April 2026 President's Update

I have been back for three weeks from Europe. I took a personal retreat of over a month with my bride of 49 years, Roseann.  Agreed to prior to my interim appointment, the purpose of this trip was the pursuit of personal health, refreshment of perspective and to spur motivation.  

To enhance wellbeing, my gracious hosts insisted on a complete separation from social media, news or any attachment to outside obligations.  They have experienced first hand the scientific evidence that overwhelmingly supports such periodic and complete respite.  It was successful! I have been out of touch and now I'm back refreshed, renewed, invigorated. 

I am so very grateful for all my colleagues' patience and support during this time.  What a tribute to this league's able leadership, resiliency and very principles!

I was deeply moved by the graciousness, empathy and curiosity of the European people we engaged with.  The overwhelming interest was to understand rather than condemn, critique, or judge. They predominantly share our fears and concerns.  When I relayed all your works through the League they responded with obvious relief and hopefulness.  In these last couple weeks, I’ve re-engaged with the League and the public sphere and I see more and more reasons for us to hold on to hope as well. 

Our planning for the future effectiveness of LWVOR proceeded with a landmark Budget Committee proposal that will be deliberated by all members at Council May 16.  The 2026 - 2027 LWVOR budget and new staff proposal can position us to deliver on the promise of each of the eight priorities in the LWVOR 2025 - 2030 Strategic Plan.  Keep an eye on your e-mail for the 2026 Council Workbook  -  Managing Through Currents of Change - Continued. 

Although a dizzying pace, the short legislative session was successful for many of the issues our outstanding Advocacy members followed and weighed in on.  Membership and especially youth participation continue to grow.  Our voter registration at judicial naturalization ceremonies continues unabated.  Each year our state and local leagues Observer Corps attend and report on more and more public meetings statewide.  One local League has separated its Observer Corps reports from monthly newsletters so it wouldn't become a book.  As I write, Voter Services is populating the VOTE411 platform with over 20 statewide ballot measures and a myriad of candidate profiles for the May primary Voters Guide.  

Nationally the League is mobilized to push back on the unconstitutional federal overreach into the states rights to register voters and conduct accessible, safe, fair, and efficient elections.  Our local Leagues and the LWVOR Board are prepared to send a full complement of delegates and observers to the national LWVUS Convention in Columbus Ohio, June 25 through 28. Here and across the country, we continue to work effectively to defend democracy and empower voters. 

If it feels like a lot, it is.  We should be proud of our efforts and the outcomes, another great reason for us to have hope, because our work clearly brings hope to many others. 

In League,

Mark Kendall

LWVOR President