Bulletin October 2021 In this issue: Message from the President Voter Service Information General Election Information Races NYS Ballot Proposals Three Ways to Vote Important Dates Poll Workers Needed Redistricting Upcoming Events Recent Events Other Announcements

Message from the President

Welcome to the 2021-22 League year! I am so glad we were able to host our first in-person event since the outbreak of Covid-19, a membership coffee at the Scarsdale Business Alliance’s dining tent in the heart of the Village of Scarsdale. It was truly wonderful to see old and new faces and to learn from our local elected officials about the issues they are tackling this year. The Covid-19 pandemic created many obstacles, most notably to the smooth operation of our election system. The ability to vote and to vote safely required the implementation of a series of temporary measures which ensured that citizens' access to the polls was unhindered. Much of the League’s work involved keeping the community informed of these ever-changing voting procedures.  In contrast to states in other parts of the country that are passing legislation to suppress the voice of voters, New York appears to be expanding voters' rights. This November, voters will have the opportunity to vote on five ballot proposals that would amend the New York State Constitution, including one to allow the legislature to enact laws that authorize no-excuse absentee ballot voting and one to eliminate the ten-day-advance voter registration requirement.  The LWVS, founded in 1921, has been active in the Scarsdale community for 100 years. We study and evaluate policy issues that impact our community and work to educate residents about our school and village budgets. We also work to provide clear, accurate voter information to residents, and we encourage active political engagement in the government. The LWVS organizes and sponsors educational events for the community, as well as youth outreach programs such as Students Inside Albany for high schoolers, and Civics Jeopardy and Mock Elections at Scarsdale Middle School. We also organize Candidate Forums to inform voters about the candidates seeking local elective office. This past year has been an incredibly difficult time, but I am hopeful that we will be able to do at least a portion of our work together and in person. Please renew your membership to the LWVS as we complete our centennial anniversary year and help to support our important and critical work. Thank you for your continued support of the League of Women Voters of Scarsdale -- stay informed, stay engaged, and most importantly, VOTE! Best wishes,  Alissa Baum

Voter Service Information

Remember to Vote! General Election: Tuesday, November 2nd, 2021   The November 2 general election is fast approaching! Below is important information about the races, five proposals that will be on the ballot, the three ways voters can cast their ballots, and a list of important dates regarding the election. The Races During the General Election, Scarsdale residents will vote on four races:   Westchester County Clerk Westchester County Executive Westchester County Legislator District 5 NY Supreme Court Justice - 9th Judicial District Details on local races or proposals that may be on your ballot can be found at vote411.org, a website maintained by the League of Women Voters to provide nonpartisan, election-related information.

