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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 . .

LWVOR Youth Council members hosted educational workshops, boosted Oregon Student Mock Election participation, and helped form the first-ever nationwide LWV Youth Council! December 30, 2024 LWVOR extends its deepest gratitude to all the dedicated League volunteers across Oregon who have worked tirelessly to strengthen democracy. This year, our efforts centered on Empowering Voters , the first part of our mission, ensuring Oregonians were informed, engaged, and ready to participate in our democracy. As we look ahead to 2025, our focus will shift to the Defending Democracy  part of our mission, as we address the growing challenges to democratic institutions and processes. As the League of Women Voters of the United States emphasizes, “Our work is grounded in the belief that democracy is stronger when every voice is heard.”  Your commitment this year brought that belief to life, equipping voters with the tools they need to take action and laying the groundwork for the vital defense of democracy in the years ahead. Here’s a look at some of the incredible ways League members made an impact across Oregon in 2024: Voter Engagement and Education VOTE411 volunteers invested hundreds of hours ensuring comprehensive candidate information was accessible in every county. Together, we reached over 133,000 voters statewide with LWVOR election material! League members sent personalized postcards to newly-turned-18 and unaffiliated voters, encouraging them to embrace their role in democracy. Across the state, Leagues organized over 120 voter education events and candidate interviews, reaching diverse audiences and equipping voters with crucial nonpartisan resources. The Marion/Polk League brought civic engagement to life at the Salem Art Fair with their creative Kids’ Voting Booth, which engaged children and families over three days. A new League Unit in Eastern Oregon was formed, inspired by the success of local voter registration events. Rogue Valley members partnered with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, connecting with audiences to promote voter registration and civic awareness. Youth Outreach The 2024 Oregon Student Mock Election registered 33,654 students from 2 elementary schools, 43 middle schools, and 82 high schools, fostering early civic participation. LWVOR Youth Council members hosted educational events around the state and attended LWVUS Convention, laying the groundwork for a brand - new national Youth Council. Community and Advocacy Observer Corps members monitored local governments, providing the public with critical updates on policies, issues, and efforts to protect the integrity of elections. Leagues honored election workers across Oregon with heartfelt Election Hero Day cards, cookies, and festive displays, showing appreciation for their essential role in upholding democracy during the busy election season. Thanks to these efforts, and many more, Oregon continues to lead the nation in voter turnout, a testament to the hard work and dedication of League members. As we reflect on 2024’s accomplishments, we are preparing to shift our focus toward defending democracy in 2025. Together, we will continue to stand against threats to democratic processes, hold our leaders accountable, and protect the rights of every voter. Thank you for standing with us as we move forward.

Lindsay LaPlante, LWVOR's new Membership and Development Coordinator. Lindsay LaPlante joins LWVOR as our Membership and Development Coordinator. You can reach her at l.laplante@lwvor.org . Lindsay LaPlante brings over 15 years of nonprofit leadership and a passion for building equitable, collaborative communities. With a master’s degree in Political and Civic Engagement and extensive experience in grant development, program leadership, and community partnerships, Lindsay has led initiatives that expand opportunities for marginalized groups, foster sustainability, and create systemic change. Her career spans diverse roles, from overseeing multimillion-dollar budgets to coordinating grassroots collaborations that unite organizations around common goals. Lindsay’s work is guided by a deep belief in the power of community-driven solutions and a commitment to fostering meaningful, long-term impact. Originally from Ontario, Canada and now based in North Carolina, Lindsay looks forward to contributing to the League of Women Voters of Oregon as we advance the mission of empowering voters and defending democracy.