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- LWVOR Supports Ranked Choice Voting Through Measure 117
September 30, 2024 There are strong reasons to support Ranked Choice Voting through Measure 117. Chief among them is its effect on lessening polarization. Extreme polarization is concerning in America, even in Oregon. With the current election system, too often candidates are rewarded for bad behavior, amplifying divisiveness, partisan rancor, and rigid ideologies. This short-circuits productive discussion and promotes “us versus them” attitudes. The goal becomes winning at all costs – not compromising for the good of the people. With Ranked Choice Voting (RCV), campaigns tend to be more civil, since it benefits candidates to seek support beyond their base. A candidate must not only win a voter’s first choice, but also appeal to those who would rank them 2nd or 3rd. With RCV, candidates must court all voters. They must broaden their positions, speak about policy, and curb highly partisan rhetoric. There’s more . Advantages of Ranked Choice Voting clearly benefit all voters. ● Majority rule is a fundamental principle of a democratic republic. Measure 117 ensures that winning candidates capture broad, majority support. ● Tested and proven, RCV respects one person, one vote. It simply uses one ballot choice as the active vote at any one time. ● The League believes in ‘sincere’ voting without needing to be ‘strategic.’ Voters can express true preferences, knowing further choices never hurt their favorite candidate. They need not strategize as to how their ballot could protect or hurt their favorite choices. ● With RCV, voters have more voice and more expressive choices, with fewer unused votes in final round. ● RCV can buffer the influence of special interests by giving voters equal voice in governance (through the ballot box versus checkbook.) ● RCV Ensures a more meaningful ballot despite the leanings of where you live. An urban Republican or a Democrat farming in rural Oregon – both benefit. ● Measure 117 allows us to vote for WHO we want, HOW we want. The League of Women Voters of Oregon strongly encourages a YES vote on Measure 117.
- LWVOR Statement on Oregon Voter Registration and Election Integrity
September 25, 2024 The League of Women Voters (LWVOR) is committed to ensuring that every Oregonian can vote with confidence, knowing that the system is secure and reliable. Recently, the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) discovered a rare administrative error in which 1,259 non-citizens were mistakenly flagged for voter registration due to incorrect data entry. It’s important to stress that Oregon’s voting system is built with safeguards to identify and correct such errors. The Secretary of State’s office has already taken swift action by notifying affected individuals and ensuring that only those who can provide proof of citizenship will receive ballots. Further, the DMV has implemented additional measures to prevent future occurrences. To put this into perspective, these 1,259 cases represent just 0.04% of Oregon’s 3 million registered voters. While human error can happen, the systems in place are designed to detect and address issues, ensuring the integrity of our elections remains intact. Oregonians can rest assured that our voting process is safe, secure, and continually improving to protect every eligible voter’s right to participate. Voters are encouraged to verify their registration and election rules at VOTE411.org .
- Take Action: Support the Oregon Climate Protection Program
DATE: September 20, 2024 TO: All League Members FROM: Lisa Bentson, President, LWVOR Jean Pierce, Chair, Action Committee Claudia Keith, Coordinator, Climate Emergency Portfolio Time is running out to restore Oregon's Climate Protection Program (CPP)! You can help hold polluters accountable and tackle climate change. Take action with us. Submit public comments to the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) by 4PM, next Friday, 9/27 . DEQ has also invited the public to deliver testimony on the CPP on Thursday, 9/26 from 3:20-5:20 PM. Zoom link. The Climate Protection Program will cut fossil fuel emissions by 90% by 2050, and invest upwards of $150 million annually in clean energy projects in Oregon communities. Use our coalition letter to tell DEQ to restore the CPP without delay! The CPP was derailed last year after the oil and gas industry sued to overturn the program. With just a few days left to comment, it's essential to ACT NOW! Tell DEQ to restore an ambitious Climate Protection Program that: Delivers climate justice by maintaining a strong Community Climate Investment program Follows the science by upholding a science-based emissions cap and requiring immediate compliance Holds industrial polluters accountable to mandatory declining emissions reductions LWVOR is deeply committed to addressing climate issues in Oregon. Whether it's the need for cleaner air, the protection of our natural resources, advancing environmental justice for Oregonians hardest hit by climate related disasters, or the creation of sustainable jobs, your voice matters. You can read the latest LWVOR testimony on the CPP here . Please note that League members are invited to submit testimony as individuals, not as representatives of the League. The League of Women Voters of Oregon is a member of the Coalition for Climate & Economic Justice.
