Passport to the Past Ceilings Shattered: Michigan Women in Politics
March 17 @ 6:30 p.m.
1839 Courthouse/
Free to the public
xxxThe Niles District Library's Passport to the Past series continues in March with a special program for Women's History Month!
xxTheir March topic will celebrate Women's History month by highlighting Michigan women in politics that helped to shape our state. From the first time women voted in Michigan to those who claimed political offices, these women will have their stories told. With a state-wide election in November, this is a perfect time to explore the stories of ceilings shattered, communities changed, and history made.
xxxFor guests attending in person, light refreshments will be available, and those interested in participating in the passport challenge can pick up their free materials at the event. For those wishing to attend online, they will livestream the talk on their Youtube page beginning at 6:25pm. Don't forget to subscribe to their page to receive alerts.
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xxxThe LWVBCC directory has been updated and sent off to the printer. You received a digital copy, and soon the USPS will deliver a hard copy to your mailbox. It took a little longer
than usual to get the finalized tally because there were quite a few new members --13 -- to record. We welcome our new members and look forward to including you all in our activities.
xxxThe Voter Services committee is looking for volunteers to help with the Spring Youth Registrations at area high schools. Contact Dorothy Parker (dparker.dst1972@gmail.com) and John Ripley (lwvbcc@gmail.com) if you would like to help out.
xxxSpeaking of members, one of our longtime members, Gloria Weberg, celebrated a 100th birthday on March 2. I was honored to give Gloria a ride home from the book club meeting and so enjoyed getting to know her and was very inspired by her insightful comments and caring spirit. Happy Birthday Gloria!
xxxTwo items in the LWVMI Newsletter to note: 1) The LWVUS convention is scheduled for June 23-26 in Denver. The convention is going to be hybrid this year, and all the details are listed on the LWVMI website. If you are planning to attend, please contact me and/or John Ripley. Our League is large enough to qualify for one voting delegate, and 2) The new LWVMI website is packed with very helpful information on advocacy issues (reduction in gun violence, the "Unlock MI20" ballot initiative that limits health officials in responding to health emergencies), statewide petition status, Promote the Vote, Climate Change Resolution and much more. See the following clips from the LWVMI:
Promote the Vote 2022
xxxA coalition of individuals and organizations in Michigan has begun a ballot drive to ensure that we have a voting system that works for everyone. Promote the Vote 2022 submitted a petition for an amendment to the Michigan Constitution on January 31. On February 11, the Michigan Board of Canvassers approved the petition summary and form. Following a successful petition drive, the Promote the Vote proposal will appear on the November ballot.
xxxOnce approved, Promote the Vote 2022 must collect 425,049 valid signatures in order for the proposal to appear on the next general election ballot. If passed by the voters, the Michigan Constitution would be amended to include the voting safeguards proposed in the petition. For more information on Promote the Vote 2022.
Pvromthe Vote 2022.
xxxThe League of Women Voters of Michigan supports the Promote the Vote 2022 (PTV2022) Ballot proposal approved by the MI Board of Canvassers (BOC). This proposal is a constitutional amendment and is proactively intended to assure that we have a voting system that works for all of us. This proposal was developed based on conversations with voters and election officials. Promote the Vote 2022 gives voters more options by creating a right to in-person early voting for nine days before the election; ensures in-person and absentee voting remains accessible and secure by providing funding for postage, drop boxes and ballot tracking; ensures elections in Michigan are determined by the voters casting their ballot in elections -- not by legislators. It will provide a robust absentee tracking system and provide for military and overseas voters to have their ballots counted if postmarked by election day and received within 6 days following the election. Promote the Vote 2022 is the only initiative that does all of these and more. PTV2022 is supported by a robust coalition of nonprofit organizations.
xxxLWVMI has also agreed to be part of the army of signature gatherers for the ballot proposal as soon as petitions are printed and are available. We are asking all LWVMI League members to assist in this process. We will notify you of the of signature training webinar on how to collect signatures accurately to help assure the BOC will validate them. Because this proposal is a constitutional amendment, it will require 425,059 valid
signatures by July 11, 2022, more than the 340,047 required for legislative initiatives.
xxxSignature gatherers will be provided talking points to be sure we are communicating the same message and that it is accurate. We speak with one voice.
Request for Volunteers
xxx1) The Secretary of State’s Office is currently experiencing an urgent need for in-person volunteer Pashto and Dari speakers. In welcoming thousands of new arrivals from Afghanistan to Michigan, they need volunteers throughout the state to assist with interpretation/translation of driver’s license testing at local Secretary of State offices, particularly in Greater Lansing, Metro Detroit, and the Grand Rapids area. If you know of anyone in your network that is fluent in Pashto or Dari and may be willing
xxx2) The League is encouraging members to consider working as a PAID Election Inspector for their township or city/village. There are currently 62 precincts and 10+ separate Absentee voting Boards. Contact your
local clerk (not county clerk) to ask how you can help. You must be a registered voter in Berrien County, and you are allowed to work in any municipality.
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xxxWhat can those of us in our League look forward to in March? Due to scheduling conflicts, the Book Club will not meet in March. Save April 11 for the next Book Club meeting. (See the Book Club Report, and be inspired to read and join us!) On the planning schedule for the near future, the Honorable Judge Mabel Mayfield will give a Zoom presentation focusing on voting rights and the judiciary. Watch your inbox for further details. We will also be gearing up for Promote the Vote activities. At this time, LWVMI is suggesting local Leagues prepare lists of members who would like to help
gather signatures. We will be getting a notice out about that soon.
xxxWhile I am very grateful for Zoom and the way it has made continuing to work together during Covid possible, I do miss seeing people and the energy that comes from being together.
If conditions continue to improve the Board of LWVBCC will begin to plan some in-person events by May. We have the annual dinner meeting in June to look forward to! (If you would
like to be on the Annual Dinner Planning Committee, please get in touch with me
fschoon@mac.com.)
xxxHave a wonderful March, and I hope you, too, will be seeing signs of spring in your neighborhood soon. --- Faith Schoon