Update from the Chair
CoCo Dems Chair Jim Haessly
Goodbye snow. Welcome to Spring 2026. As always, I’d like to thank the CoCoDems volunteers who are working hard to move Columbia County and Wisconsin forward.
April is a huge month. Remember to vote on April 7 for Wisconsin State Supreme Court Justice, as well as local non-partisan races such as school board, town board, and county supervisor. In-Person Absentee voting opened on March 24. If you can’t vote on April 7 make sure you vote ahead of time. Find out how and where to vote at this link: https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/
You are invited to volunteer for one or more of these opportunities:
Canvass. The most important action to get voters to the polls. April 4 and 5. Last opportunity before the April 7 election.
Protest. Every Friday 4 to 5 PM in Portage. Weekly protests are also held in local communities, including Montello, Baraboo, Sauk City, and Lodi.
Staff the CoCoDems Office. The office is open consistently Thursday and Saturday. We’d like to increase our hours, which we have sufficient volunteers.
Attend Events:
Gubernatorial Candidate Debate April 11. It is critical that the strongest candidate is selected to defeat Tariff Tom Tiffany in November.
The Columbia County Youth and Young Adult Engagement Organization Forum. Columbus April 19 3:30 to 5:30 PM. Engaging young adults and high school students in discussion about gun violence, fair voting maps, and immigration.
Annual Dinner and Fundraiser April 25: Join us for camaraderie, dinner, a great speaker, and many opportunities to support the CoCoDems.
Be a Delegate to the Sixth Congressional District on May 17 and/or the State Democratic Party Convention June 13 and . (Read about it here)
Review the Proposed Constitution. The Executive Committee has drafted a revised CoCoDems Constitution. The existing and proposed revision can be found in this newsletter. Membership will discuss and vote on adoption at the May membership meeting.
Join a Committee: Our Events Committee and Membership Chairs (JoEllen and Mary Ellen, respectively) would love some additional hands to help with planning events and building our membership rolls. The Communications and Elections Committees also have opportunities ranging from letter writing to recruiting and supporting candidates. You can sign up on the CoCoDems website or talk to any committee member.
Cleaning Office Basement for Storage: Volunteers with or without workshop vacuums needed for a 1-DAY CLEANUP of the basement at the CoCoDems office. Let Office Manager Connie know if you’re interested.
As you know, CoCoDems is a 100 percent volunteer organization. We have a great history of making a difference in the lives of County residents. We invite you to make a different in any way you can, especially helping out as volunteer.