Blake Ross, President of the Young Democrats of Arkansas, spoke at the monthly meeting of the Democratic Party of Garland County on Wednesday. The 25-year old resident of Laurence County in northeast Arkansas said he knew the Preamble of the Constitution as a second grader. Ross said he is a Democrat because he wants an active government that offers an equitable society.
This is Ross’ first year as President and it has been the first year the YDAR have grown since 2014. There are currently 27 Young Democrat chapters in the state, eight of which are in the 4th Congressional District, where he has seen the most growth. There are three Young Democrat chapters in Garland County: National Park College, Lakeside High School and Arkansas School for Math Science and the Arts.
There are only seven Young Republican chapters in Arkansas. Ross said the number is misleading, however, because those groups are split between high school and college, whereas Young Democrat chapters include both age groups.
The four Young Democrats at the Wednesday meeting had been canvassing door to door for Hayden Shamel’s campaign for US Congress. Ross said they enjoy canvassing: “We’re willing to knock on doors till our legs fall off and knuckles bleed.”