Lorain County Rural Democrats

We are the Democrats of Rural Lorain County

The Rural Dems meet on the second Monday of each month in locations throughout Lorain County.

The April meeting will be on Monday April 13th, 2026 at the Historic Grafton School located at 111 Elm Street in Grafton. Social time at 6:30 pm and the meeting begins at 7:00 pm.

Lisa Maatz, Progressive Advocate

Guest Presenter, Lisa Maatz will speak about Progressive Advocacy in Changing Times.

Lisa is the former Vice President of Government Relations and Advocacy at the American Association of University Women. She spearheaded the campaign that led to the passage of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act and other crucial women’s rights, education, and civil rights legislation during her 15 years with the organization. Lisa worked for Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) and has represented women’s rights groups on Capitol Hill for more than 20 years. When she returned to Northeast Ohio, Lisa became the senior advisor at Ohio Citizen Action, a non-profit that mobilizes people to protect public health, improve the environment, and strengthen our democracy. She is now an independent consultant working nationwide, specializing in gender equity issues, grassroots advocacy, and nonprofit management.

Get Involved !

Attend a Protest

Flyer for Columbia Station protest on March 21, 2026, from 10:30 AM to 12 PM at Columbia Park, corner of 82 and West River, 25540 Royalton Rd. Features peace symbols and a stand-up for Lorain County with the slogan Peaceful, Powerful, Unapologetic. Includes parking instructions and an email contact.

Stand Up Lorain County is protesting in Columbia Station on Saturday Saturday March 21st from 10:30am - Noon.

Please registerHERE

Flyer for a protest event titled "NO KINGS NORTH RIDGEVILLE" scheduled for March 28, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at LCCC Ridge Campus, located at 32121 Lorain Rd. It includes a logo for Stand Up Lorain County with the slogans "Peaceful. Powerful. Unapologetic." and an overlay sticker with "NO KINGS" crossed out and "I Y NO" written above. The flyer mentions alternative parking options and provides an email for more information.

Stand Up Lorain County is joining in the national No Kings Protest in North Ridgeville on Saturday March 28th from 10:00 am - noon.

Please register HERE

Parking is expected to be tight, please consider car pooling.

Nichole is looking for a few more volunteers to join the Safety Team for THIS PROTEST. If you are able to help to keep everyone safe, contact Nichole HERE

Wish you could do more? Join the Action Team! TheAction Team is a small flexible group within Stand Up Lorain County that helps to respond rapidly to time-sensitive opportunities and needs.the goal is to allow for quick, organized action while repeating members’ time and abilities. For questions or to join the Action Team contact Nichole HERE

Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the U.S.

Schedule of the 'Spirit of '76' Speaker Series listing speakers and topics from January to June 2020 at Lorain County Community College, including speakers John Kasich, Alex Nowasteh, Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, Simon Kornblith, Bishop William Barber II, and Major Carter, with event details, dates, and locations.

The Lorain County Civic Engagement Coalition invites you to attend the Spirit of '76 Speakers Series as part of Lorain County Ohio’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026.

The April speaker is Simon Kornblith, Phd. Simon is a Technical Team Member of Anthropic, Creator of AI and is Lorain County Nabive. His presentation is on April 9, 2026 at 6:00 pm at the Lake Ridge Academy Bettcher Convocation Center

Each event is free to attend, however you will need to register attendance.

RSVP Here: www.LorainCounty.com/e/spiritof76

Meet the Candidates

Political campaign sign for Brenda Buchanan, running for Ohio House 54, with her name in bold text.
A woman standing and speaking to a group of five people seated at a table in a cozy room decorated with string lights, pictures, and a British flag.

Twenty people met with LCRD Member, Brenda Buchanan, candidate for Representative in Ohio House District 54. Many of the attendees were from Huron County, as well as Oberlin and the Rural Dems. There was wide ranging conversation about the current state of politics in Ohio as well as possible strategies that Brenda can use in her campaign.

A successful meeting that was fueled by the wonderful appetizers at the Bulldog Pub and Grille. A big “Thank YOU” to all who attended!

Learn About the Issues

History of Townships in Ohio

The Pilgrims brought the township form of government to America in 1620. This unit of local government eventually spread as far west as the Rocky Mountains. Today, it is found in 20 states, known as the town or township.

In the early years of statehood, the Ohio township government cared for the poor, maintained the roads, and preserved peace.

Today, just as in 1804, the township is a political subdivision of the state. To keep pace with the demands of changing times, the township's functions, duties, and obligations have changed over the years. Demands for increased or different services have prompted the state legislature to grant Ohio's 1,308 townships the authority to fulfill these changing needs.

Three trustees and a fiscal officer, each elected to a four-year term, administer our townships today. Additionally, some townships now appoint a township administrator, whose duties are defined by the Ohio Revised Code and the individual township. The township administrator typically helps plan, coordinate, and implement township goals.

Elected officials fill their roles on a part-time basis. Their intimate knowledge of their community, its needs, and its citizens enables them to offer more personal service than any other unit of government. From https://www.ohiotownships.org/townships101

To learn more about Townships & Taxes, visit the Ohio Township Association at: https://resources.ohiotownships.org