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Bulletin
October 2026
In this issue:
- Message from the President
- Voter Service
- General Election Information
- Poll Workers Needed
- Candidate Forum for CD 16
- Candidate Forum Moderator Training
- Upcoming
- Volunteers Needed for Youth Outreach at SMS
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Book Discussion: On Tyranny
- Recent Events
- Membership Coffee
- 2026 LWVUS Convention
- Other Announcements
- They Represent You
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October 2026
- 10/7, Wednesday:
- 5:30 p.m. LWVW Candidate Forum Moderator Training, Zoom
- 10/8, Thursday:
- 7:30 p.m. Candidate Forum for CD 16, Zoom Webinar
- 10/11, Sunday:
- 1:00 p.m. LWVW Candidate Forum Moderator Training, Zoom
- 10/23, Friday:
- 9:30 a.m. Board Meeting, Village Hall
- 10/24, Saturday through 11/1, Sunday:
- Early Voting for General Election
- 10/26, Monday and 10/30, Friday:
- Civics Jeopardy at Scarsdale Middle School
November 2026
- 11/1, Sunday:
- 7:00 p.m. LWVS Book Discussion, Private Home
- 11/2, Monday:
- Mock Election at Scarsdale Middle School
- 11/3, Tuesday:
- ELECTION DAY
- 11/10, Tuesday:
- Scarsdale CNC Election
- 11/20, Friday:
- 9:30 a.m. Board Meeting, Village Hall
December 2026
- 12/2, Wednesday:
- Scarsdale SBNC Election
- 12/11, Friday:
- 9:30 a.m. Board Meeting, Village Hall
- 10:30 a.m. Gen Membership/Consensus Meeting (CNC Election), Village Hall
| | Message from the President | | |
Welcome to the 2026-27 League year! I enjoyed seeing many of you at our recent membership coffee where League members, neighbors and community members gathered for conversation and connection.
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 work to provide clear, accurate voter information to residents, and we encourage active political engagement in the government. As Election Day approaches, I encourage everyone to take a few minutes to review candidate bios and information on VOTE411.org, the League’s voter information site. My parents, adult children and I all find this a useful resource as we make our voting plan.
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.
One of the things I value most about the League is our commitment to bringing people together to learn and listen. We may not always agree, but we can engage respectfully, consider different perspectives, and seek out the facts. An informed citizenry is at the heart of a healthy democracy, and every one of us has a role to play.
I hope you will join us at an upcoming program, participate in our voter service activities, renew your membership, or simply stay connected with the League’s work. Your support enables the LWVS to continue providing trusted voter information and meaningful opportunities for civic engagement in Scarsdale.
Thank you for your continued support of the League of Women Voters of Scarsdale. I look forward to seeing you throughout the year. Stay informed, stay engaged, and most importantly, vote!
Warm regards,
Beth Cukier
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General Election: November 3, 2026
The General Election on Tuesday, November 3, 2026 is fast approaching. Below are links to important information.
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Voter Registration Information
The LWV urges all voters to check their registration status well in advance of the General Election, especially if you have recently moved or changed your name.
If you are eligible to vote but not yet registered:
Registration Deadline: Saturday, October 24, 2026
For complete information about registering to vote in New York, visit the NYS Board of Elections Voter Registration Process webpage.
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Important Dates:
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Now: Residents should check their voter registration status.
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10/19 (Monday): Last day change of address must be received by the Board of Elections for the General Election.
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10/24 (Saturday): Early Voting period begins. This is also GOLDEN DAY, the first day of Early Voting and the last day to register at any of the Early Voting Locations.
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11/1 (Sunday): Last day of Early Voting.
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11/2 (Monday): Last day to apply in person at the Westchester County Board of Elections for an early mail or absentee ballot.
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11/3 (Tuesday): General Election Day
Questions regarding voting may be directed to the Scarsdale League of Women Voters, Voter Service at LWVSVoterService@gmail.com.
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Poll Workers Needed for the November 3 General Election
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.
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.
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LWVW Candidate Forum
U.S. Congressional Representative
New York CD 16
Thursday, October 8, 7:30 pm via Zoom Webinar
| | Joseph J. Cinquemani (Rep) | | | Save the date for this moderated candidate forum in which an LWV-trained moderator from outside of CD 16 will pose questions to Joseph J. Cinquemani (Rep) and George S. Latimer (Dem), who are running in the general election for the office of U.S. Representative for New York's Congressional District 16. The candidate forum will offer an opportunity for candidate opening and closing statements as well as a question and answer format with timed responses in a way that does not promote or advance any candidate over another. Questions to be posed at the forum will be finalized in advance but not made available to the candidates or any of their staff members. | |
LWVW Candidate Forum Moderator Training
Wednesday, October 7 from 5:30-6:30pm
Sunday, October 11 from 1-2pm
Candidate forums are essential components of voter service but we cannot offer them without moderators!
LWV of Westchester (LWVW) holds group moderator trainings periodically as well as 1:1 trainings scheduled for the mutual convenience of the trainor and trainee. Trainings are free of charge. Additional training videos that can be watched as refreshers or introductions are available on the LWVW moderator training webpage. Once trained, you will be eligible to serve as a moderator for any Westchester County or local league candidate forum for races outside of your voting district.
