Vote Democratic -- preserve our democracy !!!!

Huntley Area Democrats June Meeting

All Democrats are cordially invited to the June 2026 meeting of the Huntley Area Democrats, covering both Kane and McHenry Counties.

The IBEW Hall is located in front of the Jewel, just south of the Wendy's, and north of the Taco Bell.  You can enter the building either on the west or the east sides.

WHEN:  Wednesday June 23rd, 2026 -- 1:00 to 3:00 pm
WHERE:  IBEW Hall - Training Hall - 13300 Illinois Route 47, Huntley

Donations to the Grafton Food Pantry will be most gratefully accepted.

For more information, please reach out to [email protected].

District 9 Candidates & Neighbors - Open Patio & Drum Circle

District 9 Candidates & Neighbors - Open Patio & Drum Circle

WHEN:  Sunday, June 28th, 2026 - 4:00 to 6:00 pm
WHERE:  17907 Springbrook Circle, Union

Relaxing beverages ... fellow Democrats ... an open patio ... and a fun, friendly way to unwind and to meet our candidates ... including Christine Hamm for county board, Bill McNeese for county clerk, and Dr. Bridget Belcastro for regional superintendent of schools.

Your hosts - Tammy Risser & Ron Petersen.  Please RSVP.

More info and to get involved - contact Lynn Mitchell at [email protected].

Karen Battaglia Hometown Meet And Greet

KAREN BATTAGLIA FOR STATE SENATE -- HOMETOWN MEET & GREET

WHEN:  June 23rd, 2026 -- 5:00 to 8:00 pm
WHERE:  Hello Folks Bar & Grill, 78 East Grand Avenue, Fox Lake

Join Karen and friends for a summer kickoff at Karen's hometown bar. We'll supply the food and drinks, if you supply the good company!

Karen Battaglia is our Democratic candidate for state senator in the 32nd district, and a longtime emergency and trauma nurse, healthcare leader, and advocate for working families. She is the incoming President of the Illinois Emergency Nurses Association and has served for more than a decade on the Illinois ENA Government Affairs Committee, advocating for nursing and healthcare policy at both the state and federal levels. In 2020, Dr. Battaglia was Congresswoman Lauren Underwood’s guest at the State of the Union, advocating to protect coverage for people with preexisting conditions under the Affordable Care Act.

A daughter, mother, and grandmother, Dr. Battaglia understands the real challenges families face. She is running for State Senate to fight for affordable and accessible healthcare at every stage of life, an economy that works for working families, and safe communities and workplaces. 

Get your tickets at actblue.com/donate/folksforbattaglia.

Visit Karen at karenforil32.com or on Facebook.

For more information contact Maggie Lovell at [email protected].

Illinois Democratic County Chairs Brunch 2026

It's that time again, the 2026 edition of the awesome County Chairs Brunch, put on by the Illinois Democratic County Chairs Association (IDCCA), held in Springfield every year to coincide with Governor's Day at the Illinois State Fair.  Come on down for this inspiring gathering of Illinois Democrats.  All of our IL Democratic candidates and officeholders will be there, plus some inspiring keynote speakers.   

It's on Wednesday August 19th, 2026, starting at 9:00 am at the Bank of Springfield Center (1 Convention Center Plaza, aka 524 South Second Street).  After the program head on over to the Governor's Compound at the Illinois State Fair and be inspired by our Illinois Democratic leaders, starting with our governor, the amazing J.B. Pritzker himself.

If interested, contact [email protected] for more details on how to get tickets and discounted accommodations.

2026 Join The Party - Funder for State Rep Suzanne Ness

'2026 JOIN THE PARTY' -- A Fundraiser for Illinois State Rep Suzanne Ness (66th district)

WHEN:   Saturday, July 11th, 2026 -- 6:00 to 9:00 pm
WHERE:  Emmett's Brewing Company, 128 West Main Street, West Dundee

It's the shindig of the year -- the 'Join The Party' fundraiser for Illinois State Representative, the most awesome, Suzanne Ness, now running for re-election to her fourth term in the 66th district.

Shhh… the whispers are true. For one night only, the Jack and Sue Duo return—undercover and under wraps. Slip into your finest flapper dress or dapper suit and step into a night of jazz, gin, and glamour. Hidden behind Emmett’s doors lies a speakeasy waiting to come alive. Know the passcode, and you're in.

Entertainment, hors d'oeuvres, cash bar.

Get your tickets here.

For more info:  [email protected]

Visit Suzanne at citizensforsuzanneness.com or on Facebook.

Power of the Purse

Friends for Veronica presents

POWER OF THE PURSE - Bid, Win, Empower

A fundraiser to elect the awesome Veronica Garcia-Martinez to the Illinois State House, district 70.
Featuring Erika Fleck .... "sharp wit, big laughs and unforgettable energy!"

