Political Calendar: Week of September 20, 2020

The Political Calendar is posted on Sundays. Please send us notice of your political events prior to the Sunday before your event 7 days would be most helpful). See the calendar icon in the right-hand column of the blog page for easy access to the calendar.

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Note: You can now request an early mail-in ballot for the November general election. DO IT TODAY if you have not already done so. Do not delay.

Editor’s Note: Due to the covid-19 coronavirus pandemic and CDC recommendations for social distancing, events are being cancelled or postponed to later dates. We are doing our best to update the calendar, but you should check with event organizers prior to attending any event to confirm the status. Some organizations are now holding virtual meetings online.

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Political Calendar for the Week of September 20, 2020:

Democrats of Greater Tucson logoMonday, September 21, Noon: Democrats of Greater Tucson ONLINE MEETING September 21: Featured speaker is Catherine “Cat” Ripley, candidate for Pima Community College Governing Board. Register now for Online Webinar to get easy instructions to attend. You just need an internet connection, and you can listen via phone or computer speaker. Meanwhile, Democrats can follow updates of the brand new website and start a free subscription to get weekly updates about progressive causes. You can also listen to the DGT Podcast to hear great speakers like Richard Elias – Pima County Supervisor Chairman, Rex Scott – Candidate for Pima County Board of Supervisors, District 1, and Dustin Williams – Pima County School Superintendent.

Monday, September 21, 5:30 p.m.: (New meeting date and location) Marana Democrats meeting, at the Continental Ranch Community Center, 8881 N. Coachline Blvd., Tucson. For more information please RSVP to marana.demsandfriends@gmail.com, or see our Facebook page.

Monday, September 21, 6:00 p.m.: Northern Pinal County Democrats meeting, at Mountain View Lutheran Church, 2122 S. Goldfield Road, Apache Junction. Meet the third Monday of each month. For more information please contact David Coward at dbcoward@gmail.com.

Tuesday, September 22: National Voter Registration Day. If you haven’t registered to vote, do it today!

Tuesday, September 22, 11:00 a.m.: Democratic Women of Southeastern Arizona meeting, at Manda Le Bar & Grill, 3455 Canyon De Flores, Sierra Vista, Meet the third Tuesday of each month. The cost of the luncheon is $15.00. For more information please contact Pat Smith at pandw111167@aol.com. Visit our web page. Democratic Women of Southeastern Arizona.

Tuesday, September 22, 6:30 p.m.: Legislative District 9 meeting, at the Water of Life Metropolitan Community Church, 3269 N. Mountain Avenue, Tucson. Meet the fourth Tuesday of each month. For more information please contact Kim Holoway atkimholaway@gmail.com.

Wednesday, September 23, 6:30 p.m.:  (Special Date) Legislative District 10 meeting, at the Unitarian Universalist Church, Goddard Hall, 4831 E 22nd Street, Tucson.There is a social time for all members and guests, beginning at 6 p.m. Meet the third Wednesday of each month. For more information please contact Bonnie Heidler at ld10azdems@gmail.com.

Thursday, September 24 – Sunday, September, 27: Cochise County Fair, at the Cochise County Fair Grounds, 3677 N. Leslie Canyon Road, Douglas (COVID restrictions).

Thursday, September 24, 6:00 p.m.: Pima County Democratic Party Labor Caucus meeting, at Pima County Democratic Party HQ, 4639 E. 1st Street, Tucson.

Thursday, September 24, 6:00 p.m.: Casa Grande Democrats meeting, at Bedillon’s Restaurant (Adobe Room), 800 N. Park Avenue, Casa Grande. Meet the fourth Thursday of each month. For more information please contact Jack Guthrie at democratsofcasagrande@gmail.com and Like Us on Facebook.

Thursday, September 24, 6:00 p.m.: Children’s Action Alliance Southern Arizona Candidate Forum (LDs 2, 10, and 11), on Facebook Live. See more information and register at Eventbrite.