Five NYS Ballot Proposals   Scarsdale residents will also vote on five proposals to amend the New York State Constitution:     1. Amending the Apportionment and Redistricting Process  Description of Proposal: The purpose of this proposal is to amend the portions of Article 3 of the New York Constitution that relate to the way district lines for congressional and state legislative offices are determined.  Question as it Will Appear on Ballot: This proposed constitutional amendment would freeze the number of state senators at 63, amend the process for the counting of the state’s population, delete certain provisions that violate the United States Constitution, repeal and amend certain requirements for the appointment of the co-executive directors of the redistricting commission and amend the manner of drawing district lines for congressional and state legislative offices. Shall the proposed amendment be approved? 2. Right to Clean Air, Clean Water, and a Healthful Environment  Description of Proposal: The purpose of this proposal is to protect public health and the environment by adding the right of each person to clean air and water and a healthful environment to the Bill of Rights in Article 1 of the New York Constitution.  Question as it Will Appear on Ballot: The proposed amendment to Article 1 of the New York Constitution would establish the right of each person to clean air and water and a healthful environment. Shall the proposed amendment be approved? 3. Eliminating Ten-Day-Advance Voter Registration Requirement  Description of Proposal: Article 2, Section 5 of the New York Constitution now requires that a citizen be registered to vote at least ten days before an election. The proposed amendment would delete that requirement. If this amendment is adopted, the Legislature will be authorized to enact laws permitting a citizen to register to vote less than ten days before the election.  Question as it Will Appear on Ballot: The proposed amendment would delete the current requirement in Article 2, § 5 that a citizen be registered to vote at least ten days before an election and would allow the Legislature to enact laws permitting a citizen to register to vote less than ten days before the election. Shall the proposed amendment be approved? 4. Authorizing No-Excuse Absentee Ballot Voting  Description of Proposal: The purpose of this proposal is to eliminate the requirement that a voter provide a reason for voting by absentee ballot. The proposed amendment would do so by deleting the requirement currently in the Constitution that restricts absentee voting to people under one of two specific circumstances: (1) those who expect to be absent from the county of their residence, or from New York City for residents of that city, on Election Day, and (2) those who are unable to appear at their polling place because of illness or physical disability.  Question as it Will Appear on Ballot: The proposed amendment would delete from the current provision on absentee ballots the requirement that an absentee voter must be unable to appear at the polls by reason of absence from the county or illness or physical disability. Shall the proposed amendment be approved? 5. Increasing the Jurisdiction of the New York City Civil Court  Description of Proposal: The purpose of this proposal is to amend Article 6, Section 15 of the New York Constitution to increase the jurisdiction of the New York City Civil Court. The New York City Civil Court is currently limited to hearing and deciding claims for $25,000 or less. The proposed amendment would allow the New York City Civil Court to hear and decide claims for $50,000 or less. Question as it Will Appear on Ballot: The proposed amendment would increase the New York City Civil Court’s jurisdiction by allowing it to hear and decide claims for up to $50,000 instead of the current jurisdictional limit of $25,000. Shall the proposed amendment be approved?   For more information, the New York State League’s 2021 Voters Guide Part II contains a detailed analysis of these proposals, or visit the LWVS Guide to Ballot Proposals.

Three Ways to Vote There are Three Ways to Vote in the November 2 General Election:  By absentee ballot; In person during Early Voting; or In person on Election Day.    Absentee Ballot: All New York registered voters fearful of contracting Covid-19 may apply for and vote by absentee ballot using “temporary illness” as the reason for their absentee ballot request. The Westchester Board of Elections website details the variety of ways you can apply for an absentee ballot, including through an online portal. The last day to postmark an application for an absentee ballot is October 18, but voters are encouraged to apply NOW. Completed absentee ballots must be postmarked by November 2 and received by the Board of Elections by November 9. [Please note that mailed absentee ballots without a postmark must be received by Wednesday, November 3 to be counted]. Those not comfortable with the delivery of mail service but wishing to avoid the possibility of long lines at the polls may return their completed absentee ballots to drop boxes which will be stationed at the Board of Elections, early voting polling locations, and election day polling locations. Early Voting: Early voting will take place between October 23 and 31. Westchester voters can vote at any early polling site in the county. Be sure to check early voting locations and times. Westchester voters may also place absentee ballots in drop boxes at any early voting polling locations. In Person on Election Day: Election Day is November 2, and you can vote only at your assigned polling location on November 2. You may also place your absentee ballot in the drop box at any Election Day polling location.     Important Dates:   Now: Residents should check their voter registration status. 10/8 (Friday): Last day for your voter registration form to be postmarked. Last day to register to vote in person at the Westchester County Board of Elections’ Office (25 Quarropas Street, White Plains, NY 10601).  10/18 (Monday): Last day for your absentee ballot application to be postmarked. 10/23 (Saturday): Early Voting Period begins. Voters may vote in person at any of the Early Voting polling locations. 10/31 (Sunday): Last day of Early Voting. 11/1 (Monday): Last day to apply in person for an absentee ballot. 11/2 (Tuesday): General Election Day Last day for your absentee ballot to be postmarked. Absentee ballots must be received by November 9. Absentee ballots without a postmark must be received by November 3. Last day to deliver an absentee ballot in person to the Board of Elections.   Updates regarding voting can be found at www.lwvs.org/voter-information/. You may also visit the NYS League of Women Voters website at My.lwv.org/new-york-state.    Questions regarding voting may be directed to the Scarsdale League of Women Voters, Voter Service at [email protected].

