The Carbon County Democratic Party held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday evening, May 19 to open the Carbon County Democratic Election Center, 101 North First Street in Lehighton.

"It's the first time that I know of that the Democratic Party has a center," said Frank Jacobs - chair of the Carbon County Democratic Party. "People will have a place to come to work. I think it will pay off for the Democrats in Carbon County.""This year we have to do something extraordinary," said Linda Christman - president of Democrats for Change and the Center's office manager. "When we worked on the Obama campaign, we had a headquarters. That worked well.""Linda Christman and the Democrats for Change suggested that the Democratic Party have an office where we would have visibility," said Bill O'Gurek - Chair of the Carbon County Commissioners and the Treasurer of the Carbon County Democratic Party. "They sought out a place and convinced the party. It's a new and exciting idea."The office will give more visibility, and serve as a place where Democratic Party members can come for information, to reach the party and candidates, and a place to pick up literature, signs, and conduct phone banks and reach out to Democrats to talk to them about what the Democratic candidates stand for."Office hours are currently: Monday - Thursday 4 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Friday 4 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Saturday 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., and closed Sunday.The Carbon County Democratic Election Center is located at 101 North First Street in Lehighton. For information, phone: 610-377-0235 or email:

lacris@ptd.net.