Saturday, September 26 – Sunday, September 27: Oktoberfest on Mount Lemmon, 10300 Ski Run Road, Mt. Lemmon (Tucson). Free admission. $5 parking and highway fees. Enjoy a festival of German food and music in the forest at Mount Lemmon Ski Valley during the last two weekends in September and first two weekends in October: Sept. 19-20, Sept. 26-27, Oct. 3-4, and Oct. 10-11, 2019. No dogs admitted, please. For more information please call (520) 576-1321.

Arizona Democratic Party State Committee Meeting (virtual)

Saturday, September 26, 10:00 a.m.: Arizona Democratic Party State Committee Meeting (virtual). State Committee Members should pre-register HERE. We will conduct business but also host guest speakers to talk about Campaign 2020.

Saturday, September 26, 10:00 a.m.: Northern Cochise County Democratic Club meeting. Meeting locations rotate between Benson and Wilcox. For more information please contact Kathy Suagee at soprano_58@hotmail.com. Visit our web page Northern Cochise County Democrats.

Tucson Pride Virtual Festival (in October)

Saturday, September 26, Noon: (CANCELLED due to coronavirus concerns) 43rd Annual Pride in The Desert, at Reid Park, 22nd Street (at Alvernon Way) in Tucson. Tucson Pride has canceled the in-person Annual Tucson Pride Parade and Festival this year. In its place, Tucson Pride is taking the annual celebration virtual in October 2020, in honor of National Coming Out Month. The Tucson Pride Virtual Festival will feature a variety of partnerships with nonprofit organizations, performances, panels, and highlights from our local LGBTQ history. The all-day virtual event will be hosted by none other than your Tucson Pride Royalty, Lucinda Holliday and Justin Deeper-Love. Details on event schedule will be published in the coming weeks, as well as links for viewing. Check Tucson Pride for updates.

Saturday, September 26, 1:00 p.m.: The League of Women Voters of Greater Tucson is hosting a candidate debate between incumbent District 4 Pima County Supervisor Steve Christy (R) and Steve Diamond (D). Each forum is being recorded; after their respective live broadcast they will be available on the League’s Facebook page (Facebook.com/lwvgt) and YouTube channel (YouTube.com/lwvgt) which are also accessible from our website, www.LWVTucson.org through election day (November 3) so voters unable to watch in real time can view them at their convenience. Cut and paste this link … https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85830100229?pwd=RThoOEY4endxTWF6M0hQNUhDZSszQT09 in your browser at 12:50 PM and use Passcode: 011958 … to view in Zoom. OR Watch live (or the recording) on Facebook.com/lwvgreatertucson Questions? Email: League@LWVTucson.com.

Saturday, September 26, 2:00 p.m.: Legislative District 11 meeting, at the Wheeler, Taft, Abbett Library, 7800 N. Schisler Drive, Tucson. Meet the fourth Saturday of each month. For more information please contact Steve Witthoeft at sdwitt77@gmail.com.

Saturday, September 26, 3:00 p.m.: The League of Women Voters of Greater Tucson is hosting a candidate debate for this open District 2 Pima County Supervisor seat between Dr. Matt Heinz (D), and  Anthony Sizer (R). Each forum is being recorded; after their respective live broadcast they will be available on the League’s Facebook page (Facebook.com/lwvgt) and YouTube channel (YouTube.com/lwvgt) which are also accessible from our website, www.LWVTucson.org through election day (November 3) so voters unable to watch in real time can view them at their convenience. Cut and paste this link … https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82708051921?pwd=WjN5bHdnUWg2bVdiOUF5L1ZTakgydz09 … into your browser and use this Passcode: 360655 … to view in Zoom. OR Watch live (or the recording) on Facebook.com/lwvgreatertucson Questions? Email: League@LWVTucson.com.

