The VOTER -- February 2025

Black History Is Everyone’s History and this annual month-long event celebrates African-American achievement. As we reflect on the triumphs and history of African Americans, we want to acknowledge the role of African-American women in the voting rights movement. Black women have played a pivotal role in the advancement of voting rights and continue to use their voices to make progress today.

The LWVUS reminds us that "Celebrating voting rights history and Black history go hand in hand. As we commemorate the great leaders and moments — both the known and the unsung -- we must remember that the struggle to protect voting rights continues. We must continue to fight to ensure that we are not adding another chapter of discrimination and Jim Crow-era politics.”

"Women Defend Democracy” is the new programmatic focus for the LWV in 2025, centering people power and moving our country towards a stronger, multi-racial democracy.

Our democracy has been tested, coming to a head in the 2024 elections, and will likely continue to be tested in the months and years ahead. As an organization dedicated to empowering voters and defending democracy, the League of Women Voters will continue our work to protect and expand voting rights and challenge those who seek to undermine democratic principles and processes.

This campaign kicks off for the first 100 days of the new administration and beyond. The League of Women Voters is well positioned to defend attacks on democracy in the coming months and years. Together, we believe in the power of women to create a more perfect democracy.

Be a part of the campaign by joining our mailing list! Learn more here.

LWV Membership System Goes National

Starting this month, the national LWV organization is switching to a new membership system called ChapterSpot for all Leagues across the country. If you’re a current member, you'll receive an email from LWVUS explaining how to log into the new system and set up your account. This change will provide a centralized portal on the LWVUS website where members can join, renew and manage their personal information. Been meaning to join? Just click here to go to our website, complete the membership form, click submit, and your information will be entered into the national database.

For new and renewing members, only individual membership will be offered under the new system with a recommended dues amount of $75. But this is not a fixed amount -- it’s a pay-what-you-can with a minimum of $20. This change is intended to make membership accessible to those who may currently find higher amounts a barrier to joining. Scholarships are also available to those qualifying. Membership terms will continue to be for one year, with an auto-renew option available. For those of you who don’t use the internet, you can continue to join or renew by check (made out to LWVUS) and sent to LWVNSBC, PO Box 1388, Santa Maria, CA 93456.

Donations are critical for LWVNSBC because we only receive 20% of your dues, which is not enough to support all the good work that we do. Any amount you wish to donate, above the dues amount of $75 will be split among the National, State, and local Leagues. If you want 100% of your donation to go to LWVNSBC, please click here for the Donate button on our website or send a check to LWVNSBC, PO Box 1388, Santa Maria, CA 93456. We hope these changes will make managing your membership easier.

Need Help? Don’t worry -- we're here to help you. If you still have questions or issues related to membership, renewing, and/or donating, please reach out to Membership by clicking here. We will answer your questions and solve any issues you may encounter embracing this new platform.

Judy Garrett, Pam Gates, and Roz Silva, Membership Committee

LWVC is pleased to announce the appointment of Helen Hutchison as Interim Executive Director. Hutchison, a longtime League leader with over 50 years of service and a dedicated advocate for democracy, brings a wealth of experience and extensive knowledge to this role.

As Interim Executive Director, Hutchison will oversee the League’s ongoing efforts to address key challenges facing California, and engage communities across the state in strengthening democracy. “I’m honored to step into this role once again” said Hutchison. “We’ve taken on these challenges before, and we will rise to them again. But I need you. The League needs you. We don’t rush into every battle—but when we take a stand, we don’t back down, we don’t compromise our values, and we see it through.”

Do you enjoy getting out and meeting new people? Do you believe that voter registration and education are important to preserving our democracy?

We are looking for volunteers to help out at tabling events throughout North County. We’ll pair you with an experienced tabler and provide voter education and registration materials. It’s easy and fun and we can schedule you based on your location and time commitment.

We’re also compiling a new version of our “Know Your Community” publication and need folks with fresh ideas to identify potential community resources and distribution opportunities.

Contact the Voter Services Committee here to volunteer for any of these opportunities.