September 16, 2023 Newsletter
Dear friends,
This week’s newsletter:
- highlights details about early voting
- the new COVID-19 booster vaccine
- my panel at the National Vaccine Law Conference in Washington, DC
- the Richmond Public Schools’ Teacher Licensure Fair
- select community meetings and engagements from this past week
Thank you for taking the time to read this newsletter and for staying informed.
Early Voting Begins on Friday, September 22
Virginia’s November General Election, when all 140 seats in the Virginia General Assembly will be on the ballot, is fast approaching. Early voting begins next Friday, September 22. For my current constituents, information regarding early voting is available for each locality: City of Richmond, Chesterfield County, and Powhatan County. Voters are encouraged to confirm that their voter registration is current and accurate.
Voters need to present an acceptable form of ID. The deadline to register to vote and to update registration information is Monday, October 16. After that date, voters are still able to register at any time, up to and including Election Day; these votes will be cast using provisional ballots.
Voting early gives voters more opportunities and greater flexibility to access the ballot box. Early voting is convenient and reduces wait times on Election Day. I encourage all constituents to be a “Day One Voter” on Friday, September 22.
Every year, we talk about how the upcoming election is the most important election ever. Virginia is unique in that we have elections every year because we do not follow the federal calendar for Congressional races, as most states do, for our state elections. Every election is critical, but the last two years have demonstrated that all critical issues are on the ballot in Virginia this election.
With a one-seat majority in the Virginia Senate, we’ve been able to stop the bans on safe and legal abortion, the repeal of common sense gun safety laws, the defunding of public education, legislative attacks on teachers and school librarians, the rollback on clean energy standards and toxins regulations, efforts to dismantle the equal rights and protections of friends and family who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community, and much more.
On the other hand, what we have seen these past two years are the efforts by extremists to teach an inaccurate and amateurish version of history to our children, to cater to industrial polluters at the expense of Virginians’ health, to give money to large corporations while leaving communities struggling, and concerted efforts to undermine democracy and dilute the power of the ballot box.
Virginia has long been a bellwether for the nation, and this November’s elections in the Commonwealth will send a signal across the country that the failed social/cultural policies of the right, the stripping away of support for working families, the efforts to dismantle public education and higher education, the attacks on abortion rights, and the craven and obsequious responses to the gun industry will not work for Virginians, or for the rest of the country.
New COVID-19 Booster Vaccines
On Monday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized and approved new COVID-19 vaccine boosters. Shortly after, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) came out with official recommendations: Everyone ages six months and up should receive the new booster.
COVID cases and hospitalizations are on the rise in Virginia and across the country. As we begin to head into the fall and winter, seasons typically associated with respiratory illness, constituents should be vaccinated and protected against serious illness, including influenza and COVID-19.
The Center for Disease Control vaccine portal and Vaccinate Virginia have further information about locating and receiving necessary vaccines. These vaccines are safe, effective, and accessible; following approved immunization schedules protects our vulnerable loved ones who may not be able, because of their health or compromised immune systems, to receive vaccines themselves.
Vaccine Law Conference
On Thursday, I attended the 2023 National Vaccine Law Conference. This three-day conference brought together practitioners in vaccine law, public health officials, organizations, and global leaders working to safeguard communities through effective immunization. I joined a panel with two other legislators: the Honorable Clarence Lam, MD, MPH (Maryland State Senator) and Richard Pan, M.D., MPH (Former State Senator from California). Our panel discussions focused on the crisis of misinformation, the efforts to undermine public trust in safe immunizations, legislation that has been introduced or passed in our respective states, and the opportunities for public health and legal experts to more effectively participate in the legislative process.
Road to Licensure Event with RPS
Next Saturday, September 30, from 9:00am to 1:00pm, Richmond Public Schools will host a Road to Licensure Fair at Huguenot High School. The Fair provides a great opportunity to learn more about the requirements for teacher licensure and to speak with representatives from the Richmond Public Schools’ Talent Office, as well as local universities that offer teacher licensure and accreditation programs. Onsite interviews will also be available. Registration is available here.
Highlights from Community Events & Meetings
Last Saturday morning, I joined Democrats from the 4th Congressional District (CD) to discuss this November’s elections. Several candidates whose districts are within the 4th CD attended and shared their passions, their motivation to run for office, and their legislative priorities. It was a real treat to gather at the iconic Virginia Diner in Wakefield, VA.
That same Saturday afternoon, I joined Lauranett Lee, candidate for Chesterfield County School Board - Midlothian District, and Chesterfield Board of Supervisors Representative for the Midlothian District, Mark Miller, for a fall campaign kick-off event. In addition to the 140 General Assembly seats on the ballot this November, local offices are also on the ballot. We heard from several candidates running for local office that afternoon.
Later on Saturday evening, I had a great time stopping by the Armenian Food Festival, where I was greeted by community members from across the Metro Richmond Region enjoying traditional Armenian cuisine and traditional dance. Festivals like the Armenian Food Festival give opportunities to showcase the rich, vibrant cultures that thrive in Richmond and that are a vital part of our diverse community.
After attending the Armenian Food Festival, I also attended the 42nd Annual Festival of India for a celebration full of music, dance, food, and culture. Best of all were the dance performances, highlighting the unique, regional dance traditions from across India.
Sunday was an exciting day filled with campaign events. I started the morning by joining Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan for a fundraiser in support of Natan McKenzie, candidate for State Senate District 12. As a result of redistricting, voters have the potential to elect candidates with new solutions, ideas, and perspectives to the Senate, a Chamber that is undergoing a once-in-a-generation transformation. As a small business owner, financial literacy consultant, and community advocate, Natan McKenzie offers fresh perspectives and new solutions to contemporary issues.
Later that same afternoon, I joined supporters and friends of Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors - Cloverhill District candidate, Jessica Schneider. Supporters across the Cloverhill District, and throughout Chesterfield County, have strong momentum backing our Democratic candidates going into November’s elections. Jessica was inspired to run for office when she heard the late Congressman Donald McEachin speak about public service and our collective responsibilities to build better communities.
On Monday, I traveled to Virginia Union University for an event with Initiatives of Change, USA and its UNESCO partners to discuss the legacy of slavery and racism in our region and across the globe. Both organizations have done the hard, necessary work of educating the public on racial injustice and of building pathways towards truth, reconciliation, healing, and protecting cultures and our collective heritage.
On Monday evening, I joined the Chesterfield County Farm Bureau for its 2023 Annual Meeting. Agriculture is one of Virginia’s top and most vital industries. Ensuring that farming families are supported, that the next generation of farmers is prepared, and that our agricultural production thrives are all critical areas in which the legislative process must play an important role. I was glad to be joined by other elected officials from across the region, including Mark Miller (pictured), Supervisor for the Chesterfield Board of Supervisors -Midlothian District.
On Tuesday I joined the Virginia Poverty Law Center and several other hosting organizations for the Metro Richmond Area Housing Forum. All candidates seeking office in the region were invited, and candidates who appeared (and pictured above) were Rae Cousins, Stephen Miller Pitts, Rachel Levy, Natan Mackenzie, Delegate Betsy Carr, and I. We responded to questions focused on barriers to first-time homeownership, housing affordability, the legal obstacles to holding negligent landlords accountable, high eviction rates, houselessness, and more.
On Wednesday, I joined the Metro Richmond Women’s Bar Association (MRWBA) for its Legislative Luncheon. I appreciate the work of MRWBA as it provides professional development opportunities for women within our justice system and continues to cultivate talent and leadership.
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.
— Ghazala
