May 2026

Cynthia Rubenstein • May 11, 2026

WDC Newsletter — May 1, 2026



President's Letter

One of my jobs as President is to be a big booster for WDC’s events, and May brings two opportunities that are not to be missed:


  • Democratic County Executive Candidates Forum on May 3: Hear from all five of the candidates on Sunday, May 3 from 3 to 5 p.m. at Gaithersburg High School. With early voting June 11 through June 18 and Primary Election Day on June 23, this is a chance to solidify your vote for a critical local elected office. What do you need to hear from the candidates and who will be your choice as the best steward of Montgomery County for the next four years? Register here.
  • Annual Membership Meeting on May 19: WDC is thrilled to announce that our keynote speaker for the Annual Meeting will be Senator Chris Van Hollen, a tenacious defender of democracy and Democratic values. This members-only event takes place at the Kensington Town Hall from 7-8:30 p.m. and will include light refreshments before a short business meeting, followed by the Senator’s remarks. Register here.
  • Lastly, WDC's Evening with Simon Rosenberg on April 9 was an engaging, substantive, and rousing call-to-action. Simon’s bottom line message: Job 1, over anything else, is for Democrats to win BIG in November. We need to do everything it takes to decisively win the House, and, conceivably, the Senate. You can learn more about how Simon and his fellow plucky patriots are working to ensure November Democratic wins at Hopium Chronicles. If you were unable to attend on April 9, you can click here to see the You Tube video recording of the program. I promise you, it’s worth viewing.

    Cynthia Rubenstein



On May 19, 2026, a resolution to raise WDC’s dues from $35 to $55 per year will be presented and voted upon by WDC members present at the Annual Meeting. Click here for more information on the background and rationale for this proposed dues increase.


Advocacy Corner

The Maryland General Assembly's 90-day session ended on April 13. In approximately two weeks, we will send a special advocacy newsletter with a session retrospective covering accomplishments and disappointments.

WDC's advocacy work continues year-round, not only during session, and we welcome your participation at any time. We also work with county- and state-elected officials year-round to prepare for the next session. In the meantime, we will be turning our attention to advancing democracy at both the state and local levels.

Kate Stein, Advocacy Chair


WDC News & Events


To register, CLICK HERE.



To register, CLICK HERE.

What You Might Have Missed

WDC's Evening with Simon Rosenberg on April 9 was an engaging, substantive, and rousing call-to-action. Simon’s bottom line message: Job 1, over anything else, is for Democrats to win BIG in November. We need to do everything it takes to decisively win the House, and conceivably, the Senate. See photos from the evening here. 

Montgomery County Democratic Party News

Join the Party’s 2026 Ballot Questions Advisory Committee (BQAC)

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.

Montgomery County & Maryland News

The Democracy Summer project seeks to bring about political change in America by training and deploying the next generation of Democratic organizers and leaders to win elections at every level.

Founded by Congressman Jamie Raskin, backed by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, and buoyed by thousands of supportive alumni across the country, Democracy Summer engages high school and college-aged young people in state-of-the-art tactics in voter registration, canvassing, and digital political organizing. Through on-line seminars with leading historians, law professors, political organizers and union and elected leaders, it provides an intensive education in the historical struggle for democratic freedom and essential lessons for effective political leadership today. For more information or to apply, CLICK HERE.


Be an Educated Voter

The 2026 Primary Election Is Just around the Corner

Ballots often include more than just candidates—judges and local races matter too. Ballotpedia offers a sample ballot lookup tool to help you research the content of your ballot and make informed decisions.

Check the Maryland State Board of Elections and the Montgomery County Board of Election websites, where you can learn about the mechanics of voting, as well as verify the accuracy of
information you may have questions about.


Voting in Montgomery County requires citizen support.

We have:
- 14 Early Voting Centers operating for 8 days prior to Primary Election Day
- 231 polling places on Primary Election Day

All these locations need election workers. You can sign up to be an election worker, which is a great way to help make our democracy work.

An election worker is a registered Maryland voter who volunteers to assist at polling places during Early Voting (June 11-June 18) and/or on Primary Election Day (June 23). Election workers fill a variety of roles to ensure the election is carried out honestly and efficiently. 

Bilingual workers are especially needed. Training and a stipend are provided. Full-day and part-day hours are available. Teens aged 16 and up may also volunteer and earn Student Service Learning credits.

Do More Than Vote! Get more information and sign up at Montgomery County Board of Elections.

Fight Back & Stay Informed


Indivisible’s Weekly WHAT’S THE PLAN? A Weekly Discussion with Indivisible’s Co-Founders

Join the Weekly Zoom Chat with Indivisible Co-founders Ezra Levin and Leah Greenberg, who will help you wade through the week’s news, answer your questions, and provide timely calls to action. Webinars are held every Thursday, 3 - 4:00 p.m. EST.

Register HERE.

Trusted Sources

The Downtown Nasty Women Social Group maintains an up-to-date list of reputable, independent news sources to help combat misinformation, hold power accountable, and amplify the truth. Some outlets lean left or right, but all share a commitment to journalistic integrity and accuracy, standards that should always transcend political affiliations. CLICK HERE for a continuously updated list of “Trusted Sources."

Community Activism


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 $35.00 annual dues ($25 for members 35-years-old or younger) payable to "WDC" to: WDC, PO Box 34047, Bethesda, MD 20827.

Make a Difference—Volunteer with WDC!

WDC needs you! Can you help us in one of these positions? Not sure what a position entails? Come try it out—no obligation!

Membership Co-Chair
Events Committee Member
Finance Committee Member
Advocacy Committee Members

To learn more, please contact Cynthia Rubenstein and make sure to use the subject line: "Volunteering with WDC."


CLICK HERE for more information on the Book Festival.