Early Voting Information Newsletter
In this Issue:
Letter from Brian
Voting Information Quick Links
Early Voting Locations
Cast Your Ballot Cautiously!
Important Deadlines
Letter from Brian
Dear Friends,
This time of year can be hectic and confusing. Early voting, Election Day, Ballot By Mail, there is a lot of information out there and often times a lot of contradictory information. Well not to worry, this Ruiz Campaign Early Voting Information Newsletter will help guide you through the early vote process.
We all have an enormous responsibility and privilege to fulfill this November. Please remember that this year the polls will be very busy and you may encounter some very long lines on Election Day. That’s why I suggest voting early and why I am providing you with this Early Voting Information Newsletter. I hope that it answers all your questions regarding early voting, but if you have any others questions please feel free to email my campaign at info@ruizforcongress.com and we’ll get you an answer.
Don’t forget to remind all your friends and family to vote (for RUIZ!).
Thank you very much for your continued support.
Best,
Brian P. Ruiz
Congressional Candidate, District 31
Ruiz for Congress
512-686-4257
info@ruizforcongress.com
Voting Information Quick Links
Texas Secretary of State Website
http://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/index.shtml
Texas Democratic Party Website
http://www.txdemocrats.org/
Are you registered to vote? Don’t know, check here. https://voterinfo.sos.state.tx.us/voterws/viw/faces/SearchSelectionVoter.jsp
What’s on my ballot?
https://voterinfo.sos.state.tx.us/voterws/viw/faces/SearchSelectionBallotPDF.jsp
My polling location (Early Voting)
https://voterinfo.sos.state.tx.us/voterws/viw/faces/SearchSelectionPolling.jsp
*This will locate Early voting locations, election day polling locations can be found here on Nov 1.
Request a Ballot by Mail Application (Deadline: October 28, 2008)
http://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/voter/reqabbm.shtml
Early Voting Locations
Williamson
Bell
Coryell
Erath
Hamilton
These counties do not have voting information up online; you can locate your early voting location by visiting the Secretary of State’s website below:
Falls
Milam
Robertson
My polling location (Early Voting)
https://voterinfo.sos.state.tx.us/voterws/viw/faces/SearchSelectionPolling.jsp
*This will locate Early voting locations, election day polling locations can be found here on Nov 1.
Cast Your Ballot Cautiously!
STRAIGHT FROM THE TEXAS DEM WEBSITE:
If you wish to vote for all candidates of a particular party:
When you mark "Straight Democratic" then cast your ballot, your vote will count for Barack Obama and all the Democratic candidates, including all congressional, state and local Democrats on the general election ballot.
NOTE: A separate vote for an individual candidate is required only in a special election (e.g., Senate District 17) OR
If you do not wish to vote a straight party vote, you must mark each individual candidate for whom you wish to vote, and then cast your ballot.
BUT
DO NOT SELECT "STRAIGHT DEMOCRATIC" AND THEN SELECT INDIVIDUAL DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES. THIS COULD CANCEL OUT YOUR VOTE FOR THOSE INDIVIDUAL CANDIDATES!
Additionally, carefully read the review screen after marking your selection and before casting your ballot. If you have any questions at the polls, ask an election judge for assistance. Visit the Texas Democratic Party's Voter Information page for more information about deceptive voting information and to review your rights as a Texas voter.
Important Deadlines
15 Days Left Until ELECTION DAY!
8 Days Left to Apply for Ballot by Mail
EARLY VOTING STARTS TODAY!
September Newsletter
In this Issue:
You Did It!!!
You Did It!!! You made it possible for us to purchase our first batch of new literature.
But, there is still more work to be done.
We are only $150 away from purchasing lapel stickers, only $650 away from bumper stickers.
It’s only with your help that we are going to show John Carter that its time for him to GO; that you demand a Congressman who speaks for you and that’s why you are supporting Brian P. Ruiz.
Keep an eye out for our new push cards!
Falls County Headquarters Grand Opening!
On Thursday, September 18th the Falls County Democratic Party officially opened their Headquarters in Marlin. The opening, hosted by County Chair Rose Douglas and County Commissioner Robert Paul, Sr., was the first of its kind for Falls County.
Jack Welch, a local attorney, donated his office to the Party as their official headquarters. One speaker commented, “While we are officially opening this office as the party headquarters, unofficially, this office has always been the Democratic Party Headquarters.”