Poll Workers Needed for the November 2 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. This year, the Board of Elections will pay poll workers $350 for working on election day, plus $50 for completing two training classes.   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.

Redistricting Public Hearing on November 8 at 3:00 p.m. The New York State Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) began its public outreach this summer, which consisted of constitutionally mandated public hearings around the state. Various individuals and groups provided testimony regarding their respective communities of interest. Redistricting maps were released to the public on September 15. The IRC will host a public hearing in White Plains on November 8 at 3:00 p.m. For details about the hearing and how to submit testimony, visit the IRC Website. Final maps must be submitted to the New York State legislature by January 1, 2022, with one more opportunity for revision in February if initial maps are rejected by the legislature. The Westchester League has created an online tutorial to help explain the redistricting process.

Upcoming Events

October 10/4, Monday: 9:00 a.m. Board Meeting 10/14, Thursday: 5:30 p.m. LWVW Event, Lies and Liberty: The Future of Free Speech in a Divided America, Manhattanville College 10/21, Thursday: 2:00 p.m. Redistricting 101, LWVW Event, co-sponsored with Scarsdale Public Library, Zoom November 11/2, Tuesday: Election Day 11/5, Friday: 10:00 a.m. Board Meeting 11:45 a.m. Fall Food for Thought Speaker/Luncheon, Scarsdale Golf Club 11/8, Monday: 3:00 p.m. Meeting of NYS Independent Redistricting Commission, Pace University, Haub School of Law, Gerber Glass Moot Courtroom, White Plains 11/9, Tuesday: CNC Election, details TBA 11/22, Monday: 9:00 a.m. Board Meeting December 12/6, Monday: 9:00 a.m. Board Meeting 10:00 a.m. General Membership and Consensus Meeting (Village Election)

Click to see the FULL LWVS CALENDAR

Redistricting 101 Thursday, October 21 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. via Zoom Facilitated by Alissa Baum President of the League of Women Voters of Scarsdale

How familiar are you with the redistricting process? Do you know what your districts’ maps look like? Do your maps represent your locale's Communities of Interest? How can YOU participate to ensure fair mapping? Congressional districts and governmental legislative bodies should be apportioned substantially based on population.  The League opposes partisan and racial gerrymandering, because it distorts and undermines representative democracy by allowing officials to select their voters rather than voters to elect their officials. Learn more about Redistricting/Fair Mapping in Westchester County and New York State. This virtual event is taking place in collaboration with the Scarsdale Public Library. If you are interested in attending, please email Alissa Baum at [email protected].

Register here

The League of Women Voters of Westchester is a nonpartisan organization whose purpose is to promote informed and active participation in government. The League neither supports nor opposes candidates or political parties. The League is supported by public-spirited individuals, businesses, and organizations.