- Governor Signs Proclamation: Celebrate National Voter Registration Day in Oregon!
National Voter Registration Day , celebrated this year on September 17, is a vital nonpartisan civic holiday dedicated to promoting voter participation in our democracy. Here in Oregon, we are proud of our strong commitment to ensuring every eligible citizen has the opportunity to register, vote, and make their voice heard. This year, we took a significant step by submitting a proclamation letter to Governor Tina Kotek, who has officially approved and signed it, along with Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade, affirming the importance of this day. The League of Women Voters of Oregon urges all Oregonians to visit oregonvotes.gov to ensure their voter registration is accurate and to assist others in doing the same. Together, we can continue to safeguard and strengthen this essential constitutional right. View our proclamation letter below!
- All-Members Newsletter - August 2024
Read the latest All-Members newsletter here .
- Take Action: Support the Oregon Climate Protection Program
Submit public comments in support of the Oregon Climate Protection Program. August 16, 2024 This year the League of Women Voters of Oregon has joined in coalition with a diverse alliance of environmental, economic, and climate justice advocates, businesses, and Indigenous communities working to restore Oregon’s Climate Protection Program (CPP). The CPP sets clear, enforceable targets for oil and gas companies to reduce their climate pollution 90% by 2050. It will also enable upwards of $150 million annually in statewide Community Climate Investments directly to low-income and communities of color who are most impacted by climate change. LWVOR is deeply committed to addressing climate issues in Oregon. Whether it's the need for cleaner air, the protection of our natural resources, advancing environmental justice for Oregonians hardest hit by climate related disasters, or the creation of sustainable jobs, your voice matters. You can read LWVOR testimony on the CPP here . The public comment period for the Climate Protection Program (CPP) is now open and will last through August 30! This is your opportunity to influence policies that will shape Oregon's climate future. You will have the opportunity to submit public comments to DEQ and also testify live at a public hearing on August 21 . Save the date and make sure your voice is heard! HOW TO ENGAGE: Submit public comments to DEQ DEADLINE: August 30 at 4:00 pm. Submit public comment via our coalition website , or by emailing CPP.2024@DEQ.Oregon.Gov Testify at the public hearing SAVE THE DATE: Wednesday, August 21 at 4:00 p.m. Via Zoom Call-in number: 833-928-4609 US Toll freeMeeting ID: 843 9807 4366 The deadline is approaching fast, so make sure your voice is heard. Click here to submit public comment now ! Our partners at the Coalition for Climate and Economic Justice are hosting a CPP hearing prep forum on Monday, August 19th from 5:30-6:30 p.m, where you can learn more about the CPP, what to expect at the public hearing, and pointers for crafting your testimony. Register here to join us for the CPP hearing prep session. Please note that League members are invited to submit testimony as individuals, not as representatives of the League. The League of Women Voters of Oregon is a member of the Coalition for Climate & Economic Justice.
- League Promotional Items For Sale
League promotional items are now for sale on our new CafePress shop . We currently offer yard signs, t-shirts, ball caps, buttons, and other select items. Take a look and let us know if you have any questions. Contact: s.andrews@lwvor.org .
