NC Congressional District 11 Democratic Party 2020 VIRTUAL Convention, May 16th at 10:00 am Minutes Call to Order/Welcome Kathy Sinclair, Chair

Kathy called the meeting to order and thanked them for their work bringing this meeting together today, County Officers, District Officers, Julia Buckner and Jeff Rose. Special thanks to Governor Cooper and Mandy Cohen for keeping us safe during the coronavirus. This agenda has been set and is somewhat different than the normal convention agenda as per a Resolutions passed by the NCDP Executive Council and in compliance with the DNC Delegate Selection Plan.

Convention Overview Jeff Rose, BCDP Chair Chair of Buncombe county gave us an overview of how the meeting will be run. Everyone will be muted through the meeting. You can raise your hand on the bottom of your screen and you will be recognized. On the phone you can press Star 9. Voting will also be done with the raise hand feature or *9 on your phone. Practice session determined that close to 400 people know how to raise their hand in the zoom program.

Moment of Silence We all observed a moment of silence Pledge of Allegiance District Officers recited the pledge of Allegiance

Message from NCDP State Party Chair Wayne Goodwin, Chair

Wayne Goodwin presented a video wishing us well.

District Video Messages NCGA Candidates

Brian Caskey NC Senate District 48 Julie Mayfield NC Senate District 49 Victoria Fox – NC Senate District 50 Ted Remington NC House District 85 Sam Edney NC House District 113 Susan Fisher NC House District 114 Brian Turner NC House District 116 Josh Remillard NC House District 117 Alan Jones NC House District 118 Susan Landis NC House District 120

Declaration of Quorum Lorna Barnett, Secretary Lorna called on each County to announce that they are present at the meeting. All 16 organized counties were represented at the Convention Lorna announced that a quorum is present.

Approve Agenda Kathy Sinclair, Chair

The Agenda was approved without objections.

Approve Rules

The Rules were approved without Objections.

Approve 2019 Minutes

Minutes were approved without Objection

Statement on Inclusivity Clay Eddleman, 1st Vice Chair All public meetings at all levels of the North Carolina Democratic Party shall be open to all members of the Democratic Party regardless of race, sex, age, color, creed, national origin, religion, ethnic identity, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, economic status, or disability. In order that the Democratic Party at all levels be an open Party, which includes rather than excludes people from participation, a program of effective affirmative action has been adopted by the North Carolina Democratic Party. Discrimination on the basis of ‘status’ in the conduct of North Carolina Democratic Party affairs is prohibited.

Recognition of Elected Officials Lorna Barnett, Secretary

Lorna announced the names of the elected officials who are attending the meeting and thanked them for being here today.

Message from the District Chair Kathy Sinclair, Chair

Kathy thanked everyone for attending today and hopes for everyone’s health and wellness. She talked about some of the takeaways she has had from the COVID 19 experience, especially the power of unity. We’re all in this together and some of our difficult choices may have saved lives. She has learned that we are resilient. We’ve been asked to do some difficult things and as an entire state have made the adjustments. We need and rely on strong leadership.

The Primary Election happened just before the virus came and not all our favorites won. We can take the lessons learned from the Coronavirus and understand that we can still have unity. We were asked to stay home and not go to work or school. Unemployment quickly became the new economy in every community. We made the adjustments we needed to make to live with safety and health. Now, we need to elect strong democrats across the district, state and nation. We will all vote for Joe Biden and he will listen to us in his administration. He will have the trust of all the organizations that have endorsed him.

Moe Davis is ready to hit the ground running on day one after the election in November. He will take on fights for others even if it’s not in his best interest. We will all vote for Moe Davis.

What will voting look like in November? We don’t know. District 11 is recommending that you download an absentee application from the State Board of Elections and get your ballot. You will then have the option to vote by mail in North Carolina no matter what the state of the virus is in the fall.

Kathy wished everyone continued safety and good health and asked that you let us know if you do need something. We will help you find what you need. Soon our communities will be opening, schools will continue, people will go back to work.

Kathy thanked everyone for coming to the Convention today.

Treasurer’s Report Gayle Wayne, Treasurer Expenses since last May were limited to materials for the bi-monthly meetings, a subscription to an email mailing service, and most recently a subscription to ZOOM. Income came primarily from donations. We received $714.67 from the State Party as our portion of the sustaining fund. The State Party is required to return 20% of the sustaining fund to the counties and districts that contributed it. 10% is returned to the County Party and 10% is returned to the Congressional District. Our current bank balance is $12,886.16.

