The League of Women Voters of Scarsdale (LWVS) has been working tirelessly this fall. As a non-partisan, political organization, it is our charge to promote civic engagement and active participation in government. To that end, I encourage all registered voters to VOTE! Election Day is Tuesday, November 5.

Throughout September and October, our Voter Service chair and Board members have been involved in voter registration drives and various get-out-the-vote efforts. In addition, the LWVS has sponsored, with other local Leagues, Candidate Forums for our New York Assembly District 88 as well as our New York Senate District 37. The Forums are on our website for viewing.

Voters still have three ways to vote: by absentee ballot, in person during Early Voting, and in person on Election Day. Monday, November 4, is the last day to apply for an absentee ballot in person at the Westchester Board of Elections, 25 Quarropas Street, White Plains. Completed ballots may be submitted by mail (include first class postage), hand delivered to the Westchester Board of Elections, or placed in secure drop boxes at any Early Voting polling location during Early Voting or at your polling location on Election Day. Those who plan to vote in person on November 5, Election Day, please note that you must vote at your assigned polling location.

We started October with Jenna Lauter from NYCLU speaking about the importance of the New York State Equal Rights Amendment (Proposal 1), followed by engaged audience participation and discussion.

As for our work to foster an interest in civic life in our student community, LWVS Youth Engagement  has been working collaboratively with the Scarsdale Middle School on a Mock Election and on Civics Jeopardy. At Scarsdale High School, LWVS participated in Global Citizenship Day with a presentation including our A-School intern Samina Malik and SHS Students Inside Albany participant Mason Levy. At Edgemont High School, LWVS participated in their annual Club Day and supported voter registration and pre-registration with EHS Students Inside Albany participant Maya Barmecha.  We hope that all these programs spark a lifelong interest in community involvement and teach students that voting in every election is important.

Our fall book club met to discuss James by Percival Everett. Our discussion was wonderfully engaging and we look forward to seeing you at our spring book club meeting.

I also encourage the community to join us for our Food for Thought on Monday, November 18, at the Scarsdale Public Library. A panel from Welcome Home Westchester will be speaking about the housing shortage in Westchester County. Please join us for this engaging speaker and to enjoy coffee and light fare after the event.

I welcome everyone in the Scarsdale community to join the League and support our work. I encourage all of you to stay informed, active, and engaged citizens -- your participation enhances and strengthens our democracy!

Warmest wishes,

Heedan Chung

General Election: November 5

The General Election is this TUESDAY, November 5. Below is important information about voting.

Voting Information

There are four ways to vote in the November 5th, 2024 General Election. 

1. Early Mail ballot: Any citizen eligible to vote may vote by early mail ballot (no reason or excuse is needed). 

2. Absentee ballot: The Westchester County Board of Elections website details the qualifications to vote by absentee ballot.

Requests for Early Mail or Absentee ballots must be made in person at the Board of Elections no later than Monday, November 4, 2024, the day before the election.  (The deadline has passed to request early mail or absentee ballots by mail or online portal.) 

Completed Early Mail and Absentee ballots can be mailed in but must be postmarked by November 5, 2024 (and received by November 12, 2024). Alternatively, completed ballots can be brought in person to the Westchester County Board of Elections, to any Westchester County Early Voting poll site during Early Voting dates and times (last day of early voting is Sunday November 3), or to any poll site in Westchester County on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, during polling hours (6:00 a.m.- 9:00 p.m.).

3. In Person during Early Voting: In-person early voting began on Saturday, October 26 and continues through Sunday, November 3.  Voters may cast their ballots at any of the early voting polling locations and times in Westchester County.

4. In Person on Election Day: On Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, you can vote only at your assigned polling location. You may also place your early mail or absentee ballot in the drop box at any Election Day polling location, or the Westchester County Board of Elections’ Office no later than 9:00 P.M.

Important Dates

• 11/3 (Sunday): Last day of Early Voting.
• 11/4 (Monday): Last day to apply in person at the Westchester County Board of Elections for an early mail or absentee ballot.
• 11/5 (Tuesday): General Election Day.  
• Last day to postmark a completed early mail or absentee ballot
• Last day to submit an early mail or absentee ballot in person to the Westchester County Board of Elections or any Westchester County polling site by 9 p.m., the close of the polls.

