It's been 2 days now since the election and finally, a feeling of elation has set in after the adrenalin days leading up to the election.
What a night, what super volunteers, what emotion, what a new beginning for our country.
Barack Obama has been elected President of the United States of America.
You made it happen! A special thanks goes out to all you New Smyrna for Obama team members and all who have read and contributed to these postings.
We went into election day here in New Smyrna Beach, Florida with over 500 local volunteers hitting the streets, phone calling any and all in the area, providing Courtesy Stations at polling locations, dispatching and driving voters to the polls, and providing food and drink for all the above. Thanks to all, what a group, what a day, what an inspirational start to the next administration.
There were NO dry eyes at the celebration on election night now let's put that ground swell of inspiration and volunteers to the tough tasks ahead for President Elect Barack Obama .
Keep active, keep support flowing, and remember when we started this online group about 18 months ago, YES WE CAN, YES WE WILL, YES WE DID!!!
Early Voting for the entire state of Florida has just been extended.
Every Early Vote location in Florida will now be every day from 7am-7pm up through November 2.
Please pass along this great news to everyone you know who will be voting in Florida. Click here to find your nearest early vote location.
Here's the release:
GOVERNOR CRIST EXTENDS EARLY VOTING HOURS ~~ ~Ensures maximum number of Floridians can exercise right to vote~ ~~October 28, 2008Contact:GOVERNOR'S PRESS OFFICE(850) 488-5394TALLAHASSEE - Governor Charlie Crist today signed Executive Order 08-217, extending the hours for early voting during the current General Election. Effective immediately, early voting sites will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., through Friday, October 31, 2008, and for a total of 12 hours between 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 1, and 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 2, 2008. "I have spoken with the Secretary of State and members of the Florida Legislature and have concluded that it is always the right thing to do to give voters every opportunity to cast a ballot," Governor Crist said. "I have a responsibility to the voters of our state to ensure that the maximum number of citizens can participate in the electoral process, and that every person can exercise the right to vote." Prior to the 2008 General Election, Florida has seen historic numbers of Floridians registering to vote for the first time. In addition, record numbers of voters have chosen to cast a ballot during early voting. Early voting began on October 20 and runs through November 2. Current Florida law allows for early voting to be conducted eight hours per day on each weekday, and for a total of eight hours during both weekends during the early voting period. Floridians can contact their county's Supervisor of Elections for dates, times and locations of early voting. Florida voters can also request absentee ballots to be mailed to them until October 29. Please see the attached Executive Order 08-217. STATE OF FLORIDA OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 08-217 WHEREAS, early voting is scheduled to end November 2, 2008; and WHEREAS, early voting turnout has already reached record levels and is forecast to continue with record turnout. There are only 267 early voting sites throughout the state and long lines have formed at many of the early voting sites; and WHEREAS, a historic number of Floridians have registered to vote for the first time in this election; and WHEREAS, new voting equipment is being used in 15 Florida counties; WHEREAS, as a result of this unique combination of circumstances resulting from the historic voter turnout in this election, there is a possibility that election officials will be unable to conduct an orderly election, and thus residents in our state could be deprived of a meaningful opportunity to vote; andWHEREAS, because of the existing and continuing possibility of an emergency occurring before or during the regularly scheduled election, and in order to ensure maximum citizen participation in the electoral process, and provide a safe and orderly procedure for persons seeking to exercise their right to vote;NOW, THEREFORE, I, CHARLIE CRIST, as Governor of Florida, by virtue of the authority vested in me by Article IV, Section 1(a) of the Florida Constitution, by the Florida Elections Emergency Act, and by all other applicable laws, issue the following Executive Order, to take immediate effect:I hereby declare that, based on the above-described conditions, a state of emergency exists. It is hereby found and declared to be necessary to extend the voting hours during early voting. Accordingly, I order the Supervisors of Elections to open early voting sites from 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. through October 31, 2008 and open early voting sites for a total of twelve (12) hours between 7 a.m. November 1, 2008 and 7 p.m. November 2, 2008.IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Florida to be affixed, at Tallahassee, the Capitol, this 28th day of October, 2008. GOVERNORATTEST:SECRETARY OF STATE
GOVERNOR CRIST EXTENDS EARLY VOTING HOURS
~~ ~Ensures maximum number of Floridians can exercise right to vote~ ~~
October 28, 2008
Contact:
GOVERNOR'S PRESS OFFICE(850) 488-5394
TALLAHASSEE - Governor Charlie Crist today signed Executive Order 08-217, extending the hours for early voting during the current General Election. Effective immediately, early voting sites will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., through Friday, October 31, 2008, and for a total of 12 hours between 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 1, and 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 2, 2008.
