Adams County Democratic Party Committee Emily Young, Matt Young, Vicki Brady, Tim Brady, Dena Morris, Linda Stepp, and Ethel Chambers. (Photo by Sherry Larson)
Sharing literature and encouraging people to vote
By Sherry Larson
People’s Defender
The Adams County Democratic Party opened its new headquarters at 117 W. Main Street in West Union on October 8. Linda Stepp, Adams County Democratic Party Vice-Chair, announced that the office would be open Monday – Saturday from 12-5 to share information and encourage people to vote. At 5 p.m., visitors began stopping in to pick up literature and yard signs.
Chosen to serve following the death of Jerry Grooms, Matthew Young is the Adams County Democratic Party Chair. Young stated, “Jerry was a wonderful chair as he and Linda Stepp led an informed and active Democratic Party in Adams County. I was honored to be asked if I would serve in this position. After speaking with my family, I accepted and was formally elected by the committee on January 13, 2022.”
Young shared that he is new to politics and relies heavily on the committee’s expertise, including Linda Stepp, Vice-Chair, Vicki Brady, Secretary, and Dena Morris, Treasurer. He stated, “All three, along with the other members of the central committee, are vital in maintaining the structure and action of the Adams County Democratic Party.” Young grew up in a politically participating family, with his parents active in the Democratic party. He shared that Sunday dinners included discussions on politics. He reflected, “My siblings married Republicans, and debates happened regularly – I miss those.” Still, getting into politics was not his goal. He said he has always supported the people he felt would do a “good job.” When approached to run for a Central Committee position in Winchester Township, he said, “I thought this felt like a good time to help others.”
After the primaries, the Defender asked Young about the number of registered Democrats in Adams County. He stated, “Looking at our county, we are definitely Red. The county’s population is approximately 27,000. Of those 27,000, 23% are under the voting age of 18. These numbers mean that there are nearly 21,000 eligible voters in Adams County. According to the county’s Board of Elections, 999 registered Democrats, 4,109 registered Republicans, and 11,941 registered as a No-Party Affiliation. Doing the math, Adams County has a lot of non-voters. There are over 5,000 unregistered voters in the county. In my opinion, it’s disturbing.”
The lack of voters is what Young considers the most challenging hurdle to overcome. He concluded, “Whether Democrat, Republican or Independent, people need to be active. When everyone participates, more representation occurs. Adams County is a wonderful county. I grew up here and chose to raise my own family here. As with all counties, we have our social and financial concerns, but we can do better by working together. I feel like in the past few years, families, friends, and acquaintances have turned against each and split due to politics. When this occurs, nothing gets accomplished. I have many friends who are Republican. I have no problem listening to their concerns; hopefully, they can listen to mine. Growing up as a Truman Democrat, I have looked at many quotes from our 33rd President. One that radiates with me is, ‘It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.’ Imagine what actions we could achieve if everyone adopted this idea?” It looks like the Adams County Democratic Party has chosen its leader wisely.
