An open letter to registered Democrats in Onondaga County
My fellow Democrats,
In the 1800’s, for a period of time, “The Democracy” was in use as the name of our party. In those years, we may not have lived up to our fullest ideals, but the inspiration for a fundamental value of our platform was alive within us.
We used that inspiration when we fought for Women’s suffrage and celebrated the adoption of the 19th Amendment. Democrats passed the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and continue to stand on the side of racial justice in our democracy.
At times our nation rallied around voting as a unifying national act of patriotism. Access to voting should be celebrated by all people and by all political parties. It’s our right of self-determination and self-governance. Our troops in war fought and died for that right, as did civil rights activists. However, Republican politicians and our previous President have led assaults on voting access.
In 2020, the Republicans in the Onondaga County Legislature voted against a Local Law that would have ended gerrymandering of election districts in our community. Late last year, the Onondaga County Legislature cut the budget of the Board of Elections. They also engaged in a petty and partisan scheme that was vetoed by our County Executive to cut the pay of our dedicated elections commissioners. I exposed that this sloppy scheme cost our taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars.
As Democrats, we believe in “small d democracy”. Here’s what you can do: Vote.
Local election years like this one have notoriously low turnout and that’s how Republican politicians win.
There’s a Democratic Primary on Tuesday for voters in Syracuse, the Town of Geddes and Solvay. You can show your support by showing up. You can vote early or you can vote on Primary Day, Tuesday, June 22nd.
On Tuesday the 22nd the polls will be open from 6am – 9pm. Early voting is available through Sunday at the Southwest Community Center, Camillus Fire Station, the Magnarelli Community Center, and Lafayette Fire Station #1. Early voting hours are as follows:
- Wednesday, June 16, 2021: 12:00PM – 8:00PM
- Thursday, June 17, 2021: 10:00AM – 6:00PM
- Friday, June 18, 2021: 10:00AM – 6:00PM
- Saturday, June 19, 2021: 10:00AM – 3:00PM
- Sunday, June 20, 2021: 10:00AM – 3:00PM
This year I believe we’ll defy the odds with a huge turnout, making a statement that Democracy is thriving in Onondaga County.
I’d like to continue to serve the people of our county as a Legislator and continue to advocate for our democratic institutions. When you vote, I ask that you vote for me on Row A-2 as your 15th District County Legislator.
Thanks so much,
Bill Kinne
15th District Onondaga County Legislator
321 E. Seneca Turnpike Syracuse, NY 13205
315-382-6432 – billkinneocleg15@gmail.com – vote4billkinne.com
