THE VOTER
 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF THE MIDLAND AREA
January 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.
new_years_fireworks.jpg Happy New Year! Welcome to 2020!

This year we are celebrating the 100th Birthday of the League of Women Voters, founded in Feb, 1920  at the National American Women Suffrage Association convention. Also, the 100th Anniversary of t he 19th Amendment was certified by the U.S. Secretary of State  on August 26, 1920, making it an official part of the U.S. Constitution. Michigan was the third state to ratify the amendment, on June 10, 1919.

We will have an Anniversary Celebration on April 23, 2020. Members and local elected officials will be invited to this event. Michigan Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Clement will speak.

Voter Education is one of the principle tenents of the LWV. This year, we are offering a series of Making Democracy Work programs January through March. The complete listing is below.

And, to wrap up the year, we have a General and Presidential Election in November 2020.

I am very excited for the events coming up this year.
Sue Smith_ LWVMI VP for Advocacy
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
photo of Ann Manary_ Midland Co. Clerk
Ann Manary, Midland County Clerk
Making Democracy Work: New Voter Rights and Election 2020 Preparations.


7:00 pm
February 3, 2020
Midland City Council Chambers, 333 W Ellsworth St, Midland, Michigan 48640

Midland County Clerk Ann Manary will tell us about changes in Michigan election laws due to the passage of Proposal 3 including procedures for voter registration, absentee ballots, and election day processes. She will also tell us about the Clerk's office preparations for the 2020 elections.
Historical Society Program

The Midland Historical Society is sponsoring a symposium  [BE]CAUSES & EFFECTS on February 1. The program will include author Daisy Hernandez, and other Midland women leaders will discuss their visions of the future. Someone from the LWVMI will be a speaker.

LWV-US Planning

Every even year, we submit feedback on national positions to the LWV of the United States. This year, we will review these items at the Board Meeting on Feb 6. The Board will meet at 9:30am at Creative 360. All members are welcome.

Making Democracy Work logo
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

Tue, Jan 14, 2pm, Making Democracy Work: What's Ahead for 2020, LWV VP for Advocacy Sue Smith will speak.
 - 
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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Fri, Mar 13 - The Citizens Redistricting Commission -  Trailside Senior Center

Stay up to date by checking the Upcoming Events section below or the web page calendar.

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.

Upcoming Events
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

Fri, Mar 13, 11:45 - 1:00 MI Redistricting Commission,  Trailside Senior Center

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)

LWV logo
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. 

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 - 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
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
Vote411.org link
In This Issue
Membership Form
Our Sponsors
When you visit our sponsors, please identify yourself as a LWV Member
Circle Travel
Everett Carpet logo
business card for Partners in Change
Shirlene_s Cuisine
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
LWV Census Action Kit
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
KatherineTaylorRedwine@gmail.com  
P.O. Box 1203
Midland, MI 48641-1203