May 28, 2020
The Boone County Democratic Party Headquarters remains closed. As Columbia and Boone County begin reopening in May and June, the committee officers will continue to review the public health situation alongside feedback from our members, candidates, and volunteers. We will make decisions about reopening the office based on recommendations from public health officials, our capacity to protect the safety of our community, and the comfort of those dedicated to keeping our operations running.
When we reopen, face coverings (mask or shields) and safe distancing practices will be required.
Central Committee monthly meetings will continue to be held in a virtual format. Researchers have found that gatherings in closed, indoor spaces have been associated with serious high transmission events. Meetings are being held on Zoom, and if you would like to attend the June or July meeting online, please email us at boonecountydemocrats [at] gmail.com.
March 13, 2020
Committeepersons, Candidates, Members, and Volunteers,
The Boone County Democratic Central Committee Executive Board met via video conference today to decide the next steps for the organization in consideration of the COVID-19 pandemic. While it is critical that the business of the local Party continues, we will be adjusting our strategies for meeting, campaigning, and volunteering as needed to address health concerns for members of our community who are most at risk. Beginning immediately all activities and volunteer shifts at Boone County Democratic Party office located at 409 Vandiver Drive, Suite 104, Columbia will be suspended for a period of three weeks (until April 4, 2020). Phone calls will begin being forwarded to Vice Chair Blake Willoughby to keep in touch with constituents who contact us via the office phone. The Party will set up a Zoom account to allow for communication via video conference. We hope these efforts will limit large group settings and limit opportunities for the spread of the virus.
The executive team also notified the Missouri Democratic Party Executive Director and Chair of our concerns related to the holding of the April 6th County Mass Meetings. The State Committee is holding an emergency meeting tomorrow March 15th to vote on possible changes to the Delegate Selection Plan that would greatly alter the timeline and meeting locations. I will update with new information and guidance from the MDP as I receive it. Pertaining to County Committees the MDP states: “We recommend our campaigns and local committees to only have meetings held virtually using Google Hangouts, Zoom, and conference calls and we and our partners in the House Caucus will help facilitate the use of online technology for our committees and campaigns to use to organize and carry on. We and our House Caucus partners are developing a series of recommendations on virtual and online organizing tactics for our campaigns to utilize, as well as health, medical, and other guidance. In regards to canvassers, the MDP recommends that all canvassing stops until further notice. In order to win majorities in November, we have a lot of persuadable voters we need to connect with. The best way to do that is phones, email, digital apps, and other internet communications. Don’t stop campaigning, this election is as critical as any in our lifetimes, but let’s begin to change the nature of our campaign efforts to consider the public health reality.” For further information related to the Delegate Selection process please visit the MDP website at missouridemocrats.org.
These new challenges will be met with a steadfast determination to uphold our Democratic values and the political process. You can rest assured our executive team is committed to finding solutions for campaigning for Democratic candidates, holding our meetings, and communicating ways for you to participate in making our state and country a more responsive place. Please remember to file for your Central Committee Ward and Township positions at the County Clerk’s office by 5:00 pm March 31. We intend to be ready to return as a physical presence in our community as soon as it is determined to be acceptable to do so.
As we adjust to the current situation, please consider what you can do to make a difference in our Democratic community. Check your neighbors, friends, and family that may need assistance meeting basic needs. Consider donating funds to local candidates as they will need to focus on virtual campaigning and other creative opportunities. Lobby your legislators and let them know we will not let this virus stop our efforts to reclaim the decency of our government.
In Solidarity,
Lyra Noce
Chair, Boone County Democratic Party