Special Announcements:

DCSRA Current Events Discussion Group

Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m.: (Meetings cancelled due to coronavirus concerns) Democratic Club of the Santa Rita Area hosts a Current Events Discussion Group at the DCSRA Headquarters, Continental Shopping Plaza, 240 W. Continental Road (exit 63), Green Valley (Suite 420, between the Barber Shop and the restaurant Carne Y Vino). Join us at the weekly meeting of the Democratic Headquarters Current Events Discussion Group. We’ll talk about some of the major events of the previous week, including but not limited to political topics, and try and go behind the news for a deeper understanding. For more information, please contact Jean Vickers jean.vickers@cox.net.

Drinking Liberally

Third Wednesday of each month, 6:00 p.m.: Drinking Liberally returns to The Shanty, 401 E. 9th Street, Tucson. We need to know by the morning of each meeting approximately how many folks will attend. Please RSVP to tucson@drinkingliberally.org. Informal but thoughtful conversation. As a reminder, The Shanty does not serve food (yes, there is popcorn), so please feel free to bring your own or order in, all allowed at The Shanty. There is no obligation to order anything–but as a thank you to our host, I hope everyone will order at least one drink (alcoholic or otherwise).

Sunday, September 27: Yom Kippur starts.

Sunday, September 27, 2:00 p.m.: Pima County Democratic Party’s Civics 2.0: What’s On My Ballot? Greer Warren and Gail Kamaras will talk about the offices we are voting for on the November 2020 Pima Co ballot, from Constable to (US) President. We will talk about the function of each office and why it is important to vote the whole ballot in this vitally important election – bottom to top. This will be a ZOOM event, the event is free, but registration is required. Register Here.

Monday, September 28, 5:30 p.m.: (cancelled) Maricopa County Democratic Party Executive Committee Meeting at HQ, 2914 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix. Meet and greet (and dinner) begins at 5:30. Meeting begins promptly at 6:00 p.m.

Monday, September 28, 6:00 p.m.: Legislative District 3 meeting, at the Pima County Housing Center, 801 W. Congress Street. Meet the fourth Monday of each month. For more information please contact Eva Dong at ecdong1@gmail.com.

Tuesday, September 29, 6:00 p.m.: Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Debate Legislative District 14 (online).

Tuesday, September 29, 6:00 pm.: First Presidential Debate from Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH. To be moderated by Chris Wallace of Fox News.

Wednesday, September 30, 5:00 p.m.: Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Debate for the Arizona Corporation Commission (online).

Wednesday, September 30, 6:00 p.m.: Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Debate Legislative District 11 (online).

Note: The Yavapai County Democratic Party’s annual Truman-Clinton Dinner, traditionally held in late August, appears to be cancelled this year due to safety concerns for the coronavirus pandemic.

Thursday, October 1 – Sunday, October 4: Rex Allen Days. The Town of Willcox celebrates the music and life of hometown hero, the actor/singing cowboy Rex Allen, with a rodeo, parade, dances, and cowboy poetry readings.

Friday, October 2 – Sunday, October 25: (CANCELLED due to coronavirus concerns) Arizona State Fair, at the Arizona State Fair Grounds, 1826 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix.

Saturday, October 3, 9:30 a.m.: Legislative District 2 meeting, at the Sam Lena Library, 1607 S. 6th Avenue, Tucson. For more information please contact Gerald Stoops at gfstoops@gmail.com.

Saturday, October 3, 11:00 a.m.: Greater Huachuca Area Democrats meeting, at the Golden Corral Restaurant, 798 S. Highway 92, Sierra Vista. For more information please contact ghadc1@yahoo.com.

Saturday, October 3, 11:00 a.m.: Flagstaff Oktoberfest, at Wheeler Park, 212 W. Aspen Avenue, Flagstaff. The event supports the Flagstaff Sunrise Lions Club. Live polka music, German beer, and free root beer floats for kids in the root beer garden. Contests for yodeling, costume, brat eating and beer hoisting.

