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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MAKING DEMOCRACY WORK - KNOW YOUR VOTING RIGHTS, PROPOSED LEGISLATION
Voting Law Changes proposed by the Michigan Legislature - Zoom Program, Feb 23, 7:00pm - A look at the content of bills relating to voting proposed by MI State Legislature. Zoom link will be sent out the day before the program (Feb 22).
Know Your Rights - Mar 11, 12-1 pm - at 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 a donation) Update on Voting Rights and Voting Bills.
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. In the meantime, you can track the latest information on the LWV MI website. (FYI - this is a new date for the previously scheduled program on Feb 9)
Know Your Rights - MCTV & YouTube - We are working with MCTV to create informational videos to educate younger voters.
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Know Your Rights online
The website www.michiganvoting.org includes requirements for registering to vote, absentee voting (vote from home) and voting on election day. Resources are available in four languages. |
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Promote the Vote 2022, a coalition of voting rights advocacy groups that includes the LWV of Michigan, has launched a ballot initiative to improve security and access to the polls in Michigan. A virtual press conference was held Jan 31 to announce the initiative. Read the entire press release here.
“Promote the Vote 2022 provides common-sense voting policies to move Michigan forward,” said Christina Schlitt, co-president of LWVMI. “Michiganders want secure and accessible elections, we want people to be able to vote without fear of intimidation, and we want to be confident that our votes will be counted. This ballot initiative takes a great step towards modernizing our elections and protecting our freedom to vote.” The initiative includes public funding and resources to help local election officials do their jobs including funding for postage for absentee ballots, ballot tracking, and secure ballot dropboxes for every 15,000 voters in a municipality. The initiative will also preserve the authority of local governments to accept funding from publicly disclosed, public and charitable sources.
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THE LWV OF MICHIGAN FILES LAWSUIT AGAINST MICRC |
The League of Women Voters of Michigan, along with a coalition of voting rights advocates, filed a lawsuit today against the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission on the grounds of partisan fairness.
The lawsuit was filed today in the Michigan Supreme Court and is specifically meant to ensure the Michigan State House map is fair from a partisan perspective. “When Michigan voters overwhelmingly passed Proposal 2 in 2018 establishing the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission, they spoke loud and clear in their support for partisan fairness,” said Christina Schlitt, co-president of the Michigan League. “Our new maps must be as fair as possible from a partisan perspective because the maps will impact our elections for the next decade.”
The Hickory Map includes a disproportionate partisan advantage for the Republican party, and the suit alleges the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission failed in its mission of ensuring a district map for the Michigan State House is free of partisan advantage. An expert report on the partisan fairness of the Hickory Map showed Republicans are likely to win most seats even if they win the fewest votes.
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GREAT DECISIONS
Great Decisions is a program of the Foreign Policy Center. It is America's largest discussion program on world affairs. Each year there are 8 topics to discuss. The Briefing Book gives an overview of each topic, a DVD has a 20-30 minute master class on each topic. A DVD is provided for each group, and books are available to purchase. If you wish to purchase an ebook, they are available on Amazon.
There are three groups that are full, and the new group makes four in Midland.
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Upcoming Events
Feb 23, 7:00pm - Zoom - A look at the content of bills relating to voting proposed by MI State Legislature. Zoom link will be sent out Feb 22.
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 2022 - Annual Business Meeting
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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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