In case anyone is curious how YDM mobilized to help get good progressive candidates on the ballot this year, here’s a recap posted on ydma.org:
Young Democrats Help Put Candidates on the Ballot
BOSTON – With more than 1,600 signatures collected for seven candidates for office in Massachusetts, Young Democrats are excited to continue making an impact for progressive leaders.
Members of the Young Democrats of Massachusetts collected more than 1,025 signatures for the campaign to re-elect Gov. Deval Patrick and Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray, who the YDM board officially endorsed, as well as 590 signatures for six other candidates including Bill Bowles, Suzanne Bump, Martha Coakley, Steve Grossman, Guy Glodis, and Mike Lake.
“I’m incredibly proud of our members’ commitment to investing their time to help elect Democratic candidates who stand up for our values and pay attention to the voice of young people across the Commonwealth,” said YDM Chair Jonathan Sclarsic.
YDM mobilized across the Commonwealth, hosting six signature drives in communities from Dorchester to Worcester and Northampton. “These efforts would not have been possible without organizing from our strong local chapters such as the Greater Boston Young Democrats, Pioneer Valley Young Democrats, and Worcester County Young Democrats,” said YDM Political Director Melissa Roberts.
“In the last year, Young Democrats of Massachusetts have built a strong organization across the Commonwealth through grassroots organizing, empowering young people to create local organizations that can make a big impact in November. We’re excited to be hitting the ground running,” said Sclarsic.
In addition to supporting a host of Democratic candidates on an individual basis, the Young Democrats of Massachusetts board voted unanimously to officially endorse the Patrick re-election campaign and Dr. Peter Smulowitz’s special election for State Senate. The organization committed supporting the Patrick campaign with volunteers through November in addition to contributing $500 in PAC funds, and committed 50 hours and $100 to the Smulowitz campaign.
The Young Democrats of Massachusetts is a partisan political organization with over fifteen hundred members mobilized across the Commonwealth to create positive change. Our members are the leaders of today: Democrats under the age of 36 committed to getting Democrats elected and promoting progressive legislation. We are the future: now.
