In the News

In a presidential election year, it is natural that most of the media attention focuses on national candidates and issues. But elections are generally administered at the county level and, of course, there are any number of local races that will be on the ballot as well.

With Election Day fast approaching, it’s time to reflect on the crucial role each of us can play in shaping the future of our country. Voting has always been the foundation of democracy, but it’s particularly crucial this year. The choices we make in the weeks ahead will affect not just our policies but perhaps even the future of democracy itself. Whether it’s supporting candidates, advocating for the rule of law, or helping ensure others are able to vote, our participation has never mattered more.

Election Day is November 5, 2024, but the voting period starts on October 7 when ballots are mailed to all active registered voters. Ballots will include all candidates for President of the United States, U.S. Senate, U.S. Representative, Member of the State Assembly, and state propositions. Some ballots will include local races and measures depending on where you live.

Marin County Bar Association presents a two-day virtual conference with a wide array of provocative MCLE programs that fulfill 6 general credits and 6 specialty credits.

As a lifelong political junkie and progressive political activist, I’ve been fortunate to participate in and attend many memorable political events over the years. In college I volunteered at the 1984 Democratic National Convention in San Francisco, where Mario Cuomo gave his iconic “A tale of two cities” speech and Geraldine Ferraro was the first female nominated for Vice President. In 2004 in Boston, as a John Kerry-appointed member of the DNC’s Rules Committee, I was present for Barack Obama’s national introduction with his powerful keynote preaching how there “there is not a black America and a white America and Latino America and Asian America — there's the United States of America.” And I was honored to be a delegate four years later in Denver when Obama accepted his historic nomination at a packed Mile High Stadium.