Union County Democratic Committee awarded $20,000 grant
LEWISBURG — The Union County Democratic Committee has been awarded a $20,000 grant from Vote Save America.
The organization, one of the nation's leading political action committees, recognized the committee for the work they have done mobilizing citizens to run for office, empowering citizens to participate in the democratic process, and serving the community.
Union County was one of several rural counties in Pennsylvania to get 'bluer' last year, delivering 1 percent more of the share of total votes to Kamala Harris in 2024 than they did to Joe Biden in 2020, according to Shari Jacobson, committee chair.
'For too long, rural Americans have been underserved by the Republicans who represent us, and voters are starting to take notice," Jacobson said. "Shrinking access to quality health care, a dearth of affordable housing, and the perpetual lack of broadband and cell service are telling voters that we need more options on the ballot.'
In this year's municipal elections, Union County voters will find at least 28 local Democrats running for various seats in voting precincts, municipalities and school districts. Each is ready to deliver for constituents, and Vote Save America's support will help the committee get out the vote for them, Jacobson said.
"The UCDC plans to use the grant to support a full-time, year-round office," Shaniqua McClendon, head of Vote Save America and vice president of political strategy at Crooked Media, said. "Vote Save America knows that lasting political change is built year-round and from the ground up. That's why we're proud to support organizations such as the Union County Democratic Committee, who are doing the hard, everyday work of building progressive power.
"Having a public-facing office will be more than a workspace; it will be a community anchor, a hub for organizing and a visible commitment to the future we're fighting for."
Jacobson said the office will provide a space for the service committee to carry out operations, the elections team to help get out the vote and run voter registration trainings, the high school and college Democrats to meet and the events committee to organize gatherings.
Long-range goals include developing skilled volunteers to help Union County residents "fill in the gaps created by the Trump administration's drastic cuts to our local support system," Jacobson said.
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