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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Dec. 1, 11:45-1:00 Holiday Luncheon
Dr Betty Jones, author of Pass it On: Africans Americans in Midland, will speak about her book and her experience in Midland. Luncheon provided by Shiers. Reservation information has been sent by email, but use the form below if you need it.
RSVP by November 25!
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Thank You for your work!
Voter Guides were distributed as inserts in the Oct 8 weekend edition of the Midland Daily News. They were also distributed at the Senior Expo, and throughout the community at the library, senior centers, schools, and our local supporting businesses. Thank you to everyone who made this distribution happen: Terry Townley, Tracy Brown, Judy Donahue, Carol Locker, Sharron Such, Sandy Collinson, and Carol McPherson.
The League, in conjunction with MCTV, produced candidate forums for 3 local races - Midland County Commission, State House District 95, and State Senate District 35. These were live and available streaming on YouTube and as a podcast. A program on the three proposals was also available online and on MCTV. Links to these programs are still available on our webpage.
The AAUW and the League co-sponsored a forum for the Midland Public Schools board candidates. There were 7 candidates who responded to our questions in a round-robin fashion, which worked out very well. We could not have had such a successful program without the expertise of Matt Richardson, staff, and volunteers from MCTV. Kudos to Jodie Gardner, who was the chief organizer for the school board forum and is an AAUW member.
President Kim Steinke made three educational presentations on the three ballot initiatives, in addition to moderating all of the Candidate Forums. Thanks to Kim! She was a trooper.
Sue McCollister, Voter Services, contacted candidates to enter their info in Vote411; compiled the Voters Guide published in the Midland Daily News; and organized the candidate forums. Tracy Brown assisted Sue in every step.
Poll Workers (Election Inspectors) - elections would not happen without the people who work the polls. This is a demanding but necessary job.
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LWV president Deborah Ann Turner has sent us this message:
Our votes have been cast, and every ballot had one message in common: voters power our democracy.
Yesterday, millions of Americans made their voices heard at the polls with few to no disruptions. Voter turnout shattered previous records, with more than 42 million people voting early. This is thanks in no small part to the hard work of League members, volunteers, and supporters like you.
As we know, Election Day is NOT results day. It is important to keep reminding ourselves and all voters of this important fact. We are thankful to the election workers who are busy making sure all our votes are counted so that every voice is heard.
Meanwhile, there's so much we can do to defend our democracy. From fighting mis- and disinformation to writing to your representatives, discover the post-election actions you can take!
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Board of Canvassers Observation
Although 5 members signed up for two-hour shifts observing the Midland County Board of Canvassers, only two were needed. They were done by 12:45pm. Look for a report next month about the observations across the state. Counties with large populations take up to two weeks to get through all of their precincts.
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Great Decisions
New Opportunities to Participate in the 2023 Season Great Decisions Program
The LWV of the Midland Area, in partnership with the Foreign Policy Association, will sponsor a new season of the Great Decisions program starting in January 2023. The Great Decisions program is organized by local discussion groups that address current and relevant foreign policy issues in briefing books and lectures provided by the Foreign Policy Association.
The League’s sponsorship of this program aligns with its mission to develop informed citizens and voters. This season’s discussion topics are Energy Geopolitics, War Crimes, China and the U.S., Global Famine, Economic Warfare, Politics in Latin America, Iran at a Crossroads, and Climate Migration.
There are openings for new participants in some local groups. The cost to participate is $35 - $40 per person which includes an individual briefing book and lecture access fee. To inquire further, contact Carol McPherson at 989-832-1623 or at carol.j.mcpherson@gmail.com.
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Upcoming Events
Dec. 1, 11:30. Creative 360. Holiday Luncheon. see information above.
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OUR SPONSORS
When you visit our sponsors, please identify yourself as a LWV Member.
Shop Local
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How do I find out?
Elections:
Candidates:
Proposals:
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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 - Sherri Angelotti
Director, Advocacy - Sandy Haughton
Director, Advocacy - Iris Haynes
Director, Voter Service - Sue McCollister
Director, Voter Service - Sharron Such
Director, Education - Judy Frock
Director, Natural Resources - Carole Swinehart
Director, Cathy Anders
Director, Ellen Wehrman
Director, Tracy Brown
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P.O. Box 1203
Midland, MI 48641-1203
(989) 859-5597
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