Search Results

TABLE OF CONTENTS President's Column Action Committee Report Development Report Youth Council Perspective 2024 OSME Update Website Update LWVOR Convention 2023 In Memoriam PRESIDENT’S REPORT By Alice Bartelt, LWVOR President It is my pleasure to serve as the President of a very active organization. What is important to me is that the board represents most parts of the state and that they have various League experiences. The Nominating Committee did a great job of recruiting board members. At the convention in Eugene, the members voted to allow flexibility in sharing offices. Even though I am serving as president, I will be sharing some duties with the First and Second Vice Presidents. Leadership in the League is much work, but we in Oregon know that training for our leaders is essential. We are hopeful that anyone looking to lead a local league or to serve on the state board will be rewarded in the successes that we have every day. I want to give you a little bit of background about myself. I have served as president for several state-wide organizations, including the American Association of University Women, Oregon NARAL, International Training in Communication, and the Oregon Association of Parliamentarians. I am a retired attorney. Since I retired in 2007, I have become a volunteer in a number of organizations, including the Oregon League. I joined the League in 2008 and have served for most of the time since 2009 as Action Chair. Because of my work on Action, I have not been as involved with other aspects of the League. But I will learn as I go along. I look forward to serving as your President, with assistance from the board. ACTION COMMITTEE REPORT By Becky Gladstone, Action Chair The LWVOR Action committee followed the contentious 2023 Oregon legislative session, stymied by the minority party senators’ walkout from May 3 to June 15, 2023, and limited building access for continuing seismic construction—completion now forecast for 2025. Most of our efforts were influential for the many bills we supported or opposed, so overall it was a surprisingly successful, though not positive, session for us. We worked with coalitions, posted Action Alerts in our Newsroom, and sent weekly legislative summary emails , backed up by extensive Legislative Reports (LR). Meanwhile, our active initiative petition work continues for campaign finance reform and redistricting. We are getting requests to work with others, including preliminary research into defining legislative quorums. Subscribe and watch for our final Sine Die LR after session completion, with the Governor signing or vetoing the session bills in early August. End-of-session rumors swirled as information was not shared for purported weekend leadership meetings, partisan bill lists for negotiation, interpreting consequences for Legislators’ absenteeism, and scheduling special sessions, with failure imminent for agency budget bills. Public access was absent and it seemed that many bills were likely to die with too little time for procedural requirements, which could include returning amended bills to the House for concurrence with subsequent amendments. The walkout delayed Senate floor hearings for probably hundreds of policy and budget bills across all issue portfolios, including many of the 160+ issues we testified to. Some Senators’ unexcused absences, to prevent assembly of the minimum quorum required to vote, were intended to prevent otherwise likely majority passage of legislation for reproductive and/or gender affirming health care and gun safety bills. As the end of session was declared imminent, advance public meeting notice periods shrank and sometimes were omitted. The Action Chair position has changed from Alice Bartelt, newly elected LWVOR President, to Becky Gladstone, LWVOR past President. We will meet this summer to celebrate our successes and to face our issue and leadership gaps, looking to reorganize. Watch for a roster of issues that need volunteer support, especially from organizers who can support our volunteers and issue experts. We are planning for a summer Action Retreat, a Legislative Process Day in the fall, and Day at the Legislature in spring of 2024. For information, please write to Becky Gladstone, b.gladstone@lwvor.org . DEVELOPMENT UPDATE By Jackie Clary and Freddi Weishahn, Development Co-Chairs The LWVOR received the Carol and Velma Saling Foundation grant for $50,000 on May 24, 2023, for our essential work providing Oregonians across the state with trusted, non-partisan voter information and civic education. The Saling Foundation has been a stalwart supporter of LWVOR, and we are deeply grateful. We were also awarded the Oregon Humanities Public Program Grant for $8,152 on June 6, 2023, for our Youth Outreach to encourage civic engagement among young voters in rural, urban, and marginalized communities across Oregon. Our non-partisan Youth Council , joining efforts with LWVOR, will engage in online and in-person training and mentoring to create an accessible and equitable path for youth to civic education and engagement. Their peer outreach workshop at our LWVOR State Convention, May 20, 2023, was inspiring! Watch for news of their Youth Voter Summit , planned for January 19th, 2024. LWVOR YOUTH COUNCIL PERSPECTIVE By Celine Ioffe, Youth Council President Youth Council President Celine Ioffe met with Dr. Deborah Turner, LWVUS President, at LWVUS Council. I have always believed perspective is everything and the national perspective I gained attending LWVUS Council in Las Vegas last weekend is exciting for all present and future young League of Women Voters members. In all my conversations, whether it be with a member of the Colorado League or a member of the National Board, there was not a single person who wasn’t deeply interested in learning how to involve and create more opportunities for youth within the League. Attending Council also made me aware of the many different youth involvement projects across the League nationally, including several college campus chapters, Maine’s youth internship program, and more. This made me realize there is no one direct youth pipeline into the League, which makes it difficult for youth in certain areas to get involved. Connecting and following up in the weeks ahead with as many state Leagues as we can and offering collaboration, support, and sharing of resources for their own Youth Councils in their state or local League was my goal for the weekend. Representing my other nine LWVOR Youth Council members at a national Council in Las Vegas as a 17-year-old, only six months into my work with the League, was one of the most growing and grounding experiences I’ve had. I was able to gather diverse League perspectives from practically every state and met so many incredible and inspirational people. I am so thankful to the League for giving me this opportunity, for my other two Oregon attendees, Diana DeMaria and Jackie Clary, for being so supportive and helpful the many times I needed it, and for the kindness of LWVUS President Dr. Deborah Turner and LWVUS CEO Virginia Kase Solomon to include and devote valuable time to one of their newest League members at such a busy event. I am motivated and excited to expand the future of Oregon’s Youth Council and the growth of youth involvement in our local Leagues and beyond. 2024 OREGON STUDENT MOCK ELECTION (OSME) By Mimi Alkire, State Board Secretary In the November 2022 General Election, LWVOR hosted the first statewide student mock election since 2012. For that mock election, nearly 5,000 students were registered to vote by 38 educators from 21 different cities/towns, representing 15 counties from every corner of the state. However, because of the formidable firewalls around urban school district emails, we were only able to get a response from exactly one (1!) Portland Public Schools educator and only a handful of educators from other large urban districts. So, to try to make headway in the Portland area, LWVPDX hosted a Multnomah County student mock election in May 2023. PDX volunteers contacted or visited their neighborhood middle and high schools to deliver information about the 2023 student mock election. That effort brought us active contact information for 64 local educators! These come from 13 middle and 14 high schools in the Portland metro area. They include both public and private schools. We hope to replicate that process in other leagues around the state for 2024. In May 2023, students in Multnomah County voted on Measure 26-238 (Tenant Eviction Representation) and Portland City Measure 26-240 (Children’s Levy). Many of the 2023 contacts were unable to participate in the spring county election but expressed interest in the 2024 statewide mock election. Although we had a small turnout, we count this as a success in collecting contact information for 2024. Reports and feedback from 2023 participating teachers were positive and helpful. Mock ballots are always accompanied by instructions and an optional lesson plan with many ideas and resources for teachers to use in preparing their students to vote. For the 2024 primary we plan to provide two lesson plans for teachers to use all or parts of: 1. A lesson plan addressing Ranked-Choice Voting (RCV). This one will answer the questions: What is ranked-choice-voting and how does it work? It would be appropriate for social studies classes but is also geared toward math classes. 2. A lesson plan addressing the Parties and Primaries in Oregon. This one will answer the questions: What are the political parties of Oregon and what do they believe? What is a closed primary and why do we have one? The OSME Committee would love your input as we prepare for the upcoming primary election. REGISTER YOUR MEMBER ACCOUNT ON OUR NEW AND IMPROVED WEBSITE! The new website was designed with members and the public in mind. Please take a few moments to explore the new format and let us know what you think. A few highlights: • Members-only section featuring an interactive forum ( register and sign in to view) • Improved Legislative Report and Study accessibility • In development: An extensive Knowledge Base featuring toolkits and tutorials for, DEIJ, Voter Services, New Members, and commonly used digital services such as Google products, Zoom, Canva, and more! Login to view . PLEASE NOTE: You will need to re-register your account on the website to log in and view the members-only section. After logging in, click on the profile icon to see the dropdown list for members only. Feel free to contact us at media@lwvor.org if you have any questions. LWVOR CONVENTION 2023 By LWVOR Staff After years of remote meetings to keep each other safe in a pandemic, League members gathered in-person once again for the LWVOR Convention in Eugene, OR. Laughs, hugs, smiles, and handshakes were shared in the lobby of the Eugene Graduate Hotel, as the oversized University of Oregon duck statue overlooked the reunion of League members coming together for the first time at a Convention since 2020. LWVOR Bylaws dictate that every other year, delegates and observers from the majority of Leagues across the state come together to approve bylaws updates, discuss the budget, approve potential study topics, and vote in new Board members. It was also a time of meeting those who may only have been seen on a Zoom screen. Some League members chuckled as they met their tall colleagues for the first time, commenting that virtual meetings make for deceptive perceptions of height. The weekend kicked off with a tour of the Shelton-McMurphy house, a historical landmark of the Eugene community. League members then gathered for the tradition of the “dine-around,” where groups gathered at well-reviewed restaurants recommended by the Lane League host, enjoying the chance to explore downtown Eugene. Saturday marked the beginning of the business proceedings of the League Convention, where Becky Gladstone, outgoing LWVOR president, conducted a program that addressed some of the key foundations upon which the League operates. Reports were presented from several committees, including Nominating, Budget, and Program, while an energetic discussion ensued from delegates and observers on several clarifying points. A midmorning business intermission saw Representative Nancy Nathanson making an informative, stirring presentation about her work in the Oregon Legislature. The Saturday morning program concluded with lunch speaker Regina Lawrence, who spoke eloquently on the timely, critical topic of local journalism in Oregon. Four workshops followed the Saturday business program, including Youth Council members introducing themselves and sharing their goals for the newly-formed committee, a panel discussion of the First Amendment, a Nominating Committee task force presentation, and an update of LWVUS activities relating to climate change. Saturday ended with Pulitzer finalist Les Zaitz offering a moving and forthright presentation on the importance of truth in journalism and the role of news writers in furthering fact-centered reporting. The Sunday business meeting wrapped up the Convention with votes by delegates on the budget, proposal of studies, and more. League members passed by the silent auction tables for last-minute bids, coffee mugs in hand. The newly-designed LWVOR banner served as a backdrop for group photos for local League members, our renowned Action committee members, and the outgoing and incoming Board members. Becky Gladstone, passing the gavel after four years of exemplary leadership, smiled as she pulled on her Youth Council beanie and held up her commemoration plaque. The League leadership then passed into the highly capable hands of our esteemed parliamentarian, Alice Bartelt. The LWVOR Convention ended the same way it began: With handshakes, hugs, smiles, and a renewed sense of commitment to the League principles and mission. League members have adapted swiftly over the past few years to achieve greatness in unprecedented times, defending democracy across the state and in their communities through one challenge after another. While political perils of great magnitude persist, the attitude at the 2023 Convention was one of hope. Together, League members have faced down adversity across the decades in their fight for democracy, and that spirit was evident in the passionate discussions and resolute perspectives. As Les Zaitz concluded in his rousing speech on the importance of fighting for truth: “There is one step that you and I have to take, and that is to not give up.” IN MEMORIAM In June, the League of Women Voters of Oregon mourned the passing of the esteemed Norma Jean Germond. Norma Jean was an active member of both her local Clackamas League and the state League, where she served as President from 1979-1983. Her influential volunteer work included stints at several organizations, including as the chair of the LWV Columbia River Task Force, member of National Board of Association of Community College Trustees, chair of the Oregon State Advisory Committee on Adult Education and Literacy, president of the board of the Association of Environmental Education Centers at Clackamas Community College, first chair and founder of the Northwest Conservation Act Coalition (now NW Energy Coalition), and elected to Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition Board. Germond was honored with a Distinguished Service Award at the LWVOR Century Celebration in 2020 for her volunteer work.

