Calling Malden Democrats – join your virtual caucus on March 5

Malden Democrats invited to elect delegates to the 2022 MassDems Convention on June 4 in Worcester

  Are you a Democrat and curious about what your party is doing locally and statewide? Here’s a great way to find out. All Malden residents who are registered or preregistered Democrats are cordially invited to join fellow Democrats from their ward at the annual caucus on Saturday, March 5, where they will elect delegates to represent Malden at the 2022 MassDems Convention.

  “This year the Convention will endorse candidates for statewide offices and rally support behind electing a Democratic governor and other Democrats across Massachusetts,” explained Ward 4 Councillor Ryan O’Malley, who is Chair of the Malden Democratic City Committee (MDCC). “Every Malden resident who is a registered or preregistered Democrat (over age 16 by February 4) can participate in the caucus, which will decide who represents Malden at the statewide convention. Attending the annual caucus is a great way to get involved, build your network of Democrats, and make your voice heard.”

  Each year, Democratic Party caucuses are held in every city and town in Massachusetts to elect delegates to the state Convention in accordance with Massachusetts Democratic Party guidelines (www.massdems.org). Due to the pandemic, last year’s state convention was held virtually. The 2022 convention will, the party hopes, offer both in-person and virtual participation options.

  Malden’s caucus for all wards will take place on Saturday, March 5, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. via Zoom. Attendees are required to preregister online for the caucus at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcpdOqtqDwuEt2FK9RDLGX3nGya-V7mHhrO. The Zoom room will open no later than 9:30 and you may preregister up to the time of the caucus. The registration link can also be found on MassDems.org. Participants will be assigned to breakout rooms by ward. Those interested in participating should arrive promptly, as registration for the caucus will close at 10:15.

Who can participate?

  To vote at a given ward’s caucus, you must be a registered or preregistered Democrat and live in the ward. To become a delegate or alternate from your ward, you must be elected during the caucus by other attendees from your ward. (You must attend in order to be elected.) MDCC will have a list of registered Democrats; if you recently registered or changed your registration, you should be prepared to show proof of registration. Young people who have preregistered as Democrats and reached the age of 16 by February 4, 2022, may vote in the caucus, run as delegates and be elected as delegates to the convention. They should be prepared to supply proof of preregistration.

  The Massachusetts Democratic Party is committed to representing the party’s diversity at its annual Convention. In electing delegates, the Party works to maximize gender balance and inclusion. Candidates who identify as gender nonbinary can run for delegate or alternate without needing to classify themselves as male or female.

  Members of potentially underrepresented groups – including those 35 or under, racial and ethnic minorities, people who identify as LGBTQ+ and people with disabilities – who were not elected as delegates or alternates at their caucus may apply to the Massachusetts Democratic Party as “add-on delegates” to the convention. The Party evaluates the diversity of elected delegates in relation to party registration and draws from the pool of add-on applicants to maximize fair representation.

Nominating Convention in Worcester on June 4

  The 2022 Massachusetts Democratic Party Convention is planned to take place on June 4 both at the DCU Center in Worcester, Mass., and virtually. Massachusetts Democratic Party Chair Gus Bickford explained, “We hope we’ll be able to come together in Worcester this June. However, delegates, alternates, and guests will be able to attend the Convention virtually and all voting will take place remotely. Over the coming months, we’ll be closely monitoring changes in public health guidance, and adjusting our plans accordingly. We’ll update you on the details of in person and virtual participation options as they become available.”

  This year’s convention will endorse candidates for statewide offices in preparation for the September primary and November general election. The Convention also typically includes opportunities to socialize and network, as well as speeches by elected officials and candidates.

  Attending the Convention is a great way to learn more about the Democratic Party in Massachusetts and to meet elected officials, candidates, activists, organizers and other active Democrats from around the Commonwealth. While there is a cost to attend, which helps to defray convention costs, it should not become a barrier. Delegates may request funding confidentially from the Massachusetts Democratic Party or MDCC.

  Malden Democrats – whether they participate in the caucus or not – are also invited to attend the MDCC monthly meetings and periodic Ward Democratic Committee meetings. Meetings are open to the public, with Democrats and prospective Democrats especially welcome. Anyone interested in learning about upcoming events for Malden Democrats and ways to get involved should visit www.maldendemocrats.org, where they can join the email list. They can also follow the group on Twitter (@MaldenDems) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/MaldenDems/).

  Democrats with questions about the Caucus or any aspect of MDCC should contact the officers at maldendemocrats@gmail.com. Find details on Caucus rules, the Convention and more at www.massdems.org.