Senator Ghazala Hashmi May 12, 2023 Newsletter

Dear friends,

In this week’s newsletter, I share information about a new initiative undertaken by Chesterfield County Public Schools, provide details on early voting for the June Primary Election, announce a few new endorsements for my reelection campaign, and reflect on community engagements from this past week. Thank you for taking the time to read the newsletter and for staying informed.

Welcoming Teachers from Around the World to Chesterfield County

For the 2023-2024 academic year, Chesterfield County Public Schools is partnering with Participate Learning and welcoming 30 teachers from around the world into our schools. Represented countries include Jamaica, the Philippines, Columbia, Mexico, Costa Rica, Argentina, Chile, and Trinidad and Tobago. Many of these educators will fill classroom positions within CCPS, serving as teachers in eight of our elementary schools and as ESL and Spanish instructors in four of our middle and high schools.

Participating teachers will arrive in Chesterfield County in July and will require advisers who can serve as resource experts, as well as provide social and logistical support. Participate Learning provides a stipend for those who serve as local advisers. More information about the program is available in this brochure and flyer. Individuals interested in serving as community advisers can contact Tito Luna at tito_luna@ccpsnet.net.

Early Voting for June Primaries

Although Primary Elections take place on June 20, constituents can vote early now.

Early, In-Person Voting

Early, in-person voting in the current 10th Senatorial District is available only at the Registrar's Office for the June Primary Election. No other polling locations are open for early voting.
Chesterfield County voters are able to vote early in-person from 8:30am until 5:00pm daily (Monday – Friday) through Friday, June 16, at the Chesterfield County Registrar’s Office (9848 Lori Road). Saturday voting will be available on June 10 and June 17.
Richmond City voters are able to vote early in-person from 9:00am until 4:00pm daily (Monday – Friday) through Friday, June 16, at the Richmond City Registrar’s Office (2134 West Laburnum Avenue). Saturday voting will be available on June 10 and June 17 from 9:00am until 5:00pm .
Powhatan County is not holding any primary elections this cycle. The only race that had more than one candidate competing to be the party’s nominee was the race for the newly-drawn 10th Senatorial District. In that race, the Republican party selected its nominee this past weekend through a party convention rather than through a primary election.

Absentee Voting

Voters can request an absentee ballot for the June 2023 primary by 5:00 pm, Friday, June 9, 2023. All ballots must be postmarked by June 20 (Primary Election Day), or dropped off at the corresponding drop off location. Using a delivery service that allows tracking is recommended.

Register to Vote

The last day to register to vote or to update existing voter information for the June Primary is May 30. Voters can register to vote or check voter registration status at the Virginia Department of Elections.

Re-election Endorsements

As election season gets underway, I have been honored to receive a number of endorsements from community organizations, many of which I have been privileged to work with since my election in 2019. Together, we have focused on policies that will create the best outcomes for Virginians by expanding environmental protections, ensuring energy affordability, expanding voting access, protecting reproductive healthcare and abortion access, and prioritizing Virginia’s families. Here are a few of my recent endorsements:

Virginia Education Association

Sierra Club - Virginia Chapter

Clean Virginia

Virginia Chapter of the National Organization for Women (NOW)

National Women's Political Caucus - Virginia

REPRO Rising

Virginia’s List

Freedom Virginia

Commonwealth Forward

VOTVA

I look forward to continuing to work with these community partners on the critical issues affecting our Commonwealth.

Highlights from Community Events & Meetings

Saturday’s weather created the perfect conditions to canvass and connect with voters. I joined Debra Gardner, candidate for House District 76, for her canvass launch alongside Councilman and Council President Mike Jones, who is running in House District 77. Connecting with voters and constituents at their doors and speaking with them about their concerns and priorities are among my favorite activities – especially on beautiful Spring days.

Later on Saturday, I enjoyed visiting the 22nd Annual ¿Qué Pasa? Festival hosted by the Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Virginia Hispanic Foundation. I met with multiple community organizations. The Festival truly highlighted the diversity of our Latin and Hispanic American communities in Central Virginia.

Later that Saturday afternoon, I also joined the 2023 Union Fest hosted by the United Campus Workers and SEIU Local 32B-32J. I was delighted to see many friends as we celebrated workers here in the greater Richmond area. I look forward to continuing to make progress for workers across the Commonwealth as we fight for fair wages, worker safety, and other essential rights.

On Sunday afternoon, I joined the Liberals of Richmond for a meet and greet, and we had the opportunity to discuss my legislative priorities, including prioritizing high-quality public education, addressing our housing affordability, and protecting our environment.

On Monday evening, I traveled to Alexandria to participate in the REPRO Rising panel discussing the urgency surrounding protecting abortion access in Virginia at a time when we have seen extreme abortion restrictions and bans across the nation. I was honored to be on a panel with fearless fighters such as Delegate Candi Mundon King, Senator Jennifer Boysko, Delegate Charniele Herring, and Senator Barbara Favola. Together, we are committed to protecting abortion access across the Commonwealth.

Celebrating Mother’s Day

This coming Sunday, May 14, is Mother’s Day. I wish all of the mothers, mother figures, and those who have mothered, a meaningful day.

Connecting With My Office

Please email us at district10@senate.virginia.gov or call our office at 804-698-7510. If you were forwarded this email, you can sign up to receive my office’s weekly newsletter here.

Past Issues

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