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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Defending Democracy
Update on Voting Rights, Voting Bills and Initiatives. Join us at the Trailside Senior Center on March 11, 2022, 12-1pm for an update on the changing status of Voting Rights initiatives and legislation in Michigan.
Reserve your spot online or by calling 989-633-3700
Aim to arrive by 11:30 am (if you are having lunch). After your table is called, take your lunch into room 160. The talk will begin as close to noon as possible and end by 1pm. Space is limited. Lunches are by donation to those over 60, or $6 for those under 60. Please cancel your reservation if you or anyone in your household is sick.
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Making Democracy Work - Voting Rights & Legislative Changes ZOOM
Mar 16 2022 - 7:00pm to 8:30pm ZOOM
Confused? This is your chance to get the skinny on what's happening in the legislature about voting and ballot proposals coming this November. This update will have the latest on MI ballot initiatives from Midland Area LWV president, Kim Steinke. There will be time for Q&A.
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This year Promote the Vote and a coalition of voting-rights groups, including LWVMI, seeks to amend the state constitution to expand these voting rights to:
- Allow nine days of early voting
- Publicly subsidize absentee ballots (with postage) and a tracking system for the ballot location
- Continue to allow voters to sign an affidavit attesting to their identity rather than a state ID
- Allow public sources and charities to fund local elections (i.e., church voting venues)
- Allow voters to register for absentee ballots for all future elections
- Require ballot drop boxes for every 15,000 voters in a municipality
- Establish that post-election audits can only be conducted by state and local officials
Petitions are not yet ready to circulate but are expected to be available around March 7. Local Leagues will be asked to give presentations in their communities about the petition, and all League members are strongly urged to volunteer to gather signatures. We will be contacting you soon!
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THE LWV OF MICHIGAN FILES LAWSUIT AGAINST MICRC |
The LWVMI v MICRC lawsuit was filed with the Michigan Supreme Court on February 1, 2022. It challenges the partisan fairness of the state House map (Hickory). As ordered by the Court, the MICRC responded on February 9 and LWVMI filed its response on February 11. Oral arguments were requested. On February 9, the Michigan Department of State filed an Amicus Brief in the LWVMI v MICRC lawsuit. It did not take a position on the lawsuit. It did request the Court to: (1) expedite its decision, (2) expedite the MICRC’s work if a new map is ordered, and (3) adjust the candidate filing dates if necessary.
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Annual Meeting, May 25, 6-8:30pm at the Midland Country Club
Speaker: Bradley Kaye, Midland City Manager
Information Packet - You will receive an information packet in the mail by April 25. Included will be the items to be voted on by the membership at the meeting. These are: annual budget, local program (advocacy), and slate of officers.
You will also need to fill out the form for your dinner preferences and sent it in with $20 for the meal.
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Upcoming Events
Mar 11, 2022, 12-1pm - “Know Your Rights” voter education - Trailside Senior Center, Lunchtime Learners. Call 989-633-3700 to make a reservation (meal begins at 11:30, under 60 is $6, over 60 is by donation)
Making Democracy Work - Voting Rights and Legislative Changes - ZOOM - Mar 16, 7 pm - update on several ballot initiatives from Midland Area LWV president, Kim Steinke. (FYI - this is a new date for the previously scheduled program on Feb 9)
Apr 12, 2022, 7:00 - 8:30pm - The State of Education in MI - Creative 360. A panel of local educators answers our questions.
May 25, 2022, 6-8:30pm - Annual Business Meeting - Midland Country Club.
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OUR SPONSORS
When you visit our sponsors, please identify yourself as a LWV Member.
Shop Local
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The board meets the First Thursday at Creative 360, 9:30am. Meetings may be held via ZOOM. Please email Kim Steinke or Katherine Redwine to inquire. All members are welcome.
1st VP Membership - Carol McPherson
2nd VP Program - Judy Donahue
Treasurer - Karen Sherwood
Director, Program - Sandy Collinson
Director, Advocacy - Sandy Haughton
Director, Membership - Anne Wallin
Director, Voter Service - Sue McCollister
Director, Advocacy - Iris Haynes
Director, Education - Judy Frock
Director, Natural Resources - Carole Swinehart
Director, Voter Service - Sharron Such
Director, Shadow Treasurer - Sherri Angelotti
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P.O. Box 1203
Midland, MI 48641-1203
(989) 859-5597
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