The League of Women Voters of Scarsdale cordially invites you to Fall Food for Thought Friday, November 5 11:45 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Scarsdale Golf Club Featuring Professor Thomas Wolf Thomas (Tom) Wolf is Senior Counsel and Spitzer Fellow with the Brennan Center’s Democracy Program, where he leads the Center’s census project. An experienced constitutional litigator and strategist, Wolf advises civil rights groups, state and local governments, and others on legal strategy and policy relating to the census, redistricting, and other issues. During his time at the Center, he has organized the amicus briefing for several of the U.S. Supreme Court’s most significant democracy cases of the past decade and co-led the lawsuit that thwarted the Trump administration’s attempts to rush the 2020 Census. Wolf’s articles, op-eds, and commentary on the law and democracy issues have appeared in major media outlets nationwide and globally. He routinely speaks and lectures on law and policy at leading universities, law schools, and public policy schools. Prior to joining the Brennan Center, Wolf was a member of the Supreme Court and Appellate Group at Mayer Brown LLP. He began his legal career as a clerk for Senior Judge Guido Calabresi of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Wolf received his JD from Yale Law School. He also holds advanced degrees in political thought and intellectual history from the University of Cambridge and urban development planning from the Bartlett Faculty of University College London, which he attended as a Marshall Scholar. He graduated summa cum laude with an AB in history from Harvard College. You may purchase your ticket(s) for the LWVS Fall Food for Thought Luncheon via check or PayPal via this link. Tickets are $50 if ordered by October 30th, $55 after October 30th, and $30 for students. All attendees must have proof of vaccination to attend. This event will be held on the upper outside tented terrace with heaters.

Recent Events

LWVS Membership Coffee 

Mayor Jane Veron

Deputy Mayor Justin Arest

Village Trustee Karen Brew

On Thursday, September 23, the League held its annual membership coffee outdoors, under the dining tent on Spencer Place in Scarsdale Village. Special guests Mayor Jane Veron, Deputy Mayor Justin Arest, and Trustee Karen Brew spoke to the group about some of the issues the Village Board is addressing this year and fielded questions from those in attendance. Mayor Veron began the discussion with an explanation of the new framework she has employed to guide the Village in setting priorities and ensuring that needed projects are strategically planned. Afterwards, specific topics were addressed, including the status of potential changes to leaf collection services, the assessment of the condition and potential renovation of the Scarsdale Pool Complex, and the impending decision about whether or not to allow the location of dispensaries in Scarsdale as permitted by the newly enacted New York State Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act. The Mayor and her colleagues on the Board emphasized their desire to engage the public in the decision-making process on these issues. They encouraged residents to attend and provide public comment at Village Board meetings and working sessions, which occur on Tuesday evenings both in person and over Zoom. Check the Board of Trustees’ page on the Scarsdale Village website for meeting dates and agendas. Residents can also email them about specific issues and concerns.

Other Announcements

59th Biennial Convention By Alissa Baum I was honored to represent the League of Women Voters of Scarsdale and join leaders from all of the New York Leagues at the New York State 59th Biennial Convention held over Zoom in June. Although all of us were disappointed about not being able to meet in person in Albany, the virtual format allowed 212 members to participate--the highest number participating in a state Convention in years. I was grateful that event organizers provided virtual programming throughout the week, giving delegates the opportunity to participate in more information sessions and workshops led by experts from across the country. This year’s topics included everything from how to design effective Get Out the Vote programs to understanding redistricting in New York state to learning about how election auditing really works. “Beginning Our Journey Toward a More Equitable and Inclusive Organization” was the centerpiece workshop at the convention. Led by Christa Grant, Assistant Dean of Diversity and Inclusion at Union College, League members discussed the League’s commitment to become a more inclusive and representative organization and shared strategies to effect real change in the diversity of our membership and in the work we do. The LWVS will be forming a committee to consider how our local league can carry out this important objective. I also enjoyed seeing Grace Chimene, the president of the LWV of my home state of Texas! She offered her insight on how to maintain nonpartisanship in challenging times. She provided real-world examples and strategies on how to advocate for League policy positions and values in a positive and constructive way. In addition to the workshops and speaker events, the New York Leagues voted on the LWVNYS slate, budget, bylaw amendments, and annual program. This year, the annual program includes a new one-year study on the structure of election administration and a concurrence with the LWV of California's position on criminal justice. More detailed information about the convention can be found on the LWVNYS's website. It was inspiring to learn of the breadth of work pursued by Leagues across the state and to see the intelligent, passionate, and strong League leaders discuss their differing views and ideas in a respectful and constructive manner. After all, one of the core values of the League is to ensure that all voices are heard through active debate and participation in government. I encourage everyone in the community to be an informed, engaged, and active citizen. The LWVS is here for you as a resource to enhance and enrich your citizen experience.

