THE VOTER
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF THE MIDLAND AREA
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Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy. |
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The League of Women Voters is a national, political organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in their government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. The League is non-partisan and as an organization does not endorse or oppose candidates or political parties. |
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NEW LOOK - The Voter has a new look due to software upgrades at Constant Contact. It is still being refined. |
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The LWV of the Midland Area will continue to hold board meetings and events online via Zoom until the COVID crisis has resolved and it is safe to gather in person. Zoom links will be sent out the day before each event. |
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What is a Lame Duck? February 15, 7pm |
This meeting will feature two local speakers, Dr. Kevin Lorentz, SVSU Political Science Dept. and Dr. Tim Bledsoe, Wayne State Political Science Dept and past MI Legislator. They will be able to explain the ramifications of the Lame Duck session. For details and a fuller description, please see the LWVMI Lame Duck Study Packet.
The meeting is February 15 at 7pm via Zoom. The Zoom link will be sent to the membership on Feb. 14.
This educational meeting is to inform membership prior to our meeting on February 22 where we will provide our response to the consensus questions will receive from LWVMI.
Zoom links will be sent out the day before the meeting.
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Lame Duck Study Consensus Meeting
February 22, 1pm
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This meeting is to consider the questions in the Lame Duck Study Guide from the LWV of Michigan. Please Read the study guide before the meeting. Consideration of a study is one of the primary responsibilities of Local League members.
Zoom links will be sent out the day before the meeting.
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Ask your Senator to Vote for H.R. 1 - the For the People Act |
The For the People Act (text of bill) addresses some of the most pressing issues facing our democracy. From restoring the Voting Rights Act, modernizing our voter registration system, updating the public financing of elections through small donor matching funds, ending partisan gerrymandering, and making campaign contributions more transparent, this bill will put control of our government back into the hands of the people.
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Tell your Representative how important this reform package is to the future of our democracy. Contact your Representative* TODAY and implore them to support the reintroduction of the For the People Act.
Michigan Senators
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The Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission - What are they doing? |
The MI Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission (ICRC) has chosen members and is now conducting business. To find out what is happening, go to the MI Secretary of State webpage for the Commission. There, you will be able to see their schedule, agenda, job postings, meeting archive, and data. Meetings are held and archived online.
Subscribe to receive email updates on the Commission's activity.
The next meetings are Feb. 11 & 25 at 1pm, Feb. 18 at 9am.
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LWVMI Board Adopts Legislative Agenda for 2021-2022 |
Every two years the state Board adopts Legislative Advocacy Priorities for the upcoming Michigan Legislative Session. Given that over 4,000 bills are introduced during the Session, it is important to determine which of those 4,000 bills the state Board will take action on. In order to be effective in our advocacy, the Board agrees on a set of priorities that will guide the Advocacy Committee in its work.
The 2021-2022 state League Legislative Advocacy Priorities adopted by the Board are:
- Election reform and voting rights
- Campaign finance
- Redistricting
- Criminal justice reform and social justice equity
- Lobby reform
- Environmental sustainability
- Public Education
- Public Health and Safety (includes gun violence)
Local League members who would like the League to take action on a specific bill should complete the Support/Oppose Form that is located on the lwvmi.org website under member resources.
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Keeping up with the League's Advocacy Program |
The LWV of Michigan has a newsletter called League Links sent to all members after each monthly state Board meeting. Look for LWVMI in your email.
Part of the League's advocacy program is to encourage members to contact their representatives when the League asks so that government representatives are aware of constituent's opinions. It is important to keep up with League positions and respond to requests.
Both organizations send out periodic updates when there are urgent messages and an immediate need for a response.
Please look for LWVUS news in your email.
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Upcoming dates: (Zoom links will be sent out the day before each event.)
Feb 15, 7pm - Lame Duck speakers Dr. Kevin Lorentz, SVSU Political Science Dept. and Dr. Tim Bledose, Wayne State Political Science Dept and past MI Legislator. Zoom link will be sent out Feb 14.
Feb 22, 1pm – LWVMI “Lame Duck” Study part 2 – to discuss study materials and respond to consensus questions. Zoom link sent out Feb. 21
Mar 10, 10 a.m. – Local Position discussion and finalization of 2021-2022 Local Program. Zoom
May 19 - Annual Meeting. Zoom
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When you visit our sponsors, please identify yourself as a LWV Member.
Shop Local
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The board meets the First Thursday of each month at Creative360, 9:30-11:30. The Board intends to meet via Zoom until further notice. All members are welcome.
Treasurer - Karen Sherwood*
Director, Voter Service - Sue McCollister
Director, Natural Resources - Carole Swinehart
Director, Natural Resources - Sandy Collinson*
Director, Education - Terry Townley
Director, Sandy Haughton*
Director, Sharron Such
Director, Kathryn (Kathy) Miller
Director, Cindy LeVasseur
Director, Anne Wallin*
*elected for 2020-2022 terms
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P.O. Box 1203
Midland, MI 48641-1203
(989) 859-5597
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