WHEN:  Monday, June 22nd, 2026 - 4:30 to 6:30 pm
WHERE:  Sycamore Golf Club - Club House, 940 East State Street, Sycamore

Get your tickets here.

Join us for an elegant late afternoon and early evening filled with laughter, dinner, conversation, and community — all while surrounded by gorgeous purses donated for raffle to help support the campaign of Veronica Garcia-Martinez for Illinois State Representative, District 70.

This event is about more than purses. It’s about ensuring women have a voice at every table and at every level of government. Veronica has been a strong advocate for women, families, education, and community, and this special evening helps continue that work.

Guests will enjoy dinner, exciting purse raffles beginning at just $5 a ticket, and a hilarious comedy performance by Erika Fleck, one of the directors of the Epilepsy Advocacy Network. Erika is a fierce advocate for individuals and families impacted by epilepsy across Illinois and has helped connect countless people to critical care and services throughout the state. She joins us for an unforgettable evening of laughter and inspiration.

Suggested donation $50, includes dinner with rotisserie chicken, grilled vegetables, fettucine alfredo w/ broccoli, side salad.  Cash bar available throughout the event.

Seating is limited, so please RSVP here to reserve your seat(s) even if you're paying at the door.

Visit Veronica at veronica4il.com or on Facebook.

For more information contact Randi Olson at [email protected].

Meet & Greet Local Democratic Candidates

MEET & GREET LOCAL DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES

- Bill McNeese for County Clerk
- Amin Karim for County Treasurer
- Bridget Belcastro for Regional Superintendent of Schools

WHEN:  Tuesday, June 30th, 2026 -- 6:30 to 8:30 pm
WHERE:  171 South Main Street, Unit C, Crystal Lake (the low tan brick building on the east side with all the Democratic lawn signs - turn in just north of the building)

Please mark your calendar for a very casual, fun and informative “Meet and Greet” for county wide democratic candidates from McHenry County. Our Candidate Guests of Honor will include Bridget Belcastro, Regional Superintendent of Schools, Amin Karim, County Treasurer and Bill McNeese, County Clerk. The three candidates are looking forward to meeting you, listening to your concerns and answering any questions you have.

Light refreshments will be served and a door prize will be given.  The “Meet and Greet” will be hosted by your Democratic Precinct Volunteers, Ron Quarrie of Algonquin 28 and Carmen Boyer of Nunda 14. We hope you can attend.

Please note, parking may be limited., We have been given permission to utilize the parking lot one building to the south, at Welded Supply, 189 South Main Street.

District 9 Democratic Roundtable

DISTRICT 9 DEMOCRATIC ROUNDTABLE
Crafted especially for Democratic Voters in Coral, Riley & Grafton Townships

WHEN:  Tuesday, June 23rd, 2026 -- 6:30 to 8:00 pm
WHERE:  Pub 47, Back Room (to the right), 10400 Illinois Route 47, Huntley

Join like-minded friends at Pub 47.  Food, and a wide selection of beverages, are available for order.  We will work together and enjoy sharing ideas for getting Democrats elected all the way down the ballot.

Wear purple to show your support for our D9 candidate County Board, CHRISTINE HAMM.

Central Committee Meeting - June 2026

Please join us at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, June 17th, 2026, at the "Conference Center" at McHenry County College!

It's the regular monthly meeting of the Democratic Party of McHenry County.  RSVP'ing beforehand is a MUST. 

Join us! Community is how we will persevere and triumph.

Agenda

• 7:00 p.m. — Doors open 
• 7:15 p.m. — Meeting begins
• Introductions
  
  • Candidate Introductions
• Chair's Message
• Reports - Officers/Committees/Districts
  • Events
  • Communications 
  • Tech Chair
  • District Chair Reports
• Announcements -
  • The purpose is to announce events, presentations, and items of interest to Democrats  If you have an idea for a speaker or broader discussion, you must request an addition to the agenda a week before the meeting. Please limit your announcements to 2 minutes.
• 8:30 p.m. — Adjourn

Invite a friend to attend the meeting! Introduce a friend or neighbor to grassroots politics and help us grow the Party.

McHenry County College is located on Route 14, halfway between Woodstock and Crystal Lake. 

Turn in at the traffic light, then turn right and right again to park near the entrance for Building A, the very first building you come to.  Enter the building, walk straight ahead, and you'll find the Conference Center on the left, opposite the library. There's no stairs and everything is fully ADA-compliant.  

Come early and chat, we're always there by 6:30.  Here's a map of MCC.  (If you accidentally parked on the south side, by the Luecht Auditorium or the cafeteria, no matter, just walk around to the left past the gym, up the stairs at the end, turn right and we're there.)

