Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy.
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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.
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Annual Membership Renewal
If you haven't sent in your renewal, please do so now! People like you are our League's most valuable asset. Members give the League visibility and credibility.
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Maureen Pillepich, Rosemary Wilson, Fran Hamburg and Judy Donahue |
Happy Holidays!
Our Holiday Luncheon was held Dec 5. We had a lovely salad buffet from Shirlene's. Maureen Pillepich, Rosemary Wilson and Fran Hamburg told us about the early days of the LWV of the Midland Area. Much Fun & Fellowship.
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Sue Smith, LWVMI VP for Advocacy |
"Making Democracy Work: What's Ahead for 2020?"
Advocacy has expanded beyond testifying at the Legislature to also include ballot proposals and lawsuits. What does this mean for local Leagues? Sue Smith, LWV of Michigan Vice President for Advocacy, will speak
January 14, 2-4pm at
Creative 360.
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LWVMI & the Redistricting Commission
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There were questions at our last board meeting about what the Commissioners would be
doing
. Here is a summary by LWVMI Advocacy VP Sue Smith.
The LWVMI Board has adopted a plan for monitoring the selection and work of the Citizens Redistricting Commission which was created by the passage of Proposal 2 in fall of 2018.
Commission Selection
Any Michigan registered voter, except for those expressly excluded in the Constitution, may apply to be on the Commission. Applications are available from the Secretary of State website at
RedistrictingMichigan.org and are due June 1, 2020. The 13 member Commission consisting of 4 self-identified Democrats, 4 self-identified Republicans and 5 self-identified unaffiliated independents must be seated by October 15, 2020.
Commission's Work
The Commission is required by the Constitution to:
- Hold at least 15 public hearings across the state.
- Provide opportunities for members of the public to submit maps for the Michigan State House and Senate Districts, and U.S. Congressional districts.
- Draw and adopt maps that meet the criteria outlined in the Michigan Constitution by November 1, 2021. The maps will take effect for the 2022 elections.
League Monitoring of Commission's Work
LWVMI will:
- Select and train a team of League members who will attend and testify at public hearings
- Hire experts to
- Evaluate submitted maps' compliance with stated criteria
- Develop and submit League's maps
- Lobby the legislature, when needed
- Consult with our Legal team and take action when necessary
The
League has been working for an Independent Redistricting Commission since 2012 when we adopted our Redistricting position calling for an Independent Redistricting Commission. Since then, the
League has educated voters all over the state, giving over 100 presentations to Town Halls and service groups across the state. In 2018, the
League supported Proposal 2 to amend the Michigan Constitution by creating a Citizens Redistricting Commission.
The
League intends to see this through to a successful conclusion by monitoring the selection and work of the Citizens Redistricting Commission. (League Links, Nov 2019)
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Making Democracy Work Programs
We received a grant to provide Town Hall programs on three educational topics: Census 2020, Voter Rights, and the
Citizens Redistricting Commission.
Schedule of Programs
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Mon, Feb 3, 7pm, Voter Rights & Election 2020 Preparations, County Clerk Ann Manary, City Council Chambers
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Wed, Mar 4, 1:30pm, Census 2020 - How to Count Every Person, Grace A Dow Library Community Room
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These educational programs are free and open to the public. They are
made possible by a grant from the League of Women Voters Education Fund.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization whose mission is to Empower Voters and Defend Democracy.
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LWV Lake Michigan Region
Interested in protecting our Lakes? The LWV of the Lake Michigan Region is
an Inter-League Organization operating under the Natural Resources Position of the LWVUS. Our League is a member. They advocate and educate for issues concerning Lake Michigan.
Explore their
webpage to see the important work they are doing.
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LWV of Michigan Advocacy Committee
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The LWVMI has created an Advocacy Committee. The committee is chaired by Judy Karandjeff. Members of the committee are:
- Marty Couretas: Gun Violence Prevention
- Tricia Denton: Healing our Waters, Line 5
- Shelly Hoffman - Executive Director: Reproductive Rights
- Judy Karandjeff- Chair of Advocacy Committee: Election Law and Voting Rights
- Carolyn Madden: Criminal Justice
- Karen Sherwood: Education
- Sue Smith - VP for Advocacy: Campaign Finance, Fair Courts and Redistricting
- Christina Schlitt - President LWVMI, Ex Officio
- Maria Woloson: Environment - Climate Issues
- Chris Zilke: League of Women Voters Lake Michigan Region (LWVLMR)
The primary purpose is to review legislation and recommend action to the LWVMI Board of Directors. The committee will also work with the board to recommend when action is needed and assist with background information, testimony and action alerts.
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Jan 14, 2pm - Understanding LWVMI Advocacy Positions. Speaker: LWVMI VP Advocacy. Creative 360.
Feb 3, 7-8pm - Voter Rights & Election 2020 Preparations, County Clerk Ann Manary, Midland City Council Chambers, 333 West Ellsworth Street, Midland
Wed, Mar 4, 1:30pm - Grace A. Dow Library Community Room, 1710 West St Andrews, Midland
May 20, 2pm - Annual Meeting and Tea (no dinner)
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Board Members
The board meets the First Thursday of each month at Creative360, 9:30-11:30. No meeting in June or July. All members are welcome.
Treasurer - Karen Sherwood
VP Membership - Carol McPherson
VP Program - Judy Donahue
Director, Voter Service - Sue McCollister
Director, Natural Resources - Carole Swinehart
Director, Natural Resources - Sandy Collinson
Director, Sandy Haughton
Director, Webpage - Katherine Redwine
Director, New Media -
Katherine Redwine
Director, Sharron Such
Director, Terry Townley
Director, Kathryn (Kathy) Miller
Director, Cindy LeVasseur
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| LWV-Bay County (geographical unit of LWV Midland Area) |
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When you visit our sponsors, please identify yourself as a LWV Member
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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.
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Membership
Interested in Joining?
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League of Women Voters of the Midland Area
P.O. Box 1203
Midland, MI 48641-1203
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