THE VOTER
 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF THE MIDLAND AREA
March 2018
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.

Promote the Vote logo
Dear League Members and Friends,

Looking for an opportunity to serve? There is a Voter Registration Drive and petitions to circulate for  Promote the Vote.  Details are below.

We have made our first video with MCTV! It will be posted online as soon as we get it ready. There are several steps after the taping.

Yours in League,

Katherine Redwine, President
LWV Position on Gun Control
from Judy Karandjeff, President, LWVMI

THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS STANDS FOR GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION 

For nearly three decades-since 1990-our organization has fought for the sensible use of firearms, and against the increasing use of violent weapons turned against fellow citizens-often children-within our communities.
During the coming weeks you will find many opportunities to take a stand for gun violence prevention in your schools, houses of worship, and town-halls. The League of Women Voters of Michigan encourages you to join that debate.  Raise your voice. Advance sensible arguments that protect our schools. Advocate for change.

LWVMI opposes bills that allow those with concealed pistol licenses with additional training to carry in certain gun-free zones, SBs 584 585 and585that are assigned to the House Judiciary Committee.  LWVUS continues to  support legislation  to strengthen reporting to the National Background Check Database.  
This is the League's position.  To learn more background, visit the link to "Impact on Issues 2016-2018,"  below.

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The League's Position
Statement of Position on Gun Control, as Adopted by 1990 Conventionand amended by the 1994 and 1998 Conventions:

The League of Women Voters of the United States believes that the proliferation of handguns and semi-automatic assault weapons in the United States is a major health and safety threat to its citizens. The League supports strong federal measures to limit the accessibility and regulate the ownership of these weapons by private citizens. The League supports regulating firearms for consumer safety.

The League supports licensing procedures for gun ownership by private citizens to include a waiting period for background checks, personal identity verification, gun safety education and annual license renewal. The license fee should be adequate to bear the cost of education and verification.

The League supports a ban on "Saturday night specials," enforcement of strict penalties for the improper possession of and crimes committed with handguns and assault weapons, and allocation of resources to better regulate and monitor gun dealers.

 
Democracy trembles without trust.  Join your fellow Leaguers-back sensible gun reform-to keep Democracy strong.

In League,

Judy Karandjeff
LWV Michigan President

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VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

We have a great sign-up of volunteers to work at the voter registration drive at Delta College April 10-12. 

Shifts are two hours each, with two volunteers/shift.
This is a perfect way to make a real contribution with just a 2-hour commitment!

We have a few shifts left to be filled, if you're interested, contact  Sue McCollister  ( suedonmc@aol.com  or 631-4180). 
Promote the Vote logo
Promote the Vote

Promote the Vote has gotten off to a slow, but good start. Petitions have been distributed and people are canvassing for signatures. People will circulate petitions at several upcoming events:

3/11 Community Concert
3/14 OLLI monthly meeting (SVSU)
4/25 Senior Expo

Google Calendar - We have created a Public Google calendar with events for collecting signatures for the Promote the Vote petitions.
  • Click once on event to see details
  • Person responsible will appear in details
  • You will not be able to edit calendar
Problems? email  Katherine Redwine

There are plans to circulate petitions at the Farmer's Market after it opens on May 5. but no details have been set. Details will be posted on the Google calendar as they are confirmed. If you want petitions to circulate, or have ideas for places/events to circulate petitions, please contact  Katherine Redwine .
Until March 18, please contact Judy McDowell.
LWV Invited to Free Event
  violinist The Midland Community Orchestra, under the direction of Gina Provenzano, will present a winter concert on Sunday, March 11 at 3:00 in the Bullock Creek Auditorium. The program will feature music by female composers Amy Beach and Linda Robbins Coleman. Oboist Jan Pickering and violinist Cindy Mikulin will perform the first movement of the Bach "Double Concerto in D minor" and the MCO concertmistress, Susan Mercy, will perform the 3rd Movement of the Mendelssohn "Violin Concerto in E minor". Ms. Mercy has also arranged "Deep River" by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor for the orchestra that is based upon a transcription by Maud Powell, who was the first America woman violin soloist, nearly a century ago.

Please join us in the lobby, before and after the concert, to view information promoting Maud Powell, Sigma Alpha Iota, a woman's music fraternity, AAUW, Girl Scouts, ZONTA, PEO (Midland Philanthropic Education Organization), and the League of Women Voters. There will be a reception after the concert to meet the musicians. The concert is FREE, but donations are accepted.

League members will also have  Promote the Vote petitions for signing.


Meet your new voting machines

On March 2, John Keefer and Vicki Buckey brought sample ballots, the tabulating machine, and the new accessible computer to the Trailside Senior Center for a group of about 35 to try. Keefer, Chief Deputy County Clerk, explained how the equipment works and answered general questions. Vicki brought her computer and was available to look up registrations and process address changes.

Look for an online video about the voting equipment soon.
Bay County

The Bay County Clerk has put instructional videos on their web page demonstrating how to use their new voting equipment. Their system is different than Midland's. Thank-you, Bay County Clerk
Haughton to receive Lifetime Achievement Award
photo Sandra Haughton
S andra Haughton, LWV Board Director, will receive a Lifetime Achievement  Award from the Great Lakes Bay YWCA. The Awards dinner is Wed, March 21. Tickets
 

Historian Position Available
Our League is in need of a Historian.  This is not a Board position. It would require a few hours several time per year. The historian will keep track of press clippings, photos, other publications. Annually, the historian will submit materials to the Archives at the Midland County Historical Society.

Please contact Sue McCollister if you are interested. 631-4180 or suedonmc@aol.com.
Upcoming Events
April 9-13 - Delta College
Voter Registration
Details elsewhere in newsletter

May 16, 6pm - Annual Meeting & Dinner
C. Bradley Kaye, Midland City Manager
Details of Dinner & Meeting will be mailed in April. 

Jun 12, 5:30 - Fun & Frolic
Pontoon ride on Sanford Lake - arrive at Sharron Such's house at 5:30
Dinner at Sanford Lake Bar & Grill - 6pm
Join the boating group at restaurant. RSVP to Sharron or 689-4148.

LWV logo
Board Members
The board meets the First Thursday of each month at Creative360. All members are welcome. 

President - Katherine Redwine
Treasurer - Karen Sherwood
Secretary - Julie Schmidt - also website
VP Membership - Judy McDowell
VP Program - Sharron Such
Director, Program Co-chair - Judy Donahue
Director, Voter Service - Sue McCollister
Director, Voter Service - Kim Steinke
Director, Voter Service - Al Bailey
Director, Natural Resources - Carole Swinehart
Director, Natural Resources - Sandy Collinson
Director, Education - Terry Townley
Director, Sandy Haughton
Director, Membership - Carol McPherson
Director, Bay County - Pam Saddler
Director, Print Media - Cathy Heng
Director at Large - Fran Hamburg

Quick Links
LWV
LWV Forum
LWV - Midland Area
LWV-Bay County (geographical unit of LWV Midland Area)
LWV-Lake Michigan Region
City of Midland
Midland County
Grace A Dow Memorial Library
Midland Public Schools
Your Elected Officials, p.1
Your Elected Officials, p.2
In This Issue
Our Sponsors
When you visit our sponsors, please identify yourself as a LWV Member
Donald E LeBlanc DDS
Stryker_s Marine

Membership
Interested in Joining? 
Use this form or email Judy McDowell

League of Women Voters of the Midland Area
KatherineTaylorRedwine@gmail.com  
P.O. Box 1203
Midland, MI 48641-1203