- LWV and Oregon Sec. of State Issue Guidance on Biden's Reelection Withdrawal
In light of President Biden's decision not to seek reelection, the League of Women Voters of Oregon (LWVOR) is providing this update based on information from trusted sources. This decision is in line with existing rules, ensuring a fair election process. The Democratic Party will follow its procedures to select a new nominee, with delegates voting at or before the Democratic National Convention this August. State ballot access laws permit the new nominee to appear on the November ballots, regardless of the results from the primaries. Here is the official statement from the League of Women Voters of the U.S. (LWVUS ) , which clarifies: "While a major party’s presumptive nominee withdrawing his presidential candidacy is an extraordinary occurrence, rules and procedures are in place to respond to this development. Americans can be confident that this situation falls well within existing rules and that their election system continues to allow for a free and fair election." Here is a brief FAQ issued by the Oregon Secretary of State's office: What happens now that President Biden has stepped aside? How will the November general election be affected? The Democratic Party (DNC) may choose another nominee according to its own rules. No Oregon law would require Oregon’s delegates to the Democratic National Convention to vote for President Biden; ending his candidacy releases his delegates pursuant to ORS 248.315(3)(c). Every political party has a process in their bylaws for how to fill a vacancy. The party oversees that process – so we would refer anyone to the Democratic Party of Oregon for more details on their process at the national level. From our perspective, the National Democratic Party must finalize its nominee by August 27th in order for that person to appear on the ballot in Oregon. The DNC will be held from August 19-22. For any upcoming press releases or other news, you can visit the Oregon SoS newsroom here . Please feel free to reach out to LWVOR if you have any questions. Contact media@lwvor.org .
- Take Action: Support the Oregon Climate Protection Plan
Read our Action Alert and sign the petition!
- All-Members Newsletter - July 2024
Read the latest All-Members newsletter here .
- Voter Newsletter - Summer 2024
You can view the full newsletter online here.
- All-Members Newsletter - June 2024
See the June All-Members Newsletter here .
- Welcoming Remarks of LWVOR President Lisa Bentson
Lisa Bentson was elected to the office of LWVOR President by delegates from around the state on May 19, 2024, at the biennial LWVOR Council. Below are Lisa's first remarks as President. May 19, 2024 By LWVOR President Lisa Bentson As President, my main goal is to support the amazing work you all do and further our purpose of “Empowering Voters and Defending Democracy.” “Communications” is the theme of my term. It is at the core of our purpose, and I look forward to enhancing what we are already doing. I’m happy to report that in the past few years as we’ve emerged from Covid, LWVOR has initiated, on Becky’s encouragement, a number of Lateral groups statewide. We recently started a Communications lateral group that has met monthly with good attendance. Our office staff are the lead for these meetings, planning and agendas. One of the first things we’d like to have is a “Communications Chair.” With Sarah and Abby handling logistics, this position is not onerous. We’re looking for an enthusiastic person to work with our staff and complimentary lateral groups for the good of all. If I was not President this term, I would happily take that Chair as it is critical for the success of our organization. Please let me know of your interest. In addition, we have created a League Leader Google group that is active as well as our online Forums. Not surprisingly, the Communication Forum is one of our most popular according to Sarah. As I hope you agree, our focus between now and November must be communicating our core values anywhere and everywhere we can. Just this past week, our staff person Sarah and I met and have initiated a Marketing Plan. This will guide us in our outreach to reach as many Oregonians as possible for the General election. We have added some new tools to our toolkit, so please be on the lookout for more on this soon. “As I hope you agree, our focus between now and November must be communicating our core values anywhere and everywhere we can.” I joke that everyday I am working on League tasks I learn something new. It is my intention to continue doing so. One way will be to communicate with our Local Leagues in a variety of ways. This helped me so much when I started as Membership Chair with LWVOR when I had recently become an Oregonian. My goal was to visit every League and I got close. It was during Covid, so some of those meetings were virtual, but some were in-person. Thank goodness we’re back to face-to-face meetings that include our virtual participants. I grew up in a very politically active family in the 60’s. The family mantra was: “If you don’t vote, you don’t get to complain.” My father ran for State Assembly one year and for Halloween I wore his sandwich board signs saying “Elect Jim Bentson for State Assembly” as my costume. My mother attended the National Presidential Conventions every 4 years including Chicago in 1968. I rarely saw my father worried, but he was during that Convention. She made it home just fine. Thank you for allowing me to serve our League as President. A big thank you to Becky Gladstone, your outgoing President and Co-President, for her hours of mentoring. We have met weekly since last fall and I truly and greatly appreciate her support. Thank you to each of you for your dedication to our purpose and all of the hard work you do. --
- For immediate release: LWV of Oregon Student Mock Election Results Announced!
