Archive for December, 2008
From our family to yours, however you celebrate the season, Happy Holidays!
Alexandria – Delegate David Englin filed legislation Thursday for the 2009 General Assembly session to overturn the controversial rule banning citizens from wearing political clothing while voting. The State Board of Elections issued the ruling Oct. 14, attempting to provide a consistent interpretation of the Virginia law that prevents campaigning inside a polling place. The Thomas Jefferson Center for the Protection of Free Expression, The Rutherford Institute and the ACLU of Virginia filed suit Wednesday in federal court in Richmond against the State Board of Elections and the election registrars of Richmond and Fairfax County.
“Unfortunately, in trying to provide clarity to local election officials, the State Board of Elections created a rule that both violates the free speech rights of citizens trying to vote and sets up an absurd situation where a person may wear anything on his or her clothing, so long as it doesn’t mention a candidate who is on the ballot,” said Englin. “During the recent presidential election, this rule would have allowed a person to vote while wearing an Osama bin Laden t-shirt, but not while wearing a John McCain or Barack Obama t-shirt, which is just absurd.”
Continue reading ‘Englin files legislation to overturn ban on political clothing at polls’
David, Shayna, and Caleb helped kick off the holiday season in Alexandria Saturday riding in the annual Scottish Christmas Walk Parade.
“The Scottish Walk is one of my favorite events of the season, and a wonderful way to come together as a community and kick off the holidays,” said David, who traces part of his family heritage to Scotland. “It’s especially meaningful because it highlights the important services the Campagna Center provides for our children and families.”
Alexandria’s Campagna Center provides a variety of quality educational and after care programs for children throughout the city.
Continue reading ‘Scottish Walk Christmas Parade marks start of holiday season’
Alexandria – Delegate David Englin announced today that he has pre-filed legislation for the 2009 General Assembly session intended to help reduce bullying, harassment, and intimidation in Virginia schools, which is a key priority for more than 200 self-advocates, families, friends, and supporters of people with disabilities attending today’s “Dignity and Justice for All” rally in Richmond’s Capitol Square.
“People with disabilities understand how one incident of being bullied or made fun of can influence a person’s life or school experience regardless of his or her ability . . . and that is why we think it is time to have legislation that makes it ‘wrong’ to hurt others,” said said Jill Egle, co-executive director of the Arc of Northern Virginia, which advocates for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. “We want to thank Delegate Englin for working to put some teeth into policies designed to make bullying wrong and working to create safe and fun learning environments for all students.”
Continue reading ‘Englin proposes legislation to reduce bullying in Virginia schools’
