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 May meeting will be on Monday May 11th, 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.
Guest Presenter, Lisa Maatz spoke about Progressive Advocacy in Changing Times at the April meeting.
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.
Get Involved !
Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the U.S.
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 May speaker for the Lorain County Speakers Event on May 14th is William Barber III, founder of the Rural Beacon Initiative, which focuses on reshaping rural economies through regenerative agriculture, energy justice, and community ownership. This event will begin at 6 pm at the Historic First Church on 106 North Main Street in Oberlin, OH.
Each event is free to attend, however you will need to register attendance.
RSVP Here: www.LorainCounty.com/e/spiritof76
Attend a Protest
Event Details
When: See the poster for dates of the next protests.
Note that MAY 2 protest is cancelled du to conflict with PARADES
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Protest Location: See the poster for dates of the next protests
What to Bring
Signs: If you have your own signs, please bring them! We will also have extras on hand for anyone who needs one.
Water, coffee, rain gear (although I hope we won't need it ), sunscreen if it is sunny, you know you love spring in Ohio!
Important Reminders
Peaceful Action: We are committed to a peaceful, inclusive, and productive protest.
Photos/Videos: We want to capture the energy of our movement! Please share any photos or videos you take so we can use them for social media and outreach
Participate in a Fund Raiser
April showers bring May flowers!
Now is the perfect time to refresh your flower beds for spring.
Place an order through http://ruralloraincountydems.fpfundraising.com/ and the Lorain County Rural Democrats will receive a donation, and you will get a beautiful flower garden in return.
If you have questions, contact Renelle via email at: ruraldemssunshine@gmail.com
Help support RLCD member, Brenda Buchanan, candidate for Representative in the Ohio 54th
Attend the Kickoff Fundraiser May 16th at The Lodge in New Russia Township.
An ALL-Ohio Artist Silent Auction to further support Brenda will also be held.
2026 Primary Election Results - Democratic Candidates
Governor& Lieutenant Governor - Amy Acton and David Pepper
Attorney General - John J. Kulewicz
Auditor of State - Annette Blackwell
Secretary of State - Allison Russo
Treasurer of State - Seth Walsh
Supreme Court - Jennifer Brunner
U.S. Senator - Sherrod Brown
US Congress Representative 5th District - Brian A. Shaver
State Senator 13th District - Joe Miller
State Representative 52nd District - Mike Baker
State Representative 53rd District - Matt Lundy
State Representative 54th District - Brenda Buchanan
State Central Committee Democrat Male - Raul Ramos
State Central Committee Democrat Female - Gina R. Rothgery
Judge of the Court of Appeals 9th Court of Appeals - Betty Sutton
Judge of the Court of Common Pleas (Probate Division) - James Walther
County Commissioner - Carolyn White
County Auditor - Craig Snodgrass
Learn About the Issues
NOTE: The collection of signatures for a petition to vote on the elimination of real estate taxes in Ohio in the November 2026 election has been suspended. Organizers state they have not collected a sufficient number of signatures.
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. Excerpted from https://www.ohiotownships.org/townships101
To learn more about Townships & Taxes, visit the Ohio Township Association at: https://resources.ohiotownships.org