Please complete the RSVP form to receive the Zoom link for the training.
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Global Citizenship Day at Scarsdale High School
Friday, October 9, 2026
The League of Women Voters of Scarsdale will again participate in Global Citizenship Day on Friday, October 9. League volunteers will provide students with information about the history of the League of Women Voters at both the national and local level, and discuss the Students Inside Albany program.
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Volunteers Needed for Youth Outreach at Scarsdale Middle School
SMS 8th Grade Civics Jeopardy Game
Monday October 26 and Friday October 30, 2026
SMS Mock Election
Monday, November 2, 2026
Volunteers are needed to serve as classroom moderators for the 8th Grade Civics Jeopardy Game and as poll workers at the Mock Election. It takes a village (pun intended) to run these programs, so your time and consideration are greatly appreciated.
If anyone is interested in learning more or has questions about these events, please email the Youth Engagement Committee at lwvsyouthprograms@gmail.com.
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Please join us for our
LWVS Fall Book Discussion
On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century
by Timothy Snyder
Sunday, November 1, 2026
7:00 to 8:30 pm
Private Home
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Please join us on Sunday, November 1st from 7:00 to 8:30 pm to discuss On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century by Timothy Snyder.
Written in the wake of the 2016 election, this short 128-page book uses the collapse of 20th century European democracies as a warning and guide to resisting America’s turn towards authoritarianism. With the midterm elections two days later on November 3rd, this is the perfect time to discuss how to recognize threats to our democracy and what we need to do to preserve our freedoms in the years to come.
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 November 1st! | | |
LWVS Membership Coffee
On Friday, September 25, the League of Women Voters of Scarsdale held its annual membership coffee. Attendees mingled at a private residence and engaged in conversation about the important work the League does. The LWVS is grateful to all who attended, including Deputy Mayor Dara Gruenberg, Trustee Tim Foley, and Trustee Jason Kofman, and invites all residents to learn more about LWVS and future events by visiting the LWVS Events webpage.
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2026 League of Women Voters of the United States Convention
Beth Cukier, LWVS President
I was honored to represent the League of Women Voters of Scarsdale at the League of Women Voters of the United States 57th Biennial National Convention, held in Columbus, Ohio, in June. Joining League members and leaders from across the country was an energizing and inspiring experience. The convention brought together hundreds of League members to learn from one another, conduct the business of the national organization, and chart the course for the League’s work during the next biennium.
The opening evening set the tone for the weekend with a conversation entitled “Rooted in Care, Rising in Power: Women-Centered Organizing in the Fight Against Authoritarianism.” The panel brought together leaders from the League of Women Voters of the United States, National Council of Jewish Women, YWCA USA, and American Association of University Women. Their discussion focused on community-rooted leadership and the ways that education, advocacy, care, and civic engagement can strengthen democratic participation. I was particularly struck by the reminder that democracy depends not only upon institutions, but also upon people who are willing to participate, organize, and bring others into the work.
The Convention also provided an opportunity for delegates to participate directly in the League’s democratic process. Delegates elected the 2026–2028 LWVUS Board of Directors and Officers, adopted the League’s 2026–2028 program, approved the biennial budget, considered resolutions, and debated proposed bylaws amendments. The new national program, Defending a Democracy Under Siege, includes work in the areas of voting rights, protecting elections, redistricting, immigration, individual rights, and the presidency.
I had the opportunity to personally participate in this process from the convention floor by lobbying for, and presenting two bylaws amendments. Our League submitted two proposed amendments to the LWVUS bylaws—the first to waive student membership dues and the second for an individual’s membership to include membership in applicable Inter-League Organizations (such as the League of Women Voters of Westchester) as part of the federated, local, state and national League memberships. Both of these proposals were initially submitted in 2024, and although neither was adopted this cycle, both gained traction and I would encourage the LWVS to consider their submission at a future Convention.
I was inspired to see firsthand the extraordinary commitment of League members from across the country. The League is a remarkable network of people who volunteer their time, share their expertise, listen to different perspectives, and believe deeply in the importance of informed and engaged citizenship. Participating in the convention reminded me that while our work in Scarsdale is local, we are part of a much larger national organization with a shared commitment to making democracy work.
I am grateful for the opportunity to have represented the League of Women Voters of Scarsdale and to bring back ideas, connections, and renewed enthusiasm for our work in our community. I look forward to sharing what I learned with our members and continuing the important work of the LWVS. I encourage everyone in our community to stay informed, participate in civic life, and make your voice heard. The League of Women Voters of Scarsdale is here as a resource for anyone who wants to become a more informed and engaged citizen.
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Membership Renewal Reminder
It's a new membership year! Rejoin the League today!
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It’s time to renew your membership with the League of Women Voters of Scarsdale! Whether you are new to our distinguished organization or have been involved for years, the LWVS invites you to become a member for the 2026-2027 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. Please contact LWVS Membership Chair Liz Sipprelle at LWVSmembership@gmail.com with any questions.