Map of MCC

Let Freedom Ring - Paul Nolley for Congress Flag Day Fundraiser

LET FREEDOM RING - A Flag Day Fundraiser for Paul Nolley, Candidate for US Congress, 16th Congressional District

Hosted by Lisa Haderlein

WHEN:  Sunday, June 14th, 2026 - 3:00 to 5:00 pm
WHERE:  Harvard, Illinois -- Address provided upon RSVP

Get your tickets here.

For more information:  [email protected]

Visit Paul at nolleyforcongress.com or on Facebook.

Michele Clark's Campaign Kickoff Event

MICHELE CLARK FOR STATE SENATE - DISTRICT 33
CAMPAIGN KICKOFF EVENT

WHEN:  Thursday, June 18th, 2026 -- 5:00 to 7:00 pm
WHERE:  Michele's new campaign office, 611 East Main Street, East Dundee

Help us open Michele Clark's new campaign office and kickoff her campaign for Illinois Senate in the 33rd district.  Join us for light refreshments and hear how you can get involved!

Visit Michele at micheleforilsenate.com, follow her on Facebook or Instagram, or contact her at [email protected].

For more information please contact Isabella Devens at [email protected].

McHenry County Fair 2026

Calling all Democrats! It's that time again - join us at the Fair!

Tuesday August 4th through Sunday August 9th
Volunteers Needed

There's always plenty of fun to be had at our annual extravaganza, the McHenry County Fair, at the fairgrounds in Woodstock.  And there's no better way to have that fun than volunteering for a shift at our Democratic Party booth.  We need at least two and preferably three people for each shift.  We pay for your admission so it's a great way to combine seeing the fair and doing something highly worthwhile.

Setup is on Monday, August 3rd. The fair opens at noon on Tuesday, August 4th.  Opening time on every day thereafter is 10am.  Closing time is 9pm Tuesday through Thursday, 10pm on Saturday and Sunday, and then 8pm on the final day.

Please RSVP and choose your shift.  Tuesday's first shift starts an hour before opening time to allow for last-minute setup, and Sunday's last shift allows an hour after closing for teardown.  If you have any questions at all please contact us at [email protected].

The fairgrounds are at 11900 Country Club Road, on the north side, slightly east of South Eastwood Drive (Route 47).  It can be crowded so please allow half an hour for parking, getting into the fair and then finding us.  We are in building D this year. It's on the south side of the fairgrounds, backing up to Country Club Rd. 

It's really important that we have a good turnout this year.  Many of our most dedicated Democrats found us for the first time at the fair.  And even if you can't volunteer, please plan on dropping by and hanging with us.  Thanks so much and see you there!

NOW's Juneteenth Celebration

NOW's Juneteenth Celebration

WHEN:  Thursday, June 18th, 2026 - 5:30 to 8:00 pm
WHERE:  Cary Area Public Library, 1606 Three Oaks Road, Cary

Please RSVP via EventBrite.

It's NOW's third year celebrating the power of Juneteenth.  Please join the McHenry County chapter (mchenryconow.org) of the National Organization for Women (now.org) for a meaningful celebration of Juneteenth as we honor the legacy of freedom, resilience, and triumph while empowering the next generation of leaders and change makers. It will be free and include a documentary film, discussion and a Taste of Juneteenth.

For more information please contact Regina Rakoncay at [email protected].

Spring Grove Independence Day Parade

SPRING GROVE INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE

Please join the Democratic Party of McHenry County as we march in the 2026 Independence Day Parade in Spring Grove.  Come celebrate our nation's heritage of democracy and freedom, help campaign for all our great candidates, and see the latest improvements to our float.

WHEN:  Saturday, July 4th, 2026 -- parade steps off at noon
WHERE:  Step-off from intersection of Main Street Road & Blivin Street, Spring Grove

We'll have info on our # in the parade and our exact assembly point, closer to the date.

Here's info from the organizers, and here's the parade route .  

Please RSVP so we know to expect you.

Please arrive early as it will be crowded.  We'll be arriving with our float at the setup area about 8:00 am, come early to help setup and decorate.

For more information contact [email protected].

Huntley Independence Day Parade

HUNTLEY INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE

Please join the Democratic Party of McHenry County as we march in the 2026 Independence Day Parade in Huntley.  Come celebrate our nation's heritage of democracy and freedom, help campaign for all our great candidates, and see the latest improvements to our float.

WHEN:  Saturday, June 27th, 2026 -- parade steps off at 10:00 am
WHERE:  Step-off from intersection of Bakley Street & Main Street, Huntley

We'll have info on our # in the parade and our exact assembly point, closer to the date.

