Meeting Minutes 1.16.24

Salem Democratic City Committee Meeting Minutes

January 16, 2024

Meeting called to order at 6:30 p.m.

Attendees (in person)

Jim Mulloy

Henry Gulergun

Alice Merkl

Lydia King

Liz Bradt

Michael Cusick

Kyle Davis

Treasurer’s Report

$2,399 balance

Speaker

Danielle Allen with Partners in Democracy and chair of Cambridge Ward 2 Democratic Committee discussed a proposal for the Massachusetts Democratic Committee to establish a Commission for Healthy Democracy. The commission would focus on three goals.

• Greater inclusion of African American, Hispanic, and Asian American voters

• Increased engagement. Only 29% of Massachusetts voters are enrolled in Democratic party.

• More competitive elections. Massachusetts ranks near the bottom nationwide in the number of contested elections.

The committee passed a motion to endorse the formation of a  Commission to promote Healthy Democracy within the Massachetts Democratic party.

Old Business

Ranked Choice Voting

Ranked choice voting is currently in the Government Services Committee for study. Next step is for the City Council to vote for a citywide referendum on the issue. it would require 5,000 signatures for the issue to get on ballet. 

Letter to editor supporting ranked choice voting is being sent to Salem News.

Clean Heat Bill

SDCC members have met with senators and representatives from Salem, Marblehead, Beverly, and Lynn to lobby for a bill in the legislature.

New Business

Diane Yates has designed a tool analyzing voter data that enables candidates to more easily contact votes in campaigns.

Julie Curtis pointed out the SDCC must have a reorganization election every four years within 45 days after the presidential primary

Next meeting is February 22 at 6:00 at Notch Brewery in Salem. Diane Yates will explain a new voting analysis tool.

Minutes written by Bruce Cohen, secretary of committee.