May 17, 2024 League of Women Voters of Oregon Contact: mockelection@lwvor.org OSME RESULTS are IN! Students across Oregon voted in the LWVOR 2024 Primary Oregon Student Mock Election (OSME), for a realistic voting experience endorsed by Oregon’s Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade and Department of Education. The League of Women Voters of Oregon created 12 different mock ballots for each local jurisdiction with student registrations. Student ballots mirrored Oregon statewide Primary election ballots, with the same three voting options. Students first decided to vote as a Republican, Democratic, or non affiliated voter. Then they could vote for US President (partisan), Oregon Attorney General (partisan), and Oregon Supreme Court Position 1 (nonpartisan) on their chosen ballot. Each of the 12 ballots included a fourth nonpartisan local ballot measure or candidate race. LWVOR invited every Oregon public school district and private/charter/homeschool educator to OSME! Registered educators received ballots, instructions, and lesson plans with linked resources to prepare their students for an informed voting experience. OSME registered over 4600 students from an impressive 26 schools and 14 counties all around Oregon: Baker, Clackamas, Coos, Deschutes, Douglas, Hood River, Klamath, Lane, Linn, Malheur, Marion, Multnomah, and Yamhill. “The election went well and sparked some interesting discussions. Kids are excited to see how our results compare to other high schoolers and the statewide primary races.” Roseburg educator “We did a ranked choice voting activity today and then had them do their LWV ballots. This worked great for our elections unit.” Deschutes County educator Here are the 2024 Oregon Student Mock Election (OSME) RESULTS: Republican: Donald Trump won US President (uncontested). Michael Cross won Oregon Attorney General with 59% of the student vote. Democratic: Marianne Williamson won US President with 51% of the student vote. Joe Biden, running for US President, received 49% of the student vote. Dan Rayfield won Oregon Attorney General with 51% of the student vote. Nonpartisan: Stephen K Bushong won Oregon Supreme Court Position 1 with 90% of the student vote. Here are some examples of student local ballot race RESULTS: 75% of Eugene students voted YES on Ballot Measure 20-349 to amend Eugene’s city charter to use the STAR Voting Method. 50% of Douglas County students voted for John W Hanlin for County Sheriff in a 3-way race. 85% of Tri-County area students (Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington) voted yes on Ballot Measure 26-244, to support issuing Zoo bonds. Free and open LWVOR.org mock election resources are available to educators YEAR-ROUND, including our award-winning Civics Education curriculum.
- All-Members Newsletter - May 2024
See the May All-Members newsletter here .
- All-Members Newsletter - April 2024
See the April All-Members newsletter here .
- Lifetime Member Spotlight: Shirley Nelson (LWV 1967 - 2024 and who’s counting?)