"I have spoken with the Secretary of State and members of the Florida Legislature and have concluded that it is always the right thing to do to give voters every opportunity to cast a ballot," Governor Crist said. "I have a responsibility to the voters of our state to ensure that the maximum number of citizens can participate in the electoral process, and that every person can exercise the right to vote."
Prior to the 2008 General Election, Florida has seen historic numbers of Floridians registering to vote for the first time. In addition, record numbers of voters have chosen to cast a ballot during early voting.
Early voting began on October 20 and runs through November 2. Current Florida law allows for early voting to be conducted eight hours per day on each weekday, and for a total of eight hours during both weekends during the early voting period. Floridians can contact their county's Supervisor of Elections for dates, times and locations of early voting.
Florida voters can also request absentee ballots to be mailed to them until October 29.
Please see the attached Executive Order 08-217.
STATE OF FLORIDA
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 08-217
WHEREAS, early voting is scheduled to end November 2, 2008; and
WHEREAS, early voting turnout has already reached record levels and is forecast to continue with record turnout. There are only 267 early voting sites throughout the state and long lines have formed at many of the early voting sites; and
WHEREAS, a historic number of Floridians have registered to vote for the first time in this election; and
WHEREAS, new voting equipment is being used in 15 Florida counties;
WHEREAS, as a result of this unique combination of circumstances resulting from the historic voter turnout in this election, there is a possibility that election officials will be unable to conduct an orderly election, and thus residents in our state could be deprived of a meaningful opportunity to vote; and
WHEREAS, because of the existing and continuing possibility of an emergency occurring before or during the regularly scheduled election, and in order to ensure maximum citizen participation in the electoral process, and provide a safe and orderly procedure for persons seeking to exercise their right to vote;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, CHARLIE CRIST, as Governor of Florida, by virtue of the authority vested in me by Article IV, Section 1(a) of the Florida Constitution, by the Florida Elections Emergency Act, and by all other applicable laws, issue the following Executive Order, to take immediate effect:
I hereby declare that, based on the above-described conditions, a state of emergency exists. It is hereby found and declared to be necessary to extend the voting hours during early voting. Accordingly, I order the Supervisors of Elections to open early voting sites from 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. through October 31, 2008 and open early voting sites for a total of twelve (12) hours between 7 a.m. November 1, 2008 and 7 p.m. November 2, 2008.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Florida to be affixed, at Tallahassee, the Capitol, this 28th day of October, 2008.
GOVERNOR
ATTEST:
SECRETARY OF STATE
THE BIGGEST OBAMA EVENT YET! NEIGHBORHOOD WALK FOR BARACK
We have a GOTV event scheduled for this coming Saturday, October 25th, 2008 that can’t be missed by all you great volunteers out there!Here's the general idea:
If you'd like to support our Neighborhood Walk for Barack, come on down to our HQ at 505 Canal St. in New Smyrna Beach and we'll sign you up for your area and let you know where you can help.
Time is short so see us soon!
YES WE WILL!!
This is a message sent to me from WonderlandPR and I thought you might like to see it:
Barack Obama, beyond the rare repertoire of roaring rhetoric and retort, beyond the sweeping scope of policy and polemics, there is a man, who, once upon a time was a boy, raised by Toot and her husband, Barack's maternal grandparents.
Now, Toot, Mrs. Dunham, is in need of the man we all have entrusted to guide our American family into its precarious future, as she lies in precarious health.
From his departure from the critical campaign, we who have worked for and with Barack for all these months, know that very little can stop Barack.
Do you remember him being sick and off the trail? No. Do you remember the times he had to leave the campaign to tend to a daughters' crisis? No. Did you ever see him explode in anger or breakdown in frustration? No.
Now this.
So we know that Barack's humanity, his very humannessm is being called by the call to return to Hawaii and Toot.
