March 17th, 2026 Democratic Meeting Minutes
March 17th, 2026 Democratic meeting summary.
Call to order: The meeting was called to order at 6:30pm and followed by the pledge of allegiance. A moment of silence was taken for the 167 children and eight service men killed in this Iranian war.
Approval of the minutes: February minutes were approved.
Treasurer’s report: Current balance was reported with the electric and gas bill still outstanding. The light bill went up as it was almost a hundred dollars. It usually runs about $60-$70. The veterans fund was also reported.
Chair Report:
Everyone check your voter registration. Go to Indianavoters.in.gov to check. Republicans are trying to make it that you have to have your original name from your birth certificate to vote. Imagine how many women this will affect their voting ability.
We need poll workers for the primary election. We need 14 more people. You can work the polls if you’re a candidate unopposed. A question was raised about working half days. Frank Coffin stated that we are not there yet.
Frank Coffin: Reported on the election board. Candidates challenged and issues related to the challenges. Three republicans were disqualified by statute. Six other challenges were denied. All challenges came from mainly one person. About 20 people got letters and had to do their forms again over discrepancies. They have 5 days to respond. CFA4’s (financial disclosures) were discussed and their role in the disqualification process. April 17th, all candidates need to file the CFA4 campaign finance form by 12 noon. Even if you take in zero money and spend zero money you must file this form. March 24th there is a public test of the election equipment. Early voting begins April 7th at the courthouse 8-4 Monday thru Friday. There are two remote sessions Saturday April 25th & May 2nd 8am-3pm at the Courthouse and Freedom. Frank again stressed checking voter registration due to the Save Act currently being pushed. A federal attempt to take over elections.
March 7th Iran & Ice protest rally: 23 people showed up in the rain.
Happenings this month:
1.) March 28th Nationwide NO KINGS rally
2.) New text messaging service, you can scan the QR code on the website homepage. Benefits: receive things like meeting reminders, a list of groups that you can join and become part of a committee and even a rapid response team. We wanted to be ready if Ice comes to our community.
April 20th Candidate Event at the Tivoli: Doors open 5:30, start 6:30. The Owen News invited candidates, county & state from both parties, to introduce themselves and field questions later. (County level, not township level)
Outreach committee:
Little pantries are doing well thanks to some donations. Now delivering Mondays at noon and Thursdays 6pm.
Owen County Theatre & Arts Alliance has been rehearsing in our space Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday for 6 weeks for their production of Godspell. Their show is March 27, 28, and 29th.
Fundraising report:
Annual Yard Sale May 8th & 9th: Julie Coffin, chair, encouraged all to clean out your closets, invite friends & neighbors. Sign up sheet up front & also list of take-in times and dates. Please no junk, clean and functional items. No electronics unless you agree to take it back if it doesn’t sell. If you have items you can’t transport, reach out and we will help.
Film at the Tivoli featuring Bill Breedin’s political trial in 1986 documentary
Blue Bash Dinner (previously known as Jefferson/Jackson Dinner): JoAnn Neal, chair, early planning stages of a sit-down dinner in the fall prior to election. We need to find a good candidate speaker that will electrify and bring in people. Also asking if anyone has connections with a caterer. Looking for people willing to join this project.
David Henk spoke of getting candidate promo money. He has been checking on Facebook ads and ads online to help target our candidates and draw people to our website.
Candidate T-shirts: Collin Rotella pitched a new design with a big Democratic logo on the front and list of candidates on the back. This is not a money maker…this is outreach to get our names out there. A sign up sheet for pre-order shirts is up front. Cost is $20.00, minimum order is 25, lead time 2-3 weeks. Since these are pre-order commitments there is zero cost to the party. Cannot wear shirts inside the polls.
Cataract Bean Festival: Collin proposed sponsorship, again as outreach to get our name out there. He discussed several levels, $250, $500, $1,000 and their related advertising benefits. Discussions followed on pros and cons.
Building Report: David Henk, we are still working on the chair lift. An Air conditioning quote of $3600 was received. Lofty goal in an election year.
Chair, Bill Breeden, introduced Nick Pecenica, running for Owen County Clerk, and asked him to speak.
Bill Breeden discussed the need for precinct chairs and vice chairs in areas of the county still vacant. If you know of anyone please contact them or have us contact them. Also, you don’t have to live in that precinct if Bill appoints you.
New sign making date of Friday the 27th, 5pm at Democratic headquarters for the No Kings march on March 28th
Jimmy Pittsford, candidate for Democratic House district 46 running against Bob Heaton, stopped in from a democratic Terre Haute meeting. He commended us as a group for our spirit. Even though we are a smaller community our spirit is large.
The meeting adjourned.
NEXT MEETING: April 21st; Supper/Social 5:30-6:30; business meeting 6:30-7:30
Submitted by: David & Ann Henk, co-secretaries