I recently listened to historian Joanne Freeman tell the story of Prussian General Baron von Steuben who tried to train American soldiers during the Revolutionary War. Here’s my Rowan original retelling of the Prussian’s words: “those Americans, you can’t give them orders. They ask why? They want their rights.” Thank you all. Together we make change and if not change, we are leaving a historical footprint and a guide for those to come. TAKE ACTION.

Many of you have emailed to ask about next actions to support weekends as regards the State Board choosing our Early Voting Calendar. Here is the answer I received from Director Sharon Main when I asked about next steps as regards Plan A and Plan C going to the NC State Board: “As of now, we have heard nothing from the State Board regarding the date and time of the meeting to address non-unanimous early voting plans. When the state board sets up their meeting, a notice will be posted on their website with a link to watch it live online.”  

Please share this email with friends who are willing to step forward for Democracy. There are still ACTIONS to take to support accessible voting and our voting rights in Rowan and NC. 

• ACTION 1 – Let’s create a stack of letters for Evelyn Medina to take with her to Raleigh to advocate for weekend voting. Compose an email to Board member Evelyn Medina voicing your support of her and member Dee Dee Wright’s efforts to compromise with Plan C, the plan that added an additional Saturday and Sunday. Then voice your disappointment with the bare bones, State Legislature dictated minimum, Plan A, the choice of the three Republican members. Bonus points for adding reasons for why we need weekend voting in Rowan County. Email with the subject line – Forward to Evelyn Medina and use Director Sharon Main’s email address as members do not have emails listed on the website:  sharon.main@rowancountync.gov
• ACTION 2 – Read this “House set to vote on sweeping Election Bill” and then call and/or email your NC State Representatives to say NO to HB 958 and other voter suppression tactics. ! The NC House is bringing back voter suppresion bill HB 958 for yet another vote and it still has horrible provisions. Think about the chaos Jefferson Griffin pulled in not conceding his loss to winning candidate, Supreme we  Court Judge Allison Riggs, expanding to many other NC voter challenges. “Remaining in the bill are provisions that could significantly expand the number of challenges to ballots in future elections, including allowing post-election challenges to all early votes — the majority of ballots cast in North Carolina — not just those that are mailed in.” – https://ncnewsline.com/2026/06/25/house-set-to-vote-on-sweeping-election-bill-despite-opposition-to-overseas-voter-restrictions/?emci=9f00d8f3-ff70-f111-ac9c-000d3a54bed0&emdi=330a3f90-5671-f111-ac9c-000d3a54bed0&ceid=247428  Then call your representatives and ask that they vote NO to HB 958! Easy link for finding your representative information: https://rowancountydemocrats.com/contact-your-representatives/
• ACTION 3 – Watch for future emails fromTwo Nanas, Pam & Nan, with details about when and how to contact the State Board of Elections who will be deciding the Rowan County plan. 
• BONUS – Remember and enjoy what happened when we showed up in 2020 – https://www.salisburypost.com/2020/10/18/souls-to-the-polls-more-than-1300-cast-ballots-on-first-sunday-of-early-voting/ October 18, 2020.

And a chuckle you might enjoy – This reminded me of when Chair Collins threatened to clear the overflow room in June when those who were banned from the Board Room applauded when Wright and Medina asked appropriate questions. I recently listened to historian Joanne Freeman tell the story of Prussian General Baron von Steuben who tried to train American soldiers during the Revolutionary War. Here’s my Rowan original retelling of the Prussian’s words: “those Americans, you can’t give them orders. They ask why? They want their rights.” 

Thank you all. Together we make change and if not change, we are leaving a historical footprint and a guide for those to come.

If you got this far, go back and take action. 😉😆

The Two Nanas, Pam & Nan