I must admit I have prayed for an intervention to give Barack some respite from the slings and arrows of the last weeks of the nasty campaign by McCain en company, but I did not pray for this.
God works in mysterious ways. Perhaps this is an answered prayer.
I hope you might join me in wishing Barack Godspeed to Toot's side and that he is restored in his pending sorrow by the loving supporters that so many of us have become.
We ARE all in this together. Never have those words been more true.
Please let's make an effort to fill the crater of space that Barack leaves as he leaves to be with Toot before they must leave each other for all times.
And, if anyone sees or hears Palin or McCain grinding Barack down while Obama tends to the call that comes to us all, PLEASE FIGHT THE SMEARS AND MAKE THEM WISH THEY HAD NEVER OPENED THEIR MOUTHS AT A TIME LIKE THIS.
We all owe Toot our honoring prayers, as she vitally helped shape the man who, if we work our butts off, will be our next President. As Barack has said, she poured everything she had into him, and now we pour our hearts out for them both.
Hey Everyone. There was a great event hosted by the New Smyrna Obama people at Pettis PArk in New Smyrna on Sunday. We registered voters and had everyone sign pledge cards for early voting! There was food, music and plenty of politcal talk;) This event was a lot of fun and we definately got some new voters for Obama! Check out the pictures...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/31189243@N04/show/
COME ON OUT AND BARACK THE VOTE!!!
Come join us in New Smyrna Beach for a Barack the Vote party in Pettis Park on Sunday Oct. 5th!
Live Music, Softball Game, Fun, and Refreshments!
Take US1 in NSB to Mary Ave. Go west on Mary 6 blocks to 800 Mary Ave.
This may be your last chance to get registered to vote before the October 6th deadline so come on in and register!
All right NewSmyrnaforObama, I have 2 of the 'original' plastic yard signs left.
Since we can't get these originals anymore, it's time for a Barack auction!
Here's the plan:
1. Go to our New Smyrna for Obama group donation page: http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/maingroup/newsmyrnaforobama and make a donation. Be sure to use the 'Donation' button below the 'Thermometer' or I won't get a notice from the Obama campaign of your donation.
2. When i get confirmation from the Obama campaign of the donation, the 2 highest 'donators' will get the signs.
3. The 'donation' period will end after the Friday Watch Party at Pat and Grey's: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gsxrzq#rsvp (they have a computer so you can do it there at the last minute if you must).
4. I'll notify the winners on Saturday, 9-27-08.
5. The 'winners' will have to pick up the signs at the Canal street HQ on or after Saturday, 9-27-08.
Let's do it for Barack!
YES WE CAN!!
All New Smyrna'ians, come on out and show your support for Barack!
We have a Debate watch party scheduled for this friday to enjoy the debate and meet a bunch of great Obama people and hosted by some super Barack fans.
Here's the link to the event signup: http://my.barackobama.com/page/group/newsmyrnaforobama
Kurt and the army of Obama Volunteers got it done last weekend! Here's Kurt's note:
Wasn't that moving and special, what a speech! This is going to be a great week. Get ready for day 2 and i suggest watching it on PBS. Much less agravation as opposed to watching the convention on MSM.
Oh yes:
All right New Smyrna for Obama, let's give Barack a 'start to the convention' boost!
Our group page fundraising 'Thermometer' needs a boost as well so let's dig it up for Barack and show our support for those at the convention from those of us that can't be there.
Please go to our group fundraising page, http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/maingroup/newsmyrnaforobama and add some $$ for Barack.
Remember to click on the 'Donate' button in the 'Thermometer' box and not the top one so the group gets the thermometer moving upward!
Michelle will be great tonight as the keynote speaker for the convention,, I'm watching. If you can't get it on MSM, PBS will be carrying it.
It's official, Barack sent out the email this morning, did you get it?
Friend --I have some important news that I want to make official.I've chosen Joe Biden to be my running mate. Joe and I will appear for the first time as running mates this afternoon in Springfield, Illinois -- the same place this campaign began more than 19 months ago.I'm excited about hitting the campaign trail with Joe, but the two of us can't do this alone. We need your help to keep building this movement for change.Please let Joe know that you're glad he's part of our team. Share your personal welcome note and we'll make sure he gets it:Welcome Joe Thanks for your support,Barack
I have some important news that I want to make official.