Questions regarding voting may be directed to the Scarsdale League of Women Voters, Voter Service at LWVSVoterService@gmail.com. 

The Ballot

During the General Election, Scarsdale residents will vote on the following races: 

1. U.S. President

2. U.S. Senate (one seat)

3. U.S. House of Representatives

4. N.Y. State Senate

5. N.Y. State Assembly

6. Westchester County District Attorney

7. NY Supreme Court Judge (vote for 5)

8. County Court Judge (vote for 1)

9. Family Court Judge (vote for 4)

Follow this link to view the candidate forums for U.S. Congressional District 16, NY Assembly District 88, and NY Senate District 37.

Ballot Proposals

Scarsdale residents will vote on one (1) New York State Ballot Proposal to amend the New York State Constitution. 

Proposal 1: Amendment to Protect Against Unequal Treatment: This proposal amends Article 1, Section 11 of the New York Constitution. Section 11 now protects against unequal treatment based on race, color, creed, and religion. The proposal will amend the act to also protect against unequal treatment based on ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, sex, and LGBT identity. It would also protect reproductive health and abortion access.

Question as it will appear on the ballot: This proposal would protect against unequal treatment based on ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, and sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity and pregnancy. It also protects against unequal treatment based on reproductive healthcare and autonomy.

A “YES” vote puts these protections in the New York State Constitution.

A “NO” vote leaves these protections out of the State Constitution.

The League of Women Voters supports voting "YES" on Proposal 1. Remember to turn your ballot over and vote!

Scarsdale residents also will vote on one (1) Westchester County Proposal to change County Legislator terms from 2 years to 4 years. 

Question as it will appear on the ballot: Should individuals serving in the position of Westchester County Legislator serve four-year terms instead of two-year terms?

For more information, follow this link to the LWVS November 2024 Guide to Ballot Proposals.

Poll Workers Needed for the November 5 General Election



Poll workers' duties include helping voters check in, understand their ballots, and cast their votes. You are eligible to be a poll worker in New York if you are a New York registered voter, although in some cases, students who are 17 years old may qualify to be poll workers too. Poll workers receive a small stipend for attending a training class and working on election day.

Interested in helping the election run smoothly and being a part of the democratic process? Learn more about becoming a poll worker and apply to become a poll worker in Westchester County.

Remember to Vote in Our Local Election Too!

Citizens Nominating Committee Election

Tuesday, November 12

In-Person Voting at Scarsdale Public Library

7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. 

and

2:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

OR

Vote by Mail-In Ballot

The Citizens Nominating Committee (CNC) is the body of 30 residents serving staggered, 3-year terms that vets applicants and nominates the proposed non-partisan slate for the Village Board of Trustees, including Mayor. Each year, voters elect new representatives from their neighborhood to fill spots vacated by those who have completed their CNC service.

There are no referendums this year. 

The deadline for Procedure Committee receipt of mail-in ballots: Mail-in ballots must be mailed to the Procedure Committee at P.O. Box 284, Scarsdale NY 10583 AND must be received at the Scarsdale Chase Road US Post Office at least 2 days prior to Election Day, Tuesday November 12, 2024, to help ensure delivery to P.O. Box 284 (same day service is not guaranteed).

Reminder: Each ballot must be sealed within its own unmarked privacy envelope. The unmarked envelope must be placed inside an outer mailing envelope that identifies your name, full return address, and elementary school district. The voter must sign the outer mailing envelope across the seal. Multiple ballots within a single envelope will render all such ballots invalid.

November 2024

• Date/Time/Location TBA:
• Gen Membership/Consensus Meeting (SBNC Resolution Amendments)
• 11/1, Friday to 11/3, Sunday:
• Early Voting
• 11/4, Monday:
• Mock Election at Scarsdale Middle School
• 11/5, Tuesday:
• ELECTION DAY
• 11/12, Tuesday:
• Scarsdale CNC Election
• 11/18, Monday:
• 11:30 a.m. Food for Thought Speaker Event, Scarsdale Public Library
• 11/25, Monday:
• 8:00 p.m. Board Meeting, Zoom

December 2024

• 12/4, Wednesday:
• Scarsdale SBNC Election
• 12/9, Monday:
• 9:00 a.m. Board Meeting, Village Hall
• 10:00 a.m. Gen Membership/Consensus Meeting (CNC Election), Village Hall

January 2025

• 1/6, Monday:
• 9:00 a.m. Board Meeting, Scarsdale Public Library
• 1/25, Saturday:
• 5:00 p.m. LWVS Winter Social, Private Home
• 1/27, Monday:
• 10:00 a.m. Gen Membership/Consensus Meeting (SBNC Election), Scarsdale Public Library

Youth Outreach at Scarsdale Middle School

SMS Mock Election

Monday, November 4, 2024

The League’s Youth Engagement Committee is thrilled to continue our long-standing tradition of bringing Civics programming to Scarsdale Middle School!

