“How can you expect to defeat Republicans on an empty stomach?”
Odd monthsWB’s Pub-N-Grub 409 7th St, CharlestonBring an appetite!
Even monthsHoney Bee Cafe 319 Logan St, MattoonBring some friends!
A new day is breaking in Coles County
Together, we are the Democratic Party of Coles County
Organizing our community since 1974 — from the school board to the White House.
Fighting for strong public schools.
Every Vote Counts
--Days
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Our Mission
Let's Build a Better Coles County
Since 1974 the Coles County Democratic Party of Illinois has organized residents to elect Democratic candidates — for every race from municipal offices all the way up to the United States Presidency.
We believe in strong public schools, bold action on climate change, and sustainable support for working families. We defend every individual's right to make personal healthcare choices and expand access to affordable care. We protect voting rights, promote equity, fight for fair wages and strong unions, and back progressive policies that grow the middle class from the bottom up.
Nearly 7,500 neighbors strong — and growing.
You're in good company.
0neighbors voted Democratic in 2024
0precincts we organize, township to township
0years we've never stopped showing up
Neighbors, workers, students, and families who share our values — that's who we are. Add your voice, and we grow stronger together.
What We Fight For
Our Values in Action
Strong Public Schools
Every child in Coles County deserves a well-funded, world-class public education close to home.
Climate & Clean Energy
Bold, practical action to protect our farmland, water, and air for the next generation.
Affordable Healthcare
Expanding access to affordable care and defending the right to make personal healthcare choices.
Working Families
Fair wages, strong unions, and an economy that grows the middle class from the bottom up.
Voting Rights
Protecting the freedom to vote and making sure every eligible resident can make their voice heard.
Equity & Opportunity
Standing up for equity, dignity, and opportunity for every resident of Coles County.
Results, Not Just Rhetoric
Democrats Deliver for Coles County
This isn't a promise — it's a receipt. From Springfield to Washington, Democratic leadership has brought real investment home to Coles County: a new science building, rebuilt roads, jobs kept in Mattoon, faster internet, and a raise for working families.
$0M+
in flagship projects breaking ground in Coles County right now — plus a $15 minimum wage and a billion-dollar broadband push on top.
$119M
New EIU Science Building
A 171,000-square-foot home for Biology & Chemistry rising on the Eastern Illinois University campus in Charleston — opening 2028.
Rebuild Illinois • Gov. Pritzker
$82M
I-57 & IL-16 Interchange
A full rebuild of the interchange between Mattoon and Charleston — safer roads and faster freight for the whole county.
Rebuild Illinois • IDOT
$75M
Rural King Headquarters
A new corporate campus in Mattoon — 100 new jobs and 719 existing jobs kept right here in Coles County.
Announced by Gov. Pritzker
20,000
Homes Getting Gig Fiber
Gig-speed fiber internet is reaching 20,000 homes across Coles & neighboring counties — from a company headquartered in Mattoon.
Connect Illinois broadband push
$15/hr
A $15 Minimum Wage
Illinois' minimum wage reached $15 an hour in 2025 — a raise for thousands of working families across Coles County.
Illinois Democrats
$1B+
Broadband for Rural Illinois
Federal dollars are wiring rural Illinois for high-speed internet — connecting Coles County homes, farms & schools.
Infrastructure Law • Durbin & Duckworth
Sources: IDOT & the Illinois Capital Development Board (Rebuild Illinois), Office of Gov. Pritzker, and reporting from the Journal Gazette & Times-Courier (2024–2026). Flagship total reflects the EIU science building, I-57/IL-16 interchange, and Rural King headquarters.
Your Move
Three Ways to Make a Difference
Get Involved
Engage with like-minded progressives, shape local policies, and work toward meaningful change. Attend meetings, join committees, and volunteer for campaigns to advance Democratic principles.
Volunteer TodayDonate
Help our candidates win up and down the ballot — from local municipal offices to county, state, and national positions. Every contribution fuels the work.
Donate TodayRun for Office
Running for office is an important civic duty. Democratic candidates champion policies for social justice, equality, and environmental sustainability — right here at home.
Candidate Information
Meet the Candidates
Democrats on the Ballot
Vote Democratic up and down the ballot on November 3, 2026 — from the U.S. Senate all the way to the Coles County Board.
U.S. Senator
Juliana Stratton
DemocratCampaign site
U.S. Representative, 15th District most precincts
Jennifer Todd
DemocratCampaign site
U.S. Representative, 12th District some precincts
Julie Fortier
DemocratCampaign site
Governor & Lt. Governor
JB Pritzker & Christian Mitchell
DemocratCampaign site
Attorney General
Kwame Raoul
DemocratCampaign site
Secretary of State
Alexi Giannoulias
DemocratCampaign site
Comptroller
Margaret Croke
DemocratCampaign site
Treasurer
Mike Frerichs
DemocratCampaign site
State Representative, 101st District 101st district precincts
Douglas Fagan
DemocratBZ
County Board, District 12 District 12 only
Bristole Zimmerman
Democrat
The Trend
Gaining Ground Since 2016
Since 2016, Democrats have grown our share of the vote across Coles County — in Charleston, in Mattoon, and in our rural townships alike. More neighbors are choosing our candidates and our values every cycle. The momentum is real, and it's local.
+2.2ptsCharleston's Democratic vote share, up since 2016 and still climbing
+186more Democratic votes in 2024 than in 2016 — momentum you can measure
3communities trending our way — Charleston, Mattoon & our rural townships
Source: Illinois State Board of Elections, precinct-level presidential results (2016, 2020, 2024).
Mark Your Calendar
Come Meet Us in Person
Two standing meetings, every single month. No RSVP, no experience needed — just show up. This is where it all happens.
“Calling all captains — this is where the ground game gets built.”
Every monthMattoon Public Library 1600 Charleston Ave, MattoonNew faces always welcome
In the Community
Democrats in Action
Parades, dinners, trivia nights, and door-knocking — this is what showing up for Coles County looks like.
Stay Connected
Latest from Facebook
Follow the Coles County Democratic Party for the latest updates, events, and ways to get involved.
Official Sample Ballot
Know before you go. Preview the Democratic candidates and races on your Coles County ballot.
View Sample Ballot
Our Leadership
Board of Directors
Mac White
Chairman
Bill McGrath
Treasurer
Gary Williamson
East Side Chair
Join the Coles County Democratic Party
Your support provides essential resources for candidate recruitment, voter outreach, and grassroots organizing across the county.
Donate Today
Reach Out
Contact Us
Mailing Address
PO 501, Charleston, Illinois 61920
Phone
Meetings
Monthly — see our events for the next date.
Proud of who we are. Proud of what we've done.
We'reDemocrats —and we deliver.
Under Governor JB Pritzker, Illinois balanced its budget, earned repeated credit-rating upgrades, raised the minimum wage to $15, and protected reproductive freedom — all while investing record dollars right here in Coles County. That's Democratic values in action, and we're just getting started.