I've chosen Joe Biden to be my running mate.
Joe and I will appear for the first time as running mates this afternoon in Springfield, Illinois -- the same place this campaign began more than 19 months ago.
I'm excited about hitting the campaign trail with Joe, but the two of us can't do this alone. We need your help to keep building this movement for change.
Please let Joe know that you're glad he's part of our team. Share your personal welcome note and we'll make sure he gets it:
Welcome Joe
Thanks for your support,
Barack
Send Joe a note! Welcome Joe!
Make sure to turn on your TV at 3:00 p.m. to join Obama and Biden in Springfield, Illinois. Or, watch online at http://www.BarackObama.com.
Also, we will be at the Art Walk tomorrow, etc...
352-256-0823
The man that took 47 years to develope into the genuine patriot we see today will have a special celebration on Monday.
Yes, Barack Obama will be 47 years old on Monday, August 4th, 2008.
Let's '47' him with birthday gifts,, that would be like $.47 or $4.70 or $47.00 or $470.00 etc., at our group fundraising page: http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/maingroup/newsmyrnaforobama
Remember to use the 'thermometer' Donate button (not the one in the upper right).
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BARACK!
For those of us that are having a difficult time making ends meet during this economic downturn while at the same time having the energy costs we pay gusher up for the oil companies, here's a real emergency economic package:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/4385783/Barack-Obamas-Emergency-Economic-Plan
Here's a personal thanks from David Plouffe for all those of you who contributed to this great campaign for change:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFMUfjUI5Ro
If you are not a registered voter, did you know that you cannot vote in the Flagler primary elections, unless you register to vote by Monday, July 28, 2008.
The primary election is when the local residents will be selecting local candidates for the subsequent election in Flagler County for positions such as Clerk of Courts, Board of County Commission, School Board, Supervisor of Elections, and the Sheriff. The primary election in Palm Coast and Flagler County will take place on Tuesday, August 26, 2008.
BE ELECTION READY:
Make sure you are registered to voteIf you have not registered to vote by July 28, you can't vote in local primaries. If you are not a registered voter, you can pick up a voter registration application at the Library in Palm Coast, or do that from the comfort of your home or office, as you can print out a blank application online at: http://election.dos.state.fl.us/RegToVote/webappform.pdf. Make sure your application is processed by July 28.
Update your address and other registration informationIf the only change in your record is the change of your address within Flagler County, then you can contact the Flagler Supervisor of Elections Office at 386.313.4170 or complete the reverse side of your voter registration card. However if it is a name change, party affiliation change, or address change from or to another county in Florida, then you must complete a new voter registration application.
Find Your Early Voting Site or Your Election Day Polling PlaceEarly voting for primaries begins Monday, August 11. Hours for early voting are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Saturday. Early voting will end on Saturday August 23rd. Naturally, if you did not vote early, you can always go to the polls on Tuesday, August 26 --the day of the primary election. Keep in mind though, early voting is a convenient and probably a faster way to cast your vote. When you have a 15-day window to cast your vote, there is no excuses such as "something came up" or "I got busy" when the Primary Day comes. Early voting locations include:
- Flagler County Public Library (2500 Palm Coast Pkwy, Palm Coast) - Flagler Beach City Commission Room (105 S. 2nd St, Flagler Beach) - Flagler County Elections Office (1769 E. Highway 100, Bunnell)
Request Your Absentee ballot in Time for the PrimaryAn absentee ballot is a vote cast by someone who is either unable or unwilling to attend the official polling stations. If you are not sure how your schedule is going to work out, then perhaps you should request your absentee ballot. You can do so online, as simple as 1-2-3: http://www.flaglerelections.com/absentee.htm For complete information on Voter Registration, visit: http://election.dos.state.fl.us/voter-registration/voter-reg.shtml You can also call the Florida Voter Registration Hotline, toll-free at 1-866-308-6739. If you are suspicious of frauds by any group or individual regarding voter registration, call the Voter Fraud Hotline 1-877-868-3737
In Flagler County contact the Supervisor of Elections at 386.313.4170 (or visit www.FlaglerElections.com).
Please note that the July 28 deadline (and other information listed above) are related to the Flagler County Primaries only. The General Election voter registration deadline is different, and not until Fall: October 6 is the last day to register to vote in the general elections.
