Privacy Policy for the Dorchester County Democratic Central Committee

Effective Date: August 4, 2026

1. Who We Are

The Dorchester County Democratic Central Committee (“DCDCC,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) is the official Democratic Party organization for Dorchester County, Maryland.

Mailing Address
Dorchester County Democratic Central Committee
P.O. Box 1449
Cambridge, MD 21613-1449
 

Email: dorchesterdems@gmail.com

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We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information responsibly.

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2. Scope of This Policy

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, protect, and share personal information when you interact with us through our website, online forms, email communications, text messaging (SMS), social media, fundraising activities, volunteer programs, events, and other Committee activities.

We collect only the personal information reasonably necessary to carry out the activities of the Dorchester County Democratic Central Committee and to communicate with our supporters. We do not sell personal information for commercial purposes.

By using our website or voluntarily providing us with your information, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

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3. Information We Collect

Depending on how you interact with us, we may collect the following information.

Information You Provide

You may voluntarily provide information such as:

• Name

• Mailing address

• Email address

• Telephone number

• Volunteer interests

• Event registrations

• Survey responses

• Communications you send us

• Other information you choose to provide

Donations

If you make a contribution to the Committee, donations are processed securely through trusted third-party payment processors, such as ActBlue. We do not receive or store your complete credit card or banking information.

Please refer to the applicable payment processor’s privacy policy for information regarding payment security and data handling.

Website Information

When you visit our website, certain technical information may be collected automatically, including:

• IP address

• Browser type

• Device type

• Operating system

• Pages visited

• Date and time of visits

• Referring websites

• General usage information

This information helps us understand how visitors use our website and improve its content and functionality.

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4. Cookies and Analytics

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to improve your browsing experience.

We also use services such as Google Analytics and the Meta (Facebook) Pixel to understand website traffic, evaluate outreach efforts, improve our communications, and measure the effectiveness of advertising and public engagement.

These providers collect and process information in accordance with their own privacy policies.

You may control cookies through your browser settings, although disabling cookies may affect certain website functionality.

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5. How We Use Your Information

We use personal information to support the Committee’s mission and operations.

Examples include:

• Sending newsletters and email updates

• Sending text messages to individuals who have chosen to receive them

• Providing election information and voter education

• Informing supporters about Democratic Party activities

• Recruiting and coordinating volunteers

• Registering participants for meetings and events

• Responding to questions and requests

• Processing donations

• Administering occasional raffles and other fundraising activities

• Improving our website and communications

• Protecting against fraud or misuse

• Complying with applicable legal obligations

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6. Text Messaging (SMS)

We send recurring text messages only to individuals who have affirmatively consented to receive them, such as by completing an online sign-up form, registering for an event, requesting information, or otherwise providing express consent.

Text messages may include:

• Committee news

• Volunteer opportunities

• Community events

• Election reminders

• Voter education and information

• Fundraising

• Emergency announcements

• Other Democratic Party activities

Message frequency varies.

Message and data rates may apply.

You may opt out at any time by replying STOP. Once you opt out, you will no longer receive text messages unless you choose to subscribe again.

Reply HELP for assistance.

Your consent to receive text messages is not a condition of making a contribution, volunteering, or participating in Committee activities.

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7. Why We Process Your Information

We process personal information only when we have an appropriate legal basis to do so.

Depending upon the circumstances, this may include:

• Your consent;

• Compliance with legal obligations;

• Our legitimate interests in conducting Committee activities; or

• Fulfilling requests that you make to us.

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8. How We Share Information

We do not sell or rent your personal information.

We may share information only in the following circumstances.

Service Providers

We work with trusted third-party service providers that assist us in operating the Committee, including providers of:

• Email communications

• Text messaging

• Website hosting

• Online fundraising

• Payment processing

• Website analytics

• Data management and technology services

These providers may access personal information only as necessary to perform services on our behalf and are expected to protect it appropriately.

Democratic Party Organizations

To support legitimate Democratic Party activities, we may share contact information, including mobile phone numbers and communication preferences, with the Maryland Democratic Party and affiliated Democratic Party organizations. This information may be maintained in party databases and used for purposes such as voter engagement, volunteer coordination, fundraising, campaign activities, and other official Democratic Party communications.

Neither the Committee nor the Maryland Democratic Party sells personal information or SMS consent information to commercial marketers or other third parties for their independent marketing purposes.

Legal Requirements

We may disclose information when required by law, court order, subpoena, or other lawful governmental request.

Campaign Finance Reporting

As required by Maryland election law, certain information concerning campaign contributions and expenditures must be reported to the Maryland State Board of Elections and may become part of the public record.

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9. Your Communication Choices

You may unsubscribe from our email communications at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link included in our emails.

You may stop receiving text messages at any time by replying STOP.

You may also contact us at dorchesterdems@gmail.com to update your contact information or communication preferences.

Please note that we may still contact you regarding administrative matters relating to donations, volunteer activities, or event registrations.

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10. Data Retention

We retain personal information only as long as reasonably necessary to:

• Conduct Committee activities;

• Fulfill the purposes described in this Privacy Policy;

• Comply with applicable laws;

• Maintain financial and organizational records;

• Resolve disputes; and

• Protect and enforce our legal rights.

Certain communications and campaign records may be retained for longer periods where required by Maryland election law or other applicable legal requirements.

When information is no longer required, we will securely delete or appropriately dispose of it where practical.

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11. Your Privacy Rights

Depending upon applicable law, you may have the right to:

• Request access to your personal information;

• Request correction of inaccurate information;

• Request deletion of information where legally permitted;

• Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent;

• Request restrictions on certain processing activities; and

• Submit complaints to an appropriate governmental authority.

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information below.

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12. Children’s Privacy

Our website and communications are not directed toward children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.

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13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may revise this Privacy Policy from time to time.

When significant changes are made, we will post the updated version on our website and update the Effective Date shown at the beginning of this document.

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14. Contact Us

If you have questions regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:

Dorchester County Democratic Central Committee
P.O. Box 1449
Cambridge, MD 21613-1449

Email: dorchesterdems@gmail.com

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This Privacy Policy is intended to explain our information practices in a clear and transparent manner. It does not create contractual rights beyond those provided under applicable law.