On Monday, November 4, volunteers will further support the Social Studies Department’s Mock Election. All middle school students will go to the Great Hall during their Social Studies classes to cast their votes. Voter guides created by the Youth Outreach Committee outlining the candidates and explaining important ballot proposals will be provided to the students so they can be informed voters. League members and other volunteers will be staffing polling station tables to check the young voters in before they cast their ballots. 

If you are interested in volunteering for any other future Youth Outreach Programs, please email lwvsyouthprograms@gmail.com.

Fall Food for Thought Event:

The Housing Shortage in Westchester County

Monday, November 18, 2024

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Scarsdale Public Library, Scott Room

This panel discussion will examine the dearth of affordable housing in Westchester and its effects on seniors, young adults, and workers hoping to live near their jobs. Moderator Tiffany Zezula, Esq. is the Deputy Director for the Land Use Law Center at Pace University School of Law in White Plains. She is also a staff consultant for the Housing Action Council. She is the primary trainer and national coordinator for the Center’s Land Use Leadership Alliance Training program for local officials, environmentalists, religious leaders, planners, and developers.

Panelists include a representative from the Westchester County Department of Planning and members of the Welcome Home Westchester campaign, a multi-stakeholder advocacy effort consisting of business and nonprofit leaders, companies involved in homebuilding and the development of housing, academics, think tanks, anti-homelessness advocates, climate activists, faith leaders, and community advocates working together to drive a new public conversation around fixing the housing shortage in Westchester County.

LWVS General Membership Information Session and

Consensus Meeting on the

Village Election System

Monday, December 9, 2024

10:00 a.m.

Village Hall

LWVS welcomes all members of the public to its annual general membership information session regarding this year's Citizens Nominating Committee (CNC) election. Procedure Committee representatives will be presenting and answering questions.

The Procedure Committee is the body that solicits candidates for CNC, proposes amendments to the Resolution, and runs the CNC election and referendum on the amendments. The CNC is the body that vets applicants and nominates the proposed slate for the Village Board of Trustees, including Mayor. The Non-Partisan Resolution is the document that governs the Village's nonpartisan election system.

A consensus discussion will immediately follow the information session for purposes of making recommendations to the Procedure Committee. Only League members may be present for the consensus discussion. Those who have not yet paid annual dues are welcome to renew/join at the event.

For more information, please contact the LWVS Village Election System Chairs at LWVS.ves@gmail.com.

LWVS Membership Event: Proposal 1

On October 1, the League welcomed Jenna Lauter, Policy Counsel at the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU), to speak about the New York State Equal Rights Amendment (Proposal 1), which will be on this year's General Election ballot.

Lauter explained that Prop 1 has the effect of cementing existing legal rights into the NYS Constitution, which currently prohibits race and religion based discrimination. The amendment expands coverage to include protections against discrimination by the government based on ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, and sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes, and reproductive healthcare and autonomy.

The League of Women Voters supports voting "YES" on Proposal 1. Remember to turn your ballot over and vote!

The video of Lauter's presentation on Prop 1 can be viewed above.

For more information, follow this link to the LWVS November 2024 Guide to Ballot Proposals.

Youth Services: Global Citizenship Day and Civics Jeopardy

On Wednesday, October 23, League volunteers went into Scarsdale High School to support Global Citizenship Day efforts by giving an overview presentation about the League. The day aims to educate students about issues they must know as citizens and future leaders to inspire change. The hope is for students to be moved to act and have a more global perspective on the rights and responsibilities inherent in being a global citizen.

