LWV May2021 Voter - Redistricting Info

THE VOTER

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF THE MIDLAND AREA

May 2021

Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy.

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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We must pass the For the People Act. Contact your Senator today.

The LWV of the Midland Area is holding a virtual town hall on Monday, May 17, beginning at 7 p.m. to provide information on the Redistricting effort prior to the Redistricting Committee’s public hearing in Midland on May 25. A representative of the LWV of Michigan will give us an update on the Redistricting Commission's work.

The zoom link for this program is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88557335830?pwd=WkFXaE9xQzZ4bVhQSmp5d0ZxUEE2dz09

Titabawassee-Chippewa River Watershed Community of Interest

An effort is being made to create a Community of Interest (COI) for the communities impacted by the dam failures and flooding in May 2020. A Tittabawssee-Chippewa River Watershed Community of Interest needs to be considered by the MICRC. The committee working on this will make a presentation to a public hearing of the Redistricting Commission, although not necessarily the one on May 25, 2021. If you are interested, please contact Kim Steinke, 989-488-2296

Redistricting Commission Public Hearing in Midland

The Public Hearing of the ICRC in Midland will be May 25, 6-9 pm at the Great Hall, 5121 Bay City Road, Midland 48642 The ICRC (Redistricting Commission) hear testimony from the public in person and online. You may also submit suggested redistricting maps. Go to www.michigan-mapping.org/ to submit your comments and see comments from other people.

The hearings will be in person with appropriate COVID safety measures taken. Hearings are scheduled from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Anyone who signs up before 9:00 pm will be allowed to speak. The MICRC is required to listen until all have signed up. (Open Meetings Act.)

A links to register for the meeting and to watch it on Facebook or Youtube will be posted as soon as it is available.

Annual Meeting - May 26, 7pm - Zoom

The Annual Meeting will be held on May 26, 2021 at 7pm via Zoom. You will receive a mailing of required documents this week. Every member will receive an email with an agenda and the annual report a few days before the meeting. A Zoom Link will be sent to membership the day before the meeting.

Michigan State Convention - May 21-22

Defending Democracy

The Position on Lame Duck Legislative Sessions in MI has been issued by the LWVMI. Delegates will be voting on this at the State Convention. Text of Position

The LWV of Michigan is also considering a concurrence with the California Criminal Justice Position, proposed by the LWV of the Midland Area. Delegates will vote on this at the convention. Look for additional information on the LWV-Midland.org webpage

Keeping up with the League's Advocacy Program

The League of Women Voters of the United States has a regular newsletter called League Update. You must sign up to receive this newsletter. Sign up for the League Update.

The LWV of Michigan has a newsletter called League Links sent to all members after each monthly state Board meeting. Look for LWVMI in your email.

Part of the League's advocacy program is to encourage members to contact their representatives when the League asks so that government representatives are aware of constituent's opinions. It is important to keep up with League positions and respond to requests.

Both organizations send out periodic updates when there are urgent messages and an immediate need for a response.

Please look for LWVUS news in your email.