Postcards in the Park - Sunday, July 26th from 1-3pm

JOIN US THIS SUNDAY!
   


Postcards in the Park
Sunday, July 26th from 1-3pm
Forest Hills Park - 1022 Forest Hills Avenue - splash pad is open!

Hello all activists!

Have you voted in the primary yet? If not, you’re not alone (I haven’t either). We need to make our voices heard, though, and can do so by voting early or on election day. Here’s some helpful information on WHEN you can vote:
Vote at your polling place ON ELECTION DAY (August 4, 2026 - 6 am to 7 pm) Vote EARLY IN-PERSON at the 5th Street County Office Building
Early voting for the August 4, 2026 Democratic and Republican primaries run June 18 - August 1, Monday - Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Weekend dates are as follows: Sunday July 19 & 26, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, and Saturday July 25 & August 1, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
See EARLY VOTING IN PERSON below for complete details.

I’m hoping we have a bit better weather than June’s slightly soggy gathering 😅 We still won’t have Virginia’s CD5 postcards till after the primary, but we should have those available in August. We will have a bundle to get out at the end of this month as well as others we’re working on to mail out in the (fast-approaching) fall.

Our upcoming gathering is Sunday, July 26th from 1-3pm at Forest Hills Park at the shelter by the (open!) splash pad. Kids are welcome and there’s good sight lines from the shelter to the playground and splash pad. Please invite a friend or two - they can sign up to receive upcoming postcard event information at tinyurl.com/postcardgatherings. There's usually plenty of parking along the street.

 I did snag a few rolls of stamps before the price increased on July 12th, so any donations to help cover that outlay would be greatly appreciated. This is a wonderful way to help out even if you can’t attend gatherings. You can send along contributions earmarked "postage" to [email protected] via PayPal (friends & family) or @LaurenBoggs-Meslar on Venmo; 100% of donations go to postcard postage. Thanks so much for considering!
   
Upcoming Dates:
 Sunday, August 30th, 1-3 Forest Hills Park (splash pad open)
 Sunday, September 27th, 1-3 Forest Hills Park (splash pad CLOSED)

 Don’t forget! Early voting for our August 4th primary election starts next week!
Other Local Events:
 If you can’t make it on weekends, I’ve been alerted to another group meeting up on weekdays and the host also provides postcard packets for pick up anytime to folks who wants to write on their own. If you’re like more information, please reach out to Diane at [email protected] with “Postcard List” in the subject line.
Monthly Coffee & Conversation with Local Democrats, shared from Albemarle Dems:
4th Wednesday of the Month, 11 AMC’Ville Coffee & Wine, 1301 Harris Street, Charlottesville

A great way to keep up to date with lots of opportunities to engage by signing up for Albemarle Dems' informative and entertaining newsletter here.
   
Postcarding Info:
Remember, stopping by for just a bit is fine! I'll have postcards in sets of 5, so you can do a set and head out if you need to. Able to spend the whole two ours with us? WONDERFUL! Let's aim for 20! Have your own postcards and/or postcard lists you're working on? Feel free to stop by to do some with us! I look forward to catching up with past postcarders and meeting new folks! Invite a buddy to come with you, too. We can vent and plot and plan together 😅
I do ask that all postcards be completed on site and left with their address list so I can ensure they're sent on the appropriate day for each organization. Please note that some bundles require specific scripts, while others do not. Using your phone to photograph the sample script and copying from that works well.
 If you'd like to simply swing by and pick up some postcards and a printed guide to get your own addresses and mail them yourself (or host your own postcard party!😍), we will have blank postcards available and printed guides available. I HIGHLY recommend everyone try to have their own little postcard gathering of friends - it's a great way to spend some time together and chat about upcoming elections. The more folks we get engaged in the process, the better! I think there's interest in a consistent Crozet postcarding event, so anyone up for hosting those, I'm happy to help launch your endeavors!
 I also posted two 'how to' blog posts with helpful tips for hosting your own, public or private, postcard gatherings. Feel free to check them out here:
 How to get addresses & get the word out: https://beve.co/blogs/beve-party-inspiration-and-happenings/the-how-and-why-of-beves-get-out-the-vote-postcards-how-i-got-started
Logistics tips: https://beve.co/blogs/beve-party-inspiration-and-happenings/the-how-and-why-of-beves-get-out-the-vote-postcards-how-i-organize-gotv-postcard-parties
You're welcome to bring postcard stamps to donate, a contribution that will 100% go to postage for postcards, or - if you can't make it - you're welcome to contribute to the cause by sending funds earmarked "postage" to [email protected] via PayPal (friends & family) or @LaurenBoggs-Meslar on Venmo. THANK YOU SO MUCH to everyone who has donated funds or postage ❤️ 
Plenty of postcards and some pens, markers, and stickers will be available, but you're welcome to bring some as well. 
   
Thank you for all you do! I’m looking forward to seeing you! 
Lauren Boggs Meslar 
434.996.4769