In attendance were several of Falls’ elected officials including County Commissioners Robert Paul, Sr., Tom Zander and Nelson Coker, Judge Steve Sharp, Sheriff Ben Kirk, and County Clerk Frances Braswell as well as many of Falls’ loyal democrats.
Falls County is one of the eight counties encompassed by Congressional District 31. All of the elected officials in within the county are democrats and they are hoping that this year that trend will extend to their US Congressman.
Important Deadlines
40 Days Left Until ELECTION DAY!
11 Days Left to Register Voters
33 Days Left to Apply for Ballot by Mail
25 Days Until Early Voting Begins
August Newsletter
In this Issue:
Independence Day Celebrations
Brian really made the rounds on the Fourth of July! His day began with the annual parade at the city of Round Rock’s July 4th Frontier Days Celebration. The Ruiz for Congress Campaign Car participated in the parade as Brian and his wife Rebecca walked the parade route, meeting the Round Rock citizens while handing out candy and campaign balloons to the kids in the crowd. When telling accounts of the days’ events, Brian said, humbly, “It was great to see so many smiling faces, though I think the kids were more excited about the candy and balloons we were handing out than meeting me!”
They then continued on with visits to other holiday festivals in the area. His first stop was the Sertoma’s 25th Annual 4th of July in Georgetown’s San Gabriel Park where he met tons of wonderful people while hanging out at the Williamson County Democrats booth. Then he travelled to the American Family Reunion Homecoming Festival at Fountain Park in Liberty Hill and enjoyed greeting residents of that community. Brian’s holiday culminated with a visit to the 11th Annual 4th of July Celebration in Milburn Park where he appreciated socializing with Cedar Park citizens while watching a spectacular fireworks display.
“There is no better way to celebrate the spirit of this holiday than to be around the fine citizens of District 31 as they relish family time at all the great festivals around town. It’s a beautiful sight to watch as the young children in our communities experience the joy of freedom and further gain an understanding of why we celebrate our independence each and every year,” said Brian.
Williamson County Coordinated Campaign Headquarters Grand Opening
Williamson County Democratic candidates celebrated the Grand Opening of their Coordinated Campaign Headquarters in Round Rock on Saturday, July 19th with a very successful kickoff party. Hundreds of democrats came out to meet and support their candidates in what has been dubbed a “historic” office site to local democratic candidates Brian Ruiz (for Congress, representing District 31), Diana Maldonado (for Texas State Representative, District 52), Jaime Lynn (for Williamson County Attorney), Mike Grimes (for County Commissioner, Precinct 1) and Greg Windham (for County Commissioner, Precinct 3).
The turn-out for this event was incredible! Texas Democratic Party Chairman Boyd Richie echoed the sentiments of attendees when he made this statement: “Wow! What a crowd today. Four years ago, only a handful of people showed up because, really, there weren’t any democrats in Williamson County. We’re going to surprise people in November.” To which the crowd responded with enthusiastic applause.
Williamson County Democratic Party Chair Richard Torres introduced each candidate as they addressed the excited crowd. Brian Ruiz relayed his exciting morning as he talked about meeting Nancy Pelosi and surprise keynote speaker Al Gore at the Netroots Nation Progressive Politics Conference at the Austin Convention Center.
“I had an opportunity to tell Al Gore that he is one of the main reasons that I am running for Congress right now. I shared with him that the statement he made at the end of his movie (An Inconvenient Truth) was the final push that made me decide to run,” said Brian. He then told how that defining statement spoke to him: “At the end of his movie, Al Gore says, ‘If you don’t like what’s going on, write to Congress. If that doesn’t get you anywhere, then run for Congress.” Brian continued to talk about his political platforms, specific plans and how he intends on working for the people of District 31.
Brian wishes to extend his thanks and gratitude for those who showed up for the Williamson County Coordinated Campaign Headquarters Kickoff Reception. If you weren’t able to attend, you missed a good time! Check out the photo gallery on our website at www.ruizforcongress.com. And know that there will be plenty more opportunities to mix and mingle with fellow Ruiz for Congress supporters.
Huckabee House Party
This past Sunday loyal supporters Anna and Warren Huckabee hosted a house party fundraiser for Brian. This was the first of what we are hoping will be many house-parties over the course of the next few months.
