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In late 2008, the Texas Democratic Party and theHarris County Democratic Party filed a lawsuit against the Harris County Voter Registrar setting forth a number of complaints about the activities of the Voter Registrar’s Office, including the rejection ofthousands of voter registration applications. The case was settled last fall with a comprehensive agreement which addresses many issues about voter registration in Harris County. On Tuesday, February 9, at 12:00 p.m., the Harris County Democratic Party welcomes Chad Dunn, General Counsel of the Texas Democratic Party and the lawyer who handled the lawsuit on our behalf, as the guest speaker at our monthly Brown Bag Luncheon to discuss the lawsuit settlement and how it will impact voter registration activities in Harris County. He will be joined by Diane Trautman, Democratic candidate for Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector/Voter Registrar in the upcoming fall election. Please join us Tuesday, February 9, from noon – 1:00 p.m. at Harris County Democratic Party headquarters (1445 N. Loop West, IH 610 at Ella, just east of the I.B.E.W. Hall) for our monthly Brown Bag Luncheon as Mr. Dunn answers questions about the lawsuit resolution and how it will impact us in Harris County in future elections, and Ms. Trautman addresses how she plans to simplify and increase voter registration in Harris County when she is elected Voter Registrar.
With the primary election season in full swing, many folks want to display political “yard” signs. Some homeowners’ associations try to prevent this, continuing to act as if deed restrictions or restrictive covenants which purport to ban political signs are still valid. They are not. Homeowners associations may not prohibit property owners from displaying political signs on their property, even if deed restrictions or restrictive covenants purport to prohibit the practice. Effective June 18, 2005, Texas law forbids a homeowners’ association from enforcing or adopting restrictive covenants that prohibit property owners from displaying political signs on the property owners’ property during the period from 90 days before an election to which the sign relates until 10 days after the election is over. Restrictive covenants which require a sign to be ground-mounted (as opposed to, for example, displayed in a window or on the side of a home) or limiting a property owner to one sign for each candidate or ballot item are enforceable, but only if the restriction is contained in a restrictive covenant. Mere rules or by-laws passed by a homeowners’ association are probably insufficient to allow enforcement of even these two limitations on a homeowner’s right to display political signs. A group of homeowners can also adopt a covenant which prohibits signs (a) containing such things as balloons or lights, (b) are attached to plants, traffic control devices, or a vehicle, (c) are larger than four feet by six feet, or (d) transgress other standards set forth in the statute. BUT even those restrictions are enforceable only if specifically contained in restrictive covenants; otherwise, they cannot be enforced. The law is Texas Property Code section 202.009. Anyone threatened by a homeowners’ association on account of placing political signs on his or her property may report the violation to the Harris County Democratic Party, and we will be glad to send a copy of the law to the offending and uninformed homeowners association.
The Harris County Democratic Party is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life and devastation in Haiti. Our prayers, thoughts, and hearts are with all those affected by the catastrophic earthquake. We urge all who can to please support the relief effort. You can donate to the Red Cross here: Contribute online to the Red Cross, or donate $10 to be charged to your cell phone bill by texting " HAITI " to "90999." More ways to help are available through the Center for International Disaster Information. Though Haiti may be miles from American shores, pain, suffering and loss know no borders. So, please let us not ignore their plight. As President Obama said, in their greatest hour of need, we will stand with them.
We are looking for interested applicants for the Harris County Democratic
Party – 2010 Coordinated Campaign internship program. The Coordinated
Campaign is swinging into full gear, and interns will be a vital part
of the team. We have exciting things going on everyday and are committed
to our goal of turning Harris County Blue! This enriching experience
is an opportunity to become active in county politics while working
for a progressive and dedicated organization.
The Texas Democratic Party has voted to hold its 2012 State Convention in Houston. The convention will return to the George R. Brown Convention Center in June, 2012, bringing thousands of Democrats from across the state to our city. The 2004 convention, which was also held at the George R. Brown Convention Center, was the largest ever in the history of the state party up to that time. More than 10,000 loyal and enthusiastic Democrats were in attendance. The 2012 reprise promises to be an even grander event. Congratulations to the State Democratic Committeepersons from the Harris County area for bringing the state conventions back to the Bayou City in a presidential election year. MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR A WORD ABOUT ENDORSEMENTS Now that the filing deadline has passed and we have a record number of Democrats seeking elective office – many of them in contested primary races – various clubs, organizations, groups, and individuals (or groups of individuals), including precinct chairs, will be making recommendations or endorsements concerning who they think voters should select in the primary election, many after interviewing the candidates or obtaining questionnaire answers from them. Click Here for an Archive of Gerry Birnberg's Messages
It is a busy time for the Harris County Democratic Party, and we need your help more than ever! In addition to a calendar loaded with upcoming events, we just kicked off next year’s election by opening the doors of the 2010 Harris County Coordinated Campaign office right across the hall from HCDP Headquarters. We have over 100 Democratic judicial candidates seeking office in 2010, and we cannot win without your help. We are seeking volunteers to devote time and energy to help us achieve success. We have plenty of opportunities for folks to get involved and help us Turn Texas Blue! You can help the Coordinated Campaign by:
The HCDP is also seeking volunteers. We need:
Interested parties may call 713-802-0085 or email Lillian Skosberg at hcdpvols@yahoo.com for upcoming volunteer opportunities!
Want to stay connected with HCDP? There's lots of great new ways to become involved online. Learn about fun upcoming events, meet new friends, share stories and pictures from the streets, and help make democracy come alive! Become a fan of HCDP on Facebook and My Space. Blog about your Democratic adventures on Twitter. Share pictures from rallies, meetings, voter drives and other fun activities on Flickr. There’s lots of wonderful things going on, so get online and check it out.
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BROWN BAG LUNCHEON SERIES: THE HARRIS COUNTY VOTER REGISTRATION LAWSUIT SETTLEMENT
POLITICAL SIGNS – TEXAS LAW SAYS HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATIONS CANNOT PROHIBIT THEM
HCDP
STATEMENT ON HAITI
INTERNS
NEEDED FOR 2010 COORDINATED CAMPAIGN!
HOUSTON
AWARDED 2012 TEXAS DEMOCRATIC PARTY STATE CONVENTION
