by Margee Hills, co-chair of the Political Committee

The November 5 General Election is 5 months away, and although the Primary was held in March, not all the races that will be on the ballot have been finalized.  In Orange County, the last day to file nomination papers/declaration of candidacy for city councils, school boards, and water districts is August 9. 

These local offices are important for many reasons.  Serving on local boards and councils is a way for people to serve their community and help to implement changes they think are needed.  As they learn about governing, they may decide to run for higher office and have built up name recognition that can be helpful in getting elected.

The Orange County Political Committee (OCPC) will soon be working on endorsements for these local offices.  We send out questionnaires to all candidates running in a race we decide to get involved in.  There are over 100 local entities. so we are unable to participate in every race.  After the questionnaires are returned, we evaluate them to decide which candidates to interview.  After the interviews, the interview team decides whether to recommend endorsement in the race.  Then the endorsement must be approved by two of the following – OCPC, Orange County groups, or the Angeles Chapter – before being finalized by the State/Local Candidate Review Committee.  It is a rigorous process, so OCPC members will be busy in August and September.

This fall we will be mobilizing to support our endorsed candidates.  There are a couple of Orange County congressional districts that could determine which party controls the House of Representatives.  Most of our efforts will probably be focused on these races, but all our endorsed candidates need support. There will be opportunities for canvassing and phone banking and perhaps some postcard writing. 

Canvassing is my favorite campaign activity, with at least three benefits.  First, and foremost, a canvasser gets to talk to people face-to-face about a candidate and has the opportunity to make a difference one voter at a time.  The second benefit is exercise – walking in beautiful Orange County.  And then there is the opportunity to check-out people’s yards.  Truly, canvassing is “Three-fer” activity!

Please reach out to me if you would like to be involved: margeehills@gmail.com

And remember to vote in November General Election!