To find out how to become a poll worker or election judge, attend our Saturday, January 20, 2024 1:00 p.m. poll worker briefing at the MCGOP Headquarters, 15833 Crabbs Branch Way, Rockville, MD 20855. Gilberto Zelaya PhD, CERA, Community Engagement/Public Relations Officer from the Montgomery County Board of Elections is our Special Guest Speaker. This event is sponsored by the Upper Montgomery Republican Women’s Club.  To save your seat, please RSVP, to [email protected], by January 18th.

By Tracey Humphrey

Three important reasons for registering as a poll worker include fulfilling a civic duty, helping to ensure the integrity of the election process, and allowing for transparency in the election process. Because free and fair elections are the basis for sustained confidence in the peaceful transfer of power within our Constitutional Republic system, it is the duty and responsibility of every American to ensure fair and free elections for eligible United States citizens in order to maintain trust and confidence in our “for and by the people” government structure.  

First, fulfilling the civic duty of poll working requires being well informed, trained, sufficiently educated, and honest. Taking part in the election process as a poll worker helps ensure the smooth operation of elections. Second, poll workers ensure the integrity of the election process. Poll workers contribute to the integrity and security of our election processes by performing critical functions such as maintaining the chain-of-custody of ballots and reconciling the number of voters checked in with the number of ballots cast at their assigned polling site.  Finally, poll workers ensure transparency of the election process because they usually work in bipartisan teams and swear an oath to uphold election laws and protect the security of the election. 

Mallory Wilson

White vendors pay more: Maryland’s Montgomery Co. uses race-based pricing for comic book convention

In celebration of Martin Luther King day?  See the story below.

Imagine if any racial group was charged more because of their skin color. Do you think the PRESS would be up in arms? Well, hardly a peep from the Mainstream Press on this issue. RU surprised? Read the story above from The Washington Times.

SHOULD WHITE FOLKS PAY MORE?

We couldn't resist. This was sent to us by a concerned citizen. Seems folks who have "white" skin should pay more than BIPOC folks in Montgomery County. (BIPOC is Black, Indigenous, People of Color.) We don't know if "Regular" includes Asian, many WOKE activists call them "White Adjacent." Perhaps our esteemed Montgomery County Councilmember Kristine Mink could look into this.

Tell us what you think at [email protected]

This Wednesday the Maryland legislature will convene in Annapolis - with Democrats holding a majority in both the House and Senate. Worse, there’s no longer a Republican Governor to restrain their impulse to tax and spend.

Depending on your income you presently pay Maryland somewhere between 2% and 5.75% of your income. Montgomery County adds a further 3.2% no matter what you earn. And, of course, that comes on top of 10 to 37% federal income tax - again depending on your income. All together your tax bill is between 15.2% and 45.95% of your income. Holy cow!

CAN YOU AFFORD MoCo IN 2024?

Don't be distracted by national politics!

Our County Executive and County Council are planning to:

• Raise property taxes (again).
• Require businesses to install expensive energy fixes and pass the cost to you.
• Require condos to change to ALL electric heating and cooking ($20,000+ per unit)
• Abolish the sex Ed "Opt-Out" option for K-3 graders.
• More road diets and bike lanes.
• Defund / disrespect the police.
• Remove gas stations.

Think they won’t do it…think again!

It is no wonder that people are leaving Montgomery County in droves ... We need to bring back common sense for the common good back to Montgomery County.

Please contact me if you have had enough and want to help make meaningful change in our County.

Reardon “Sully” Sullivan, P.E.

[email protected]

Next Meeting January 17

Republican Club of Leisure World

First 2024 Forum

by Bob Kammer, [email protected]

PO Box 12293

Silver Spring 20908

BOARD OF ELECTIONS AND OPEN POLITICAL DISCUSSION

We've postponed the candidates forum until after the Primary filing deadline. At the January meeting, we will have an open political discussion for our Members and Guests.

We invited Dr. Gilberto Zelaya, Montgomery County Board of Elections, to speak. Find out the procedures for the 2024 Primary and General Election, and the positions open that need your assistance as paid volunteers to ensure a free and fair election.

If members are concerned about other issues, please contact Bob ([email protected] / 301-873-9942). Also check with Bob about how to attend as a guest.

We are also expecting to review all of the positions that we will be voting on next year and how Republicans can enter those races.