Saturday, October 3, 1:30 p.m.: The League of Women Voters of Greater Tucson is hosting a candidate debate between incumbent Republican Pima County Sheriff Mark Napier and Democratic challenger former Sheriff Chris Nanos. On Saturday, October 3rd, copy and paste this address into your browser: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85496698170?pwd=YXNDN1FKWlgwbHFMZnhnUWppWlRkQT09 (use passcode: 274960) … OR log in to Facebook.com/lwvgreatertucson to watch the program live (or view the recording later.) Questions? Email: League@LWVTucson.com.

Saturday, October 3, 3:30 p.m.: The League of Women Voters of Greater Tucson is hosting a candidate debate for the open seat in District 5 on the Pima County Board of Supervisors.  Long term TUSD Governing Bd. member Adelita Grijalva (D) is facing off with Republican Fernando Gonzales. On Saturday, October 3rd, copy and paste this link … https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81553978622?pwd=MjZzckFBSDBHTExYYTNNVTdOTEhvQT09 … and use this Passcode: 861442 … to view in Zoom. OR Watch live (or the recording) on Facebook.com/lwvgreatertucson Questions? Email: League@LWVTucson.com.

9th Annual Udall Dinner & Spirit of Arizona Awards (Virtual)

Saturday, October 3, 6:00 p.m.: (Rescheduled from earlier this year) Pima County Democratic Party’s 9th Annual Udall Dinner & Spirit of Arizona Awards – now virtual due to the coronavirus pandemic. This year we turn our focus towards UNITY, by returning to the foundation of this democracy: The U.S. Constitution. To that end, the theme of this year’s celebration is “Building a More Perfect Union.” The evening’s event promises to inspire, rally and motivate the Democratic Party to come together for this crucial election year. Don’t miss out! Our keynote speaker is author and Professor Noah Chomsky. This is our major fundraising event of the year.  Precinct Committeemen ticket price $100, individual ticket price $125, sponsorship levels available. For special discounts for students and military please contact us at: (520) 429-5064. Purchase tickets secure online at Actblue. We will send the link to attendees via email.

Monday, October 5: Voter registration deadline for general election.

Martha McSally and Mark Kelly Senate Debate

Tuesday, October 6, Time TBA: Martha McSally and Mark Kelly Senate debate hosted by The Arizona Republic and the state’s public radio and television stations: Arizona PBS and the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University; KJZZ, the Phoenix public radio station; and Arizona Public Media, southern Arizona’s PBS and National Public Radio affiliate. Voters can watch the debate live on Arizona PBS, KJZZ and AZPM and streamed on azcentral.com. Details about the debate time and format will be released later.

Wednesday, October 7: ELECTION MONTH! Early ballots mailed, General Election early voting begins. Return your ballot as soon as you receive it, or drop it off at your county recorder early voting locations.

Wednesday, October 7, 6:00 p.m.: Vice Presidential Debate from The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT. To be moderated by Susan Page of USA Today.

Thursday, October 8 – Sunday, October, 11: Graham County Fair, at the Graham County Fairgrounds, 527 E. Armory Road, Safford.

Friday, October 9 – Sunday, October 11: (CANCELED due to coronavirus concerns) Oktoberfest at Tempe Town Lake.

Tucson Meet Yourself

Friday, October 9 – Sunday, October 11 (placeholder): Tucson Meet Yourself will be combining virtual and live events (safely distanced), to celebrate the many cultures and traditions in Tucson and surrounding areas. We will not be producing a festival like the ones of the last 46 years. We’ll be unveiling the 2020 festival plan in the coming weeks. See Tucson Weekly for Virtual and In-Person Events, or contact TucsonMeetYourself.org.

Monday, October 12: Columbus Day observed.

