LWV-Wake Update 9/16/24 

Dear ~~first_name~~,

Greetings from LWV Wake,

On September 16, 1620, a ship called the Mayflower, set sail from Plymouth, England with 100 passengers preparing to start new lives in America.  These early settlers are now known as the pilgrims; their arrival in North America would shape the history of the nation for generations.

On September 16, 404 years later, here we are, the League of Women Voters of Wake County, still sailing on stormy seas as we make our way towards a very important event – the U.S. General Election on November 5, 2024.

There is a lot going on at LWV-Wake in the lead up to the election. Below are just a few of the upcoming events. Please see other sections of the newsletter related to upcoming events and opportunities.

Tomorrow, September 17, 2024 LWV-Wake is hosting National Voter Registration Day Events at NC State University's Electoral Wellness Fair from 10am-2pm at Stafford Commons. We are also hosting an event at Wake Tech North’s Volleyball Game, where the community college will also highlight LWV-Wake on their electronic game board.

To quote our Immediate Past President, Cheryl Tung, “This is a HUGE day for LWV-Wake. In addition to these events, we will be registering first time voters at Athens High School in the morning…. It will be a very successful NVRD for Wake! Thanks EVERYONE for all your help.”

One happening that is not so pleasant is the delay of N.C. Ballots.

The North Carolina Board of Elections issued a press release shedding some light on the RFK NC ballot legal situation, including in a previous release:

“County boards of elections in North Carolina are now working to design and print new ballots for the 2024 general election without the We The People Party’s presidential and vice presidential candidates on them, following a state court decision.”

Absentee ballots cannot be sent until all the NC County Boards of Election have reprinted their ballots – at the expense of the counties. Ballots will be mailed to military and overseas voters on September 20. All other requested ballots will be mailed on September 24.

This delay has also delayed the start-date for VOTE411.org.  Ballots cannot be published on Vote411.org until they are reprinted by the counties.

What LWV-Wake can do is what we have always done: Empower Voters and Defend Democracy.

Read on for more information about opportunities for you to learn about issues and empower voters.

Thank you all for your attention and your generous help in LWV-Wake events and volunteer opportunities.

Helen

Abortion Access and Democracy in N.C. to be First Timely Topic

Join us for the first Timely Topics of the 2024/2025 season TOMORROW with an important discussion on abortion access in North Carolina.

We will begin the evening with the ACLU’s compelling 10-minute documentary “North Carolina’s Abortion Story.” This screening will be followed by three unique perspectives on how abortion in NC impacts democracy. If you would like to ask question of our three panelists, please submit them in advance to Kristen Howard

Election Information on LWV-Wake Website

LWV-Wake committees are ensuring important election information is available on our website. On the site, you will find information on the delay of absentee ballots and VOTE411 due to a N.C. Supreme Court ruling. Read about it here:

Board of Elections Statement

WTVD Story

Videos Educate Voters on Election Process

The League of Women Voters of North Carolina has released two new animated videos that walk voters through the election process, with particular attention paid to what's new in 2024. 

Part 1 covers election changes and safeguards in place for 2024, including ID requirements, absentee ballot signature requirements, measures to prevent double voting, ballot tracking, and more.

Watch Part 1

Part 2 covers the canvass process, hand-to-eye recounts, election security, and more. Your next step should be making a voting plan, keeping in mind key dates when it comes to the fall 2024 election. 

Watch Part 2

Fighting to Protect The Public Good

Join public school scholars/advocates for an informative program that will make you a more effective public ed advocate.

Saturday, September 21 · 8:30am - 12:30pm

McKimmon Center

Community Conversations: Raleigh Comprehensive Plan

The City of Raleigh’s  Comprehensive Plan is a long-range policy document that outlines a vision for how Raleigh will look and feel in the future, and how the city should grow to achieve that vision. The current plan is the 2030 Comprehensive Plan, which was adopted in 2009 and updated in 2019. As we approach 2030, the City of Raleigh is embarking on a multi-year journey to write the City’s Next Comprehensive Plan.

To begin this process, Raleigh is hosting community conversations centered around affordable housing, stormwater, trees, infrastructure, neighborhood character, and transportation. How our city grows should reflect all of us, and we’ll need your help shaping that vision.

LEARN MORE

Membership Committee Holds First Potluck 

The Membership Committee is hosting the first potluck of this League year in Cary on Monday, October 7, from 6 - 8 p.m. Take advantage of this chance to get acquainted in a member's home, with stimulating conversation and good food. Any member may attend. It's a great way to connect and learn what has drawn others to join, especially if you're new.

We keep these events small - just the number that fit around the host's table – so there aren't a lot of seats. If you want one, sign up ASAP. 

Here's how it works: The host provides an entrée; those attending bring an item to share. After you sign up, you'll receive an email with the host's name and address, the entree they're providing, and suggestions for what you might bring.

To sign up:  email Karen Ferguson at ferguson.karen@gmail.com. She'll let you know right away if you have a seat or are on the wait list.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

More hosts are needed to hold future potlucks around the county.

If you’d like to open your home to guests, all we ask of you is to set your table and prepare an entrée to feed them. Your house, your choice: a date that works for you; brunch, lunch, or dinner; meat or vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc. We’ll promote it, register guests, coordinate their potluck contributions, and provide a facilitator.

Interested? Contact Karen Ferguson ferguson.karen@gmail.com at with your name, how many can sit around your dining table, and what part of Wake County you live in. Thanks in advance! You’ll enjoy it.