Barbara Graves-Poller, the City of Kingston’s chief legal counsel, has replaced Kelleigh McKenzie of Rosendale as Ulster County Democratic Committee chair, She became party chair as part of what was described as the committee’s “biennial rotation of leadership.”
The 2020s have seen a slowdown of the dramatic growth of Democratic enrollment in Ulster County during the Trump presidency, though the post-election numbers may signal another speedup. In Ulster County in November 2020, there were 56,140 Democratic enrollees, 31,186 Republicans, 2678 Conservatives, 616 Working Families members and 38,723 not enrolled in any party out of a total potential electorate of 136,730.
There wasn’t much change in party allegiance in the next three-and-a-half years, As of February of this year, the number of potential voters on the county rolls had decreased by 1400. The number of Democrats had increased by 862 and the number of Republicans had shrunk by 798. There were 46 fewer Conservatives and 268 more Working Families adherents. The number of the unenrolled by party decreased by 332.
Graves-Poller was one of the 2020s immigrants to Ulster County, seeking, she said, an improved and less stressful community life more than she was looking for a job. In 2021, the NYU law grad and adjunct faculty member whose last job was in New York City government found both in Kingston.
She will now head a county organizational structure created in the past few years under McKenzie’s leadership.
“Ulster County Democratic Committee’s officers bring a wealth of talent, passion, and integrity to this organization at a critical moment in our democracy,” said Graves-Poller in a statement Thursday. “I look forward to leading such an impressive team.”
Fewer than 40 days are now left before the November 5 election. In this political season, most party social events will be to help raise funds, but that focus does not necessarily exclude fun.
From 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 10, the sumptuous James Cox Gallery at 4666 Route 212 in Willow will host a fundraiser on behalf of the Woodstock Democratic Committee. Wine, cheese and chocolate are promised.
At the event, Graves-Poller and McKenzie will talk about the Democratic Party’s goals, opportunities, and successes in Ulster County and beyond.
Join the family! 
