The right to vote, the cornerstone of democracy, belongs to all citizens — but this wasn’t always the case. Until recently, most countries denied voting rights to half of their population -- women. Women’s Equality Day, celebrated every August 26, reminds us of the hurdles overcome by the heroic women who faced violence and discrimination to propel the women’s movement forward.

Women aren’t done fighting for equal rights. Today, the wage gap between men and women still impacts women’s economic power and gender-based discrimination still plagues workplaces and business transactions. Today, Women’s Equality Day celebrates the achievements of women’s rights activists and reminds us of the unique daily struggles that women face.

Two other important dates this month: August 6th is the Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and August 18th is the Anniversary of 19th Amendment ratification.

Give To the LWVUS To Fight Gerrymandering

Celina Stewart, Esq., CEO issued this statement on the LWVUS' position on gerrymandering:

"As Texas stares down the current redistricting assault on the rights of all voters, other states are taking note. We must and will stand up to the tyranny that is threatening us all.

"Let’s start with the truth: politicians afraid of losing power are rewriting the rules so they can hold onto it. What’s happening in Texas has become a national conversation because this isn’t just happening in Texas. Around the country, state legislatures are attempting to redraw district lines illegally so they can decide who holds power instead of the people.

"The League of Women Voters does not support a tit-for-tat approach to redistricting. State legislatures redrawing their maps mid-cycle reflects political gamesmanship that erodes public trust in our democracy. Redistricting must be fair, transparent, and rooted in the voices of voters — not partisan retaliation.

"We urgently need your help today! Your contribution will power our work to file litigation where state officials implement new redistricting maps that prevent voters from electing candidates of their choice."

Click here to read the complete press release and click here to donate to LWVUS.

Congressman Salud Carbajal Visits Santa Maria

The LWV of North Santa Barbara County participated recently in a tabling event at the Town Hall hosted by Congressman Salud Carbajal at Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria. Carbajal talked about his experiences working in Congress, on having been denied access at a recent local ICE raid, and answered questions from the audience. Watch KSBY News coverage here.

LWVNSBC Members tabled at the Town Hall with LWV policy statements and voter education and registration materials. Pictured left to right: Tracy Beard (1st Vice President, Voter Services), Lawanda Lyons-Pruitt (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee Chair; President, NAACP), joyce ellen lippman (Voter Services Committee), Lisa Thornhill (2nd Vice President, Program Planning), and Pam Gates (Membership Committee Co-Chair).

Contact Your Representatives During August Recess

Congress is in recess throughout August, and with representatives back at home, now is a great time to reach out and tell your representative how the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will impact your community. Hold Congress accountable now! Learn more here.

"Democracy Is In Your Hands" Webinar Series

Thanks to our sister League in San Luis Obispo for alerting us to this virtual training series presented by the LWVUS. It outlines how Leagues can activate and mobilize their communities in this rapidly changing political environment and make a lasting impact.

• August 20, 9:30-10:30am: “Understanding the Three Branches of Government”
• September 17, 8:00-9:15am: “Working with Local Election Officials to Anchor Change”
• October 22, 12:30-2:00pm:”Building Coalitions to Amplify Action”

Prior trainings include: “Championing Issues That Matter Most To You” and “Understanding Media Literacy: How to Stay Informed, Engaged and in the Know.” Find more information and register here.

Volunteer With Us This Summer

Do you enjoy getting out and meeting new people? Do you believe that voter registration and education are important to maintain our democracy? We are an all-volunteer-led, member-driven, grassroots organization and we depend on a team of dedicated volunteers to carry out our work. Together we can make a real difference in our community and beyond. Join us! You can sign up here.

Help us table at these summer events; shifts available to match your schedule.

• August 21: “Let’s Talk About Education in Lompoc,” a Town Hall Meeting presented by AAUW Lompoc-Vandenberg Branch. Free and open to the public. 6pm: Reception, 6:30pm-8pm: Discussion. Featured speakers: Clara A. Finneran, Ed.D., Lompoc Unified School District Superintendent and Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D., Allan Hancock College Superintendent/President.
• August 29: Santa Maria Labor Day Picnic: Join us in celebrating union solidarity and uplifting working families. Sponsored by the Central Coast Labor Council. 3:30-6:30pm; Pioneer Park (1150 Foster Rd., Santa Maria).
• Allan Hancock Bulldog Bow-WOW is the chance to welcome students back on campus and get them registered to vote. September 3 at the Santa Maria Campus from 10am-1pm in the Commons and September 10 at the Lompoc Valley Center from 10am-1pm in the Quad. 

AUGUST

20: LWVNSBC invites members to attend the monthly virtual Board of Directors meeting. 5:30-7:00pm. For Zoom link, click here.

21: “Let’s Talk About Education in Lompoc,” a Town Hall Meeting presented by AAUW Lompoc-Vandenberg Branch. Free and open to the public. 6pm: Reception, 6:30pm-8pm: Discussion. Featured speakers: Clara A. Finneran, Ed.D., Lompoc Unified School District Superintendent and Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D., Allan Hancock College Superintendent/President. At Dewees Center (1120 West Ocean Ave., Lompoc).

29: Santa Maria Labor Day Picnic: Join us in celebrating union solidarity and uplifting working families. Sponsored by the Central Coast Labor Council. BBQ, raffle tickets, kids' games and entertainment. 3:30-6:30pm; Pioneer Park (1150 Foster Rd.)

SEPTEMBER

3: Come table with us at Allan Hancock's Bulldog Bow-WOW to welcome students back on campus. Santa Maria Campus from 10am-1pm in the Commons. 10: And at the Lompoc Valley Center from 10am-1pm in the Quad. Sign up here.

10: LWVNSBC invites members to attend the monthly virtual Board of Directors meeting. 5:30-7:00pm. For Zoom link, click here.

11: This month the LWV Santa Barbara Book Club is discussing "The Briar Club" by Kate Quinn, a powerful story of female friendships and secrets in a Washington, DC, boardinghouse during the McCarthy era. 1:30pm-3:00pm. Registration is not required. Join on Zoom here on day and time.

16: Celebrate National Voter Registration Day by registering to vote, confirming your registration, updating your address, serving as a poll worker, or finding information about election dates. Just click here.