Welcome to the 2024-25 League Year. I enjoyed seeing old and new faces at our membership event on Saturday, September 21: a screening of the documentary Undivide Us and Q & A with the director, Kristi Kendall, moderated by Valerie Abrahams, former editor-in-chief of the now nonextant Scarsdale Inquirer. The documentary's message of empowering productive civic discourse was well received by the audience members. Many thanks to the Scarsdale Public Library and its partnership in bringing this important documentary to our community.

This November, New Yorkers have the power to protect abortion rights and secure our fundamental freedoms for generations by voting YES on Proposal 1, the New York State Equal Rights Amendment. Prop 1 has the effect of cementing existing legal rights into the New York State Constitution, which currently prohibits race and religion based discrimination. To learn more about this ballot initiative, its significance, and its potential impact, the League of Women Voters of Scarsdale invites you to a community discussion with Jenna Lauter of the New York Civil Liberties Union, on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at 7pm at the Scarsdale Public Library. More information follows below.

Election season has begun and election day is just five weeks away. The LWVS is busy providing up-to-date election information to our community.

The LWVS, founded in 1921, has been active in the Scarsdale community for over 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 education 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.

Please renew your membership to the LWVS and help support our critical work. Thank you for your continued support of the League of Women Voters of Scarsdale–stay informed, stay engaged, and most importantly, VOTE!

Warmest wishes,

Heedan Chung

General Election: November 5

The November 5th General Election is fast approaching. Below is important information about voter registration, the four ways voters can cast their ballots, and important dates regarding the election. 

Voter Registration Information

• Are you registered to vote? You can check your registration status here.
• If you are eligible but not yet registered to vote, you can register by mail or in person using the NYS voter registration form.  
• If you have a NY.Gov ID, you can register to vote using the NYS Board of Elections Online Voter Registration portal.    
• Agency-Based Voter Registration: You can also register to vote at the Department of Motor Vehicles and a wide variety of other New York State agencies. Find out more about agency-based voter registration here: National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) | New York State Board of Elections.
• Registration Deadline: Saturday, October 26, 2024 (ten days before the election) is the last day your registration form must be received by the Board of Election, either by mail or in person.  

For complete information about registering to vote in New York, visit the NYS Board of Elections Voter Registration Process webpage.

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). See below for further information.

2. Absentee ballot: The Westchester County Board of Elections website details the qualifications to vote by absentee ballot. See below for further information.

3. In Person during Early Voting: Voters may vote early in person from Saturday, October 26 to Sunday, November 3 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.

Further information regarding Early Mail and Absentee ballots

• How to apply for an Early Mail or Absentee ballot: The Westchester County Board of Elections website details the variety of ways you can apply for an Early Mail or an Absentee ballot, including an online portal. October 26, 2024 is the last day for applications to be received by the Board of Elections, but voters are encouraged to apply NOW. In-person requests for Early Mail or Absentee ballots must be made at the Board of Elections no later than Monday, November 4, 2024, the day before the election.  
• How to cast an Early Mail or Absentee ballot: 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 (Saturday, October 26 to 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.).

Important Dates:

• Now: Residents should check their voter registration status.
• 10/21 (Monday): Last day change of address must be received by the Board of Elections for the General Election.
• 10/26 (Saturday): Early Voting Period begins. Voters may vote in person at any of the Early Voting Locations. This is also GOLDEN DAY, the last day to register to vote in person at the Westchester County Board of Elections. 
• 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)

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 One. 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.

Upcoming LWV Candidate Forums



NY Assembly District 88: Wednesday, October 16, 2024, 7pm to 8:15pm, New Rochelle City Hall

• Thomas H. Fix, Jr. (R)
• Amy R. Paulin (D)

U.S. Congressional District 16: Thursday, October 17, 2024, 7pm to 8:30pm, White Plains Public Library

• Miriam Levitt Flisser (R)
• George Latimer (D)

NY Senate District 37: Tuesday, October 22, 2024, 7pm to 8:30pm, White Plains Public Library

• Tricia S. Lindsay (R)
• Shelley B. Mayer (D)

Follow this link for more information and to submit a question to the candidates.