Dear Friend, We are in the countdown for a momentous election and our determination to empower voters and defend democracy with trusted and nonpartisan information remains as strong as ever.   Let’s work with local and state Leagues and all of our community and national partners to update and increase voter registration across the state! Our goal is solid civic engagement of voices being heard at the ballot box, in every race, not just the one at the top of the ballot.  Let’s see how high voter turnout can be in Oregon. We’re glad you’re here!  Contents: The Young Vote Film Elections Are League Business Civics Are League Business Oregon SoS 2024 Civic Engagement Toolkit LWVOR Recall Study Moves Forward Communications and Electoral Systems History of Campaign Finance Reform Upcoming Opportunity: “Democracy in Action” How the League Helps Oregon Voters Election Threat/Intimidation Response Plan Development Update Oregon Student Mock Election (OSME) Update Opportunities Await! Add Your Voice to the LWVOR Board The Young Vote Film  Above: LWVOR Youth Council members participated in The Young Vote film screening in Portland earlier this year. We are excited to share a new resource with all of you: The Young Vote  film highlights the political awakening of a generation shaped by distrust in government and events like the Parkland shooting, exploring the challenges they face in voting and offering solutions like gerrymandering reform and ways to increase youth participation and preserve democracy. LWVOR has obtained a license to share the film with League members at no cost. Find the video file and discussion guide here .  Please contact us at media@lwvor.org  if you have any questions or issues accessing the files. Elections Are League Business A change at the top of the ticket in the presidential race turns out to be big news. But what does it mean for the League of Women Voters?   We have more opportunity to take advantage of the attention this draws to the November ballot as there are many important races that will be decided in the November 5th election.  We also know voter turnout is greatest when there's a presidential election at the top of the ballot.  We want to invite voters to find us online, in their mailbox, and in their community for access to information they need to cast an informed vote. Every League member and friend can help.  Here are resources for you, your friends, and family. Please help get the word out! Vote411 Vote411.org  is the League's national platform for everyone’s personalized voter guide.  The ballot can be overwhelming.  Voters enter their home address — no matter their physical location — and see who is on their ballot.  They will see a job description for each race.  There is voting information with important deadlines.  Voters hear directly from candidates who answer questions in their own words.  League volunteers reach out to all candidates running for positions in Oregon, though not all respond.  While not all states cover every race, each state has trusted and nonpartisan information on VOTE411 to get an overview for informed voting.  If you have friends and family elsewhere, let them know!   Candidate Forums When people think of the League of Women Voters, many think of candidate forums and registering voters.  Here in Oregon, at both the state and local level, League volunteers are hosting candidate forums.    Many local forums for congressional and legislative seats are also in the works.  Check your local League website to find out what's going on.  You will be amazed at the many opportunities for voters to connect with the candidates who seek to represent them. State Ballot Measure Overview Five statewide ballot measures will appear on the November ballot: Highlights 115: Oregon has the only state legislature that cannot impeach state executive officials. The state legislature  voted to send an amendment to voters that would authorize the impeachment process during the 2023 legislative session. 116: The legislature voted to send a constitutional amendment to the ballot to establish an Independent Public Service Compensation Commission to determine certain public officials' salaries. 117: Oregon will be one of five states to decide on a ranked-choice voting  ballot measure this year after the state legislature voted to refer a law authorizing its use to the ballot. Two initiatives qualified for the ballot:118 - An initiative  to increase the state's corporate tax rate and distribute that revenue to residents.119 - An initiative  to require cannabis businesses to remain neutral when labor organizations communicate with employees about collective bargaining rights. From an advocacy angle, LWVOR is recommending a YES vote on Measure 117 and a NO vote on Measure 118.  We are remaining neutral on the other three ballot measures because the League does not have relevant positions for them.  Our recommendations regarding the initiatives are based on state and national positions the League adopted after study and member consensus and rest on member understanding.  At the same time, the League has a duty to serve voters and provide them with the information they need to cast an informed ballot.  How do we navigate this dual role?  First and foremost, it's important to know which effort is at play. LWV of the United States has provided guidance.  Check here for specific information . In its Voter Services role, LWVOR is working to prepare ballot measure summary toolkits of the initiatives and Ballot Measure Speakers will be available to book for speaking to community groups. Go to your county elections website for local measures. Social Media Social media is a great way to educate the public about elections and tools for becoming an informed voter.  Please follow LWVOR social media, as well as other Leagues, including your local League and the national League. This helps promote our voter resources and is a lot of fun! Voter Registration Many local Leagues are tabling at events in their communities.  More than voter registration, tabling provides an opportunity to reach out directly to voters and offer tools and resources for an informed electorate.  Please check your local League's website to learn more about events and how you can help.  Voters can be referred to resources that include https://www.vote411.org , lwvor.org/your-government , sos.oregon.gov/voting-elections .  LWVUS Statement What about the change at the top of the Democratic Party's ticket? Yes — it means increased attention to the election.  The League is nonpartisan, so how things play out with respect to candidates is not in our wheelhouse.  Election rules and free and fair elections are.  Please take a look at the LWVUS statement below.  You will see reference there to the National Task Force on Election Crises.  LWVUS is a member.  You may want to bookmark this site to stay informed of developments.  You can also keep informed by checking the LWVUS' blog post  on the topic. President Biden Withdraws from Reelection | League of Women Voters ( lwv.org ) Civics Are League Business Many thanks to League member Sandy Nipper for sharing the following guidance from Oregon Department of Education Social Science Specialist, Amit Kobrowski. School districts use the State Social Science Standards to design the classroom curriculum.  In June, the State Board of Education (ODE) adopted new standards. The high school civics standards begin on page 70 in the document linked here . For the upcoming school year, many school districts may continue to use a previous version of the standards linked here .      OREGON SOCIAL SCIENCE LEGISLATION SB 1050 Professional Learning Related to Teaching Inclusive Social Science Standards In the 2023 legislative session, The Oregon Legislature adopted Senate Bill 1050 requiring ODE to provide professional learning for the implementation of inclusive social science standards. The Senate Bill 1050 overview  provides additional information about this legislation. SB 513 High School Civics Credit Requirement In the 2021 legislative session, the Oregon Legislature adopted Senate Bill 513  requiring students to earn 0.5 civics course credit to fulfill graduation requirements, beginning with the class of 2026 (current 8th-grade students). This new law ensures that all students in Oregon graduate with the civic knowledge to be empowered, engaged, and informed members of a democratic society. The civics credit guidance document  outlines the new requirements of the .5 credit for a high school transcript. How Civics Credits Can be Earned The total number of high school credits (24) and social science credits (3) remains unchanged, but at least 0.5 of the three social science credits must now include civics.  U.S. civics and/or government courses that incorporate all high school civics and government standards  will meet the requirements of the proposed new rule. Some schools may already offer a civics course aligned with Oregon's high school civics standards, while others may need to review their social science offerings to create a course that meets this requirement. Schools without a qualifying civics course will need to develop a course to meet this new civics graduation requirement. SB 702 Strengthening Civics Instruction During the 2021 Legislative session, the Oregon State Legislature passed Senate Bill 702, directing the State Board of Education to review the social science standards  related to civics instruction. More information about SB 702 Legislation Resources Recommended Supplemental Texts - Ethnic Studies Grade Level Guidance for Holocaust/Genocide Objectives Honoring Tribal Legacies Western Hemisphere Resources, rev. 3-2019 Teaching the Civil Rights Movement Center for Digital Storytelling The Oregon Encyclopedia  The Oregon Encyclopedia is an authoritative and free resource on all things Oregon, from the expected to the unexpected. Learn more about the people, places, events, and institutions that define the history and culture of Oregon. Honoring Tribal Legacies Resources National Council for the Social Studies  Social studies educators teach students the content knowledge, intellectual skills, and civic values necessary for fulfilling the duties of citizenship in a participatory democracy. The mission of National Council for the Social Studies is to provide leadership, service, and support for all social studies educators. Oregon Historical Society Oregon SoS 2024 Civic Engagement Toolkit Ahead of the May primary election, Oregon Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade released a civic engagement toolkit, aimed at helping organizations do voter registration and voter turnout work in the 2024 elections and an updated version of the toolkit  was released this week that’s ready to use for the November General Election. The tools included in the 2024 toolkit are official, non-partisan, research-backed, and free to use with or without attribution to the SoS office. Download the 2024 Civic Engagement Toolkit here . LWVOR Recall Study Moves Forward The LWVOR Board on July 15 approved the state study, Assessing the Recall Process in Oregon. In the coming months, League members across the state will have a chance to read the study and discuss the issues and questions it raises in a consensus process, which may lead to a revised LWVOR position on recall elections. Work on the 51-page study started with a proposal from the LWV Lane County, followed by LWVOR Board referral at the May 2023 LWVOR Convention to delegates who approved the project. Over the last year, a four-person study team has conducted interviews and research, organized ideas and materials, and shared writing and review duties. Study team members are Alice LaViolette, League of Marion and Polk Counties; and LWVLC members Rhonda Livesay, Linda Lynch, and Keli Osborn.  