November 20, 2025 — 7:00 p.m.
Delaware Township Hall

The Delaware County Democratic Party held an Executive Committee meeting on November 20, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the Delaware Township Hall. Present at the meeting were 68 individuals, including 48 members of the Executive Committee and 20 visitors. County Party Chair Peg Watkins called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. and welcomed those present. After establishing a quorum, the Chair asked Ed Miller to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

Parliamentarian Liz Osorio Jones provided reminders about Roberts’ Rules of Order, including when interruptions are permitted during the course of business and the time limits for speaking.

OLD BUSINESS
No old business was presented.

COMMITTEE REPORTS
Joyce Bourgault, Chair of the Candidate Support Committee, reported on the 18 candidates interviewed by the committee. Fourteen of the 18 candidates were elected. Chandler White will assume the role of Co-Chair of the committee beginning in 2026.

Candidates in attendance expressed appreciation for the support of the county party, including the party’s endorsements and financial contributions. School board candidates also thanked the party for its support and for endorsing two county school levies.

Brian Hester, Delaware County Board of Elections Deputy Director, provided insight into the 2025 county elections and emphasized the continued importance of organizing at the precinct level. As of Election Day, November 4, a total of 164,898 voters were registered in the county, representing a 17.5% increase since 2019. Delaware County had the highest voter turnout (35 %) in the state.

Upcoming changes to Ohio voting laws may take effect if approved. Proposed changes from the Secretary of State include revisions to the deadlines for receiving and counting absentee ballots.

NEW BUSINESS
The Party accepted the resignation of First Vice Chair Joydeep Gupta.

Jerrad Christian was nominated by Joyce Bourgault to serve as First Vice Chair, with the nomination seconded by Heather Karr. Tony Yankus moved to close nominations, and the motion was seconded by Emma Mirles. The Executive Committee voted unanimously to elect Jerrad Christian as First Vice Chair.

Holly Hanson reminded us that we will have a Holiday Party at the Delaware Township Hall on December 18. Members may RSVP via the upcoming email or through the OhioDeladems.org
website.

Party members were reminded of the opportunity to donate to the People in Need Holiday Clearing House via our website. Volunteers are still needed for the event taking place December 3–14.

The Chair announced the passing of former DCDP Chair, DCDP Treasurer, and Delaware Township Trustee Roger Van Sickle. Discussion followed regarding how best to honor Roger’s memory, and the matter was tabled until the next meeting.

DCDP received an award of $500 from the Ohio Democratic Party for reporting the greatest number of voter registrations collected during a statewide contest.

Those interested in organizing their precinct and filing for Central Committee seats must submit their candidacy by February 4, 2026.

In anticipation of a special guest speaker, Chair Watkins advised that those present could take a break to use the restroom and talk among themselves. At approximately 8:20, Senator Sherrod Brown arrived, made remarks, answered a few questions. Then, a motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Chandler White and seconded by Emma Mirles. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Karen Lee, DCDP Secretary