Shirley was born in 1933 near Puget Sound in the very small town of La Conner, Washington, 60 miles north of Seattle and 60 miles south of Vancouver, Canada and lived in the same house (divided) with her father’s parents. That was her father’s reward for running the commercial chicken ranch east of La Conner. She had a sister, two years younger. Shirley loved school and after six years of good teachers moved with her family to a new house where another sister and her brother were born, and she entered a much larger school in the town of Mount Vernon, the county seat. She continued to enjoy school (most days) and graduated as Valedictorian in a class of 115 students. Shirley had discovered journalism in high school and attended Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon for a well-thought-of journalism professor, and she wanted to learn from the best. Shirley met Milt in that class, discovering many things in common, though his second year he changed his major to theology and wanted to change schools to study with a professor he had met over the summer. Milt’s goal was to become a Methodist minister. By early summer of 1953, they had confided their intentions to both sets of parents and bought three rings, announcing their official engagement before transferring to the College (now University) of Puget Sound in Tacoma as upper class students (juniors). Milt was seriously pursuing training for the ministry so Shirley changed her major to Religious Education, not the best choice because she should have stayed with journalism, as writing was her favorite thing to do. They were married in Mount Vernon, Washington in August of 1954 and graduated from CPS the following spring. After three years at Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California, they spent various amounts of time in different towns in Oregon where Milt was the Methodist Minister and she was known as the “Minister’s Wife”. In June 1967, they moved to Medford with their three young sons, where Milt was one of three ministers of the Methodist Church, and Shirley joined the two organizations she was active in for many years. One was the Storytelling Guild (a service of the Jackson County Public Library) and the local League of Women Voters where she served on the Board. She loved both organizations, and worked hard in both. In 1969, they adopted an African-American girl who was just turning five. In 1970, the Medford League President asked Shirley if she would go to the National LWV Convention in her stead, and Milt told her she should go and he would manage their four small children. She went, actually said a few words on the convention floor about a proposed study, and - except for the Kent State College shooting by federal troops - had a good time. Also in 1970, Milt’s church job ended and they decided to stay in Medford to let their children finish school in one place, so he worked for various social service organizations and for a time, at the County, always involved in helping people. He mentored Vista volunteers for several years. Shirley was hired as a classroom aide in a second grade class, an idea she had always resisted, but watching and assisting the veteran second grade teacher interacting with the students changed her mind. The following summer and the next year she attended Southern Oregon College in Ashland to earn enough credits for her Oregon Teaching Certificate. She was hired as an aide in a North Medford elementary school. When their children were growing up, they all camped in national or state parks, and in 1976 for the country’s 200th birthday and the oldest son’s high school graduation, they traveled cross-country with their tent trailer to visit Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C., a memorable trip that was the last they made with the whole family. In the fall of 1976 Shirley was hired as an elementary teacher and continued for eighteen years. Wanting to keep her League involvement, Shirley started an evening unit in the Nelson living room. Two friends who were also teachers lived nearby and walked to the meetings. Topics were announced in the newspaper and sometimes several people, including some men, came to discuss important issues involving the community. Milt was sitting in the family room on the other side of a closed door, watching television. He realized he was missing something and started to attend the meetings. Milt probably joined the League of Women Voters in 1979 or 1980 because both he and Shirley gathered signatures for the ballot measure petition to make Oregon the first state in the union to Vote by Mail in all elections. One of the first issues they studied together was air quality. The Rogue Valley has historically grown wonderful fruit crops, and to avoid freezing during the winter, the pear orchards were heated by large metal pot chimneys burning oil that created smog at night. In 1979, for their 25th wedding anniversary, Shirley and Milt went overseas for the first time, where they visited England. That led to a year as an Exchange Teacher there from 1983-84, and then another year in Australia from 1991-92. Of course, they explored much of each country, plus traveling to neighboring countries as much as possible during school breaks. When Shirley retired at 61 and Milt at 62, they sold their Medford house (the children were grown and gone) and moved to the coastal town of Port Orford. They had a new custom-built house overlooking the ocean waiting for them. They became active in LWV of Curry County during their nineteen-year residence, each taking a turn at a two-year presidency and other positions on the board. Shirley was Voter Service Chair for Curry County for several years, arranging candidate forums during major elections, usually held three nights in a row in Port Orford, Gold Beach and Brookings. Serious candidates participated in all three. Shirley arranged the meetings and often acted as the Moderator. Milt