Local residents of Portsmouth have joined together to resist the current chaos, and to ensure a
healthy economy and a strong public health system. The sand in our democracy's hour glass is quickly
falling and time is running out. The time to act is now.
Seacoast Friends Preserving Democracy (SFPD) has recently formed in response to current threats to
our constitutional democracy.
We encourage independents, disenfranchised voters, and all defenders of democracy regardless of political
affiliation on the Seacoast of Maine and New Hampshire to join us in these crucial efforts to protect our
two-hundred-and forty-nine-year-old democracy
Our mission is to advocate for a healthy democracy, democratic values, and the protection of our
constitutional rights.
We are inviting you to join us in preserving our democracy. To that end, our organization:
creates opportunities to enhance civic education
provides information about becoming more involved in our democratic processes
attend public hearings
collaborates with existing organizations that value democracy
encourages community-building activities
We fund our own activities and do not contribute to candidates or solicit donations for ourselves and
others.
Coordinating Committee
Peter Somssich, Former NH State Representative
Brian Wazlaw, Former NH State Representative
Michael Derhammer
Mission
To advocate locally for the preservation of democracy, democratic values, and constitutional rights in the
United States of America.
Goals
Create opportunities for community-building and civic engagement
Educate the public about effective ways to preserve democracy
Create and attend local and regional activities in support of democratic ideals
Communicate and collaborate with local and regional democratic organizations
Solicit feedback to improve impact locally and regionally
Objectives
Create letter writing campaigns, workshops, and/or seminars
Compose and respond to newspaper editorials
Interact with online forums and websites
Advertise on community radio stations
Coordinate and collaborate with other democracy-focused organizations
Disseminate ways people can become more involved in democratic processes and events
Organize talks at the library by local and regional Democratic leaders
Events
Portsmouth Democratic Roundtable
Tuesday, September 22, 2026 · 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Local restaurant in Portsmouth · Call Peter Somssich for the location
Co-Sponsored by the Portsmouth Democrats and the Seacoast Friends Preserving Democracy (SFPD)
The monthly Portsmouth Democratic Roundtable is held on the 4th Tuesday of each month. It is an
opportunity to socialize with Democrats and other friends without any agenda or rigid structure.
It is an opportunity for new residents of Portsmouth to meet those involved in the Portsmouth Democrats
and learn of opportunities to get involved, suggest new ideas, or be supportive of planned initiatives.
Next month the Roundtable will be on October 27, 2026
For information or questions please contact Peter Somssich at
603-436-5382 (No Texts Please) or peter.somssich@gmail.com
or Michael Derhammer at 603-969-9838, or mderhammernh@gmail.com
Portsmouth Democrats Coffee Meetup - New Location!
Friday, September 25, 2026 · 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Local restaurant in Portsmouth · Contact Michael Derhammer or Peter Somssich for the location
The monthly Portsmouth Democrats Coffee Meetup is held on the 4th Friday of each month. A great
morning to get together! Drop in and enjoy the camaraderie of your fellow Dems and bring a friend.
See you soon. Go Dems!
Next month the Coffee Meetup will be on October 23, 2026
For the location of the Meetup or any other information, please contact Michael Derhammer at
603-969-9838 or mderhammernh@gmail.com, or Peter Somssich at 603-436-5382 (No Texts Please)
or peter.somssich@gmail.com
Event Reports
A look back at recent SFPD gatherings
Ice Cream and the Constitution: Pursuing Happiness and Defending the Constitution
Tuesday, August 18, 2026 · Four Tree Island, Portsmouth
Several dozen Seacoast residents, including elected officials and candidates for office, gathered at
Four Tree Island on a beautiful sunny August 18 to enjoy some ice cream and affirm a commitment to
our Constitution. Organized by the Seacoast Friends Preserving Democracy (SFPD) group, this event
underscored a mutual resolve to “pursue Happiness”, a right that our “Declaration
of Independence” demanded, and at the same time to show a willingness to defend our
Constitution by reading all 27 Amendments to that document.
Peter Somssich, speaking for SFPD, underscored the need for all to be involved in protecting our
democracy and the rights guaranteed to all, by being actively involved in all types of civic and
political activities. As a way for the SFPD to show appreciation by our community for such service,
Michael Derhammer presented the Democracy Award to all Portsmouth Poll Workers, who are the
frontline of our democratic processes. Joan Hamblet, one of the ward moderators, accepted the award
that would be forwarded to the Clerk of the City of Portsmouth.
After all attendees were provided with some ice cream, the Amendments were read, moderated by local
lawyer, Damon Thomas. Twenty-three readers recited the Amendments, with some readings receiving
special applause indicating an extra level of support. As a party favor, all participants were
offered a free pocket copy of the US Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.
The next planned event of the SFPD group will address the issues of corruption and affordability.
Closing out the event, the sad news was announced of the passing of Brian Wazlaw, one of the founders
of our SFPD group and a much-admired teacher in the Exeter school system, and a greatly appreciated
activist in Portsmouth.
Peter Somssich, speaking for SFPDMichael Derhammer and Joan Hamblet with the Democracy Award for the Portsmouth poll workersDamon Thomas moderated the reading of the 27 AmendmentsDudley Dudley, one of the twenty-three readersAttendees at Four Tree Island
For SFPD: Linda Steward, Michael Derhammer, Peter Somssich ·
603-436-5382 (No Texts Please) or peter.somssich@gmail.com
An individual can register to vote at the office of the town or city clerk.
An individual can register to vote on election day at their polling/voting location.
What information/documentation is required to register to vote?
To register and vote in New Hampshire, you must be:
18 years of age or older on election day;
A United States citizen; and
Domiciled in the town or ward where you seek to vote.
Absentee Voter: Can vote in Person Clerk's Office by 11/2/25 by 5 PM
Information/Documentation needed to register to vote:
You must provide documents to prove your identity, age, citizenship, and domicile to register.
You may present documents in paper or electronic form.
A driver's license or non-driver ID from any state is proof of identity and age. A driver's
license or non-driver ID is also proof of domicile if the listed address matches the domicile
address you enter on the voter registration form.
A birth certificate, U.S. Passport/Passport card, or naturalization document is proof of
citizenship and age.
Domicile proof - rental agreement, property deed, campus housing, tax form, utility bill,
homeless shelter, driver's license, government issued ID, or any reasonable document that
establishes you are domiciled at that address.