The League of Women Voters of Westchester (LWVW) - What’s that? A group of Leaguers from all over Westchester who coordinate ALL voter service activities (with help from local leaguers) such as: putting together and distributing a November Voters Guide (paper and online) for all of Westchester County, providing moderators for candidates meetings throughout the year, working with the Westchester Board of Elections and welcoming new citizens. A group of Leaguers from all over Westchester County who monitor Westchester County administrative and legislative personnel in action. Whether it is the county executive’s office or the activities of the Board of Legislators, Leaguers monitor their meetings. All matters affecting Westchester residents are monitored. Why not try to attend the general membership meeting on the Westchester County budget in November (TBA) and help influence the League’s response to what the legislature proposes! An organization of the eight Leagues in Westchester County, the League of Women Voters of Westchester (LWVW) is an interleague organization (ILO), to which all members of the League of Women Voters of Scarsdale belong.

Lies and Liberty: The Future of Free Speech in a Divided America Thursday, October 14 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Manhattanville College Reid Castle, West Room 2900 Purchase St., Purchase, NY

David McCraw SVP and Deputy General Counsel of The New York Times Author of Truth in Our Times

Andrew Katell Associated Press Journalist (Ret.)

Join us for a fireside chat with David McCraw The New York Times Deputy General Counsel and SVP  Moderated by Andrew Katell Associated Press Journalist (Ret.)

Register and Purchase Tickets

Net proceeds to benefit the LWVW Education Fund

Membership Announcements

Membership Renewal Reminder 2021 is the Centennial Anniversary of the League of Women Voters of Scarsdale! The League thrives with your support -- join the League today!   If you have any questions, please contact LWVS Membership Co-chairs, Heedan Chung and Lauren Tetenbaum Dorman, at [email protected].

Join the LWVS!

Your League Needs You! LWVS needs members to work on the Village Budget Portfolio. This portfolio is interesting, intellectually engaging, and critical to our League’s work in the Scarsdale community. If you have any interest or just have questions, please contact Alissa Baum at [email protected].

Stay Connected! The LWVS Bulletin is published monthly. To ensure that you receive our news directly, please provide your preferred email and physical mailing address when you renew your membership or join for the first time. Bulletins will be sent via eblast and posted on our website, Facebook page, and Twitter feed. In an effort to be more environmentally friendly, only the Spring edition will be printed and mailed to members. Contact us at [email protected] with any questions about your membership status or to change/update your contact information.

Thank you I would like to extend thanks to the League members whose work and dedication throughout the summer and this past month has served to move our League forward.  Thank you to Elissa Ruback for always providing sound advice and guidance as well as for your work on Youth Engagement. Thank you to Voter Service Chairs Beatrice Sevcik, Lauren Hertzog Fields, and Jessica Zellner, for all your work educating voters about the upcoming general election and for monitoring the redistricting process.  Thank you to our Membership Chairs, Lauren Tetenbaum Dorman and Heedan Chung, for starting your work over the summer to ensure a successful membership drive.  Thank you to Jenny Tabak for taking on the Membership Statistician role and improving our recordkeeping process. Thank you to Sara Pinto and Cindy Yau for starting your League service as Programming Portfolio Chairs and already developing engaging events for this year. Thank you to Diane Baylor, our Village Election Portfolio Chair, Recording Secretary, and website administrator, for keeping the Board and the community informed and engaged. Thank you to Dana Matsushita for your detailed and thorough work editing the LWVS Bulletin and coordinating our e-blasts. Thank you to Joan Bowen for filling our social media feed with our upcoming events as well as important voter information. Thank you to Erika Rublin for your precise work as Treasurer as well as your assistance with our fall membership renewal. Thank you to Suzie Hahn for chairing the School Budget Portfolio and following school happenings over the summer. Thank you to Jyoti Ruta for chairing our SBNC Portfolio this year and bringing fresh ideas to other League work. Thank you to Anne Lyons for your work organizing our Food for Thought Luncheon and for your advice and thoughtful Board work. Thank you to Debbie Miller for your thoughtful guidance and Board work.  Thank you to Renée Baylor for being our LWVW liaison and for sharing our inspiring League history with our new Board members. Thank you to Kitt Rosenthal for all of your input and important Board work. Thank you to Susan Lee Foley and Amber Yusuf for overseeing the audit of the League’s finances. Thank you to our interns, Emily Kolodner and Eliana Weinsaft, for enthusiastically taking on tedious yet vitally important work collecting data for League voter research efforts. Thank you to Marcy Berman-Goldstein and the Scarsdale Business Alliance for allowing the League to use the wonderful dining tent in the village center for our Membership Coffee, and to Mayor Veron, Deputy Mayor Arest, and Trustee Brew, for joining us and speaking there. I look forward to all that we will accomplish together in the coming year. My best, Alissa Baum