Others contributing to the study have included League members who joined the study team in conducting interviews with a dozen local elections officials and experts. These League members are Chris Cobey, LWV Portland; Carol Cushman, LWV Portland; Joyce Durban, LWV Deschutes County; Kathleen Hersh, LWV Washington County; Ruth Kistler, LWV Lincoln County; Josie Koehne, LWV Washington County; Jane Mulholland, LWV Lincoln County; Katie Riley, LWV Washington County; Amy Vandegrift, LWV Marion/Polk Counties, and Jane VanKuren, LWV Washington County. Editing team members are Merle Bottge, LWV Lane County; Abigail Hertzler, LWVOR staff; Rebecca Gladstone, LWVLC member and LWVOR Advocacy Co-Chair; Barbara Klein, LWV Rogue Valley; and Sarah Andrews, LWVOR staff. The study explores state requirements for the recall of elected officials, Oregon history, comparison of Oregon’s recall process to other states, potential impacts on voter education and turnout, and more. Don’t be daunted ahead of time by the study’s length! It’s a reader-friendly document, professionally designed by LWVOR staff.  (The table of contents occupies two pages, with another 16 pages for appendices, compilation of resources, and credits…along with graphics from historical archives and several pages of charts.) By the way, here’s how the national League defines consensus: The process used to arrive at positions on issues. The collective opinion of a substantial number of League members, representative of the membership as a whole, after objective study of an issue. We hope you’ll watch for the study and find ways to participate in the next phase of this work. This will include unit meetings and other opportunities for discussion/input.  As one of our interview subjects, Lane County Clerk Dena Dawson, said in an interview: “We need more public education about the recall process.”  Communications and Electoral Systems: Ranked Choice Voting and STAR Barbara Klein, LWVOR 1st VP Communications Rarely do we manage to “kill two birds with one stone.” But if you don’t favor killing birds, consider this article as an effort in repurposing (a time-management trick I relish). My dual purpose here is to connect with statewide League members in my new role of Communications chair, as well as the action committee portfolio holder for Electoral Systems.   Many of you are aware that our Oregon 2024 general election will include a ballot measure adopting Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) elections for much of our statewide government.  LWVOR supports that measure based on our Election Methods position, which can be found in the resource section below.  Fewer of you may be aware that another electoral system was on the Eugene ballot this 2024 primary season.  That system is often abbreviated as STAR (Score then Automatic Runoff).  While it did not succeed (losing by 67% of the vote), it may be helpful for League members to understand it and how the LWVOR approaches it.   After various statewide studies on electoral methods, we realize that most systems are better than our typical plurality (‘pick-one’ or ‘most votes wins’) elections.  Technically, these conventional elections are known as FPTP – or First Past the Post.  STAR allows more ballot options and expression for voters than FPTP.   Nevertheless, the League prefers RCV when possible or available, over STAR.  I will explain why below.  In great part, this approach, and concerns, are based on our LWVOR 2023 update.   Taking a personal privilege, I would like to explain my own opinion of when we might prefer STAR.  If you are functioning in a group of like-minded individuals who have no real opposition to one another (such as setting goals for the LWV or decisions made by a small business), STAR could be reasonable and perhaps easier to administer when counting by hand.  The same could be said for Approval Voting, which our position explicitly rejects.  Still, due to the four apprehensions listed below, we would not prefer STAR for governmental elections (often referred to as “elections of consequence”). Our Concerns over STAR Voting The concerns below are based on the principles and preferences of the LWVOR after numerous studies on electoral systems.  Not all election scientists, politicians, or activists may share our views.  Many do. I hope to put these 4 points in simple wording so that League members can evaluate STAR (especially in comparison to RCV) to answer questions from their communities.  The bottom line is that RCV meets more of the preferred criteria from both our state and national position than does STAR.  Just a quick reminder – “ the League speaks with one voice .”  For anyone new to League, that phrase means that ‘lower’ levels of our organization cannot work against positions of higher levels.  (Local leagues cannot take a stand against a state position, and likewise, state Leagues cannot oppose national positions.).  We follow this rule to make certain we don’t confuse the public about our standing or advocacy.   While STAR champions often say that STAR is a form of Ranked Choice Voting (RCV), it is actually “ Range or Score Voting, followed by a Top Two Vote. ”  This more closely describes its operations.   STAR does not guarantee a majority winner, as RCV does in the last round  of counting.   There is NO consistent definition between voters regarding the value of each STAR vote.  (With rankings, the first spot is the first spot, the second, the second etc. This is not so clear with STAR.  You and I may share the exact same opinion of a candidate, and yet I give her 3 stars while you give her 4 stars.)  Definition of STARS between voters is not consistent .  This muddles the clarity of voters’ intentions in the overall election results.   In the last round, many ballots may be disqualified because the voter gave the remaining candidates the same ‘score’ (or number of STARS).  Proponents say the voter had “ no preference. ”  We reject that idea and believe people will not realize this is the process. It disenfranchises many voters.  In part because of the point above, STAR is a system that may need, or may use, strategy when voting.  (For instance, I may know I should not  score candidates with the same number of STARS so that my ballot is not eliminated in the final count; you may not know this. Thus, I have an advantage.)  With RCV you simply vote your favorites in order of preference.  There is no practical use in trying to be strategic.    For any members who wish to learn more about these systems, please refer to our studies listed below in the resources.  However, for those who simply wanted to understand the reason that LWVOR would support RCV instead of STAR, a system originating in Oregon, I hope this offered a general background.   -- Resources: You can read the full position (amended 2016) at mid-page here: https://fab67f44-53c0-4d55-8f3f-38f29e9a1504.filesusr.com/ugd/54a310_254f05d580514121b5651b134fa695c6.pdf   Restudy update from 2023:  https://www.lwvor.org/studies-1/election-methods-study-update-2023    The Executive Summary from the original study of 2008 can be read here: Microsoft Word - ExecutiveSummaryFinal ( filesusr.com ) History of Campaign Finance Reform By Norman Turrill In 2020, the League supported the Legislature’s referred constitutional amendment Measure 107  to voters to allow campaign finance limits. Voters passed it overwhelmingly by over 78%. However, three Legislative sessions passed without implementing a Measure 107 statute. Legislators could not agree on anything that limited their own campaigns; they all are experts on financing their own campaigns and all have a huge conflict of interest. In 2022, the Honest Elections group , including the LWVOR, Common Cause and other good government groups, participated in intense negotiations with unions and Our Oregon, lasting for many months. An agreement was reached on an initiative text; however, the unions backed out of the deal at the last minute. Honest Elections redrafted the proposal together with national experts from the Campaign Legal Center, Common Cause and the League. They then filed initiative petition (IP) 9  in July, 2022, after a long drafting process where IP 8 (a constitutional amendment to stop campaign finance laws impairment), IP 23 (including Democracy Vouchers) and IP 24 (including public matching of small donations) were also filed.  Honest Elections settled on IP 9 as the proposal most likely to make the ballot and be adopted by voters. After an eight-month ballot title certification process all the way to the Oregon Supreme Court, while Our Oregon did its best to delay the process, the Secretary of State finally approved IP 9 for circulation in May, 2023. The campaign quickly hired petitioners, organized volunteers including the League, and eventually collected some 100,000 signatures. LWVOR policy says that the League only supports ballot measures after ballot qualification, unless it was involved in measure drafting and organizing. Then Our Oregon, sensing IP 9’s potential success, redrafted the originally agreed Honest Elections initiative text (with huge loopholes for unions and other organizations). Our Oregon filed IP 42 , got a ballot title in less than 5 months, hired circulators, and began collecting signatures in January, 2024. At this point, it was clear to some legislators entering the short legislative session, that an expensive ballot battle was brewing between IP 9 and IP 42. Very quickly and historically , some union and business lobbyists got together and drafted a legislative bill. Dexter Johnson, lead Legislative Counsel, quickly drafted an LC bill.  The House Rules Committee, Chaired by Rep. Julie Fahey and Vice Chair Rep. Jeffrey Helfrich, stuffed the LC bill as an amendment into HB 4024 , an unused placeholder bill. Two hearings and a work session were quickly held within a few days. The League initially opposed the bill  in its -3 amendment form. Intense negotiations ensued behind the scenes between Honest Elections, some legislators, and business and union lobbyists, with the League being supportive but not directly involved. Some 40 changes  were made to the 49-page bill before Honest Elections agreed that it was “ good enough ”. Part of the agreement was withdrawal of both IP 9 and IP 42. HB 4024 initially included a referral to November ballots, also removed from the final bill.  The House Rules Committee quickly passed HB 4024 to the House floor, rules were suspended, and it passed 52 to 5. The very next day, the Senate Rules Committee quickly and concurrently held a hearing and work session, passing HB 4024 to the Senate floor. The Senate suspended rules, passed the bill 22 to 6, all on the last day of session . The Governor said she would sign it. It is clear that much more work needs to be done to implement HB 4024. Funding must be allocated to the Secretary of State  and administrative rules must be written and adopted before the January 2027 effective date. ORESTAR must be reprogrammed for a “dashboard” advertising disclosure, and “drill down” to see original campaign contribution funding sources. The 2025 long legislative session will undoubtedly want to consider amendments, both good and bad. This work could continue for years, if not decades. Stay tuned! Previous Campaign Finance History Campaign contribution limits were adopted in 1908 by initiative . Those limits remained in effect until the 1970s when the Legislature repealed them in favor of campaign spending limits, a fad at the time.  