Attendees reviewed the results of the Stodden/Cholensky Presidential campaign. The campaign was on the ballot and received 361 votes in Iowa and 44 votes in Guam. In Maryland, the campaign received 3 write-in votes.
The group discussed the importance of ballot access and discussed the logistics of a ballot access campaign in Maryland. In order to qualify for the General Election ballot in 2028, the group could start collecting signatures in mid-2026. This will require many volunteers and significant funds to pay professional signature gatherers.
The group discussed sending a questionnaire to candidates in the upcoming 2026 state elections. A questionnaire could help provide information to party members and could help the group build a database of candidate’s statements that could be used in future campaigns.
Attendees discussed the possibility of endorsing the general strike being organized for May 1, 2028.
The group discussed a preliminary meeting schedule for 2025:
General Meeting: Sunday, February 2 @ 2PM (Red Emma’s)
General Meeting: Sunday, April 6 @ 2PM (Red Emma’s)
May Day: Thursday, May 1 (Specifics TBD)
General Meeting: Sunday, June 1 @ 2PM (Red Emma’s)
Debs Day Dinner: Saturday, June 14 (Specifics TBD)
General Meeting: Sunday, August 3 @ 2PM (Red Emma’s)
General Meeting: Sunday, October 5 @ 2PM (Red Emma’s)
General Meeting: Sunday, December 7 @ 2PM (Red Emma’s)
Gilman Day Dinner: Saturday, December 13 (Specifics TBD)
All members were invited to attend the SPUSA National Organizing Meeting to be held at 8 PM on Tuesday, December 10. The registration page was shared with the group.
All members and friends were invited to attend the first annual Elisabeth Gilman Day Dinner, to be held at Johnny Rad’s, 2108 Eastern Avenue, at 6 PM on Saturday, December 14.
Attendees were urged to become financial supporters of the Socialist Party of Baltimore to assist in event planning and a future ballot access campaign. One-time or recurring contributions can be made at https://donorbox.org/contribute-to-the-maryland-socialist-pac.