Democracy on Topic Wrap Up: Standing United Against Threats of Violence in America & Virginia Beach

VBDC Condemns Threats Against Candidates, Volunteers, and Families

In today’s polarized political climate, public officials, volunteers, and their families sometimes face threats simply for participating in democracy. The Virginia Beach Democratic Committee (VBDC) takes these threats seriously.

“The Virginia Beach Democratic Committee takes all threats to candidates, members, volunteers, and their children seriously,” said VBDC Chair Sean Monteiro. “We respect differing political opinions, but safety must always come first.”

VBDC works closely with local law enforcement to ensure public events, rallies, and community gatherings are safe spaces for all participants. Safety is essential to democracy—and it is not a partisan issue.

Promoting Civil Discourse Through Community Dialogue

To address the growing concern over political threats, VBDC hosted “Democracy on Topic: How to Address Political Violence & The First Amendment” on October 18, 2025. This was the first in a series of Democracy on Topic Community Forums, designed to bring residents together across party lines to discuss the balance between free speech, public safety, and other topics.

“The current polarized climate does not absolve us of the responsibility to engage in civil discourse—we are all Americans,” Monteiro said.
“It is our intent to tear down walls and build bridges.”

These forums emphasize empathy, understanding, and dialogue as critical tools to reduce polarization and promote civic engagement.

Seeing Each Other as Humans First

Democracy works best when citizens see one another as neighbors, not adversaries. VBDC encourages all residents—Democrats, independents, and others—to engage in conversation, listen actively, and work together to strengthen community and democracy.

About the Virginia Beach Democratic Committee

The Virginia Beach Democratic Committee (VBDC) is committed to strengthening civic engagement, supporting Democratic candidates, and promoting public dialogue across Virginia Beach. Through initiatives like Democracy on Topic Community Forums, Finish the Ballot, and United We Vote, VBDC educates, mobilizes, and unites voters around shared democratic principles.

Learn more at vbdemocrats.org or follow @VBDemocrats on social media.