Officers’ Reports Clay Eddleman - 1st Vice Chair The North Carolina Democratic Party has 16 different Auxiliaries or Caucuses, each one of which is entitled to have a voting member on each District’s Executive Committee. We currently have representatives from three of the 16: Democratic Women of NC; the County Chairs Association, and LGBTQ Democrats of NC. If you happen to be involved with any of the other Auxiliaries or Caucuses, please let us know. We would very much like for you to get involved with the 11th Congressional District’s executive Committee. We are still challenged inn the District in that, in spite of several efforts, Graham County, with its 1500 Registered Democrats, is still not organized. We plan to continue efforts to get it organized; if any of you happen to have any person contacts with Democrats I Graham County, Please let us know If we are not able to get it organized soon, the District does plan to try to GET Out the Vote using phone banking and mailings. During the last year we have provided ideas regarding Preparing our Neighborhoods, Precincts, and County Parties for Getting Out the Vote this coming November, including

• Two Votebuilder training Sessions on both sides of the District, • A Seminar by Cliff Moon of NCDP’s Plan of Organization, • Two Seminars by Jeff rose on County Parties and Leadership, with the additional participation of Howard Larsen and Myrna Campbell • Special Presentation to Clusters and individual counties on getting out the vote • And Templates for developing a County Strategic Plan, including a GOTV Plan We need to come together • Including ALL of the Primary Candidates • And their supporters, • To do whatever we can • To get Moe Davis into congress and • To get out of the White House.

Kathie Kline – 2nd Vice Chair, Training We have a legal team working closely with us on every aspect of protecting voters as they go to the polls. If you are an attorney or are interested in serving as a poll observer or poll greeter in the fall, please let your county party officials know. Absentee ballots as a backup plan, go to county BOE website to print out an application, sign and mail it in, then expect to receive a ballot in September. No obligation, just an option. Please watch for announcements in our newsletter re: training & links for phone banking/texting, including the NCDP Rural Phone banking effort to reach unaffiliated voters.

Karen Smith – 3rd Vice Chair, Communications As third vice chair I am working with communications including our social media platforms such as Facebook, , and Instagram. The District’s website now has an updated page for each county in the District. The website has information on Moe Davis’ Campaign, a page for our candidates running November election with the exception of the county races. In addition, we are sending out monthly newsletters until the election. If you would like to be on the newsletter mailing list go to NC11Democrats.org and sign up. Search FB for NC 11th Congressional District Democratic Party. Twitter is @nceleventhdems and Instagram is NC11Democrats. I would like to invite all the county 3VCs to reach out and keep me informed of any event you would like me to post on FB, Twitter, and Instagram. My contact information is on our website.

Auxiliary Reports Clay Eddleman – LGBTQ Auxiliary

I am pleased to report that our two chapters in Henderson and Buncombe Counties are alive and well. In the last year, we chartered our first Bi-County Chapter in Clay-Cherokee Counties, who had 26 members initially AND had a very visible presence in the Hayesville Christmas Parade. We also chartered a new chapter in Burke County, which, two weeks later, was redistricted out of the 11th Congressional District, but it too continues to be alive and well. In fact, the President of that chapter, Matthew Church, is running for a seat on the Burke County Board of Commissioners! Statewide, we are focusing on trying to get some new chapters established in the Eastern part of the State. However, if anyone would like to start another chapter here in the West, particularly in our newer counties, please let me know.

Julia Buckner – President of Democratic Women of NC

It’s great to see everyone. Shout out to Lorna Barnett and Leila Tvedt Hyde who are Officers in the State Party. Julia invited everyone to attend “Drinks with DWNC” a weekly meeting with more than 100 women from all across the state each week. This past week we visited with Sidney Batch and Christie Clarke, two strong representatives in the General Assembly. This week will we will meet some of the top Senate Seat candidates. Julia announced that the Democratic Women of North Carolina will be holding their first ever virtual Convention this year. More to come on that.

County Chairs Association Report Howard Larsen, Western Region Vice Chair

Howard Larsen, Chair of Mitchell County and Vice President of Association of County Chairs discussed the need for effective and rapid communication between County Chairs. The association’s goal currently is to increase communication and have all County Chairs attend the meetings. He reminded everyone that a small success in your county can make great difference statewide.

Resolutions Process Report Jeff Rose, Platform & Resolutions Member

Resolutions are being pushed directly to the state resolutions community this year because of the need for a virtual Convention. We had 65 resolutions from the district this year. Topics include rural issues, healthcare, clean water, environment, and gun violence prevention. Platform and Resolutions committee will meet on May 23 and the platform adoption will take place at the June 6 State Convention.

SPECIAL GUEST: MOE DAVIS, NC11 CANDIDATE FOR U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Moe Davis said that he’s excited to have this opportunity to represent District 11. He’s confident that we can do this. He’s hoping that although some people voted for another candidate in the primary, now he needs the support of everyone. He gave a shout out to Michael O’Shea who has been particularly helpful to Moe’s campaign since the primary. He is asked regularly who he’d rather run against in November and that it’s about 50/50 between Cawthorn or Bennett. Bennett has been endorsed by and the other is inexperienced and has an extremely conservative platform. Why does he think he can win? The district has changed. Look at the Cooper McCrory race in 2014. It was still underwater by 6% at this time, but that number can be addressed. We can do that by appealing to all voters across the District. Issues like health care, broadband and COVID are on the minds of everyone in the district. The problems are getting worse, not better. The economy is not good for this area Tourism is down and will need help to come back. Alternative energy is strong in North Carolina and Moe will work for more green energy. Great technology is a must in the future of North Carolina. Parents have a new respect for teachers across the state. COVID has pointed to another difficulty in WNC where many children have no access to Internet at home which has made schooling from home much more difficult. This race will be third on the ballot just before Roy Cooper name which will help with people who don’t vote the entire ballot. Moe had compliments for people on the ticket down ballot and expressed the need to reelect all those individuals. Fundraising is going well right now with strong support from this district. He understands public education here because he went all through North Carolina public schools. Moe is still working to meet everyone in the district with online chat sessions twice a week. Some registered Republicans have been attending his sessions. He thanked us for what we’re doing and the support he’s getting. He’s pleased to be the nominee from District 11.

