Democrats stepped up their efforts this election season, locally and around the country

Editor:

I am writing this in the aftermath of the November elections. The results proved to be a very good night for our Democratic candidates across the country.

It now appears that Democrats have attained majorities in the House of Representatives and the Senate, and have made significant gains in governorships and state legislatures. While forecasts and polls indicated it would be a good night for Democrats, the full extent of that will not be clear until a number of close races are decided.

I want to offer my personal thanks to our Democratic candidates whose names were before the voters in Orleans County, for not just offering your names to give voters a real choice, but for working so hard for many months to turn out the votes by Election Day.

Many thanks, as well, to those who have volunteered in any way to support these campaigns by circulating petitions, offering generous financial contributions, placing lawn signs, writing letters to the editor, posting messages on social media, delivering flyers to thousands of homes, writing personal postcards, making phone calls and sending texts, taking the time to vote, and encouraging friends and family to vote as well. I have not seen this level of activism in Orleans prior to this campaign season!

Special thanks to our Board of Elections staff and poll workers. The very act of voting, which we have long taken for granted as free and fair, is under increasing threat, so your calm and capable presence gives great assurance to voters that we work with incredible integrity and honesty.

It’s no secret that Orleans County, in recent years, has been a real challenge for Democrats, but we have a better chance of prevailing when we have quality candidates up and down the ballot. Whatever happened in this election, I hope we have tasted even more possibilities for success, and can encourage one another to make a run for office in future elections.

Finally, I want to express my enormous respect for all of our Orleans County Democratic Committee members and friends. You are the ones who help make all of this happen!

James R. Renfrew, Chair

Orleans County Democratic Committee