In 1976, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down campaign spending limits in the famous Buckley v. Valeo  court case because they violated the First Amendment. However, the SCOTUS justified contribution limits because of the state’s interest in preventing “corruption and the appearance of corruption  spawned by the real or imagined coercive influence of large financial contributions on candidates' positions and on their actions if elected to office." In 1994, Oregon voters again adopted campaign contribution limits by initiative with Measure 9 . They were only in effect for the 1996 election until the Oregon Supreme Court struck them down in 1997 on the basis of free speech in the Oregon Constitution, VanNatta v. Keisling . In 1998, voters approved Measure 62, a constitutional amendment requiring campaign finance and  ad financing disclosures, and allowing the Legislature to regulate signature gathering. The Legislature later prohibited paying petition circulators per signature, among other regulations. In 2000, the League helped draft initiative Measure 6 and supported it with a Voters’ Pamphlet statement, to provide public funding to candidates who limited campaign spending and private contributions. It failed on the ballot.  Oregon voters again passed contribution limits with initiative Measure 47  in 2006. The companion initiative, constitutional amendment Measure 46 , however, did not pass, so the Measure 47 limits never went into effect. The League did not help draft these measures and later opposed them because Measure 46 required a three-fourths (3/4) legislative vote to amend previously enacted campaign finance laws, or to pass new laws. Measure 47 also required low contributions limits, perhaps unconstitutionally. Later in 2020, when the Oregon Supreme Court rescinded its repeal of campaign contribution limits, the Oregon Attorney General and Secretary of State refused without explanation to allow Measure 47 to go into effect, even though it was still in Oregon Revised Statute. In the early 2020s, the Honest Elections group , including the LWVOR, Common Cause and several other good government groups, succeeded in getting contribution limits adopted for Portland and Multnomah County, with public funding for Portland candidates, with a small donor matching fund. Find this article and future updates related to campaign finance reform on the LWVOR website here .  Upcoming Opportunity: “Democracy in Action” The Upstanders Mural in Boston, MA, a project spearheaded by Facing History. By Elizabeth Kirby, DEIJ Chair Upcoming Opportunity: This opportunity is primarily focused for classroom educators but is also open for educators of all kinds. Facing History & Ourselves  is a registered 501c3 organization with a mission that focuses on using the lessons of history to challenge teachers and their students to stand up to bigotry and hate. They have an upcoming FREE series for educators:   "Democracy in Action: Teaching about the 2024 Election and Educating for Civic Participation" This is a multi-part series of lessons that starts in late August and ends in September. Participants can sign up for all lessons or choose the ones they feel to be most relevant to their work. Sign up and more information can be found by clicking on the series title above. "Democracy in Action: Teaching about the 2024 Election and Educating for Civic Participation" How the League Helps Oregon Voters By Abigail Bok, Marianne Germond, Peggy Bengry, Voter Service Leadership Team  You’re probably aware of the work done by your local League, but what about the League of Women Voters of Oregon? LWVOR also offers a wide array of resources for Oregonians making up their minds about how to vote at the state level. Here’s a glimpse into what will be available in October. Ballot Measures  Ballot measure reports with pros & cons. A statewide committee led by Peggy Bengry ( p.bengry@lwvor.org ) researches every statewide ballot measure and prepares a detailed analysis of the background, costs, and consequences of a yes or no vote, plus arguments from supporters and opponents. WHEN: Scheduled to be released to local leagues September 19. WHERE: The reports are posted on the state League website ( lwvor.org ) and on Vote411.org ; local Leagues can post them on their websites as well; and they’re incorporated into a Speaker’s Kit that’s sent to all local Leagues. VOLUNTEER  with your local League to make ballot measure presentations to other groups; hand them out at forums and meetings. Local Leagues can also write ballot measure reports on county and local measures to post in Vote411.org and on your website. Contact Peggy Bengry for templates, guidelines and timeline. Vote411.org A team of volunteers (led by Abigail Bok, vote411lead@lwvor.org ) compiles a database for every election listing every race and candidate in the state. All candidates are invited to post answers to a few questions and then add links to their own campaign sites, a photo, and more. How it works: Visitors to the site enter their street address and can see everything on their ballot plus all the info about races and measures the League has compiled. We add links to forums and interviews and more. WHEN: Candidates are responding now; Vote411 goes live September 30. WHERE:  Vote411.org VOLUNTEER  to promote Vote411: it’s as easy as posting on social media (the League provides images and messaging, contact the Digital Director, Sarah Andrews, at s.andrews@lwvor.org for tips and resources); or simply talking to friends, family, and social groups. The state office ( a.hertzler@lwvor.org ) and your local League have cards, posters, and more that you can hand out or post on bulletin boards. In addition to promoting the website, you can also help your local League by calling candidates to urge them to post on Vote411. Your local Voter Service chair will have phone numbers and scripts.  Voters’ Guide The League’s print Voters’ Guide draws candidates’ responses from Vote411 and adds League-researched in-depth information about statewide ballot measures.  The Guide also gives voters information on how to vote, important dates, and how to contact their local elections office. Local Leagues use it as a handout at forums; they distribute to many places including libraries, Elections Offices, and senior centers; and for outreach into Spanish-speaking communities. The Voters’ Guide editor, Marianne Germond ( votersguideeditor@lwvor.org ), also coordinates with the State Library to produce audio and Braille versions of the guide.  WHEN: Local Leagues will need to place their orders by September 13 and can expect delivery roughly between October 4 and October 9. WHERE: Ask your local League who is receiving the copies. There will also be online PDF versions of the guides (English and Spanish) on the LWVOR website that can be linked to and printed. VOLUNTEER to help distribute copies of the Voters’ Guide, or help look up addresses of places to leave copies—coffee shops, bookstores, any place people gather. Help spread the word about the Guide among friends, family, and social groups. Election Threat/Intimidation Response Plan By Elizebeth Kirby, DEIJ Chair With an uptick in violence, threats, and intimidation tactics being used to suppress voters across the nation, it’s more important than ever to develop a plan of action to support both our members and our local communities against these threats to our democracy. Although Oregon’s mail-in ballot system provides less opportunity for intimidation at the polls, there has been an increase in folks being intimidated at ballot drop boxes across the state. Election workers are also facing unprecedented levels of threats and many offices across the state have increased security and developed action plans to respond to violence or intimidation.  Developing these types of action plans allow us to rapidly respond by empowering our communities to speak up and report election interference. It also provides an opportunity to protect those in our community that may be targeted by those seeking to disrupt democracy. LWVUS has provided a resource guide  that outlines how to develop a rapid response team for your local league. The Oregon Secretary of State, Elections Division has a webpage  devoted to reporting election law violations.  The Election Protection Hotline is also a valuable resource. This hotline can be used to report: Issues or questions that impact individual voters, such as questions regarding ID requirements, incorrect information regarding polling place or eligibility, or what to do now that a voter has cast a provisional ballot, should be directed to the Election Protection Hotlines. Isolated incidents of voter intimidation should also be directed to the Election Protection Hotlines. This hotline is available in a wide variety of languages: English: 1-866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683)  En Español: 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA (888-839-8682) Asian multilingual assistance: 1-888-API-VOTE (888-274-8683)  Arabic: 1-844-YALLA-US (844-925-5287)  Development Update  By Jackie Clary and Freddi Weishahn, LWVOR Development Co-Chairs The Carol and Velma Saling Foundation, a most generous, sustaining contributor to our mission, awarded LWVOR $57,000 on August 6, 2024. We are honored and sincerely grateful to the Saling Foundation for continuing to be a major influence in our ability to increase outreach for our voter education programs, continue to produce trusted nonpartisan publications and strengthen publicity for the many services we provide to diverse communities across Oregon. The Autzen Foundation, which supports charitable work for a wide array of organizations that make Oregon a better place, awarded LWVOR $5,000 on August 13, 2024, to fund our Youth Council activities. We sincerely thank the Autzen Foundation for recognizing the importance of our Youth Council and their work to bring more youth across Oregon into our participatory democracy. This award will enable our dedicated youth to continue to Get-Out-The-Vote and hold more workshops, including another Civic Education Summit. They have also been given a national spotlight by the LWVUS, which is working with LWVOR Youth Council member Lucy Robb to form a national LWVUS Youth Council. Kudos to our youth! Oregon Student Mock Election (OSME) Update  By Mimi Alkire, OSME Chair Even though we haven't officially begun the push to get teachers registering their students for the 2024 General Mock Election, we are always open for business! At the time of this writing (8/20/24) we have five schools registered with nearly 2,000 students estimated to be voting. As soon as the Secretary of State's office has the ballot information, we will be selecting three races for which the students will vote. They will for sure get to vote for President of the United States, a state-wide office, and a ballot measure. Local races can also be included by request. Questions should be directed to MockElection@lwvor.org . The dates and deadlines that are important for this election are: TODAY! –                            Registration is open now! Just click HERE    Wednesday, October 16 – Oregon ballot mailing begins October 15-25 –             Student Mock Election Voting Window Friday, November 1 –         OSME results released to the public Tuesday, November 5 –     Oregon General Election Day Opportunities Await! Add Your Voice to the LWVOR Board Be part of the mission and have a good time too! Six Director positions available on the LWVOR Board for the 2025-2027 term. If you are interested, know someone who might be interested, have questions, want more information, please email nominating@lwvor.org .

