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Serving San Jose, Santa Clara, Milpitas, Morgan Hill & Gilroy
January 2026
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President's Message
Getting in gear
for a powerful year!
It's always exciting to be starting a new year and that's especially true for the League when it's an election year. Mid-term Congressional races and the California Governor will get most of the attention, but there are many other important local elections where voters need our help to get the information they need to make their voting decisions. That is why we are launching 2026 with a kick-off event to get members and supporters enthusiastic about the volunteer opportunities coming up in the spring for the Primary Election in June and in the fall prior to the General Election in November. I hope you will come on January 30 to learn more and hear from the new Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters Matt Moreles.
This issue of the The Voter also pays tribute to long-time League member Roma Dawson whose energy and dedication to the League knew no bounds. The article barely touches the surface of all that she accomplished professionally and as a community volunteer. Please hold a place in your heart for her family and friends who will be grieving for a long time to come.
On behalf of the entire Board, we wish you and yours a healthy, prosperous, and happy new year.
Diane
Diane McNutt, President
League of Women Voters of San Jose/Santa Clara
Diane.McNutt@lwvsjsc.org
Reminder: All League members are invited to attend the monthly Board business meetings, usually held on Zoom on the first Thursday of the month. In January, it will be the second Thursday because of the New Year's Day holiday. If you would like to attend, contact me for agenda, time and link information.
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Election Year Kickoff Rally
Friday, January 30, 2026
11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Sobrato Center for Nonprofits, 1400 Parkmoor Ave., San Jose
Featured Speaker
Matt Moreles, Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters
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Join us for a fun, lively and informative rally that will kick off Election Year 2026. Learn about the League's Voter Service activities planned for 2026 including voter registration, voter engagement, Candidates Forums, Pros & Cons presentations, and VOTE411 online resource. How can you get involved to support the Primary Election in June and the General Election in November?
Santa Clara County's new Registrar of Voters Matt Moreles will speak on "2026 -- Your Voice, Your Values, Your Vote." He will describe what you as a voter need to know to make your vote count in 2026 elections, as well as how election officials are working to safeguard the integrity of the election process.
"Now more than ever, it is important to understand the extraordinary steps that election officials take to ensure the security and accuracy of election results, as well as the services available to ensure every eligible voter has access to a fair, inclusive, and equitable voting experience," commented Matt.
Lunch or No Lunch
You may order a boxed lunch from Aqui Restaurant (five options available) for $18 each or register without a lunch at no cost. You are welcome to bring your own lunch and everyone should bring their own beverage. There is spacious parking at the Sobrato Center and a light rail station close by.
Register HERE with or without lunch.
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League receives grant
for youth vote project
He
Our League has received a $750 grant from the LWV Education Fund to support a Youth Voter Registration Project in spring of 2026. Congratulations to Voter Service Co-chair Michelle Fernandez for her successful application for this funding.
If you would like to be part of this project, please attend the Election Year Kick-off event on Jan. 30 or email Michelle.Fernandez@lwvsjsc.org.
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At the time of her passing in early December, Roma Dawson was one of the League’s most active members. She served on our local League’s Board of Directors, chaired the Housing & Homelessness Committee, was a member of the Membership, Action and Climate Change committees, and was lead on the Public Campaign Financing public education initiative planned for 2026.
She was also the current Co-President of LWV Bay Area and was a legislative analyst for LWV California’s Housing and Homelessness Committee.
Photo: Roma accepting the Social Justice Champion Award on behalf of the League at the Women's Leadership & Policy Summit in September 2024.
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This level of energy and dedication were reflected throughout Roma’s decades-long professional and community volunteer careers. She held numerous staff positions in government including working in the offices of Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, former San Jose Mayor Tom McEnery, former San Jose Vice Mayor Cindy Chavez, former San Jose Councilmembers Charlotte Powers and Sam Liccardo. As a volunteer, she served on the San Jose Arts Commission, San Jose Housing and Community Development Commission, San Jose Stage Company Board of Directors, and San Jose Parks Foundation. She also managed several local political campaigns over the years.
Roma loved to do a deep dive on complex policy issues and to develop educational programs showcasing the challenges and potential solutions. She was proud of San Jose and passionate about the environment, the arts, and the League. She leaves behind a legacy of positive impact on the League, the community, and those who knew her, especially her beloved family. She will be greatly missed.
In honor of Roma's many contributions to the community and her commitment to voting rights and democracy, the San Jose City Council, Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, and the California State Legislature will adjourn their meetings in recognition of Roma in the coming weeks.
| | Photo: Roma in front of the League's banner used at voter outreach events. | | |
Sign up for 2026 Legislative interviews
Join us to participate in League teams to conduct legislative Interviews in January and February with our locally-elected state political leaders: State Senators Dave Cortese and Aisha Wahab, and State Assembly Members
Marc Berman, Alex Lee, Ash Kalra, Patrick Ahrens, Gail Pellerin and
Robert Rivas. The interviews will focus on their legislative priorities for the upcoming session in 2026 and their responses to questions about local district concerns. Summaries of the interviews will be posted on our website.
If you are interested, please email co-chairs Gloria Chun Hoo and Elizabeth Chien-Hale at leginterviews@lwvsjsc.org.
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League participates in San Jose Museum of Art
First Friday event in December
| | Once again, our League was invited to participate in the San Jose Museum of Art's First Friday event in December. This one was presented in partnership with the Society of Heart's Delight and centered on the theme "Celebrate the Holidays with Pride." During the evening, Voter Service Co-Chair Michelle Fernandez was joined by volunteers Vernette Drake, Shelley Chaney Floyd, Jr., Angel Mina, Mariana Sanchez and Andrea Suarez. | |
Holiday Party was a festive affair
The beautifully-decorated banquet room of Palermo's Italian Restaurant was the setting for a convivial holiday party of League members, supporters and guests in December. In addition to enjoying a buffet of favorite salads and pasta, attendees enjoyed wines donated by J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines and songs performed by Stephanie Ligsay.
| | League members (from left) Mary Gardner, Gloria Loventhal, Barbara Moore, Danette Green, Julie Boaler, and Carol Watts. | | Darcie Green, left, Executive Director of Latinas Contra Cancer, and Shobana Gubbi, right, Chief Philanthropy Officer, Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, discussed how their organizations are bringing hope to people in our community who are struggling to put food on the table for their families during this holiday season. | | Three long-time friends of Roma Dawson, who passed away in early December, led a toast to her in honor of her tremendous contributions to the League. From left, Kathy Sutherland, Margie Matthews, Gloria Chun Hoo. | | Thank you to J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines for its donation of excellent red and white wines to the League's holiday gathering. | | | | |
