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Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy.

A volunteer, nonpartisan organization serving the people of serving the people of Apache Junction, Anthem, Avondale, Arizona City, Bapchule, Black Canyon City, Bouse, Buckeye, Carefree, Casa Grande, Cashion, Cibola, Cave Creek, Chandler, Eloy, Florence, Fort McDowell, Fountain Hills, Gila Bend, Gilbert, Glendale, Guadalupe, Hayden, Higley, Kearny, Maricopa, Mesa, New River, Picacho, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Queen Creek, Red Rock, Rio Verde, Scottsdale, Scanton, Stanfield, Tempe, Tolleson, Valley Farms, Winkelman

Date: 10/8/2024
Subject: October Members Matter
From: President LWV of Metro Phoenix



MEMBERS MATTER NEWSLETTER
 OCTOBER 2024

Quick Links to Articles in this Issue
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Dear ~~first_name~~ ,

October marks several critical dates leading into the November election. We are less than 30 days from the upcoming general election. The League’s mission of protecting and expanding voting rights, along with defending democracy through non-partisan education, is at the forefront of LWVMP’s work. Our Voter’s Services team continues to meet the many requests by community agencies, schools, and interested groups to provide voter registration support and election education.

Throughout this newsletter you can find links to information about how you can support our ongoing efforts to Get Out The Vote.

  • Be Informed: Vote411 and the LWV Ballot Proposition publication contain valuable information to cast knowledgeable votes.

  • Be Alert: Make sure that your voter registration information is accurate and that you receive all the documents from the Secretary of State office.

  • Share: Check in with your neighbors, friends and family and let them know how to access the Vote411.org website

  • Vote Early: Voting centers will soon be open and ballots delivered by mail. Voters are strongly encouraged to vote early when possible. As always, you can track the status of your ballot.

  • Details are Important: Ballots are two full pages. Make sure that you complete and return both pages.  

Your spirit of volunteerism and dedication to the League’s mission to protect voting rights and ensure that all eligible voters have the opportunity to participate in the democratic processes has continued to support the successes of LWVMP.

In League Service,
Marcia Barry, President
LWV Metro Phoenix
VOTER SERVICES

From Registration to the Ballot!

Thanks to everyone who helped with voter registration during 2024!  Now we begin to help voters bridge the gap between registering to vote and actually casting a ballot.  We are doing this through several programs, include texting, phone banking, neighborhood canvases, and in person tabling.  Every bit helps!  Below are some in-person tabling opportunities for October.  

Thursday, Oct 10, 12:30 - 3:30 pm: Youth National Voter Education at Mesa Community College Main Campus Dobson & Southern  Provide election and voter education information to students at Mesa Community College Students for National Voter Education Week (Volunteer positions filled).  You are invited to come early for an opportunity to meet Celina Stewart, CEO for LWVUS from 11-12:30 pm.  Register for Meet & Greet  LWV US CEO.  

Saturday, Oct 12, 3:30 - 9 pm: Celebrate Mesa Fall 2024  Provide voter education at a free family friendly event sponsored by the City of Mesa.  This is a great way to get out information on VOTE411 and passout election information on ballot measures.  Location: Red Mountain Soccer Complex.

Saturday, Oct 19, 2-10pm and Sun, Oct 20, noon-9pm:  Phoenix Pride Festival Tabling  Provide election and voter education information.  Desperately need tabling captains for Saturday, Sunday close shift still need volunteers.   Location: Indian Steele Park, 300 E. Indian School Rd. Phoenix.  

Sunday, Oct 27, 12:30 - 7pm: Dia de los Muertos Phoenix  Provide election and voter education information.  Location: Indian Steele Park, 300 E. Indian School Rd. Phoenix.  

The next Voter Services meeting is November 19, at 4:30 pm.  