often served as Time Keeper. Each of those towns had monthly unit meetings, and LWV Curry County Board would meet with the units from time to time, alternately. Shirley led some studies for League members, and both Nelsons usually attended state League conventions and councils. Shirley served a term on the League of Women Voters of Oregon Board during that time. They had a busy “Retirement 1” as they also volunteered in historic preservation and interpretation at Cape Bianco Lighthouse, the historic 1898 pioneer Victorian Hughes House and the Coast Guard Life-saving Station. They traveled, visiting or at least driving through all 50 states and most of the Canadian provinces. They also visited Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, some Caribbean islands, Ecuador, about 25 European countries and the British Isles. In the Port Orford years, Shirley published several small books, mostly historical. They made some great friends through the League of Women Voters, though losing some along the way at this advanced age. They enjoy living in an independent senior apartment building “This is Retirement 2” in Florence, and some years Shirley conducts ballot measure forums, LWV-style, in the building or elsewhere in the community. Shirley and Milt both attended the League’s 100th birthday celebration in Salem right before the doors slammed shut in March 2020 due to COVID-19. Shirley’s message for members newer to the League: YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! If you care about this country, doing nothing is a mistake. Attend rallies for people you trust running for office, check things out on Vote411, help get out the vote, and keep studying League issues. Call it bias, but Shirley believes NOBODY conducts candidate forums as well as the League of Women Voters. A lot happens in 90 years! The pictures above were taken close to the 100th anniversary of League of Women Voters during the COVID pandemic. Shirley is standing on the back balcony of Florence’s history museum, one of several speakers looking down at a good-sized crowd of people standing in the parking lot below.
- For Immediate Release: On HB 4024 Campaign Limits Pending at Oregon Legislature
For immediate release March 6, 2024 Contacts: Dan Meek 503-293-9099 dan@honest-elections.com Jason Kafoury 202-465-2764 jason@honest-elections.com Kate Titus 202-480-1132 ktitus@commoncause.org Becky Gladstone 541-510-9387 b.gladstone@lwvor.org James Ofsink 503-208-4082 james@portlandforward.org On HB 4024 Campaign Limits Pending at Oregon Legislature Good Government Groups have reached a conceptual agreement with the Legislature and large political spenders to enact historic campaign finance reform. We now wait for a faithful campaign finance reform bill to pass both chambers and be signed by Governor Kotek. The Oregon Legislature has never in its history passed campaign contribution limits (although it has repealed voter-enacted limits several times). The tireless efforts of democracy-focused groups over the last 27 years–working with local and national experts to develop good public policy and collecting over 100,000 signatures on Initiative Petition 9 (2024) from Oregon voters–have created the conditions for the compromise we are reaching today. Statements “Oregon’s largest campaign spenders tried to push a last-minute deal through the Legislature to avoid the stronger limits and disclosure requirements in our Initiative Petition 9. Thanks to years of grassroots work and intense negotiation by Honest Elections Oregon, Common Cause Oregon and other good government groups, we managed to get dozens of fixes to the bill so that it represents an important step toward comprehensive campaign finance reform in Oregon.” - Dan Meek, Honest Elections Oregon “This is not a perfect policy. We think the limits are still too high and the transparency pieces still need a lot of work. But this is a giant leap forward for Oregon’s democracy. We worked hard to create a system that would give everyday Oregonians a chance to have their voices heard against millionaires and billionaires. In the last election cycle Phil Knight donated over five million directly to candidates, he will now be able to donate $3,300 just like everyone else.” - Jason Kafoury, Honest Elections Oregon “We don’t have to sell our democracy to the highest bidder or kowtow to the biggest spenders! When we organize, we build power. Grassroots communities have come together, through groups like Common Cause and Honest Elections Oregon, passing model reforms in Portland – limits, transparency, and public financing – and a 2020 ballot measure to allow state-wide reform. When we stand together, we can take back our democracy.” - Kate Titus, Common Cause Oregon “Oregon is fortunate to have so many activists and organizers working for our publicly supported true campaign finance reform. Opponents, to compete with our popular IP 9, raised a fake “campaign finance reform” measure to defend their power structures on November ballots. We expect unions and businesses would spend tens of millions to persuade Oregon voters to reject IP 9. The League supports transparency and efficiency in government, so we in good faith will support a legislative compromise, for substantive reform, during these last hectic days of session. Oregon deserves better so work must continue. From the League’s national perspective, we will soon be able to say that Oregon is off the list and the United States is down to only 4 states with no political campaign contribution limits.”. - Rebecca Gladstone, League of Women Voters of Oregon “This is just the beginning of a long journey to improve Oregon’s wild west campaign finance system. We look forward to continued efforts over the coming years to fight for lower limits, improved transparency, and public funding.” - James Ofsink, Portland Forward
- All-Members Newsletter - February 2024
See the February All-Members newsletter here.