The parade route takes us west to the Huntley Square, and then north on Woodstock Street toward 1st Street.

Please RSVP so we know to expect you.

Please arrive early as it will be crowded.  We'll be arriving with our float at the setup area about 8:00 am, come early to help setup and decorate.

For more information contact [email protected].

McHenry Fiesta Days Parade

JOIN US AT THE MCHENRY FIESTA DAYS PARADE!

Put on your walking shoes and a smile and let's show we are proud to be a force in McHenry by marching with us at Fiesta Days. 

It's Sunday, July 19th, 2026, and the Democratic Party of McHenry County and all our great candidates and office-holders will be there.

The parade steps off at 1:30pm.  It will be crowded so please arrive by 12:30 or 1 at the latest, and if you wish to help decorate the float, please arrive at 11:30.

The parade steps off from Mill Street and West Crystal Lake Road and terminates at Riverside Drive & Washington Street.  The route is Main Street to Green Street to Pearl Street to Riverside Drive to Washington Street. 

You can park at St. Patrick Catholic Church at 3500 Washington Street, which is near the parade terminus, and from 11:30 to 1pm we'll have a van to shuttle you over to the assembly point.  The last van run will depart the church parking lot at 1pm sharp.  Then after the parade you can ride on our float for the quick hop back to the church.

Here's a map showing the starting point, the terminus, and the parking location at the church.  The blue line is the parade route, and the red line is the shuttle route.

Lake In The Hills Summer Sunset Parade

Democratic Party of McHenry County at the 2026 Sunset Parade

The Lake In The Hills Summer Sunset Festival is always fun, and there's no better way to celebrate it than by joining us in the Summer Sunset Parade, stepping off at 11:00am on Saturday September 5th from Sunset Skate Park. 

We'll know our number in the parade closer to the date.  The skate park is on Haligus where it's curving around, south of the Bark Park, and Google has the address as 5200 Miller Road. 

Our float will be arriving at the Skate Park between 9:30 and 10am.  Come at that time if you want to help decorate the float.  Otherwise please plan to arrive no later than 10:30 -- this parade steps off right on time.

The route takes us east and north on Haligus, then east and south on Miller, ending at Sunset Park.

Fourth Annual Juneteenth Festival

McHenry County's Fourth Annual Juneteenth Festival

WHEN:  Saturday, June 20th, 2026 -- 3:00 to 5:30 pm
WHERE:  Woodstock Square (set your GPS to Woodstock Square Historic District, 121 West Van Buren Street)

hosted by McHenry County Juneteenth

If you'd like to help out at our Democratic Party booth, please RSVP for one or more shifts:  2 to 3 (setup); 3 to 4, 4 to 5, and 5 to 6 (including teardown).  We're doing short shifts so you can help out and still enjoy the festival.

What it is: Juneteenth honors the end to slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday.

Our theme: 2026 Juneteenth Theme: "Honoring the Past, Serving the Present, and Inspiring the Future"

What to Expect: We celebrate with music, capoeira, storytelling for children and adults, inspirational messages from community leaders, exihibits from community partners who share our values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Visit our website to register to exhibit (no charge) your product or service, to volunteer, or to donate. (McHenry County Juneteenth is a 501(c)3 organizatdonation. Your contributions are tax deductible.)

https://mchenrycountyjuneteenth.com

Juneteenth commemorates the date of June 19, 1865, when Union troops marched to Galveston, Texas and enforced the January 1, 1863 Emancipation Proclamation, freeing over 250,000 enslaved persons still held in bondage, deprived of their freedom and basic dignity. The first Juneteenth celebration occurred in Texas on June 19, 1866. President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law on June 17, 2021.

For more information please contact [email protected].

Crystal Lake Independence Day Parade

Come walk with the Democratic Party of McHenry County in the Crystal Lake Independence Day Parade!

Woodstock Pride 2026

If there's one shindig we McHenry Democrats never miss, it's Woodstock Pride.  Join us as we celebrate love and diversity.

WHEN:  Sunday June 14th, 2026 -- The parade steps off at 11:00 am.

WHERE:  We're #8 in the parade.  Look for our float on Forest Avenue by the Dean Street Elementary School, at the corner of Dean Street and Forest Avenue, a few blocks south of Woodstock Square.

The parade goes north, up to and around the square, and then the festivities follow.  

We're booth #61 on the Square.  Come on by, strike a pose.

Please RSVP -- march with us and/or with your favorite candidate!  And we also need help with setup for our float and at the square. Choose from:

• 9am to 11am -- setup of our booth in the Square
• 11am to 1pm -- first shift
• 1pm to 3pm -- second shift
• 3pm to 5:30 -- last shift and teardown

Thanks so much.  Questions?  please reach out to [email protected].