Date:  May 15, 2025 To: All LWVOR Members From:  Lisa Bentson, LWVOR President Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator ACTION :   Please contact members of the Joint Ways and Means Committee as well as members of the Joint W&M Natural Resources Committee REQUEST :   We are contacting local League members throughout Oregon to ask members of the Ways and Means Natural Resources Subcommittee to advance both of these bills by setting work sessions for each. LEAGUE POSITION: To assure the future availability of essential resources, government policies must promote stewardship of natural resources. Policies that promote resource conservation are a fundamental part of such stewardship DEADLINE : ASAP   We need your support to fund both bills which bolster biodiversity, invest in coastal economies, and increase resilience to a changing climate   HB 3580 Identifies knowledge gaps and policy barriers to effective eelgrass  management because eelgrass  Provides food and habitat for a variety of species Reduces harmful algal blooms HB 3587 develops site management plans for existing rocky habitats because rocky habitats protect Biodiverse ecosystems Shorelines  For more information and talking points, see  HB 3580  and HB 3587 . Contact lwvor@lwvor.org  with questions or to volunteer to support legislation like this

Read the latest All-members newsletter here. Find our printable version here.

Date:  April 16, 2025 To: All LWVOR Members From:  Lisa Bentson, LWVOR President Jean Pierce, Social Policy Coordinator Marge Easley, Gun Policy Advocate  Take action: Contact your Oregon Senator and urge to sponsor and vote for SB 243 A when it comes to the Senate Floor. ( Find Your Legislators ) REQUEST: Support SB 243  A  DEADLINE: April 21 WHY SUPPORT FOR SB 243 A IS NEEDED:  The League believes the proliferation of handguns and semi-automatic assault weapons is a major health and safety threat. Your Senator needs to hear from Oregonians in favor of stronger gun laws. The majority of testimony received is from very vocal opponents. Strong state gun laws are urgently needed to counteract weakening federal regulations and enforcement.  SB 243 A would change Oregon gun laws:  Create a 72-hour waiting period for the purchase of a firearm  Ban rapid-fire devices, such as bump stocks, that allow semi-automatic guns to function like machine guns Expand the public areas that can be designated “gun-free zones”  Find talking points in League testimony for 72-hour waiting period , ban on rapid fire , and " gun free zones ." See more information from  OPB , Alliance for a Safe Oregon , and Ceasefire Oregon .  The following Senators have already co-sponsored part or all of the provisions in the bill or have voted for it in the Senate Judiciary committee. If one of these Senators is yours, be sure to thank them. Broadman  Frederick Gelser Blouin Manning    Meek Prozanski Reynolds Sollman