The League hopes the students find value in learning about the rich history and mission of the LWVS. One of the presentation's highlights was when League intern Samina Malik and Student Inside Albany representative Mason Levy gave their first-hand accounts of the League's programs, underscoring the importance of civic engagement and action. The League is encouraged that what was presented inspired the students to be part of lasting change, get engaged, and act, as it is the League's responsibility to look forward and bring progress to its community and the world. 

Follow this link for the slideshow presented by LWVS volunteers on Global Citizenship Day.

The week before the General Election, October 28 - October 31, League volunteers visited the Scarsdale Middle School 8th Grade classrooms to support the Social Studies teachers with an updated annual online Civics Trivia game. Students competed in teams to see just how much they knew about Civics as the League generated interest and an understanding of the importance of voting.

LWVS Fall Book Discussion

James

by Percival Everett

On Sunday, October 27, an engaging group of women gathered in a private home to discuss James by Percival Everett. Shortlisted for the 2024 Booker Prize, James reimages Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from the point of view of James, the enslaved runaway in the tale.  The group grappled with questions about racial identity, the power of language, reading, and the written word, the meaning of family, and the differences between James and Huck Finn. All present contributed thoughtful and insightful commentary to the lively conversation. The participants largely liked the book which raised universal themes that are still applicable today.

Membership Renewal Reminder

It's a new membership year! Rejoin the League today!  

It’s time to renew or join the League of Women Voters of Scarsdale (LWVS)! Whether you are new to our distinguished organization or have been involved for years, the LWVS invites you to become a member for the 2024-2025 year. Your membership in the LWVS automatically grants you membership in the county, state and national leagues. 

Follow the link below to learn about the benefits of membership or simply to rejoin. If you have any questions, please contact LWVS Membership Chair Diksha Mudbhary at LWVSmembership@gmail.com. 

Thank you

I would like to thank League volunteers who contributed significant time and energy during the month of October to ensure our community was informed and engaged.

Thank you to Advocacy Chair, Abbi Ruane for all of her efforts in outreach for the New York State Equal Rights Amendment (Proposal 1), with our speaker event with Jenna Lauter from NYCLU and organizing distribution of palm cards and phone banking.

Thank you to Voter Service Chair, Kathy Gray for providing voter information for our community and coordinating voter registration drives at Westchester area schools. 

Thanks to Susan Lee for all of her work planning and staffing of youth engagement events such as Civics Jeopardy and the Mock Election at Scarsdale Middle School.

Thank you to Lauren Grossberg, Alissa Baum, Jenny Simon Tabak, Diane Baylor, Debbie Bhatt, Susan Lee, and our Scarsdale Alternative School intern Samina Malik and SHS Students Inside Albany participant Mason Levy for their joint presentation of the LWVS at Global Citizenship Day at SHS.

Thank you to Edgemont High School Students Inside Albany participant Maya Barmecha for her work in bringing LWVS to Edgemont High School through presentation and high school voter registration drive. 

Thank you Dalya Khan for impeccable preparation and work in making the book club a delight. Thank you Shilpa Spencer for hosting the fall book club.

Thank you Diksha Mudbhary for her continued amazing work for our fall membership drive. Thanks to Jenny Simon Tabak and Beth Cukier for always providing sound advice and guidance as well as for their work as Membership Statisticians.

Thanks to Diane Baylor, our Village Election Portfolio Chair, Recording Secretary, and Website Administrator, for keeping the Board and the community informed and engaged.

Thanks to Dana Matsushita, our Corresponding Secretary for her detailed and thorough work editing the LWVS Bulletin, coordinating our e-blasts, and press. Thanks to Trish Chen for her precise work as Treasurer as well as her assistance with our fall membership renewal.

Thanks to Dalya Khan for chairing the School Budget Portfolio and

preparing for the upcoming Public Budget Forum. Thanks to Kitt Rosenthal for being our LWVW Liaison.

Thanks to the local Leagues of Larchmont/Mamaroneck; New Rochelle; Northeast Westchester; Rye Brook & Port Chester; and White Plains for their work and co-sponsorship of our State Senate and Assembly Candidate Forums.

Warmly, 

Heedan Chung

OBITUARY

Cynthia Keeffe Dunne

November 10, 1956 – October 24, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Cynthia Keeffe Dunne.

Cindy served as a director of the League of Women Voters of Scarsdale for many years. In this role, as in all aspects of her life, she fought to do the right thing and to advocate for the public good. Her intelligence, work experience, and her amiable disposition made her an invaluable asset to the board. 

