It is time to revel in the moment; to reflect on the history that has been made this Nov., to ponder 'our future' and to look forward to the change that President elect Obama will bring to 'us', our country and the world!
It's not over, though. This is the beginning!
I welcome you to the 21st century (we've finally gotten there!)!
Be ready, stay involved. 'Our journey through all the months of this campaign has challenged all of us. It has made us think about what 'we' can do when we work together. Our voices being heard in America and around the world has brought us to this new America!
President elect Obama has made me so proud of him, of 'us' and of our country again! Yet, he can't do it alone! Who will be there to help in our communities, our states, our country when he asks?
WE WILL! YES WE CAN! YES WE WILL bring change to America!
I look forward to working with all of you again soon!
WILL YOU SAY: I WILL?
Gail/Obama in the Heart
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
It both saddens me and disgusts me that these 2 are using so much anger, fear, hate and lies to divide us at a time when understanding, honesty, unity and courage are what we need. That is what would be best for our country! So, I'm asking them to follow their own 'slogan' and put our country 1st for a change!!
Not to mention the RNC and their robocalls! Unethical and unacceptable!
What would you ask them to do to show us that they are putting 'country 1st'?
looking forward to hearing from you!
Gail/Obama in the Heart, Peoria, IL
There was a message circulating some of our groups in Florida yesterday that spread incorrect information conerning the the ID needed to vote. We're going to clarify below.
A message from the Florida Campaign for Change chief election lawyer:
I am the Obama-Biden campaign’s chief election lawyer in Florida, and I have received the 'no match no vote' message from several sources. This message is categorically false. Our reading of the clear statutory language does NOT require that the address on the driver’s license (or other ID) that the voter presents at the polls match the voter’s address in the precinct register. Furthermore, this press release from the Florida Secretary of State definitively ccnfirms:http://www.dos.state.fl.us/news/communications/pressRelease/pressRelease.cfm?id=330 See the last bullet:· I.D. required and checked at the polls is used solely to confirm the voter’s identity. Not to verify the voter’s ID number or address. The photograph on the ID is compared to the person standing before the poll worker and the signature on the ID is compared to the signature on record.
I am the Obama-Biden campaign’s chief election lawyer in Florida, and I have received the 'no match no vote' message from several sources. This message is categorically false.
Our reading of the clear statutory language does NOT require that the address on the driver’s license (or other ID) that the voter presents at the polls match the voter’s address in the precinct register. Furthermore, this press release from the Florida Secretary of State definitively ccnfirms:http://www.dos.state.fl.us/news/communications/pressRelease/pressRelease.cfm?id=330
See the last bullet:
· I.D. required and checked at the polls is used solely to confirm the voter’s identity. Not to verify the voter’s ID number or address. The photograph on the ID is compared to the person standing before the poll worker and the signature on the ID is compared to the signature on record.
Please feel free to email florida@barackobama.com with any questions or concerns.
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.
I have been following some of the events in the area of Russia and Georgia.
At this stage many Americans seem to believe that we should unconditionally back Georgia. However, if what is being said about Georgia launching attacks on South Ossetia in the middle of the night is true, and that they indiscrimately bombed civilian targets; we should withhold our unbridled support. There may be some behind the scenes action that need to be addressed. Does it seem strange, to anyone other than myself, that the President of Georgia regularly calls into U.S. news media outlets? He calls our media! Ordinarilly, journalists have to try to contact sitting heads of state; but he contacts U.S. news media personally. I think it is strange. This guy appears to be campaigning for someone.
The international press is saying that the military activity in South Ossetia was an attempt by Bush-Cheney to aid McCain whose only strong suite is war. ( http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/15/mccain-rises-to-abbas-defense/ )
I hope Senator Obama does not take the bait. He would be wise to determine who is zoomin' who before he weighs-in too heavily on this highly orchestrated drama.
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.
http://my.barackobama.com/elizabethgillette
Sign up for our July 12th event as we are doing voluteer recruiting, voter registration and just having fun!!! 10-3 at Holland Memorial Park. If you want to help or just come for the festivities sign up or call Elizabeth Gillette.
386-986-7111 for further questions.
I have some questions for anyone reading this: If I were to buy several copies of Obama's books and hand them out to family, friends and neighbors while handing out yard signs, bumper stickers, buttons etc., would the cost of the books be considered part of my financial campaign contribution? And if so, how would I report such?
Secondly, if anyone out there has some really unique and creative ideas on how to campaign and spread the word about Obama, I'd really love to hear your stories!
Ever since last Friday I have been engaged in a back and forth email discussion with several former collegues; most of whom are McCain supporter's. After a few negative sounding rounds we decided to list 10 positive reasons for voting for our respective candidates... I sumitted these off of the top of my head:
Keith asked we submit 10 positive reason's for voting for my candidate (I am limited to only 10 but I could give more). So in that spirit I submit the following:1. Understands the U.S ConstitutionThis is the first and foremost qualification for the office of President. Each president swears under oath to uphold the constitution. Senator Obama taught constitutional law. He fully understands what it means and what it stands for. Further he understands how fragile the original document is in our ever-changing world. He has written extensively on how to be faithful to the constitution while still providing citizens the freedom to grow in an advanced society that the founding fathers could not foresee.