Greetings! As we head into a pivotal season for civic engagement, our work to empower voters and defend democracy continues with renewed urgency. Special District Elections are just around the corner, and now is the time to ensure every eligible Oregonian is registered, informed, and ready to vote—on every race, not just the ones making headlines. Whether it's through expanding access to our trusted, nonpartisan tools like VOTE411.org , commemorating the 60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, or advocating for equal rights and fair representation, LWVOR and our local Leagues and Units are working together to strengthen our democracy from the ground up. Thank you for being part of this effort. In this edition of the  VOTER , you’ll find updates on special elections, voting rights, electoral reform, League growth, and more. Contents: Special District Elections: The Next Election is May 20, 2025! Vote411 in Oregon Voter Suppression Bills at the National and State Level 60th Anniversary of Bloody Sunday in Selma, Alabama Equal Rights for All in Oregon National Popular Voter Interstate Compact Succession Planning New Membership Model: How Will It Impact Our League? Gratitude for the Generous Support Helping Us Fuel Our Democracy Hands Off! Rallies Sweep Oregon on April 5th Special District Elections: The Next Election is May 20, 2025! On May 20, 2025, all counties in Oregon will hold a special election. May elections in odd numbered years select representatives for local districts, such as school boards, water districts or transportation districts. Visit your county elections  website to learn more about what’s on your ballot this year. Register or Check your info by April 29, 2025 To participate in an election a voter must be registered at least 21 days before the election. Voter registration deadline for May 20, 2025, election is April 29, 2025. You can check your registration information anytime at Oregonvotes.gov/MyVote . Oregon statute ( ORS 254.155 ) requires the Secretary of State to complete a random order of the letters for the alphabet to determine the order in which the names of the candidates will appear on the ballot. The alphabet for the May 20, 2025, Special Election is:S, Q, T, I, G, Y, O, W, R, Z, F, N, J, H, V, X, D, E, C, M, B, P, U, K, L, A  May 20, 2025, Order of Candidates Names on the Ballot Learn About Voting Learn about the candidates and any measures on the ballot by contacting your County Elections Officials . Learn how voting in Oregon works and what steps we take to make sure it’s safe and secure . The Oregon Elections Division is committed to providing voters with accurate information about elections in Oregon. Always use trusted information from an official source. Contact the Oregon Elections Division at 503-986-1518 or elections.sos@sos.oregon.gov . Vote411 in Oregon Peggy Bengry and Abigail Bok, LWVOR Voter Service Team There are 915 special districts and school and college districts in Oregon whose Boards of Directors are selected in elections conducted by counties in the spring of odd-numbered years. They range from a road district in Benton County that serves 2 streets and 22 voters to big-city school districts that can serve tens of thousands of voters. These races are of special interest to LWV because they are not well covered by standard news sources and the candidates are mostly unpaid volunteers who can’t afford campaign advertising. League Voter Service in these elections helps fill an important need for voters.  Check out this fascinating resource for all voters. SUPPLEMENTAL RACE INFORMATION.  In addition to uploading all the 2000+ races and the 3000+ candidates for May’s special district election into Vote411, the Vote411 team has added information unique to each race: a description of the responsibilities of board members in the district, qualifications to run, term in office, number to vote for, and sets of questions tailored to the district’s functions. Even when a candidate doesn’t post about his or her campaign, voters can still learn about the positions they’re being asked to vote on. DISTRICT BOUNDARY & GIS PROJECT.  The League of Women Voters of the U.S. provides the basic platform for Vote411, but the content is the responsibility of the state Leagues. These districts have always been a challenge to include in Vote411 because their boundaries are not part of the package of data LWVUS supplies. We have to find the district data ourselves, so our voters who enter their addresses see only the races that will be on their ballots.   The State of Oregon’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS) unit and the Department of Revenue (DOR) have supplied many of the computer-readable GIS shapefile data sets that Vote411 requires to define district boundaries but at the start of February of this year, between 200 and 300 of them were very poorly defined as a collection of zip codes, or a nearby city, or even an entire county.   Beginning with organizing and inventorying the districts in Vote411, with help from Abigail Hertzler and Abigail Bok and financial help from the state League Board, Peggy Bengry has worked persistently with state, county, and district agencies to find the missing GIS data sets and has uploaded them to Vote411.  As of April 2, there are only five districts with as-yet-undefined boundaries, and only another five defaulted to zip code boundaries, so Vote411 is in a much better position to support Oregon voters for the May Special District election and will be more comprehensive and accurate than ever before!  VOTE411.org  is the League’s nationwide voter education resource that supports millions of diverse voters every single year.  The Vote411 Voters’ Guide program enables local and state Leagues to publish information on the candidates and issues in their area on the VOTE411.org  platform.  The average cost per voter served ranges from 2 to 5 cents each year.  The League’s Vote411 work operates inside the Expand the Franchise to increase voter participation through voter registration, education and mobilization and inside the Democracy Truth Project  to counter mis- and disinformation and advance better public understanding of the democratic and electoral process.  Vote411.org  for the May 20, 2025 Oregon election went live on April 14, 2025.  Basic stats: • Races - 2,603 • Ballot measures - 58 • Candidates - 2,829 (plus 307 “no candidate filed” races) Voter Suppression Bills at the State and National Level LWVOR Action Committee By now, many League members may be aware of the SAVE Act  (HR 22), a federal bill which would require people to produce a document as proof of citizenship when they register In person to vote.  The bill specifies a limited range of documents which would be acceptable. Each one must contain the place of birth. The list includes: A valid passport (only 55% of Oregonians have one) A government-issued driver’s license (most do not show place of birth) A military ID with the record of service A certified birth certificate An extract from a hospital’s record of birth A final adoption decree A naturalization certificate Noticeably missing from the list is a marriage license. This means that 80% of women who have changed their names after marriage would not be able to prove that they were the person listed on their birth certificates. When Maxine Dexter forced a vote on amendments to the SAVE Act which would have corrected this situation, her amendments failed to pass.  On April 10, House of Representatives passed the SAVE Act. Now we urge League members to contact Oregon's Senators: Senator Merkley   Senator Wyden    In Oregon, there was such a strong outpouring of opposition to a voter suppression bill  ( SB 210 ) that the Oregon Legislative Information System (OLIS) website was not functioning for part of March 31st. The League provided written testimony  in opposition. Approximately 11,000 testimonies were filed, with 85% opposing the bill, which would have initiated a ballot measure abolishing vote by mail and requiring voter ID in the state. The bill has not been scheduled for a work hearing, so it will not advance. 60th Anniversary of Bloody Sunday in Selma, Alabama Above: Evan with LWVUS CEO Celina Stewart, Evan on Edmund Pettus Bridge, Evan with LWVUS President Dianne Wynn Evan Tucker, LWVOR Youth Council President Last month, I had the opportunity to join LWVUS and other voting rights activists from across the nation to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday in Selma, Alabama. This gathering was part of the League of Women Voters’ Young Voter Power (YVP) initiative, a powerful experience that brought together young leaders committed to strengthening democracy. First convening in New Orleans in August, then in Alabama this March, the YVP cohort has been an inspiring space for that kind of reflection and action. Composed of young League members from states like Massachusetts, Florida, Texas, California, and Oregon, these experiences have helped us grow together as young advocates for democracy. On the day of the commemoration in Selma, I joined thousands of peaceful demonstrators in a march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge. Powerful chants rang through the streets: “This is what democracy looks like!”  and “When voting rights are under attack, what do we do? Stand up, fight back!” Being in attendance felt conflicting because the bridge, once a site of brutality and fear, has become a symbol of courage, resistance, and the enduring fight for civil rights. People from all walks of life were in attendance, which I found to be incredibly poetic.  Democracy is fragile, and only exists as long as we let it. During our trip, we visited the Legacy Museum in Montgomery where I learned about Alonzo Tucker, who was the only documented lynching victim in Oregon. Mr. Tucker, a Black man, boxer, and gym owner, was accused of raping a white woman in 1902. Although the allegation was never proven, it ignited a racist mob. Tucker fled but was shot by two unidentified 12-year-old boys.  After succumbing to his fatal gunshot wounds, Tucker’s lifeless body was hung in Coos Bay. This act of violence is a harrowing stain on Oregon’s history and one we should not forget. Although I was born and raised in Oregon and remained politically and historically inclined throughout most of my upbringing, I did not learn about the lynching of Alonzo Tucker until I arrived in Alabama. This fact I believe is very telling about the current state of both our educational system and the culture in the State of Oregon. I believe it is critical that we, as members of the League, reckon with this history honestly and engage in meaningful reconciliation to move our communities toward justice and equity. In our work with the League, how can we take a critical approach to the impact of racism on Oregonians? Equal Rights for All in Oregon The Equal Rights for All in Oregon ballot initiative for 2026 description  states that everyone has equal rights to make private and personal decisions about one's life, health, and future, regardless of one’s ability to become pregnant, gender identity, or sexual orientation. By protecting Oregonians’ ability to make our own private health, life, and partner decisions, our ballot initiative will stop politicians who want to turn back the clock on our basic rights and freedoms.  The ballot initiative process requires gathering 250,000 signatures by July 6, 2026 so Oregon voters in the November 2026 election can vote on Constitutional language  ensuring Equal Rights for All in Oregon.  That will give them a cushion of 100,000, which is important because each signature will be checked to see if the person is a registered voter,  their name matches their voter registration, they haven't signed more than once, etc.  LWVOR is requesting a point-of-contact Local League/Unit Liaison  (who will have a mentor so this will be a team approach!) to coordinate with LWVOR effort on sharing information about events, getting questions answered, and reporting on progress.  This is important democracy in action for our League to support your community at events through the summer and fall to engage our voters in preparing for the 2026 election year.  This can fit around your schedule and your location in the county.  Email advocacy@lwvor.org  if you would like to find out more! Jean Pierce (LWVOR Advocacy Chair) will be presenting resources and information on the ER4A ballot measure campaign at the upcoming Communications Cafe on May 14th at 6:30pm so save the date! Communications Cafe, so save the date!  You can register here .  Additional information about the campaign as well as an opportunity to sign the petition will be available at a table 12:45-1:45 Saturday May 3rd during the LWVOR Convention in Salem. National Popular Vote Interstate Compact Lisa Bentson, LWVOR President Barbara Klein, LWVOR 1st VP Communications As president and vice president of the League of Women Voters of Oregon, we’d like to extend our appreciation to state legislators for their decision in recent years to sign onto the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact. The need for the compact, which would improve the Electoral College, was clear in our November presidential election. As people watched presidential returns from their TV sets or computer screens, it was obvious that most votes around the country were of little value in deciding the race. The votes from Republicans in Oregon reaped limited attention and made little impact. The same was true for Republicans in our state neighbors, Washington and California. Likewise for Democrats in solidly-red states. Every vote does not count equally in our presidential elections. The Electoral College has been flawed for decades. Not because of who it elects but because as it stands, only the influential swing states matter. The rest of us in “fly-over states” are almost invisible and taken for granted as a surefire red or blue win. Voter inequity is compounded as presidential campaigns (and promises) focus disproportionately on the handful of swing states—Oregon not being one of them. The League of Women Voters of the United States established a position over 50 years ago to support abolishing the Electoral College. As a compromise, we also support the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact. The compact maintains the Electoral College. However, it uses the Constitution to improve the system by guaranteeing the candidate who garners the most votes nationwide wins. It would ensure all votes are equal, including Republicans in blue states and Democrats in red ones. With the states currently having signed onto the compact, now representing 209 of the 270 electoral votes required for it to take effect, it is possible that this could be the last presidential election without a true national popular vote. Short of a constitutional amendment to abolish the Electoral College, the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact is crucial to ensure that every citizen’s vote, in every state, truly matters in our presidential elections. We want to thank our state legislators for their commitment to this important cause. The League of Women Voters stands for “Every Vote Equal.” Succession Planning The LWVOR Nominating Committee encourages all board officers, directors, and individuals with a portfolio to consider succession planning an essential part of their role. When planning to retire, shift portfolios, or conclude a term, we invite you to help identify and support a successor to carry the work forward. Sharing your knowledge and fostering new leadership strengthens the League and ensures continuity in our efforts. Ideas for doing so: Form a committee of 2-3 others from local leagues who are your kindreds and share your interest in your portfolio or, in the case for treasurer and secretary,  have some experience with your responsibilities. Get acquainted with each other and have some fun with it. Use the available job description or develop your own description relevant to your portfolio. Mentor and train them with the volunteer work of your portfolio. Delegate or accept their offers to help share the work you do. Know that your portfolio is in good hands when you retire from it. New Membership Model: How Will It Affect our League? Individual Membership Every current member of Oregon leagues/units who has an email address in our system will receive an email letting you know that it is time to renew your membership. To renew, you will log into ChapterSpot and be given the opportunity to fill out any membership information asked by your League and to verify and update your data if needed.  The LWV contract with ChapterSpot affirms that all data is owned and exclusively safeguarded for LWV purposes only.  ChapterSpot is not authorized to use it for anything other than fulfilling its service to our organization. For those league members who cannot access the internet or do not want to interact with ChapterSpot, all League Membership Coordinators can maintain/update their membership information in ChapterSpot and continue to track years of league membership as they do now.   Change to Household and Student Membership  With the new ChapterSpot system, Household and Student membership types have been discontinued. Everyone who is not a Life Member has been changed to Individual.  When your annual membership expiration approaches, you will receive an email renewal notice.  This is a change from current practice of household renewal emails sent to the individual (primary) member, which includes the household member.  When the Individual (Primary) member in your household receives their renewal notice, the individual member will have the option to renew on behalf of another member in your household as well, though a unique email will be requested for your household member.  They should be aware that the notices are coming and that they have the option to renew on their own.   Your email address is your username for ChapterSpot. This is the way you will receive renewal reminders and forgotten password emails. Because your email is your username, you won’t be able to have the same one as someone else. Any member can unsubscribe from some types of messages, such as fundraising emails or optional newsletters. As a member of our organization, some messages, such as those about your membership, are not optional.  Dues, Donations, and Tax-Deductible Percentages Members can still donate directly as desired via their local or state league website “Donate” button, by check, or by adding additional donations through ChapterSpot on top of dues payments. If your local and/or state League dues are going to a 501(c)(3), that will be identified in your confirmation email, which can be used as a tax receipt.  An increase to 20% of dues will go to the local League, an increase to 47% of dues will go to the state League, and a decrease of 33% will go to LWVUS, in order to increase support for local and state voter education and advocacy efforts. Gratitude for the Generous Support Helping Us Fuel Democracy At the League of Women Voters of Oregon, our mission is ambitious: to empower voters, defend democracy, and ensure that every Oregonian has access to accurate, nonpartisan information and meaningful civic engagement. This work is made possible in part because of the generosity of our partners - foundations, educational institutions, and civic allies - who believe in the power of informed participation. In 2024 and early 2025, we were honored to receive critical grant funding from several organizations that are helping us expand our reach and deepen our impact. The Carol and Velma Saling Foundation  awarded LWVOR a generous $57,000  grant, which enabled us to continue our mission mandates of voter education and civic engagement. Vernier Science Education  contributed $1,000  to support our voter service work and the cost of our VOTE411 subscription. This contribution is part of a shared vision: fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and inquiry in both science and civic life.  The Autzen Foundation  awarded us $5,000  to strengthen our youth civic engagement programming. This grant fueled initiatives led by our LWVOR Youth Council. These programs are not just about participation; they are about cultivating lifelong habits of civic responsibility and leadership. The Wayne Morse Center for Law and Politics  provided $2,000  to support our youth programming focused on democratic engagement. Their investment allowed young Oregonians to take the lead in empowering the next generation of voters and public servants. The League of Women Voters Education Fund (LWVEF)  awarded $700  to support youth voter registration efforts and hands-on outreach. And finally, The Annabelle Kitzhaber LWVOR Education Fund  contributed $2,937 , further supporting our statewide work. We are profoundly grateful to each of these funders for believing in our mission and investing in democracy not just for today’s voters but also for the voters of the future. Hands Off! Rallies Sweep Oregon On April 5th On April 5, 2025, thousands of Oregonians filled streets, sidewalks, and public squares in a coordinated wave of Hands Off!  rallies protesting threats to reproductive rights, voting access, climate policy, and democracy itself. League of Women Voters members stood proudly among them, from Medford to Eugene, Corvallis to Umpqua, waving signs, hoisting banners, and reminding everyone that democracy is not a spectator sport. The Oregon Capital Chronicle  captured the intensity and emotion of the day in this statewide roundup , sharing stories of first-time protesters, federal employees at risk of losing their jobs, and longtime activists who refuse to be silent. League Presence from South to North In Medford , League members joined the community on Jackson Street, with LWVOR Communications Chair and First Vice President Barbara Klein attending in support of the Rogue Valley League. Photos of the Medford gathering captured a lively crowd energized by clear skies and a clear purpose. In Eugene , the Lane County League rallied at the Eugene City Council building, extending their presence across the Ferry Street Bridge and along the river path. They carried the powerful “Marching in Their Footsteps” banner, designed by a local artist and first carried at the 2017 Women’s March in Washington, D.C. In Corvallis , over 700 people gathered at the Benton County Courthouse, including members of the League of Women Voters of Corvallis. Their presence amplified a strong local turnout fueled by passionate calls for accountability and inclusion. Meanwhile, Umpqua Valley League  members participated in their own local event. Photos from the Umpqua rally  show a cross-section of community members adding their voices to the day’s statewide chorus. A Statewide Movement And a Moment of Unity The Hands Off!  rallies weren’t just about one issue: they were about the interconnected threats facing our communities. League members stood with coalition partners including Indivisible, MoveOn, and other local organizers in calling out harmful federal policies, state-level restrictions, and the erosion of democratic norms. With over 2,100 people registered for Hands Off!  events in Eugene alone and final crowd estimates for Oregon ranging from 6,000 to over 10,000, it was clear that this wasn’t a fringe action. It was a groundswell. As we move forward into the Special District Elections and beyond, LWVOR remains committed to defending democracy, promoting civic engagement, and ensuring every Oregonian’s voice is heard at the ballot box.