It was a gorgeous Sunday afternoon and the Huckabees opened their lovely home to a host of friends and supporters. Party guests enjoyed a fabulous buffet of snacks and hors d’oeuvres and yummy cookies while socializing and talking about politics. At 4:30pm, Brian took center stage to address the crowd with a talk about his background, the reasons he decided to run for public office and how he intends to serve the constituents of District 31. Especially inspiring was his revelation of just how connected he is with the average citizen. Brian and Rebecca, his wife, have to sit around their kitchen table every month and decide how best to pay bills and provide for their family, just like the rest of us. He is certainly more relatable than his opponent, who through his own admission in a telephone town hall meeting recently , didn’t even know how expensive a gallon of milk had become!
If we want the kind of change that Brian promises to bring, we need to help him finance his campaign. Political campaigns require significant amounts of money to be competitive. There are all kinds of costs associated with running a campaign: signs and push cards and advertising and so much more!
One way to help fundraise is to throw a house party. We have compiled a list of helpful HOUSE PARTY PLANNING TIPS that will guide you through the process and ensure a successful outcome. Click here to download the document from our website.
Please consider having a House Party for Brian. He is the candidate who will represent you best, but he needs your help NOW to make sure he gets elected.
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July Newsletter
In this Issue:
State Convention Article
Last month, Austin was host to a very successful and exciting State Democratic Convention. Over 15,000 committed Democrats - delegates, alternates, elected officials and guests – came together in an atmosphere of party unity to collaborate, communicate and act to ensure a new course for Texas.
Brian Ruiz, District 31 Congressional Candidate was one of these very committed Democrats making the rounds at the Convention. He attended many of the Convention kickoff events on Thursday, June 6th, including the Williamson County Party at the Hilton Garden Inn, the Texans for Obama party at Club de Ville and the 3rd Biennial Bloggers Caucus at the Cedar Door downtown.
On Friday, Brian got down to business and enthusiastically participated in several of the Convention functions, meeting with concerned citizens, like-minded candidates and elected officials and groups focused on dedicated activism to discuss needs, goals and proposed actions, all working toward a better state, an improved county and thriving communities. Specifically, Brian spoke and attended meetings of the Progressive Hispanic Caucus, the Texas Military Veterans, the Youth Caucus, the Hispanic Caucus and Democrats for Life. He also addressed the crowds and circulated fliers while greeting folks at meetings for the Texas Blue Dog Coalition and the Democratic Homeschoolers.
In addition to Convention duties, Brian also held his first major fundraiser on that same Friday at the Parkside Restaurant and Raw Bar in the heart of Austin. “The convention was a huge success. It was great to see so many people participating in the political process beyond voting,” Ruiz commented enthusiastically.
Ruiz for Congress Fundraiser Article
The Parkside Restaurant and Raw Bar in the heart of Austin will always have the distinction of being the site for the first big campaign fundraiser for Brian Ruiz, as he runs for the District 31 Congressional seat.
The fundraiser, which took place the weekend of the Texas State Democratic Convention, marked the first big fundraiser for the Ruiz campaign which had generally been participating in smaller house party fundraisers as well as utilizing club meetings for fundraising. Brian, who hopes to be working on behalf of residents in Williamson, Bell, Coryell, Erath, Falls, Hamilton, Milam and a portion of Robertson counties come November, was pleased with the turnout that evening. “I think this was a big success. There were a lot of people from the District at the Convention activities and our fundraiser served as a nice break for them,” stated Brian.
Fellow candidates Jaime Lynn, candidate for Williamson County Attorney; Mark Thompson, candidate for Railroad Commissioner; and Sam Murphey, candidate for State Representative District 55 all made an appearance at the event. Also in attendance were supporters, friends and family of Brian. A good time was had by all and Brian greatly appreciated the generous donations.
If you missed this one, don’t worry: Brian will be having another great fundraising event soon. Your support will be crucial in the coming months and we’ll be sure to keep you posted on how you can help elect Brian Ruiz as your next Congressman!
Welcome Michele
The Ruiz for Congress Campaign is pleased to announce Michele Truhlik as the newest addition to the campaign staff. Michele has been hired as the Communications and Media Relations Director.
Michele has over 22 years of experience with media relations, including owning her own advertising agency (Media Without Agony) for the past 14 years. Michele lives in Leander, TX with her three greyhounds, Maggie, Dodge and Harry.