June 2026
WDC Newsletter — June 1, 2026
President's Letter
On May 19, WDC held its Annual Membership Meeting
and I had the honor and pleasure of introducing our keynote speaker, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen. Our much-respected Senator started his elected public service in the Maryland state senate in 1995. He served Maryland District 18 as a state senator until he was elected to Congress in 2002 and in 2016 was elected to the U.S. Senate. Since the beginning of the second Trump administration in January 2025, Senator Van Hollen has inarguably become one of the most visible and eloquent defenders of our democracy and the rule of law. He has consistently stood up for Marylanders and all people who are being harmed by this venal and irresponsible regime.
In his remarks, the Senator called out the Trump administration’s constant, blatant corruption. He pointed up examples of its illegal maneuvers batted down by the courts, its practice of casual cruelty, plus its gross incompetence and negligence. Congressional Republicans remain mostly acquiescent. In response to an audience member’s question about the
“one thing we can all do right now,” the Senator responded, “We all need to mobilize and protect our elections,”
referencing the many mischiefs that the Trump administration is pursuing in order to hamper a free and fair voting process in November.
In the coming five months, through Election Day, WDC will be working to help ensure that elections are accessible, free, and fair. Many of us will be applying ourselves to GOTV efforts to make sure Democrats achieve a decisive “Blue Wave” on November 3. Please see the rest of this newsletter for upcoming opportunities to engage and join us in protecting our democratic republic.
Cynthia Rubenstein
WDC Membership Dues Increases
On May 19, 2026, a resolution to raise WDC’s dues from $35 to $55 per year was presented and voted upon by WDC members present at the Annual Meeting.
The motion to increase annual dues to $55 passed decisively with 84 yeas and 7 nays. The new annual dues of $55 will take effect on July 1, 2026, at the beginning of WDC’s next fiscal year. New memberships or renewals completed through June 30, 2026, will be at the current dues level and on July 1, 2026, new memberships and renewals will be activated at the $55 level.
Now that the new basic dues level is set, WDC’s board can work on policy to ease access for certain classes of members with financial need, as we have done in the past. Thank you to the members who supported the basic dues increase. This additional dues revenue will help WDC maintain its financial wellbeing and ability to provide a broad array of meaningful programs, events, and activities.
The WDC Board of Directors
Advocacy Corner
The Maryland General Assembly ended its 2026 session six weeks ago. WDC’s lead advocates have prepared a retrospective, which will be coming soon.
Our advocacy does not stop when session ends. Over the last few weeks have continued advocacy on three key issues:
Redistricting. After the Supreme Court’s evisceration of the Voting Rights Act, WDC’s president Cynthia Rubenstein reissued WDC’s call that redistricting legislation be allowed to be discussed and voted on by the Senate. In a letter and press release, she urged the governor to convene a special session in order to take up the redistricting plan recommended by the Governor’s bipartisan commission. We also urge the Senate President to accede to the demand for a full debate and a vote. We will continue to advocate for the state to use its power to protect Marylanders and our democracy.
Data Centers. WDC’s Environment and Energy Advocacy Chair Liisi Fidler is the WDC liaison within a coalition of organizations focused on data centers. In the last several weeks, we have promoted education about the impacts of data centers and the proposed countywide moratorium on data center construction unless and until their construction is regulated. Zoning, high demand for electricity, reliance on public water for cooling during a drought, labor and apprenticeships, and the impact on human and wildlife communities—all require thoughtful regulation. Despite the RELIEF Act that passed the MGA this year, more state- and federal- level regulation is required. At our recent WDC annual meeting, guest speaker Senator Van Hollen spoke to me about his
"The Power for the People Act" (S. 3682). We are continuing to explore ways to advocate smart regulation of data centers.
Early Care and Education (ECE). Working with the Children’s Opportunity Alliance (CoA), we have continued to advocate for county funding for The Working Parents Assistance program (WPA), a full-time CoA legislative lead, and restoration of funding for our libraries. WDC’s tireless lead advocate for our youngest residents this year was Jim Montgomery. He is quick to point out the critical role that libraries continue to play in preparing children for kindergarten—particularly the many children whose families lack access to childcare and / or prekindergarten.
Advocacy will not stop this summer. We will be advocating at the county and Federal level and look for opportunities to support those state representatives who fight for our priorities.
To learn how to get involved, please email:
advocacy@womensdemocraticclub.org
Kate Stein, Advocacy Chair
Election Primaries 2026
Montgomery County's official Voter Information Guide for the 2026 Gubernatorial Primary is here!
This guide covers everything you need to know before you vote, including your options for casting a ballot, where to find drop boxes and early voting centers near you, and how to use phone text commands to get quick voting info on the go.
For the full downloadable or printable Voter Information Guide, up-to-date information on mail-in ballot replacement. or a sample ballot, CLICK HERE.
UPDATE ON MAILED BALLOTS
Earlier this month, many people received the incorrect mail-in ballots. The Maryland State Board of Elections is working diligently to correct this error. The people affected are those whose ballots were mailed before May 14th, and all affected voters will be notified. Voters who requested a ballot after May 14th are not affected, and those who used the print at home options such as E-mail and web delivery ballots are not affected.
Replacement ballots will be sent out before May 29th, and the ballot envelope will be clearly labeled with “REPLACEMENT BALLOT INSIDE.”
The voting process with the replacement ballots is essentially the same, and instructions will be included. If you already submitted an original ballot mailed to you earlier, you should still submit the replacement ballot. The Board of Elections can identify any earlier ballots that were submitted by a code on the outside envelope. Your replacement ballot is the one that will be counted. Please make sure to return the replacement ballot in the envelope marked "replacement envelope,” and to destroy the original ballot if you have not yet submitted it. All properly cast votes will be counted.
For more information, to learn whether you will be affected, understand what will happen next, and view frequently asked questions please visit the Maryland State Board of Elections.
Democratic Party Events in MoCo
The Montgomery County Democratic Party seeks registered Democrats to serve on its 2026 Ballot Questions Advisory Committee (BQAC). As a committee member, you’ll review ballot questions for the November election and help the Montgomery County Democratic Party determine its positions that will be conveyed to all Democratic voters in the county. The BQAC’s work typically occurs from mid-July to mid-September.
To apply, submit a resume and cover letter to office@mcdcc.org
Subject line: “Ballot Questions Advisory Committee”
Deadline: 5:00 PM, Friday, June 12, 2026
Your resume should highlight your involvement in political campaigns, the community, and the Democratic Party. Your cover letter should explain why you want to serve.
Flag Day commemorates June 14, 1777, when the Continental Congress determined the composition of the nation's banner: "Resolved, That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation."
- Red for valor and bravery
- White for purity and innocence
- Blue for vigilance, perseverance, and justice
- From 13 to 50 stars, the flag reminds us of what we stand for.
Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and is dedicated to African Americans and their culture. It is recognized as a federal holiday, and is full of events that reflect the history, heritage, and diversity of the county. CLICK HERE for a listing of numerous local events throughout the day.
WDC Membership
By joining WDC, you are building community and political muscle with other Democratic members, clubs, and allies to elect Democrats and support progressive Democratic policy goals. WDC is excited to work with each of you, as we advocate for our WDC priorities, and present our Speakers Programs, Community Education Panels, social events, and service projects. And you'll be privy to our very own "WDC Members Only" Facebook page. Join us by clicking HERE!
If you're already a member and haven't already renewed, you can do so online HERE. You may also mail your $55.00 annual dues ($25 for members aged 35-years-old or younger) payable to "WDC" to: WDC, PO Box 34047, Bethesda, MD 20827.