They Represent You

Village of Scarsdale As of September 30, 2021

Board of Trustees Jane Veron, Mayor   Term ends April 2023 Justin Arest, Deputy Mayor   2nd term ends April 2022 Sameer Ahuja 1st term ends April 2023 Karen Brew 1st term ends April 2023 Lena Crandall   2nd term ends April 2022 Jonathan Lewis   2nd term ends April 2023 Randall Whitestone 1st term ends April 2022

Board of Education Karen Ceske, President   1st term ends June 2022 Amber Yusuf, Vice President   1st term ends June 2023 Jim Dugan 1st term ends June 2024 Carl Finger   1st term ends June 2022 Robert Klein   1st term ends June 2023 Jessica Resnick-Ault 1st term ends June 2024 Ronald Schulhof   1st term ends June 2022

League of Women Voters of Scarsdale 2021-22 Officers President: Alissa Baum [email protected] First Vice President: Elissa Ruback Second Vice President: Anne Lyons Recording Secretary: Diane Baylor [email protected] Corresponding Secretary: Dana Matsushita [email protected] Treasurer: Erika Rublin [email protected]

2021-2022 Elected Board Members Joan Bowen Heedan Chung Lauren Tetenbaum Dorman Lauren Hertzog Fields Suzie Hahn Debbie Miller Jyoti Ruta Beatrice Sevcik Jessica Zellner

Appointed Board Members Renée Baylor Sara Pinto Kitt Rosenthal Jenny Simon Tabak Cindy Yau

Committee Chairs

Advocacy: Alissa Baum [email protected] Audit: Amber Yusuf and Susan Lee Foley [email protected] Book Group: Jessica Zellner Budget: Nancy Michaels (Off-Board) [email protected] Bulletin Editor: Dana Matsushita [email protected] Development/Finance Drive: Anne Lyons Eblast/Publicity: Dana Matsushita [email protected]  Environment/Sustainability: TBD Hospitality: Kitt Rosenthal Luncheons: Anne Lyons LWVW Liaison: Renée Baylor Membership: Heedan Chung and Lauren Tetenbaum Dorman [email protected] Membership Statistician: Jenny Simon Tabak [email protected] Nominating Chair: Janice Starr (Off-Board) [email protected]

Program/Education: Sara Pinto and Cindy Yau School Budget: Suzie Hahn [email protected] School Election: Jyoti Ruta [email protected] Social Media: Joan Bowen [email protected] Voter Service: Lauren Hertzog Fields, Beatrice Sevcik, and Jessica Zellner [email protected] Students Inside Albany: Lauren Tetenbaum Dorman and Cindy Yau [email protected] Village Budget: [email protected] Village Election: Diane Baylor [email protected] Website: Diane Baylor [email protected] Youth Engagement: Elissa Ruback [email protected]

Join the LWVS!

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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.