Behind Cindy's warmth, kindness and sense of humor was a brilliant lawyer respected by many. Cindy had a wonderful way with people, and she maintained her work connections and friendships which enabled her to bring in many impressive speakers to League events, such as the former head of the FBI Civil Rights Unit and the current director of an organization defending victims of bias.

As the head of the programming and education portfolio, she used her vast network stemming from 28 years as assistant U. S. District Attorney in the Southern District of New York to bring speakers to our community to educate us on matters of critical importance. Each and every one of these educators and activists had the utmost respect for Cindy and the work she had done and continued to do in every aspect of her life.

Cindy was a loyal supporter of the League of Women Voters and will be sorely missed by all who had the honor of knowing her. Her legacy will live on in the example she set for all of us.

Village of Scarsdale

As of October 31, 2024

Board of Trustees

Justin Arest, Mayor

  Term ends April 2025

Dara Gruenberg, Deputy Mayor

  1st term ends April 2025

Sameer Ahuja

  2nd term ends April 2025

Karen Brew

  2nd term ends April 2025

Jeremy Gans

  2nd term ends April 2026

Ken Mazer

 2nd term ends April 2026

Jeremy Wise

1st term ends April 2026

Board of Education

Suzie Hahn, President

  1st term ends June 2025

Jim Dugan, Vice President

  2nd term ends June 2027

Colleen Brown

  1st term ends June 2025

Leah Dembitzer

1st term ends June 2027

Robert Klein

  2nd term ends June 2026

Ronald Schulhof

  2nd term ends June 2025

Amber Yusuf

   2nd term ends June 2026

League of Women Voters of Scarsdale

2024-25

Officers

President: Heedan Chung

LWVSpresident@gmail.com

First Vice President: Susan Lee

Second Vice President: Diksha Mudbhary

Recording Secretary: Diane Baylor

LWVSrecsecretary@gmail.com

Corresponding Secretary: Dana Matsushita

LWVScommunications@gmail.com

Treasurer: Trish Chen

LWVStreasury@gmail.com

2024-25 Elected Board Members

Deborah Bhatt

Kathy Gray

Lauren Grossberg

Rokaya Hassaballa

Dalya Khan

Nan Eileen Mead

Abigail Ruane

Shilpa Spencer

2024-25 Appointed Board Members

May Cowan

Beth Cukier

Anne Lyons

Kitt Rosenthal

Jenny Simon Tabak

Committee Chairs

Advocacy: Abigail Ruane

Audit: Tracy Tang (Off-Board)

Book Group: Dalya Khan

Budget: Nancy Michaels (Off-Board) 

Bylaws, Policies, and Procedures: Diane Baylor

Communications:

• Bulletin Editor: Dana Matsushita 
• Eblast: Dana Matsushita  
• Publicity: Dana Matsushita 
• Social Media: Dana Matsushita 
• Website: Diane Baylor 

Development/Finance Drive: Anne Lyons

Environment/Sustainability: Lauren Grossberg

Hospitality: Kitt Rosenthal

Local Budgets:

• School Budget: Dalya Khan
• Village Budget

Local Election Systems:

• School Election: Heedan Chung
• Village Election: Diane Baylor and Beth Cukier



Luncheons: Anne Lyons

LWVW Liaison: Kitt Rosenthal

Membership: Diksha Mudbhary 

• Membership Statistician: Beth Cukier

Nominating Chair: Amber Yusuf (Off-Board) 

Planning and Zoning: Deborah Bhatt

Program/Education: Diksha Mudbhary 

Voter Service: Kathy Gray and Lauren Grossberg

• Candidate Forum(s)
• Naturalization Court
• Voter Registration Drive(s)

Youth Engagement:

• Civics Jeopardy: Susan Lee
• Mock Election: Susan Lee
• Students Inside Albany: Nan Eileen Mead

Democracy is Not a Spectator Sport – Get Involved!

The League of Women Voters

Creating A More Perfect Democracy 

For Over 100 Years

The League of Women Voters of Scarsdale (LWVS) is a volunteer nonpartisan political organization which promotes political responsibility through informed and active participation of citizens in government. The League is nonpartisan in that it does not support or oppose any candidate for public office; it is political in that it takes positions on selected governmental issues after serious member study and consensus.