Sarah Prineas

Hello Johnson County Democratic Delegates and Alternates, 

I hope each of you are safe and staying well. We appreciate your patience as we coordinated with the Iowa Democratic Party (IDP) to develop a plan for the County Convention to take place while respecting the Iowa Department of Public Health and CDC guidelines for maintaining a safe, healthy distance as we battle COVID-19.

With guidance from the IDP, your County Convention Chairs have developed a plan to complete the delegate selection process and the other business items included in the County Convention. County Convention delegates and alternates will receive an email on April 13 with a link to register for the Johnson County Democratic Convention. On April 22, delegates and alternates will receive a separate email with a link to their ballots. 

Stay healthy and safe!

Sincerely,

Ed Cranston
Chair, Johnson County Democrats

An announcement from IDP Chair Mark Smith:

Iowa Democratic Party Statement on Upcoming County

Conventions

DES MOINES – Today, regarding the upcoming County Conventions on March 21,
Iowa Democratic Party Chair Mark Smith released the following statement:
“Today, the Iowa Democratic Party is announcing it will postpone County
Conventions to a future date to be determined. After extensive consultation with
County Chairs, the State Central Committee, party leaders, and public health
officials, we have come to the determination that the spreading coronavirus poses a
risk that outweighs a temporary delay in moving the caucus-to-convention process
forward.
“This is not an easy decision, but we believe it is the right decision. By their design,
caucuses are gatherings built around a sense of community, and throughout every
step, we have worked to ensure the process is safe and accessible for every Iowan.
However, Iowa Democrats should not have to choose between democratic
participation and remaining in good health, and concerns for the wellbeing of our
delegates, thousands of volunteers, workers at convention venues, and the public
come first.
“It is in Democratic spirit that we will work together to find solutions. We are
committed to being as transparent as possible going forward, and rest assured: Iowa
will be heard at the DNC Convention.”

As of this time, District and State Convention planning will proceed as scheduled. For
more information on COVID-19 in Iowa, please visit the Iowa Department of Public
Health website for the latest updates and safety precautions.

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Click on this link for an update from the Iowa Democratic Party

Johnson County Democrats,

Concerning our plan for addressing the concern about Coronavirus (COVID-19) in our county and at the March 21st Johnson County Convention, currently our plan is to stay in close contact and follow recommendations from the Health Department and the Iowa Democratic Party.

The Rules Committee has confirmed you need not be present to be elected at the county convention, but you must be present to vote. Should you wish to continue your involvement beyond the county convention level, your preference group may nominate and elect you as a delegate or alternate at the county convention, even if you are not in attendance. Notify your preference group, if you want to be elected but will not be in attendance.
According to IDPH, there are no special precautions currently being recommended for Iowans beyond the simple daily precautions to combat the flu, including:
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces by using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Up-to-date state information about COVID-19 can be found on the Iowa Department of Public Health Coronavirus Webpage and on the Centers for Disease Control Coronavirus Webpage.
Our recommendation is that you should do what you feel is best to keep yourself healthy. If you are at high risk for COVID-19 affecting you in a more extreme way, we encourage you to stay home. In addition, if you are experiencing symptoms (fever, cough, difficulty breathing) and have traveled to an area with widespread COVID-19 transmission or otherwise feel you may have been exposed, please contact your health care provider and stay home to rest and recover.

Sincerely,
Ed Cranston, Chair
Johnson County Democrats

Due to concerns about the coronavirus, we are revising our plan for the county convention.  Please check back for more information as it becomes available.  Our plans are contingent on decisions at the IDP level, so please be patient.  Questions?  democratsjohnsoncounty@gmail.com