AIDSWALK Tucson Goes Virtual This Year

Monday, October 12 – Sunday, October 18: Virtual AIDSWALK Week. It will start with a Drive-thru Registration and Celebration and will be followed by live-streamed events each day of the week, such as the Quilts Ceremony, engaging programs from our incredible SAAF in-house educators, cameos from well-known faces in the community, livestreams from expert panels, and more. We will continue to raise funds and awareness until October 18th. Register today to make a difference from a distance! Register today at aidswalktucson.org. Follow AIDSWALK Tucson on the SAAF Facebook page, and FirstGiving.

Thursday, October 15, 6:00 p.m.: Second Presidential Debate from Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Miami, FL. To be moderated by Steve Scully of C-SPAN.

Friday, October 16 – Sunday, October 18: Helldorado Days in Tombstone.

Monday, October 19: Last Day to return your mail ballot so that it is received by election day. U.S. Postal Service now says to mail your ballot at least 15 days prior to Election Day (October 19).

Thursday, October 22, 6:00 p.m.: Third Presidential Debate from Belmont University, Nashville, TN. To be moderated by Kristen Welker of NBC News.

Friday, October 23: Last day to request an early mail-in ballot. (WRONG! Do not wait until this date).

Saturday, October 24, 3:00 p.m.: (CANCELED due to coronavirus concerns) Red Rocks Oktoberfest, at the Posse Grounds Park, 525 Posse Ground Road, Sedona.

Friday, October 30 – Sunday, November 1: (Rescheduled from earlier this year) 32nd Annual Chandler Ostrich Festival, at Tumbleweed Park, 745 E. Germann Road, Chandler. Entertainment on the main stage: Friday: 98 Degrees, Saturday: Blues Traveler. Child/Senior Admission $8, Adult Admission $15, VIP Admission $30-$50.

Friday, October 30: Last day for in person early voting.

Saturday, October 31: Halloween.

Tucson All Souls Procession

Sunday, November 8, 6:00 p.m.: The physical Procession of Little Angels and All Souls Procession in downtown Tucson is CANCELED due to coronavirus concerns. We will be offering online workshops and events from September – November. We are still responding to the current pandemic and will keep this page updated with numerous ways to participate and support the event.

Saturday, October 31 and Monday, November 2: In person emergency voting at County Recorder facilities (TBA).

Tuesday, November 3: General Election.

Saturday, November 7 – Sunday, November 8: (Rescheduled from earlier this year) Phoenix Pride Festival and Parade.

Wednesday, November 11: Veterans Day.

Saturday, November 14: El Tour de Tucson HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO APRIL 10, 2021: After carefully monitoring the ongoing public health concerns brought on by the coronavirus pandemic and an abundance of caution for the safety and wellness of our cyclists, volunteers, staff and the communities through which we pass, the 38th Banner – University Medicine El Tour de Tucson has been postponed to Saturday, April 10, 2021.

Thursday, November 26: Thanksgiving Day.

Tuesday, December 1: World AIDS Day.

Monday, December 7: Pearl Harbor Day.

Tuesday, December 8: “Safe Harbor” Deadline for Resolving Election Disputes. All state recounts and court contests over presidential election results must be completed by this date.

Thursday, December 10: Hanukkah starts.

Friday, December 11 – Sunday, December 13: 51st Fourth Avenue Winter Street Fair, 4th Avenue between University Avenue and 8th Street, Tucson. Tucson’s largest street market with more than 400 vendors from all over the world and 500,000 visitors. Shopping, food vendors, live entertainment. Free admission. No pets allowed.

Monday, December 14: Meeting of Electors in the Electoral College.

Wednesday, December 23: Deadline for receipt of ballots from the Electoral College. The electors’ ballots from all states must be received by the president of the Senate by this date.

Friday, December 25: Christmas Day.

2021

Friday, January 1: New Year’s Day.

Sunday, January 3: The 117th Congress convenes as early as noon (ET).

Wednesday, January 6: Counting of the Electoral Ballots. The U.S. Congress meets in joint session to count the electoral votes.

Wednesday, January 20: Inauguration Day.