Action News! April 2024
Joleen E Smith | Published on 4/2/2024
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With spring in full bloom in Texas, I am excited for the impactful work ahead of us. It's the perfect time for renewal, growth, and continued commitment to a better, more inclusive League.
This month, LWV Texas holds its annual Making Democracy Work® Dinner and, for our members, our Biennium Convention. Let us all reaffirm our commitment to democracy, justice, and equality. With the upcoming Local Elections and Primary Runoff Election in May, let's seize every opportunity to empower voters and foster meaningful civic engagement across our great state.
As we celebrate the total eclipse of the Sun in parts of the state and Earth Day this month, let's also remember the importance of environmental stewardship and sustainable practices. LWV Texas and Leagues across the state advocate for policies protecting our natural resources and combat climate change, ensuring a healthier, more resilient Texas for all. We hope you support us in these efforts.
I am immensely proud of the dedication and passion exhibited by our members. I also appreciate you, our supporters, for your unwavering commitment to the League of Women Voters of Texas. I am confident that together, we will continue to make a difference in our communities and beyond.
Warm Regards, |
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The League of Women Voters of Texas is working tirelessly to advocate for all Texans this election season and beyond. Donate today to support our mission of empowering voters and defending democracy!
Donate Today!
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| Your Texas League in Action |
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Court Cases & Amicus Briefs
Crystal Mason-Hobbs v. State of Texas
A Texas appeals court overturned Crystal Mason-Hobbs’ conviction, a 5-year sentence for illegal voting on Thursday. Joyce LeBombard, LWV Texas President, in a statement of support said "LWV of Texas is thrilled that the court of appeals overturned Ms. Crystal Mason-Hobbs's unjust conviction for illegal voting under the Texas Election Code. We are proud to have supported Ms. Mason alongside the NAACP of TX in a joint amicus brief in her case.” You can read more about Mason-Hobbs' acquittal in the Texas Tribune or in the Austin American-Statesman where they refer to VOTE411 and LWVTX's provisional ballot explanation. You can read more about her initial case here.
Moyle v. US and Idaho v. US
LWVUS has signed onto an amicus brief in the two Idaho cases that will be heard by the US Supreme Court in late April —Moyle v. US and Idaho v. US— which concern Idaho’s strict abortion ban and the federal law known as EMTALA. They are joining a national coalition brief led by the National Women’s Law Center. The brief focuses on the harm that will come with a negative ruling in the case, focusing specifically on maternal mortality rate in the US, as well as the racial disparities across the country. You can read the full League statement here.
The statement includes quotes from various state Leagues including one from Joyce LeBombard, LWV Texas President, "We have already seen in Texas that, while there is technically a medical exception to abortion bans if a pregnant woman's life is in danger, no one knows what it means. We have already seen that — even when a doctor has determined with 'reasonable medical judgment' that pregnancy poses a risk of death or serious risk to health or future pregnancy — the government doubles down on threatening doctors and hospitals with charges. Doctors fear losing their licenses, being fined, and getting prison time. Women have had to flee that state to receive the medical treatment they need, which we know is not an option available to every pregnant person at risk. Doctors and women must be allowed to use their good faith judgment without threat from the government."
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LWVTX Making Democracy Work® Dinner
We are delighted to invite you to our annual Making Democracy Work® Dinner, scheduled for April 19th in Dallas, Texas. This esteemed event will be a celebration of civic engagement and a tribute to individuals and organizations dedicated to upholding fundamental rights and liberties, safeguarding democratic principles, and promoting the League's mission of empowering voters and defending democracy.
The Center for Reproductive Rights and the Texas Library Association will be honored for their exceptional contributions, and attorney Molly Duane will deliver the keynote address, sharing her insights on the critical role of advocacy in shaping a just and equitable society. Event and table sponsorships are available. Click here to learn more.
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Elections: Local Elections & Primary Runoff
There are two elections coming up in May —Local Elections on May 4th (not all counties have local elections this cycle, so check your county's voter registrar website to be sure) and the Primary Runoff Election on May 28th.
For the May 28th Primary Runoff Election, LWV Texas will cover the two State Board of Education runoffs, as well as any Texas House runoffs that are not covered by a local League, including Texas House Districts 1, 12, 58, and 80, on VOTE411.org. Other Texas House and Senate runoffs will be covered by local Leagues. Electronic & PDF versions of the Voters Guide will be available at LWVTexas.org in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Chinese.
Here are some resources you may use to help promote the upcoming elections:
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LWVUS Action Alerts
There are many ways to have your voice heard by elected officials and policy makers. Visit the LWVUS Take Action page here to take action on League priorities today.
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LWV Cy-Fair
Photo credit: LWV-Cy-Fair Facebook page. LWV Cy-Fair members Marlene Lobberecht and Leah Stephanow pictured with HCSO Sgt. Donnie Williams, Community Engagement, at the Precinct 4 Listening Session with Commissioner Leslie Briones. Read more here.
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LWV El Paso
Photo credit: League of Women Voters of El Paso Facebook page. LWV El Paso had a great day registering and informing El Paso voters at "Transcendence in the Park," a celebration of trans visibility and empowerment, on March 30th in Memorial Park. Read more here.
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LWV Houston
Photo credit: League of Women Voters of Houston Facebook page. LWV Houston registered voters at Texas Southern University with cute signs like "Thank you for voting" and "Houston, we have a voter!" Read more here.
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LWV Wichita Falls
Photo credit: Wichita Falls Alliance for Arts and Culture Facebook page. Local arts and community leaders joined LWV Wichita Falls to accept a proclamation from Wichita Falls Mayor Tim Short recognizing March as Women's History Month in Wichita Falls. Read more here.
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LWV Hill Country
Photo credit: League of Women Voters - Hill Country, Texas Facebook page. Voters Services Chair, Bunny Bond, presented "Suffrage in Texas and the U.S." to the Kerr County chapter of the Texas Historical Commission. Read more here.
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LWV Austin Area
Photo credit: League of Women Voters Austin Area Facebook page. LWV Austin Area registered voters at Austin Flea's Spring Fling at the scenic Nomadic Outpost on March 30th. Read more here and here.
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| Your Texas League in the News |
If you voted in the Texas primaries, you’re in the minority, and that’s a problem
Gromer Jeffers Jr., The Dallas Morning News | Published on 3/18/24
“There’s just a general apathy,” said Joyce LeBombard, president of the League of Women Voters of Texas. “Some people just don’t think their votes matter.”
LeBombard said apathy this year started at the top of the ticket, with polls showing a clear majority of Americans unenthusiastic about a rematch between President Biden and former President Donald Trump, who dominated the primary process long before the race got to Texas.
“Having that apathy at the presidential race level really impacts those down-ballot races,” she said — even though those races have more direct impact on people’s lives.
Read the full article here.
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League of Women Voters of Texas
1212 Guadalupe St. #107
Austin Texas, 78701
(512) 472-1100
lwvtexas@lwvtexas.org
lwvtexas.org
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