- February 7, 2025
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A new group that focuses on helping educate residents and register more voters is coming to town in the form of the Port Orange Democratic Club, a new branch off of the Southeast Volusia Democratic Club.
Sarah Jones, the Southeast Club's secretary, said the idea came after club officials called registered Democrats in the area and asked if they would be interested in a club solely for Port Orange. The response was positive, and the Port Orange club was give the green light to start moving forward; it will be overseen by the Southeast Club.
"A Democratic club is not a social club, it's a club that works towards the gains of the party," Jones said. "That's going to be a big part of our work — to organize the Democratic cities of Port Orange so they know when the elections are and they know who the candidates are."
The next step will be to put in an application with the Democratic Executive Committee. Gary Wilkins, Southeast Volusia Democratic Club second vice president, said if everything goes through he expects the club to officially be up and running by the beginning of the year.
Wilkins has been a major player when it came to getting the Port Orange club off its feet. It was Wilkins who was responsible during the last election to make calls throughout several precincts. During those calls he realized there was a need for a local Democratic club.
According to Wilkins, the city had a Democratic club years ago, but it had eventually disappeared.
"Port Orange is a big city for Volusia County voting," Wilkins said. "We wanted to have a strong presence with Democrats and there's a strong local support from citizens to have their own independent club in their community."
Jones said some major issues that Democrats have been discussing include healthcare, more job and retirement security, and public education. She added that within Port Orange, environmental concerns are also important.
"I think one of the things that pushes people together is the way the country currently is," Jones said. "And that's why a lot of our membership came out — they're discontent with what is going on."
The Port Orange Democratic Club held a meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 12, to discuss how the club will move forward and nominate officers.
