About Belmont Democratic Club

The Belmont Democratic Club focuses on electing local officials and supports candidates that are willing to fight for causes in a compassionate way. These causes include:

• Fiscal responsibility
• Gun control
• Women's reproductive rights
• Environmental/science
• LGBT/racial/immigrant/disability rights
• Medicare/Medicaid

Why we volunteer

Let us keep Virginia Blue! Here is a summary of major laws initiated and accomplished in 2020 by our Virginia Democratic legislative majority.

Gun Laws: Virginia has been epicenter of the nation’s gun debate after Democrats ran on an aggressive new gun control platform. Tens of thousands of gun owners from around the country rallied against new gun restrictions at the state Capitol in January while lawmakers ultimately approved 7 out of 8 of Gov. Ralph Northam’s gun-control package.

New laws include universal background checks on gun purchases, a red flag bill to allow authorities to temporarily take guns away from people deemed to be dangerous to themselves or others, and limited handgun purchases to one a month. Moderate Democrats balked at passing a ban on assault weapons, which was one of Northam’s top priorities.

Marijuana decriminalization: Simple possession is now a civil penalty and can be punished by a fine of no more than $25.

Statue Removal: Local governments now have the authority to remove Confederate monuments.

Anti-discrimination: A new law prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in housing, public or private employment, public spaces and credit transactions.

Abortion: Lawmakers undid restrictions on abortion access that were enacted when the legislature was under GOP control, including a 24-hour waiting period before an abortion and a requirement that women seeking an abortion undergo an ultrasound and counseling.

Gambling:Virginia legalized casinos in five cities, and online sports betting statewide.

Food stamps:People with certain drug felonies are no longer ineligible for food stamps.

Election Day:Virginia will no longer honor Confederate generals with Lee-Jackson Day, but will instead move the state holiday to Election Day. Virginia is adopting no- excuse absentee voting.

Reckless Driving: Under current law anyone caught going 81 miles per hour could face a reckless driving charge. That’s now been moved to 86 miles per hour and faster.

Clean Economy Act:An overhaul of energy policy paves the way for a significant expansion of offshore wind and other renewables as it mandates a transition to zero carbon emissions by 2045 for Virginia’s largest electric utility. Regulators have said the legislation will have significant impacts on monthly electric bills, which supporters of the measure dispute.

Gas and cigarette taxes:Lawmakers approved a sweeping transportation funding overhaul that will increase gas taxes. In some parts of the state the tax will rise from about 16 cents a gallon to 34 cents a gallon. The state’s taxes on cigarettes will also double to 60 cents a pack.

Changing, but not right away: Lawmakers increased minimum wages and made it easier for labor unions to operate, but those changes aren’t set to take effect Wednesday. The state is incrementally increasing its minimum wage from $7.25 an hour to $15 an hour by 2026. The first increase to $9.50 an hour will take place May 1, 2021. A new law allowing localities to recognize public sector unions won’t go into effect until next May, either.

History

Am I the only Democrat in Belmont?

The community of Belmont Country Club is home to the Belmont Democratic Club (BDC). Located in the heart of Ashburn, Virginia, the BDC is an active group of 80+ residents. The club’s main goals include encouraging people to vote, keeping them informed, and supporting Democratic candidates in a variety of ways. We openly welcome both Democratic as well as independent-minded residents.

Early in our community’s history, Democratic residents may have felt isolated and wondered how they could make a difference in elections. All that began to change when two residents and friends connected​. What was discussed was the need to get a group of known Belmont Democrats together and to begin working toward change.

After the 2016 Presidential election, this group of kindred spirits took their first official step by participating in the Women's March in Washington, DC. Since such a large group of residents were interested in participating, a second bus was commissioned! More friendships formed on the two buses and during the march itself. Many remarked how good it felt to openly discuss feelings and passion for today's politics and several wanted to continue the momentum. In the spring of 2017, the "Belmont Democratic Club’ was officially formed.

The Belmont Democratic Club represents democrats living in Belmont Country Club, please also consider joining the Loudoun County Democrats: follow them on facebook