ADVOCACY

Restoration of Voting Rights

In Arizona, individuals with felony convictions face significant barriers to regaining their right to vote, often waiting years or even decades for restoration. With around 40,000 people incarcerated at any given time and about 1,000 re-entering society each month, it’s crucial to encourage these individuals to engage in the democratic process, even if they cannot vote. Many want to participate and can do so by volunteering with organizations like the League of Women Voters, utilizing RTS (Request to Speak) to share their opinions on legislation, or helping register others to

 vote. 

Encouraging involvement in these activities fosters a sense of belonging and amplifies their voices within the community. By advocating for the restoration of voting rights and supporting one another, individuals with criminal histories can inspire change and contribute meaningfully to our democracy. Every voice matters, and engaging those who have been silenced is essential for creating a more inclusive political landscape.

Click to find resources on the Voting Rights Restoration Process and local support. 

MEMBERSHIP

Growing our Membership and League Power

Please join us in welcoming four New League Members who joined in the month of September: Marsha Calloway, Daniel Conditt, Sue Greenberg, and Anne Parker. 

 And, thank you to our eight  Renewing Members: Dawn Abel, Trish Georgeff, Alexis & Matt Lane, Jodi R. Liggett, Martha O’Connor, Pike Oliver, and Patty Palombo.

Engagement Highlights

Thank you to all members for your participation in Get out the Vote, VOTE411, Debates & Forums, and all the other important work you do. If you are a member who has time or treasure to dedicate to our mission as we approach the election on November 5, please reach out to infolwvmp@gmail.com

LWVAZ NEWS

Get Out The Vote (GOTV) - General Election
This month, we’ve been focused on the upcoming General Election— publishing VOTE411, and kicking off our GOTV efforts. We have started our texting campaign targeting women voters and are actively candidate-chasing to ensure voters hear from every candidate on their ballot. Huge thanks to our awesome volunteers! There's more to do, so sign up for GOTV activities, use VOTE411 and share the link with your network,  and volunteer to contact candidates.  To get involved with the MP advocacy committee, contact  advocacylwvmp@gmail.com; for state advocacy involvement, contact lwvazadvocacy@gmail.com

GET INVOLVED AND
VOLUNTEER TO GET OUT THE VOTE!

With tight elections, every vote counts, and it's crucial that all eligible voters cast their ballot. Your efforts can make a difference in ensuring a fair and representative outcome. Together, local and state league efforts can empower voters today!
It takes a minimum of three touches to mobilize a voter to vote. We have already started reaching out to women voters across the state, but we need more volunteers and your help!
Our GOTV efforts include texting, phone banking, postcard writing, and door-to-door canvassing. You can volunteer for any option that works for you.  We will be urging women voters to:

  • Check their voter registration

  • Submit their early ballot

  • Know their polling location using the information we provide

  • Contact the Election Protection volunteers if they experience any issues voting

Sign me up for Training now!
If you need assistance, contact us at lwvazadvocacy@gmail.com
We need you!  Let's make this happen!

Something GREAT this Way Comes - VOTE411 is Live!

VOTE411 has been published - races, candidates’ answers to League questions, state ballot measures - and everything you need to know about voting and elections.  The candidate portal is open until Nov. 4 to allow them to respond, update, or edit their information.

  • Please share this information and the VOTE411 link, https://www.vote411.org, with your personal and professional networks, including organizations with which we have partnered. 

  • Promote VOTE411 on your social media and to special interest and political groups.

  • Email or text your friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors with information about VOTE411, including our short informative video, How to Use VOTE411. 

  • Write a short PSA (public service announcement) for Nextdoor, your Facebook page, and the political and social groups you belong to. For example: 
                    Attention Arizona Voters:  Go to VOTE411.org, the League of Women Voters’ nonpartisan guide to election information you need to research your candidates and the issues on your ballot.

  • Check out your personal ballot. Go to https://www.vote411.org, enter your address, and see if candidates in your races answered our questions. Contact those who have not responded.  

  • What else can I do to help? So glad you asked! 

