A Weekend of Election FunSo some of the Democratic 9 won't be on the ballot. So what if it's non-binding. The first presidential primary in the nation is going to happen right here in DC on Tuesday, Jan. 13, and the following events this weekend should put us in the proper party spirit:
Democratic Party
Hobnob with a real live candidate. Ohio Rep. Dennis Kucinich, a longtime supporter of DC voting rights, is inviting you to lunch. He'll be meeting and eating with voting-rights activists and ordinary citizens at Mimi's Bistro (2120 P St. NW) on Friday, Jan. 9, from noon to 1 p.m.
Later that day, have a drink with former Senator and Ambassador Carol Moseley-Braun at Bar Rouge. The cocktail event, tentatively scheduled for 7 p.m., will happen at the Hotel Rouge (1315 16th St. NW). Contact her DC campaign coordinator, Peb Aliat, at 202/256-9129 for more information.
On Monday, Jan. 12, you can rally with the Rev. Al Sharpton at the Greater New Hope Baptist Church (8th and H Streets NW) at 6 p.m.
Green Party
If your politics are a little less mainstream, attend the DC Statehood Green Party's campaign kickoff event. Come learn how a grassroots, non-corporate electoral party chooses its candidates, and participate in discussions on strategy and which races to focus on. Join the Greens on Saturday, Jan. 10, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the UDC Auditorium Lobby, Building 46 (Van Ness and Connecticut Avenue NW).
Justice and Unity Party
Top off your Saturday by heading over to Cafe Mawonaj (620 T St. NW), where Washington's Justice and Unity Party is sponsoring a party to support the children's breakfast program at the cafe. Good food, music by Moya, and spoken word by local poets starts up at 7 p.m.
Primary Day
If you're registered to vote in DC, put aside some time between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 13, and get to your usual polling place to vote in your party's presidential primary. You must be registered as either a Green or a Democrat. If you're not sure where to vote, call 202/727-2525 for information.