October 2024

• 10/1, Tuesday:
• 7:00 p.m. LWVS Program re: NYS ERA (Prop 1), Scarsdale Public Library
• 10/16, Wednesday:
• 7:00 p.m. Candidate Forum for NYS Assembly District 88, New Rochelle City Hall
• 10/17, Thursday:
• 7:00 p.m. Candidate Forum for US Congressional District 16, White Plains Public Library
• 10/21, Monday:
• 9:00 a.m. Board Meeting, Village Hall
• 10/22, Tuesday:
• 7:00 p.m. Candidate Forum for NYS Senate District 37, White Plains Public Library
• 10/26, Saturday through 11/3, Sunday:
• Early Voting for General Election
• 10/27, Sunday:
• 7:30 p.m. LWVS Book Discussion, Private Home
• 10/28, Monday through 10/30, Wednesday:
• Civics Jeopardy at Scarsdale Middle School

November 2024

• 11/4, Monday:
• Mock Election at Scarsdale Middle School
• 11/5, Tuesday:
• ELECTION DAY
• 11/12, Tuesday:
• Scarsdale CNC Election
• 11/18, Monday:
• 9:00 a.m. Board Meeting, 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

TONIGHT, 10/1/24

Topic: New York State Equal Rights Amendment

(Proposal 1)

Featured Speaker: Jenna Lauter

Policy Counsel at New York Civil Liberties Union

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Scarsdale Public Library, Scott Room

Event is free and open to the public (LWVS membership not required).

Light refreshments will be provided.

RSVPs are appreciated for planning purposes.

Please join us for our

LWVS Fall Book Discussion

James

by Percival Everett

Sunday, October 27, 2024

7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Private Residence 

Please join us on Sunday, October 27th from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. to discuss James by Percival Everett.

Shortlisted for the 2024 Booker Prize and longlisted for The National Book Award, James reimages Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from the point of view of James, the enslaved runaway in the tale. According to the NY Times, “'Huck Finn' is a masterpiece. This retelling just might be too. This is Everett’s most thrilling novel, but also his most soulful.” James raises numerous opportunities for discussion about racial identity, the power of language and the written word, and the simultaneously humorous and harrowing journey that Huck and Jim take down the river. Please note that you do not need to read Adventures of Huckleberry Finn to enjoy and discuss James. 

Bronx River Books in Scarsdale Village is offering a 10% discount on the purchase of the book when you mention you are participating in the League of Women Voters of Scarsdale Book Club.

We look forward to seeing you on October 27th!

Volunteers Needed - Youth Outreach at Scarsdale Middle School

SMS 8th Grade Civics Jeopardy Game

Week of Monday, October 28, 2024

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!

The week leading up to the General Election, League members and volunteers will be in the 8th-grade classrooms to support the Social Studies teachers with our digital Civics Jeopardy Game. Students will compete in teams to see just how much they know about Civics. Through this fun exercise, the students will gain a greater understanding of our election process and the importance of voting.

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

If you are interested in volunteering as a classroom moderator for the 8th Grade Civics Jeopardy Game or as a poll worker at Mock Election, please click on the volunteer sign-up sheets below for available timeslots. It takes a village (pun intended) to run these programs, so your time and consideration is deeply appreciated. 

• SMS 8th Grade Civics Jeopardy Game Volunteer Sign-Up Sheet
• SMS Mock Election Volunteer Sign-Up Sheet

If anyone is interested in learning more or have questions about these events, please email the Youth Engagement Committee at lwvsyouthprograms@gmail.com.

LWVS Membership Event

On the afternoon of Saturday, September 21, LWVS in partnership with Scarsdale Public Library hosted a screening of the documentary UNDIVIDE US, which was attended by an audience of over 100 community members. 

