference room.

Week Days in March 2024

Rural Dems are joining other Lorain County Dems to collect signatures at the BMV’s in Elyria, Lorain and Avon Lake.

Text reading 'CITIZENS NOT POLITICIANS' with 'CITIZENS' in large black letters with blue shadows, and 'NOT POLITICIANS' in white letters on a red background.

Week Days in March 2024

Rural Dems are joining other Lorain County Dems to collect signatures at the BMV’s in Elyria, Lorain and Avon Lake.

Graphic with the text 'CITIZENS NOT POLITICIANS' in large letters, with 'CITIZENS' in gray and blue and 'NOT POLITICIANS' in white on a red background.

January 6, 2024 Meeting the Community

“Celebrate Democracy” Bags containing information about Democrats, voting and the Rural Dems were created and distributed to Democratic leaning voters.

Political campaign flyers and brochures supporting Democratic candidates and voting in the 2024 election, with a candy cane and a white spray-painted object on the table.

A woman stands outside the entrance of a building with a sign that reads 'ENTER HERE'. Above her, a banner for the Rural Lorain County Democrats is displayed. The woman is wearing a black puffer jacket, blue jeans, and brown boots, and is smiling.

A paper shopping bag with a gold and white chevron pattern and brown twisted paper handles, sitting on a wooden surface. In front of the bag is a white sheet of paper with gingerbread cookie recipe, and a small Courage comic card featuring Rosie the Riveter.

ruralloraincounty@gmail.com