Action News! February 2024
Joleen E Smith | Published on 2/6/2024
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February 2024 Action News!
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It is with a heavy heart that I write this message to inform you of the sudden death of the League of Women Voters of the United States (LWVUS) President, Dr. Deborah Turner, on Sunday, January 28, 2024. She was an amazing woman, a fearless advocate for voting rights and women’s rights, humble in her accomplishments, and inspiring to all who knew her. You may read more about her incredible life and work here and here.
Virginia Kase Solomón, LWVUS CEO, reflected movingly on Dr. Turner's impact on her and the League, reminding us to honor Dr. Turner's legacy by taking action - whether by giving to a women's health organization, spreading the usage of VOTE411.org, volunteering to be a poll worker, or becoming a League of Women Voters member.
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Dr. Turner left the League in competent hands, ensuring it remains a vital organization with a strong board and staff to carry on our critical mission work.
On behalf of the League of Women Voters of Texas and all of you, I sincerely give our deepest condolences to Dr. Turner's family. In the spirit of the words we often heard from Dr. Turner, we must "keep on keeping on" by doing the work to Empower Voters and Defend Democracy for all.
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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In honor of Dr. Turner
Volunteer to Be a Poll Monitor!
The Election Protection coalition is recruiting volunteers to help with the upcoming election! As a nonpartisan volunteer poll monitor, you will assist voters on Election Day should they encounter any problems voting. This will differ from state to state, but no matter what, you will make a crucial difference for voters — connecting them with trained legal professionals and resources they need to safely and securely cast their ballots. Learn more and sign up here.
Sign Up to Be a Poll Worker!
Power the Polls is also recruiting volunteers! Poll workers are needed to ensure safe and secure elections, so please encourage your members to sign up if they can. When someone signs up through Power the Polls, they are directed to their state or local jurisdiction’s official online application to apply. Learn more and sign up here.
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| Your Texas League in Action |
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VOTE411.org is Live!
We're happy to announce that VOTE411.org is live! The March 2024 primary elections hold immense importance, as they often determine the winners of the general election in many districts across Texas.
To ensure that all Texans have access to unbiased information when making their voting decisions, we are once again promoting our online, interactive guide, VOTE411.org. Additionally, we are publishing our trusted, nonpartisan Voters Guide that provides valuable insights into candidates and their positions. The League invites all candidates with opponents to participate, ensuring a fair and balanced representation of choices for voters.
On our website, we have PDF versions of the Voters Guide available in 4 languages: English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Simple Chinese. Plus, here are even more resources to help you educate voters this election season:
- Click here for updated Vote by Mail resources for your Leagues to use and share!
- Click here to view and share the VOTE411 video PSA from LWVUS.
- Click here for 2024 Texas Primary Election graphics including social media graphics, bookmarks, and flyers.
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LWV Wichita Falls
Photo credit: League of Women Voters - Wichita Falls, TX Facebook page. LWV Wichita Falls member Diann Taylor was the MLK Parade Marshall for the Wichita Falls MLK Celebration on Jan. 20th.Read more here and here.
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LWV Corpus Christi
Photo credit: Mirador Retirement Community Facebook page. LWV Corpus Christi was happy to register voters and help with applying for Vote-by-Mail applications at the Wellness Faire at Mirador Retirement Community! Read more here.
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LWV San Antonio
Photo credit: League of Women Voters of San Antonio Area Facebook page. At the LWVSA Annual Appreciation Luncheon, Jacque Callanen, Bexar County Elections Administrator was recognized for her years of exceptional service to Bexar County and the community. Pictured with LWVSA President Madhu Sridhar. Read more here.
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LWV Galveston
Photo credit: League of Women Voters Galveston Facebook page. LWV President Corlie Holloway Jackson and Voters Services and Education Chair Kay Lowell, along with dependable driver, Tim Lowell, promoted the League in the Rotary Club of Texas City's Mardi Gras parade on Jan. 20th. Read more here.
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| Your Texas League in the News |
LWVTX Statement on Immigration
We encourage Governor Abbott to immediately end Operation Lone Star and work to support US immigration policies, procedures, and laws. All citizens, residents, migrants, and asylum seekers must be treated equally in the eyes of the law and be treated with dignity and respect. Read the full statement here.
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Celebrate the League’s 104th Anniversary!
On the 104th anniversary of LWVUS, we're coming together in community to remember our great leader Dr. Deborah Ann Turner and honor the work of Leagues past and future. LWV and a panel of guest speakers will turn an eye to the power of young voters, who will carry our work into 2024 and beyond. Join us on February 14, 2024 from 11:30 AM-12:30 PM on Facebook Live. More info here.
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Fighting for an Inclusive Democracy
In the fight for an inclusive democracy in Texas, civil rights organizations are working together to fight S.B. 1 and bring forth justice. The lawsuit challenges multiple provisions in S.B. 1 that, by imposing undue limitations on voting, disproportionately impact voters of color and voters with disabilities. Read the full article here.
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Some Texas Counties Struggle to Meet New Law’s Demand for More Polling Places
"Some Texas election officials are running out of time before the March 5 primary to find sufficient polling locations, equipment, and election workers mandated by a new Republican-backed election law, and may not be able to meet its requirements.
The new law requires certain counties currently using vote centers for countywide voting to drastically increase the number of polling locations. Election officials say the new mandate is costly, and presents a series of new challenges for the counties that must comply."
Read the full article here.
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Celebrate Black History Month in February!
February is Black History Month! Here are some great resources available to help learn about the importance of Black history and how it impacts the story of our nation:
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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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