The documentary highlights the important topic of partisan divides and the increasing perception amongst Americans that those divides are too large to bridge.  Increasingly, elections in the United States can be bitter, scary things with partisan divides seeming impossible to overcome. Rather than letting a distrustful atmosphere fester, UNDIVIDE US makes a case for why it is important to remember that our neighbors and fellow Americans are a source of strength and aid: well-meaning, helpful in times of need, and dedicated to the success of the country. The film shares practical suggestions on how to bridge that divide, and includes resources on the website.

After the screening, Kristi Kendall, the filmmaker, joined via Zoom for discussion. Valerie Abrahams, former editor-in-chief of The Scarsdale Inquirer moderated a discussion with active participation from the audience.  The recording of the Q&A is available here.

LWVUS National Convention 2024

The League's 56th Biennial National Convention was held in Washington, D.C. from June 27–30, 2024. It kicked off in traditional League style, with members descending on Capitol Hill to advocate in favor of the John R Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. Many local leagues arranged visits with their US representatives to promote this important legislation and discuss topics of interest. Three LWVS members attended virtually: Alissa Baum, Diane Baylor and Heedan Chung.

Members voted on adoption of changes to LWVUS bylaws. The following motions were adopted: clarification on the definition and purpose of “convention” and the makeup and role of its delegates, clarification on the definition and purpose of “council” and the makeup and role of its delegates and clarification on the authority granted to emergency special council meetings.

LWVS was unsuccessful in its motion to amend LWVUS bylaws to ensure that students are exempt from membership dues when national's new dues structure takes effect and its motion to recognize and include Inter-League Organizations (ILOs), where they exist, in the list that sets forth the federated structure (local, state, national) of the league as a whole.

A new LWVUS board of directors and Nominating Committee were approved by members. Celina Stewart, previously LWVUS’ Chief Counsel and Senior Director of Advocacy and Litigation, was appointed Executive Director.

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. 

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 and Facebook page.

Contact us at LWVSMembership@gmail.com 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 during the summer as well as this past month served to inform and engage our community.

Thank you to Diksha Mudbhary for her incredible work as Events Chair on the highly successful Membership Coffee event, the Undivide Us screening and Q&A with director Kristi Kendall at the Scarsdale Library. Thank you, Alissa Baum for identifying this important documentary and shepherding the process to bringing Undivide Us to the Scarsdale community.

Thank you to Voter Service Chairs Kathy Gray and Lauren Grossberg for all of their work monitoring the many voting and election changes for the upcoming general election, as well as registering new voters.

Thank you to Susan Lee for all of her work planning youth engagement events at the middle school, organizing Civics Jeopardy and a Mock Election. Thank you to Abbi Ruane for all of her work on the ERA Task Force to ensure our community stays informed about Proposal 1 on the ballot this November.

Thank you Diksha Mudbhary for her work as Membership Chair, ensuring our outreach to membership runs smoothly. Thank you Dalya Khan for organizing our upcoming book discussion.

Thank you to Trish Young for her work as Treasurer, and to Erika Rublin for helping Trish to transition into her new role. 

Many thanks to Diane Baylor, our Recording Secretary and Website Administrator, for keeping the Board and the community informed and engaged. Many thanks to Dana Matsushita for her detailed and thorough work editing the LWVS Bulletin and coordinating our e-blasts and publicity. 

Thank you Beth Bermel, David Sadoff and the Scarsdale Library team for their partnership at our Membership Coffee event. Thank you Kristi Kendall for engaging with our community audience, and thank you Valerie Abrahams for being the moderator for the Q&A.  

I look forward to all of the positive work that lies before us!

Warmly, 

Heedan Chung

Village of Scarsdale

As of September 30, 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 and Nan Eileen Mead 
• Village Budget

Local Election Systems:

• School Election
• Village Election

Luncheons: Anne Lyons

LWVW Liaison: Kitt Rosenthal

Membership: Diksha Mudbhary 

• Membership Statistician: Jenny Simon Tabak and 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.