    • We invited all candidates on the ballot with verifiable contact information. Although we have asked, not all have answered despite repeated invitations and emails.

    • We need league members to cajole/ remind/ nag/ non-responsive candidates across the state to respond to our VOTE411 questionnaire. Candidates need to hear directly from the voters; they appreciate the reminder. 

    • To volunteer, email lwvazadvocacy@gmail.com, and you will receive candidate contact information and instructions.  If you or one of the candidates you reach out to has any questions, please contact us at lwvazadvocacy@gmail.com. 

Make a Difference This Election Day
Become a LWVAZ Election Protection Poll Monitor

 

As election season approaches, the League of Women Voters of Arizona (LWVAZ) is calling on passionate individuals like you to support our democracy. We're seeking Poll Monitors and support roles for the upcoming November 5th election to help ensure that every voter can cast their ballot without obstacles. This is an opportunity to not only be a part of the democratic process, but to protect our vote. We have opportunities for 50 youth in high school and college students to earn a stipend as they help protect our elections as poll monitors. We also need many non student volunteers to monitor the polling locations.  

Why Become a Poll Monitor?

Poll Monitors are the eyes and ears on Election Day, ensuring a smooth, accessible voting process for all. By joining our team, you'll play a vital role in supporting voters, addressing issues in real time, and helping us protect democracy. 

Positions Available: (Paid and Volunteer)

On-Site Poll Monitor  (Students Earn $350, while gaining valuable experience in civic engagement.)

  • Be stationed at a polling location near you, Assist voters with any questions or concerns in a non-partisan manner, maintaining a presence 75 feet away from the polling place. 

  • Provide non-partisan assistance to voters with questions, help them understand their rights, and support them with registration and ballot information.

  • Report any issues to the Command Center, such as broken machines or accessibility problems.

  • Commitment includes a full day shift on Election Day (approx. 10 hours) and 1-2 hour online training session.

Roving Poll Monitor (Non Students can earn $125)

  • Drive between polling locations to support our On-Site Poll Monitors.

  • Deliver essential supplies like water, shirts, and snacks to polling locations.

  • Maintain ongoing communication with LWVAZ staff, ensuring all locations have what they need.

  • This role requires a 6-hour commitment, in addition to 1-2 hour online training.

General Requirements for All Paid Roles:

  • Available on November 5th, 2024 for various shifts: 

    • 5:30 am - 12 pm

    • 5:30 am - Polls Close (7 pm or later)

    • 11:30 am - Polls Close (7 pm or later)

  • Must be at least 18 years old, student enrolled in an accredited Arizona education institution

  • Able to stand for long periods of time and communicate (via text,email, and phone) effectively with supervisors.

  • Have reliable transportation to drive to polling locations.

  • Ability to use Zoom for online training.

How to Apply
Ready to Make a Difference? Join Us in Protecting Democracy and Volunteer Today!

Volunteers apply here .

Paid volunteers apply here .


LWV METRO PHOENIX BOARD OF DIRECTORS

LWV Metro Phoenix Board of Directors

 Officers
President:  Marcia Barry
President Elect:  Kara Pelletier
Secretary:  Gretchen Bolerjack
Treasurer, Finance and Development Committee Chair:  Barbara Cricket Mitchell

Board of Directors
Advocacy Committee Chair:  Mark Giles
  Communications Committee Chair:  Connie Cornelius
Forums Committee Chair:  Cindy Walsh
League Representative to State Board:  Gitelle Seer 
Membership Committee Chair:  Alexis Lane
Nominations Committee Chair:  Jean Conway
Voter Services Chair:  Gretchen Bolerjack

Contact us at InfoLWVMP@gmail.com

I hope you have enjoyed reading this issue of Members Matter! Feel free to share your feedback, ask questions, or request additional information about the League. You may email me at infolwvmp@gmail.com.
In League Service,
Marcia Barry, LWVMP President 
 LWV Metro Phoenix, 3219 E Camelback Road, #187, Phoenix, AZ 86018
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