Vote411.org logo THE VOTER
 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF THE MIDLAND AREA
August 2020
Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy.

The League of Women Voters is a national, political organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in their government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. The League is non-partisan and as an organization does not endorse or oppose candidates or political parties.
Board meetings will be conducted remotely for the remainder of 2020. A decision regarding in-person meetings will be made near the end of the year.
Photo women celebrating passage of the 19th amendment
AUGUST 18, 2020 - 100 yrs of the 19th Amendment
VOTERS GUIDES
Voters Guides: Vote411.org and printed VOTERS GUIDE

Now that the primary election is complete, our focus is on providing information about opposing candidates in the November 3 general election.

VOTE411.org, our online guide, and the paper version of the VOTERS GUIDE published by the Midland Daily News, will feature all races from the top of the ballot (U.S. President) to our local county races. Township races will be updated with primary election results in the online VOTE411.org only.

Look for publication of candidate information on VOTE411.org by September 18 and of the hard copy VOTERS GUIDE with your Midland Daily News on October 10. The League is looking into making the VOTERS GUIDE available in the community, since the usual outlets (such as Grace A. Dow Library and Senior Centers) may not be available due to COVID-19 concerns. If you have any suggestions for distributing printed Voters Guides, please email Sue McCollister.

SPECIAL NOTE:
As you know, funding to cover the cost of layout, printing and distribution of the VOTERS GUIDE by Midland Daily News primarily comes from generous donors in the community. The total in donations typically does not cover the entire cost, and we're so fortunate to have contributions from you, our members, that make up the difference. 

If you would like to contribute, you can make out a check to LWV of the Midland Area and mail it to:
LWV of the Midland Area
PO Box 1203
Midland MI 48640-1203
 
For a tax-deductible contribution, make the check payable to LWVEF, the League's Education Fund.

Please put "Voter's Guide" in the memo field.

Candidate Forums
We're planning forums for all local races contested in the general election:
98th State House - Schulz (D) v. Glenn (R)
Drain Commissioner -- Wentworth (D) v. Sova (R)
County Commissioner Dist. 6 - Sims (D) v. Dorrien (R)
City Council
            Ward 1 - Hall v. Rodgers
            Ward 3 -- Arnosky v. Rapanos
 
The forums will be virtual without live audiences but will be available for viewing on YouTube and MCTV.

We're in the initial planning stages and will update when schedules are available.
From LWVUS - League Update, 8/13/2020

While the League never endorses candidates, we celebrate the fact that a woman of color will be named to a presidential ticket for the first time in our country's history. Decades passed before women of color were allowed to vote after the ratification of the 19th Amendment. To see a woman of color finally appear on the presidential ballot will leave a positive impression on future generations of women of color.
Take Action: Honor the Legacy of John Lewis
Photo of John Lewis
John Lewis, 1940-2020
Join the League and its allies in commemorating the 55th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act by asking your Senator to support S. 4263, the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.

Since it was first signed into law in 1965, the Voting Rights Act has protected voters across the country from voter suppression tactics. Without its key preclearance and legal remedies, voter suppression and discrimination run rampant across the country. 

The Voting Rights Advancement Act passed the House in December 2019. Now, Senator Leahy has introduced the measure in the Senate as S. 4263, the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, to honor the memory and work of Congressman John Lewis. Congressman John Lewis dedicated his life's work to fight for justice and civil rights for Black people across the country. Expanding access to the ballot box and protecting voters is how we can honor his legacy. 

Please contact our U.S. Senators and ask them to support the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, S. 4263.

Sen. Debbie Stabenow
202-224-4822

Sen. Gary Peters
202-224-6221
Presentations from the National Convention

The virtual National Convention took place June 25-27. The LWV has been making recordings of convention presentations available online. Because of the virtual nature of this year's convention, there are recordings of every session. The LWV Convention webpage has these recordings.





Upcoming Events

Please check the web page for information about Candidate Forums and other events.

LWV logo
Board Members 2020-2021
The board meets the First Thursday of each month at Creative360, 9:30-11:30. In-person board meetings are suspended for the remainder of 2020. All members are welcome. 

President -  Kim Steinke
Treasurer - Karen Sherwood*
Secretary - Judy McDowell
VP Membership - Carol McPherson
VP Program -  Judy Donahue*
Director, Voter Service - Sue McCollister
Director, Natural Resources - Sandy Collinson*
Director, Sandy Haughton*
Director, Media & Webpage - Katherine Redwine
Director, Sharron Such
Director, Kathryn (Kathy) Miller
Director, Cindy LeVasseur
Director, Anne Wallin*

*elected for 2020-2022 terms
Quick Links
LWV League Management
LWV-Bay County  (geographical unit of LWV Midland Area)
LWV-Lake Michigan Region
City of Midland
Midland County
Grace A Dow Memorial Library 
Midland Public Schools
In This Issue
Membership Form
100 Days 100 Ways to get ready for election day
Our Sponsors
When you visit our sponsors, please identify yourself as a LWV Member
business card for Partners in Change
Shirlene_s Cuisine
Circle Travel
Everett Carpet logo
Michigan Advocacy
Know Your Rights: Voting
Michigan Owners Manual - Michigan League for Public Policy
Michigan Talent Crisis - The Education Trust - Midwest
Local Advocacy
National Advocacy
Donations
The LWV of the Midland Area can always make good use of donations.

You can make unrestricted donations to the LWV of the Midland Area. These are not tax deductible.

You can make tax deductible donations to the LWV - Education Fund. These funds are used for educational activities.

You can also donate to special projects such as the Voters Guide or 100th Anniversary celebration.

Checks should be made out to LWV - Midland Area or LWV - Education Fund. Send to Karen Sherwood, Treasurer
6005 Millbrook, Midland, 48640

Thank-you.

Membership
Interested in Joining? 
Use this form here or email  Carol McPherson
League of Women Voters of the Midland Area
P.O. Box 1203
Midland, MI 48641-1203

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