One of the best ways to understand who is who in the local elections, is through opportunities to meet the candidates and listen to them.
Here are some of those opportunities:
Meet the Candidates NightNAACP will host a Meet the Candidates Night on July 23rd, between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM at the African-American Cultural Society (4422 North US 1, Palm Coast). Candidates running for Sheriff and County Commission will participate in the forum, and the new DEC Chair Dan Parham is expected to be moderator. For details, call NAACP at 386.446.7822 (source Flagler Times & NAACP)Online Town Hall MeetingsAlso scheduled are online town-hall style debates by FlaglerChat.com. Registration is free, and you will be able to access and participate from the comfort of your home. If you are already registered on FlaglerChat.com (and if you are not, registration is free) all you have to do is to log on to www.FlaglerChat.com, submit your questions to the local candidates. On the respective debate night, candidates will answer the questions and debate in a true Town Hall fashion, which will be available for all to see. The online debates are sponsored by FlaglerChat.com, Rotary Clubs of Flagler, Flagler Home Builders Association, African-American Cultural Society, and Palm Coast Civic Association. Schedule is as follows (source FlaglerChat.com) :On Mon, July 28 - Clerk of Court CandidatesOn Wed, July 30 - Board of County CommissionOn Thu, August 14 - School BoardOn Mon, August 18 - Supervisor of ElectionsOn Wed, August 20 - Sheriff
Meet the Candidates NightNAACP will host a Meet the Candidates Night on July 23rd, between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM at the African-American Cultural Society (4422 North US 1, Palm Coast). Candidates running for Sheriff and County Commission will participate in the forum, and the new DEC Chair Dan Parham is expected to be moderator. For details, call NAACP at 386.446.7822 (source Flagler Times & NAACP)
Online Town Hall MeetingsAlso scheduled are online town-hall style debates by FlaglerChat.com. Registration is free, and you will be able to access and participate from the comfort of your home. If you are already registered on FlaglerChat.com (and if you are not, registration is free) all you have to do is to log on to www.FlaglerChat.com, submit your questions to the local candidates. On the respective debate night, candidates will answer the questions and debate in a true Town Hall fashion, which will be available for all to see. The online debates are sponsored by FlaglerChat.com, Rotary Clubs of Flagler, Flagler Home Builders Association, African-American Cultural Society, and Palm Coast Civic Association. Schedule is as follows (source FlaglerChat.com) :
On Mon, July 28 - Clerk of Court CandidatesOn Wed, July 30 - Board of County CommissionOn Thu, August 14 - School BoardOn Mon, August 18 - Supervisor of ElectionsOn Wed, August 20 - Sheriff
Both are good opportunities to learn about the local politics and issues, and more importantly about the candidates and their positions on matters which concern us as Flagler county residents. I hope this information will be of use to you and/or to people you may know.
Looking forward to an election that is civil, respectful, and just...
Let the best candidates for the county, country and the world win.
Best regards, Kayhan EkinciPalm Coast Residentand Obama Supporter
______Note: Information above is correct to the best of my knowledge, as of the date this has been posted online (July 20, 2008). Compilation of the information and deadlines have been based on several sources which are deemed reliable. Dates and information may be subject to change. Author is not responsible for any typos, errors or omissions. You should verify the locations, dates, and deadlines with the respective group in charge.
This message goes to the heart of loss of direction and respect the United States now has in the world for which many of us began our march to support Barack Obama in the first place. Enjoy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sV8MF6wPpnM
I had a freind request this morning from an individual with such a straight forward yet moving and profound rationale as to why she supports Barack that i wanted to post it here for all our Barack Obama supporters to see:
Why I support Barack Obama: I know that he will respect the office of the Presidency and when various situations occur, he will work to bring those opposed to his policies to the table to discuss their differences. He will work to bridge any and all divides in Congress. Most importantly he will use his diplomatic skills to set foreign policies that are respected all over the world. I know that he does not possess all the answers to domestic and foreign policies, but I trust him to seek answers from those persons that do possess the knowledge. Finally, I am certain that his Presidency will hold his wife Michelle in high esteem for all to admire and respect. She is a strong shining example of an American woman--strong, intelligent, beautiful, resilient, professional, humble, and unselfish in sharing her children, her husband, and herself with other Americans. Thank God for change.
