Diann Slavit Baylis of Marblehead is heading to Chicago on Aug. 16 as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention. She’s attended two other conventions — as an alternate delegate in 1992 and a volunteer in 2016 — but this is the first time as a full-fledged delegate.
“I’m going with a wholly different perspective as an adult and an immigration attorney with a real fervor for why Kamala Harris needs to be elected,” she said.
Slavit Baylis works for Catholic Charities, representing immigrants and refugees seeking asylum in the United States. She’s worried about former President Donald Trump’s campaign promises of a mass deportation of all undocumented immigrants.
“It’s frightening,” she said. “I see my clients every day, and I wonder what’s going to happen to them in November.”
Slavit Baylis continued, “I have an Afghan client who worked with the American government. He’s been through so much. He’s been targeted. It’s ridiculous to think that he doesn’t belong here. I have so many Haitian clients who are in such danger if they go back.”
She also works with immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children and have DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) status. They may be deported if Trump is elected.
“One woman has been here all her life pretty much,” Slavit Baylis said. “She has two kids. She owns a house cleaning business and works very hard. Her life is here, her family is here. He (Trump) is just going to end it.”
Slavit Baylis is looking forward to attending convention workshops and caucuses on various issues each day before arriving on the convention floor at around 3 p.m. for the official program.
She’s also excited about Harris’ vice presidential pick, Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota.
“He’s going to present a stark contrast to JD Vance, who like Trump denigrates women,” Slavit Baylis said.
She continued, “Walz is a strong, principled leader. He can step into the role of president if needed. JD Vance couldn’t do that.”
Slavit Baylis, who lost her campaign for the state Legislature in 2022, is one of 116 Massachusetts delegates and nine alternates heading to the Democratic National Convention. Last month, Amy Carnevale of Marblehead, who is the chair of the Massachusetts GOP, attended the Republican Convention.
