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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Happy Holidays to all. Your League has some important programs lined up for the new year. there will be a Know Your Rights voter education program on zoom in January and at Trailside Senior Center in March. A panel of local educators will discuss the State of Education in MI in Apr. There is more in the planning stage. Keep up to date on the webpage. We hope to see you at one or all of these programs.
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The LWVMI, with local Leagues and Units, is waging two campaigns to combat voter suppression:
Advocacy
The first campaign is:
League of Women Voters of Michigan opposes
Secure MI Vote ballot proposal
The proposal would make voting more difficult for many voters
A ballot initiative is being circulated by a group funded primarily by Ronald Weiser, Chair of the Michigan Republican Party under the name of Secure MI Vote. This initiative includes measures that undermine Michigan’s current voter validation system that has worked for decades.
This proposal eliminates options that make voting more accessible to all, especially for Black and brown communities, seniors, youth, people with disabilities, and rural voters. Our last presidential election was the most secure in history, and our state already has safeguards for elections. Not only is this proposal unnecessary, but it also disenfranchises voters from participating in our foremost democratic process.
In 2018, Michigan voters overwhelmingly voted to amend the constitution to help voters, not to take rights away.
The Secure MI Vote ballot proposal includes an appropriation that, if approved by the Michigan Legislature, would prevent a vote of the people from overturning the law, further denying the people of Michigan a voice on the issue. More information on the League of Women Voters’ advocacy is available at the League of Women Voters of Michigan website.
Education
The second campaign is voter education to help eliminate the confusion of the rights voters in Michigan already have and that are being assaulted. Local Leagues and Units are conducting virtual meetings to reach our membership and the public through this education effort. The thrust of that information includes knowing your voting rights.
The Midland League will be offering two programs, on Zoom in January, and at the Trailside Senior Center in March. More info will be posted when it is available. Check our web page for updates.
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On Dec 2, Esther Williams updated us on the current recycling picture - Recycling is worth it. The Midland Recyclers collect more than 1.5 million pounds per year. They actively seek markets for their products. Paper, cardboard, and magazines are in high demand - whether you are putting them in the curbside recycling or dropping them off at the recycling center, do recycle paper.
The recycling center also accepts many hard-to-recycle items:
- batteries,
- ink cartridges,
- cords,
- wire hangers,
- polystyrene foam (lots of that this time of year with purchases of large items). You can drop off the box and packaging that the new TV comes in as-is - no flattening or folding.
- electronics
- plastic bags
- vinyl siding
Materials sold directly back to public at the recycling center:
- Packing peanuts & bubble wrap
- egg cartons
- boxes
- craft items.
Call (989-631-1668) if you are looking for a particular item for a special project.
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The Final Redistricting Maps will be decided on Dec. 28 |
The Redistricting Process is coming to a close. There is one more scheduled meeting (Dec 16) and the final meeting where the maps will be decided by the commission. This is supposed to take place on Dec 30, has been scheduled for Dec 28. (Dec 30 is a state holiday.)
The MICRC is scheduled to adopt the final maps on Dec. 30. The commission is required to publish the final maps within 30 days after adopting a plan. Included with the final maps will be reference materials and data used in drawing the final maps and any programming information used to produce and test the plan.
In addition, the Michigan Secretary of State will keep a public record of all MICRC proceedings and will publish each map and required documentation. The adopted redistricting plan with new legislative boundaries for the state House, state Senate and congressional districts will become law 60 days after publication. These district maps will take effect before the 2022 primary and general elections.
December 30, 2021 is the last day the Commission can vote on the final maps.
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Upcoming Events
January 2022 - “Know Your Rights” voter education
Mar 11, 2022 - “Know Your Rights” voter education - Trailside Senior Center. Details coming.
Apr 2022 - State of Education in MI - Creative 360
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
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P.O. Box 1203
Midland, MI 48641-1203
(989) 859-5597
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