Date: April 10, 2025 To: All LWVOR members From:  Lisa Bentson, LWVOR President Norman Turrill, Governance Coordinator Barbara Klein, Portfolio Advocate Request:  Oppose the SAVE Act The House just passed the harmful Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act , which would require documented proof of citizenship to register to vote — a move that disproportionately affects voters of color and women, making voting harder for millions of eligible Americans. Now it’s in the Senate. Let’s make sure Oregon’s senators hear from us loud and clear. Contact Senators Wyden and Merkley to urge them to oppose the SAVE Act and continue defending the freedom to vote. Share this with others in Oregon. Deadline:  ASAP Talking Points: It is already illegal for non-citizens to register and vote in federal or state elections.  Requiring a document to prove American citizenship to register to vote creates a barrier to the voting process, as many eligible voters – particularly people of color - do not have easy access to necessary documents. Background Information:  Voters in every state are already required to affirm or verify their citizenship status when registering. Compared to white US citizens, citizens of color are three times more likely to lack documents such as birth certificates, passports, naturalization certificates, or certificates of citizenship or they face difficulties accessing them. For example, while approximately half of all American adults possess a passport, two-thirds of Black Americans do not. Similar legislation has already been implemented by some states and has had a demonstrably negative impact on voters’ ability to participate in elections In 2011, Kansas passed a law that required proof of citizenship to register to vote. When the law went into effect in 2013, more than 31,000 eligible voters were prevented from registering. This law was declared unconstitutional by federal courts and is no longer enforced. Additional actions to require documentary proof of citizenship in Arizona, Alabama, and Georgia were also struck down. Don't let Congress make voting harder. Oppose the SAVE Act now!

Read the latest All-members newsletter here. Find our printable version here.

Earlier this year, I worked with the Washington County LWV unit to interview Senator Lisa Reynolds (SD-17) on behalf of the League about her legislative priorities for the 2025 legislative session. I also asked her questions specifically about what she is pioneering as host of different bills/packages (which she is calling ‘Momnibus’). specifically, Bill (SB 691), which is about supporting maternal health services and providing housing and extended social services to support families in need. I attended roundtable discussions the senator hosted to collect information and formulate personal written testimony on this package. Now, I am working with the League to configure an action plan on how we can contribute to the Equal Rights for All ballot measure that will come into the limelight during the 2026 mid-terms. Youth Council Advocacy Team Member Atharva Deepak Atharva Deepak is a motivated advocate for social justice and high school student.  He joined LWVOR Youth Council because of his passion for civic engagement and exploring the fundamentals of how legislative change is put into effect. Atharva is a member of his school’s Mock Trial team and is a Teen Council member for Planned Parenthood. He also is an Executive Council Member for the OHSU non-profit, Youth HPV Champions.

Tracking League Priorities and Community Impact LWVOR has produced a Volunteer Data Collection Form for Leagues to enter their event activities, volunteer hours, and other information as part of the LWVUS Annual League Survey . We received feedback from several people that the provided data tracking spreadsheet is complicated to use so we offer   our new form as an alternative. At the end of the calendar year, all data will be shared with local Leagues and LWVUS.  Note: If your League is already tracking data and you have a system that works for you, there is no need to complete this form. Also, we would happily provide a copy of this form for your League to use if you prefer. Report The True Value Of Contributions To Our Communities And For Grant Funding Volunteer hours can translate into an exact value* that can help meet matching requirements or give funders an idea of what the League could do with more resources. *Important to show how effective the organization is in achieving its mission.   Illustrate A More Complete Picture Of Volunteer Impact Tracking will answer key questions for donors:  Why should they donate to your organization over others?  Track volunteer time to understand, internally, where volunteers are making the most impact. Data-based evidence on which program or activity volunteers are most effective can steer better decisions for where to invest more time, training and investment.   Recognize And Retain Incredible Volunteers Some volunteers just like to know how much of a difference their time makes.  Recognizing volunteer efforts highlighting certain involvement milestones or making it easy to define their contribution to an individual or team accomplishment is always appreciated.  These gestures help build closer teams and communities and increase retention, a common challenge for nonprofits. We hope the form simplifies the process of collecting your event and program details, so we can all better understand League priorities and community impact. Questions about the form or want to email your results to us directly? Contact us at media@lwvor.org

Date: March 18, 2025 To: All LWVOR members From:  Barbara Klein, Acting President, LWVOR Jean Pierce, Action Chair Patricia Garner, Portfolio Advocate Take Action: Contact House Labor and Workplace Standards Committee  and Support HB 3187 Request:  Schedule and hold a Work Session so that committee members can vote in support of HB 3187 . If a Work Session isn’t scheduled by THIS FRIDAY, March 21st, and held by April 9th, the bill will not proceed any further in this Legislative Session. Deadline:  March 20 Talking Points This bill is important because:  1. Even though older workers provide value by hard work, competence, and experience, there is an all-too-common presumption that it’s time for the older workers to move on and allow someone else to fill the slot. This must stop–older Oregonians have to support themselves and their families too.  2. People might say that we already have an age discrimination law. We do, but it’s time to close the legal loophole in this law. Workers should be permitted to introduce evidence of salary disparities, length of service or pension/retirement status. Without that evidence, they can’t prove their case. 3. Employers   should not be able to require disclosure of age or graduation dates by job applicants, unless a conditional offer of employment has been made or the job itself requires it. These days, computers and HR managers routinely reject applications based on age. This isn’t fair!  Additional Information If you need any additional information, go to Oregon's AARP website .  If you have any questions or want to volunteer, please contact lwvor@lwvor.org .