- In Memoriam: LWV President Dr. Deborah Turner
Statements from the League of Women Voters of Oregon From Lisa Bentson, LWVOR Co-President All of us here at the State League share in the grief felt nationwide by the recent and surprise passing of LWVUS President Dr. Turner earlier this week. We just attended a special meeting of League Leaders where over 50 people paid tribute to Dr. Turner. Included in the tributes were League Leaders, LWVUS Staff, and their new Leadership. I was touched by the number of red hearts displayed on many Zoom attendee boxes. I did not have the pleasure to meet Dr. Turner, but nonetheless was inspired and impressed with the words, stories, and experiences that were shared. She leaves behind two children and a new husband whom she only recently married. LWVUS is communicating closely with the family on personal as well as professional aspects of her passing. Please see the important links below. A few are time sensitive such as the virtual funeral information scheduled for this Sunday. Also, please note the email at communications@lwv.org where you can send/share your own photos and stories of Dr. Turner. As we collect comments we will update our blog and forward to LWVUS so they can know we are grieving together with them but also carrying on her legacy. Respectfully submitted by Lisa Bentson, Co-President From Rebecca Gladstone, LWVOR Co-President With deep affection, profound sadness, and devotion to our shared mission, here's to you, Dr. Turner. We'll Keep on Keeping On , for you. A few times in our lives we are graced to meet rare beacons- brilliant, poised, pushing to do more, yet circumspect and listening, warm and fun-loving, inspiring and motivating. You have touched us, knowing that across League expanses, your love for what we share will … Make Democracy Work . Let’s treasure memories; we all have our own. We faced COVID-19 and stayed together virtually. Dr. T & Virginia waved for all of us, from the LWV Rose Parade float. We adjourned the LWV Convention to march, together , over to the Denver state house the day the Dobbs decision broke. This is a heartbreaking loss for the League, across the country. From Oregon, condolences all around, especially to those working most closely with Dr. T, the national board and staff, the front lines folks in the marches, elections, and courthouses. To Dr. T’s family- please know that President Turner has influenced history. On behalf of the Board, our Advocates and Voter Service volunteers, our Youth Council, and Oregon members: Thank you. Becky Gladstone, LWVOR Co-President From Celine Ioffe, LWVOR Youth Council President Meeting Dr. Turner during the National Council in 2023 was incredibly inspiring and I was devastated to hear of her passing. Her kindness and genuine care for humanity shone through in every interaction she had, and my experience with her was no different. Speaking with Dr. Turner about the future of the League as well as our shared passion for reproductive justice was not only meaningful but cemented me in the work I was doing. I am sending my condolences to her family and am grateful to have been inspired by Dr. Turner. Thank you, Celine Important Links and Resources Regarding Services All League members are invited to view the LWVUS Livestream of Dr. Turner's funeral services this Sunday beginning at 11 am CT. LWVUS Contact Information Send photos and comments: communications@lwv.org Send donations: https://www.lwv.org/givetribute See inspiring quotes collected by LWVUS: https://www.lwv.org/blog/inspiration-late-lwv-president-dr-deborah-ann-turner Read Dr. Turner's obituary: https://www.desmoinesregister.com/obituaries/piow0707800 In closing, we share this moving video of Dr. Turner singing a song she and others sang on the Selma March. She was there as a little girl.
