Comments and Questions There was a comment from Jill Ayers, who wondered why David Wheeler was not in the meeting, and asked if anyone has information on his race in Senate District 47. If anyone lives in that District, be sure to follow his website. District 11 has a website where you can find all candidates. Sarah Cifani asked how to get to the Moe Davis town hall meetings. Kathy replied that all information regarding candidates is on the District 11 website.

Election Process Jeff Rose, BCDP Chair

Jeff explained that normally we’d now move into Caucasus for Joe Biden or for Bernie Sanders to cast our votes for DNC Delegates. Instead, we will vote online using a Google form. Everyone should have received an email message that contains a personal, unique ID number. There is also a link that will take voters to the ballot. Everyone will first be asked which candidate they support, either Biden or Sanders. You will also be asked to enter the Unique ID from your email message. Next you will be taken to the appropriate ballot where you will vote as you wish. You can also vote by phone using a toll- free number to state your vote verbally. That number is 833-868-3462. If you can’t find your email message, you can email [email protected] to ask for a ballot. The ballots are self-explanatory.

You will need to vote for your 2nd, 3rd, and 4th choice preferences so that if your first choice is eliminated, then your second choice will be counted as your vote.

Questions in chat box: Why aren’t all the Presidential candidates included in our selection? Answer: Each candidate needed to have at least 15% of the primary vote to be eligible.

Jeff displayed a sample ballot and said not to check too many bubbles on the ballot your vote won’t count. If you just registered look for your email message with the link to vote or contact [email protected]. The Presidential Electors ballot will come up after you vote for delegates. This vote is not a ranked vote. You choose one or the other.

Several questions were answered by Jeff Rose and by Kathy Sinclair.

Presentation of Candidates

Candidates for Electoral College_ Keith Thompson, and Mark Tyson were each given a minute to tell about themselves and why they will make a good Elector from this district. Keith Thompson – Buncombe County, Keith’s main message is that electing democrats saves lives. United we win.

Mark Tyson – Bryson City, Elector is usually not that important. This race could be very close. We could have multiple candidates. I’ll make sure every I is dotted and T is crossed to make sure the election can’t be contested based on technicalities.

Several questions were raised and answered by Jeff and Kathy.

DNC Delegate Candidates.

Biden Delegates Lorna Barnett Ivy Dyckman Alex Floor Kathie Kline Andy Millard Martha Zeigler

Sanders Delegates Justin Nemon Melody Pajak Colin Platt Dan Quayle Kristin Robinson Brittany Sisk Travis Frazier Melody Gentry Matthew Greenwald Bob Hanna Ryan Keith Leilana Taylor

Other Business Kathie Kline presented a project she has been working on Called “Rock the Signs.” Signs are available for sale from the District website. After purchasing from District website the signs will be delivered to the County Headquarters. Payments are being taken through ActBlue. All the money raised will go to support for GOTV.

Closing Remarks & Announcements

UPCOMING VIRTUAL MEETINGS • District Bi-Monthly Meeting Wednesday, June 3rd, 6:30 pm • NCDP State Exec. Committee Mtg. Saturday, June 6th, 9:00 am • NCDP State Convention Saturday, June 6th, 1:00 pm

DNC Convention August 17th – 21st, Milwaukee, WI Election Day Tuesday, November 3rd

Statewide Video Messages Statewide Candidates

Before the Videos were played, Rebecca Crandall made a motion to adjourn the meeting immediately following them. Julia Buckner seconded the motion to adjourn. The motion was accepted without objection.

Videos were presented by the following State wide candidates

Roy Cooper, Governor Yvonne Holley, Lt. Governor Cal Cunningham, Senator Josh Stein, Attorney General Elaine Marshall, Secretary of State Ronnie Chatterji Jen Mangrum Superintendent of Education Beth Wood State Auditor Jenna Wadsworth Commissioner of Agriculture Jessica Holmes Commissioner of Labor Wayne Goodwin Insurance Commissioner Cheri Beasley, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of North Carolina Lucy Inman NC Supreme Court Mark Davis NC Supreme Court Chris Brook NC Court of Appeals Tricia Shields NC Court of Appeals Lora Cubbage NC Court of Appeals Gray Styers NC Court of Appeals Reuben Young NC Court of Appeals

The meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted by Secretary, Lorna Barnett