November 6, 2019: When citizens vote, democrats win

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Posted on December 11, 2023 at 12:00 AM

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Election fever in an off-off-year is unusual. But 2019 has proved that when the stakes are high, people are feeling vulnerable and the tone at the top is threatening, anything can happen. A big surge in voters, around an estimated 40%, portends well for the much bigger battle ahead in 2020. The electoral conflagration sparked by Donald Trump’s unexpected victory in 2016 is still burning hot among Democrats.

Another blue wave swept across neighboring Virginia on Tuesday turning it fully democratic for the first time in 26 years. In the 2017 election a record 28 female delegates were sent to the Virginia legislative chamber, and all but one of the newcomers were Democrats. All 15 newcomers retained their seats in 2019. Overall, women in Virginia set a new record this year, with 41 seats in the state legislature.

Virginia now boasts a trifecta that is likely to move measures forward including gun control, abortion rights, an increase in the minimum wage, and the ratification of an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would enshrine gender equality. Additionally, the state legislature will redraw maps redressing some of the ills of gerrymandering that have resulted in racially segregated districts.

The changes to Virginia’s gun laws laid out by Governor Northam are universal background checks, a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, and a one-handgun-permonth limit on purchases.

Women are poised to move on the final ratification of the ERA. The Equal Rights
Amendment to the US Constitution is designed to guarantee equal rights to ALL American citizens, regardless of sex. Originally written by suffragists Alice Paul & Crystal Eastman and first introduced in Congress in 1923, we are planning to see it enacted in the centennial year of women’s suffrage. Virginia’s Democratic win allows us to move forward. 

The WNDC was deeply engaged in the 2019 elections, organizing with other groups and setting the stage for a robust effort in 2020. We are excited to build on our Winning Wednesdays strategy and bring home the US House, Senate and the White House for Democrats.

Nuchhi Currier
President