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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Presidential Primary - March 10, 7am-8pm
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Midland City Council declares League of Women Voters and Women's Voting Rights Day on February 14
President Kim Steinke very capably represented our Midland Area LWV at the Midland City Council meeting last night. She was first on the agenda right after the pledge of allegiance to the flag and accepted the proclamation from Midland City Council at their meeting on February 10.
Kim was thanked for the work of our LWV unit here in Midland.
Kim spoke emphasizing our imperative to be non-partisan and recognized the 100th anniversary of the founding of the LWV nationally and our 50th anniversary here in Midland of making democracy work.
We were thanked formally, but there were those extra smiles and acknowledgements from individual Council Members that were a reminder of the many candidate forums and endorsements.
Thank-you, Kim
There was also an article in the Midland Daily News, very capably written by MDN reporter Ashley Schafer.
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Information about Presidential Primary candidates is on
Vote411.org
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New Voter Rights
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Election season comes early this year - The Presidential Primary is on March 10. Yesterday, I attended election inspector training led by
County Clerk Ann Manary. A number of new inspectors were there due to recruiting by new city clerk Erica Armstrong.
Proposal 18-3 has brought about some changes in the responsibilities of the clerk and inspectors.
1. Absentee Ballots: Anyone can apply to get an absentee ballot.
Fill out this form and return to your city or township clerk. After Fri, Mar 6, you must take your application to your clerk's office. The City of Midland has taken steps to streamline the counting of absentee ballots.
2. Registration up to day of election: After Feb 25 You must register in person with your city or township clerk. On election day, must still go to clerk's office to register. If you registered within the 14 days before election, be sure to bring the receipt from the clerk with you to the polls.
Presidential Primary
The procedures for a Presidential Primary are different (but have not changed).
You will be asked to mark which party you want the ballot for. This primary requires separate ballots for Republican and Democrat party primaries. If there is a ballot proposal, such as a millage request, you will be able to request a proposal only ballot.
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Midland Center for the Arts
Now through April 26
This exhibit features women, including the women of the LWV - Midland Area. Don't put it off!
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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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Wed, Mar 4, 2:00 pm, Census 2020 - How to Count Every Person, Once, in the Right Place, Grace A Dow Library Community Room (note time change)
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Fri, Mar 13, 11:45-1pm,
The Citizens Redistricting Commission -
Trailside Senior Center Reserve lunch and a spot in the program early by calling 633-3700!
Mon, Mar 23, 6-8pm - Census 2020 - How to Count Every Person, Once, in the Right Place, Wirt Library, 500 Center Ave., Bay City
On February 3, County Clerk Ann Manary presented the program on "New Voting Rights". It can be viewed on Charter Channel 191 at 9:30 am and 9:30 pm, along with other times. It is also available on MCTV Network Community Voices on Youtube.
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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Census 2020
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How to Count Every Person, Once, in the Right Place.
Census 2020 is beginning. In March instructions will come to you from the Census Bureau. You will be able to fill out the 2020 Census online, by phone or by mail. Do Not download or pay anything or talk to anyone that does not have a U.S. Census ID tag.
WHAT THE CENSUS BUREAU WILL SEND IN THE MAIL
On or between these dates, you will receive:
- March 12-20 - An invitation to respond online to the 2020 Census. (Some households will also receive paper questionnaires.)
- March 16-24 - A reminder letter.
If you haven't responded yet, you will receive:
- March 26-April 3 - A reminder postcard.
- April 8-16 - A reminder letter and paper questionnaire.
- April 20-27 - A final reminder postcard before we follow up in person
As you can see, you will be able to respond online before April 1. The sooner you respond after receiving your Invitation, the less mail you will get.
For more information, please attend one of our Census 2020 programs (see above) or go to these links:
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Midland Foundation Scholarships Available
Are you headed to college or other continuing education? The
Midland Area Community Foundation has over 250 scholarships available,
including for non-traditional programs other than college. Best of all, you only need to submit
one application to be considered for them all.
If you know someone who might be eligible, please pass this information along.
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Wed, Mar 4, 1:30pm - Census 2020 - Grace A. Dow Library Community Room, 1710 West St Andrews, Midland
Mon, Mar 23, 6-8pm - Census 2020 - How to Count Every Person, Once, in the Right Place, Wirt Library, 500 Center Ave., Bay City
May 20, 2pm - Annual Meeting (no dinner) Creative 360, 2-4pm
May 25 - Memorial Day Parade |
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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