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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, and Instagram pages.
Contact us at LWVSMembership@gmail.com with any questions about your membership status or to change/update your contact information.
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Thank you
The LWVS continues to thrive because of the dedication, creativity, and hard work of our volunteers. I would like to thank the League volunteers who have contributed their time and energy to our work over the summer.
Thank you to Liz Sipprelle for opening her home and hosting our fall membership coffee. Thanks as well to Liz Sipprelle, Dana Matsushita, Diane Baylor, Amber Yusuf, and Anne Lyons for their work to kick off the Fall Membership Drive and for helping us welcome and engage new members.
Thank you to Kathy Gray for joining the executive committee as 2nd VP in addition to her tireless work on the Voter Service portfolio along with Eul Hui — registering voters, collecting information for VOTE411.org, and organizing candidate forums. Thank you to June Deng for assistance with voter registration efforts.
Thank you to Mayra Kirkendall Rodriguez for her liaison work with social studies faculty at SMS and SHS in preparation for youth outreach programming this fall and for her proactive solicitation of volunteers to assist in the classroom for these events. Thank you to Eul Hui for joining in these efforts.
Many thanks to Erika Rublin and her audit committee of Diane Baylor, Shilpa Spencer, and Liz Sipprelle for their careful and thorough examination of our books. And thanks to Trish Young for preparing the documentation and fielding any questions that arose.
Thank you to our returning board members Amber Yusuf and Susan Lee for returning to us with their energy and expertise. Thanks to Amber Yusuf for taking on the role of Treasurer and for codifying best practices to keep our League finances in good order. Thanks to Susan Lee for laying the groundwork for our Programming events this year.
Thank you to our new board members Eul Hui and June Deng for bringing their curiosity, enthusiasm, and willingness to get involved in the work of the League.
Thanks to Dana Matsushita for her meticulous work on the Bulletin and her timely communications with our membership. Thanks to Diane Baylor for her maintenance of the League website, minutes and records. Together they ensure that our Board and membership are kept informed.
Thank you to Debbie Bhatt for managing our summer intern and monitoring Village projects. Thank you to Abigail Schildhouse who completed a student internship project with the League this summer. Thanks as well to Debbie Bhatt and Dalya Khan for their continued attention to the Freightway project and for keeping the Board and our community informed of developments.
Thank you to all of our portfolio chairs for initiating their annual studies this year: Diane Baylor and Attiya Malik for Village (CNC) Election, Shilpa Spencer for SBNC Election, Debbie Bhatt for Village Budget and Dalya Khan for School Budget.
Finally, thank you to Deputy Mayor Dara Gruenberg, Trustee Tim Foley, and Trustee Jason Kofman for attending our annual Membership Coffee.
I am grateful to all of our volunteers for the many ways they contribute to the League. I look forward to all the positive work that lies before us!
All my best,
Beth Cukier
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Village of Scarsdale
As of September 30, 2026
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Board of Trustees
Justin Arest, Mayor
2nd term ends April 2027
Dara Gruenberg, Deputy Mayor
2nd term ends April 2027
Tim Foley
1st term ends April 2028
David Goldschmidt
1st term ends April 2027
Jason Kofman
1st term ends April 2027
Ron Schulhof
1st term ends April 2028
Scott Silberfein
1st term ends April 2028
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Board of Education
Suzie Hahn, President
2nd term ends June 2028
Colleen Brown, Vice President
2nd term ends June 2028
Leah Dembitzer
1st term ends June 2027
Jim Dugan
2nd term ends June 2027
Laura Ying Liu
1st term ends June 2028
Omer Wiczyk
1st term ends 2029
Kevin Ziegler
1st term ends 2029
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2026-27 Elected Board Members
Dalya Khan
Mayra Kirkendall Rodriguez
Susan Lee
Attiya Malik
Nan Eileen Mead
Liz Sipprelle
Shilpa Spencer
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2026-27 Appointed Board Members
June Deng
Eul Hui
Anne Lyons
Kitt Rosenthal
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Advocacy: TBD
Audit: Erika Rublin (Off-Board)
Book Group: Dalya Khan
Budget: TBD (Off-Board)
Bylaws, Policies, and Procedures: Diane Baylor
Communications:
Development/Finance Drive: Anne Lyons
Environment/Sustainability: TBD
Local Budgets:
Local Election Systems:
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LWVW Liaison: Diane Baylor and Kitt Rosenthal
Membership: Liz Sipprelle
Nominating Chair: Diksha Mudbhary (Off-Board)
Planning, Zoning, and Major Projects: Deborah Bhatt
Programming/Education: Susan Lee
Voter Service: Kathy Gray
- Candidate Forum(s)
- Naturalization Court
- Voter Registration Drive(s)
Youth Engagement:
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SHS Global Citizenship Day: Mayra Kirkendall Rodriguez
- SHS Students Inside Albany: Nan Eileen Mead
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SMS Civics Jeopardy: Mayra Kirkendall Rodriguez
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SMS Mock Election: Mayra Kirkendall Rodriguez
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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. | | | | |