Read the latest All-members newsletter here. Find our printable version here .

By Eileen Burke-Trent, LWVOR Events Chair On February 20th I, along with others in Oregon, attended the LWVUS Zoom in honor of the 60th anniversary of the Selma protests.  This seemed not as much about Selma, as how Selma may inspire us to the work we all face now: overcoming increasing and overt injustice; confronting false information and media manipulation; preventing attacks on our health; defending civil rights; fighting for economic stability; engaging in international relations; protecting our constitution; preserving the checks and balances which protect our democracy that inhibits the potential for fascist control; and so much more. All these protections and more are being overtly and grossly attacked at this time.  So many of us are frustrated but have no idea how to address issues that seem impossible to address.  I am so proud the League of Women Voters looks to become more “present” in their response to these issues of great urgency. As one of the foremost national and international leaders in demanding transparency, fairness, and truth in government, local and state Leagues can find guidance from the national League when they lend their own resolve and plans to address these issues of import and efforts at the local level. At this Zoom event, there was a call to unify  women’s groups and others concerned about the issues above - under the banner, purview, and guidelines of the League. This means local and state Leagues may be supported with information enabling us to reach out more assertively to the public at large and other organizations which may appreciate both our considered guidelines for action, and the great history of performance the League provides. The call from the Selma and League meeting featured an inspired and serious request that we: “Call on our COURAGE.”  “Be prepared to take RISKS.”  Presenters stressed that just “TALKING never won a REVOLUTION.” We were asked to “CHALLENGE false information, and be prepared to LOSE friends by standing up to lies and injustice.”  As the great John  Lewis reminded us, “Fight injustice with LOVE.” I am daily inspired by these calls to action, and by our progenitors, both men and women, who fought for human rights, worker’s rights, children’s rights, and women’s rights - all these and more centered on securing voting rights for women, not ratified until after decades of effort and sacrifice, August of 1920. Our national and statewide efforts, and our 2025 Oregon State Convention, provide an opportunity to address these and other issues in our meetings through our guest speakers, our workshops, and caucuses…now in advanced planning stages. I hope we will all work together in both the coming weeks and the coming years to answer the challenges facing us all. We shall need to step out of our comfort zones, take risks, protest, and exhibit the courage called for in these times, and may painfully need to make sacrifices while rising to the occasion. Looking toward our local future, we need your commitment and volunteerism to work on the Oregon State Convention.  Please do not hesitate to contact me, Eileen Burke-Trent, at eileen.lwv@gmail.com  or by cell/text at 530-228-5557 to participate. Check out the website to register your attendance at www.lwvor.org   and for forthcoming information. I look forward to seeing ALL Oregon League members and leaders at the 2025 League of Women Voters of Oregon Convention May 2-4 in Salem, Oregon. We have a stimulating and power-packed weekend planned (with breaks for social time and getting to know each other), giving us all a great opportunity to work together to make a profound difference in our collective futures. Stay strong. Think positive.  I will see you there!!

We’ve compiled an easy-to-use resource with contact details for all six federal Oregon representatives, including their office phone numbers, mailing addresses, and email contact forms, as well as our two federal senators. This information was last updated on February 27, 2025. For the most current information, please visit their official websites. Senator Jeff Merkley: Washington, D.C. Office: Address: 531 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510 Phone: (202) 224-3753 Fax: (202) 228-3997 Oregon Offices: Baker City: Address: 1705 Main Street, Suite 504, Baker City, OR 97814 Phone: (541) 278-1129 Bend: Address: 131 NW Hawthorne Avenue, Suite 208, Bend, OR 97703 Phone: (541) 318-1298 Eugene: Address: 405 East 8th Avenue, Suite 2010, Eugene, OR 97401 Phone: (541) 465-6750 Medford: Address: 10 South Bartlett Street, Suite 201, Medford, OR 97501 Phone: (541) 608-9102 Portland: Address: 121 SW Salmon Street, Suite 1400, Portland, OR 97204 Phone: (503) 326-3386 Salem: Address: 500 Liberty Street SE, Suite 320, Salem, OR 97301 Phone: (503) 362-8102 Website:   merkley.senate.gov Senator Ron Wyden: Washington, D.C. Office: Address: 221 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510 Phone: (202) 224-5244 Fax: (202) 228-2717 Oregon Offices: Bend: Address: The Jamison Building, 131 NW Hawthorne Ave., Suite 107, Bend, OR 97701 Phone: (541) 330-9142 Eugene: Address: 405 East 8th Ave., Suite 2020, Eugene, OR 97401 Phone: (541) 431-0229 La Grande (temporarily closed): Address: SAC Annex Building, 105 Fir St., Suite 201, La Grande, OR 97850 Phone: (541) 962-7691 Medford: Address: 310 West 6th St., Room 118, Medford, OR 97501 Phone: (541) 858-5122 Portland: Address: 911 NE 11th Ave., Suite 630, Portland, OR 97232 Phone: (503) 326-7525 Salem: Address: 707 13th St. SE, Suite 285, Salem, OR 97301 Phone: (503) 589-4555 Website:   wyden.senate.gov Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District): Washington, D.C. Office: 2231 Rayburn House Office Bldg., Washington, D.C. 20515; Phone: 202-225-0855 District Office: 12725 SW Millikan Way, Suite 220, Beaverton, OR 97005; Phone: 503-469-6010 Website: bonamici.house.gov Representative Cliff Bentz (2nd District): Washington, D.C. Office: 409 Cannon House Building, Washington, D.C. 20515; Phone: 202-225-6730 District Offices: 14 N Central Ave., Suite 112, Medford, OR 97501; Phone: 541-776-4646; 2340 SW 4th Ave #2, Ontario, OR 97914; Phone: 541-709-2040 Website: bentz.house.gov Representative Maxine Dexter (3rd District): Washington, D.C. Office: 1207 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515; Phone: 202-225-4811 District Office: 911 NE 11th Ave., Portland, OR 97232; Phone: (503) 231-2300 Website: dexter.house.gov Representative Val Hoyle (4th District): Washington, D.C. Office: 1620 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515; Phone: 202-225-6416 District Office: 940 Willamette St., Suite 520, Eugene, OR 97401; Phone: 541-465-6732 Website: hoyle.house.gov Representative Janelle Bynum (5th District): Washington, D.C. Office: 1508 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515; Phone: 202-225-5711 District Office: 502 7th St., Suite 203, Oregon City, OR 97045; Phone: 503-387-8651 Website: bynum.house.gov Representative Andrea Salinas (6th District): Washington, D.C. Office: 403 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C 20515; Phone: 202-225-5643 District Offices: 530 Center St. NE #415, Salem, OR 97301; Phone: 503-385-0906; 18861 SW Martinazzi Ave. #200, Tualatin, OR 97062; Phone: 503-385-0906 Website: salinas.house.gov

Check out the latest information on the ChapterSpot rollout in our newsletter update here .

Check out the latest information on the ChapterSpot rollout in our newsletter update here .

Date: February 5, 2025 To: All LWVOR members From:  Lisa Bentson, LWVOR President Norman Turrill, Governance Coordinator Barbara Klein, Portfolio Advocate Request:  Oppose the SAVE Act Please ask your members of Congress to vote NO on the  Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act  which would require citizenship documentation to register to vote.  Please share this with others. Deadline:  ASAP Talking Points: It is already illegal for non-citizens to register and vote in federal or state elections.  Requiring a document to prove American citizenship to register to vote creates a barrier to the voting process, as many eligible voters – particularly people of color - do not have easy access to necessary documents. Background Information:  Voters in every state are already required to affirm or verify their citizenship status when registering. Compared to white US citizens, citizens of color are three times more likely to lack documents such as birth certificates, passports, naturalization certificates, or certificates of citizenship or they face difficulties accessing them. For example, while approximately half of all American adults possess a passport, two-thirds of Black Americans do not.

We are thrilled to welcome our new Membership and Development Coordinator, Lindsay LaPlante , who joins us at a pivotal time for the League. With the transition to ChapterSpot, Lindsay’s expertise in grant development, program leadership, and member support will be invaluable. Lindsay will specifically support our Membership, Development, and VOTE411 teams, focusing on member engagement, fundraising efforts, and helping to streamline processes during this transitional period. We are confident she will be a fantastic addition to our team! Reach Lindsay at l.laplante@lwvor.org . Lindsay is contracted to expand our staff coverage while Sarah Andrews  takes parental leave from February 2025 through January 2026. During her leave, Sarah will continue to work reduced hours on strategic communications tasks, including Google Ads, event marketing, and press outreach. She will also monitor her email and encourages members to contact her with questions related to these areas. We wish Sarah well with her leave and look forward to her return on 2-1-26. Reach Sarah at s.andrews@lwvor.org . As part of this transition, Abby Hertzler  will take on an expanded role supporting the LWVOR Action Committee, including coordinating the weekly Legislative Report and assisting our active committee in their testimony efforts. While Abby remains committed to maintaining strong support in all areas of our League work, please note that there may be occasional periods of slower staff response time during the legislative session due to this shifting workload. Reach Abby at a.hertzler@lwvor.org .  Together, Sarah, Abby, and Lindsay are committed to ensuring a smooth transition and continuing to provide consistent support for League members. The team is working closely with the State Board to maintain continuity and advance the League’s mission during this time. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Read the latest All-members newsletter here. Find our printable version here .

Read the latest All-members newsletter here . Find our printable version here . .