THE VOTER
 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF THE MIDLAND AREA
March 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.
Presidential Primary - March 10, 7am-8pm
Information about Presidential Primary candidates is on  Vote411.org  
March 13, 11:45am, Trailside Senior Center (4700 Dublin)

The LWV of the Midland Area and the Trailside Center are cosponsoring a Lunchtime Learners session about the MI Independent Citizens Redistricing Commission. LWV President Kim Steinke will discuss how the commission is structured, how applicants will be selected, the mapping procedure, and how the public will be involved.

Please call the Trailside Center at 633-3700 to reserve a spot and to let them know if you will be having lunch. If you are having lunch, please arrive at 11:30. The program begins at 11:45. You can also register online.
League 100th Anniversary Celebration

The LWV of the Midland Area will be holding a 100th Anniversary Celebration on April 23, 6:30pm at the Midland Holiday Inn. You will receive a written invitation in the mail, and you must return the RSVP card. MI Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Clement has been invited to speak.

You should receive your invitation the week of March 23. If you do not receive an invitation by April 5, please contact Judy Donahue, [email protected] or 486-9416
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!
Voting on March 10
Election season comes early this year - The Presidential Primary is on March 10.  

Absentee Voting
You can request an absentee ballot in person up to 4pm the day before the election (Monday). The ballot must be returned by the time the polls close at 8pm on Election Day. Ask your City or Township Clerk for details. 

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.

Use Vote411.org or the Michigan Voter Information Center if you have questions about your registration.

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

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

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

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.

Census 2020
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:

Upcoming Events

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

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, details coming
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
P.O. Box 1203
Midland, MI 48641-1203