LWV-Wake Update 11/10/2025 | Welcome back to your exclusive, bi-weekly newsletter of the League of Women Voters of Wake County. If someone forwarded this to you and you'd like to become a member, or are interested in learning more, just click here. |  | Dear ~~first_name~~
We are celebrating a season of civic engagement and defending our democracy. Thanks to our members who voted. Thanks also to our incredible volunteers who, through the trusted resource Vote411 and get out the vote activities, encouraged and informed voters across Wake County who turned out in strong numbers this election. Our members also observed Board of Elections proceedings to follow the critical decisions of the Wake County BoE post-election. From answering questions to registering new voters and sharing reliable information, League members once again showed what it means to empower voters and defend democracy. We are still awaiting the final data, but Carolina Press reports that 39% of North Carolinians were eligible to vote on Tuesday, and 19% cast ballots. This represents a strong turnout compared to previous elections, which typically saw participation between 14% and 17%.
Next step, Prep for Mid-Term Primaries! Consider serving as a BoE observer beginning with the selection of precinct officials in December.
Don't miss these great opportunities to stay connected this month! The monthly Meet & Chat is always a relaxed, welcoming space to meet new people and learn more about the League’s work. More information below.
And, don’t miss our next Timely Topics, featuring an especially relevant discussion on redistricting and citizen initiatives with President LWV-Wake Gaye Williams as one of the speakers.
If you’re feeling inspired by this year’s impact, Giving Tuesday 2025 is the perfect opportunity to support the League’s ongoing voter education and outreach.
We are a volunteer-driven organization requiring time, energy, and financial support from all of us—and every contribution makes a difference. As you plan your year-end giving, we hope you’ll include LWV-Wake on your list. Together, let’s finish the year strong!
| As a member or friend of the League of Women Voters, you've already shown your commitment to educating and empowering voters, thank you. If you are looking for a way to be even more involved, you are organized, and enjoy interacting with the public, we have meaningful work that might be a good fit for you! LWV-Wake has a tremendous voter services team who are active and willing to sign up and show out to activate citizens to register and vote. Due to some recent changes in leadership availability, we are in need of a couple of people to serve as Voter Services leaders who can organize and lead the work of existing teams. If the idea of informing, registering, and inspiring voters across our area sounds appealing to you, consider this opportunity to make a real difference working alongside others who share your commitment to democracy. Interested? Please contact LWV-Wake president, Gaye Williams, to discuss further. | | Join us for an engaging program with Kyle Brazile and Byron Laws from the NC Counts Coalition to explore how the Census and Independent Redistricting Commissions (IRCs) shape fair representation. Gaye Williams will also highlight Citizen (Ballot) Initiatives and what it means for voter-driven change in North Carolina.
Registration is recommended. Registrants are encouraged to bring their lunch.
November 13th Noon to 1:30 PM
Highland United Methodist Church
1901 Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607
Click to Register |  | |
Join LWV-Members for an After-Work (or Pre-Dinner) Meet and Chat in North Raleigh!
Meet other members of LWV-Wake for a casual evening at Vinos Finos Tapas and Wine Bar in Lafayette Village on Tuesday, November 11, from 5:00–7:00 PM.
Drop in whenever it fits your schedule—there’s no formal program, just good conversation and an opportunity to connect with fellow members. You’ll also have a chance to hear briefly from LWV-Wake President Gaye Williams, who will share highlights and lessons from her first year leading our League.
Vinos Finos offers a wonderful selection of wines by the glass, along with beer, soft drinks, and delicious tapas. Come enjoy a relaxed evening of connection and community!
No sign-up is needed, but if you do register, you will receive email reminders. As always, friends are welcome. For your GPS: Lafayette Village Shopping Center is located at 8450 Honeycutt Rd.
Questions? email Pauline Holden. Hope to see you there!
|  | | Support Democracy This Giving Tuesday
Giving Tuesday is almost here — a global day to give back to the causes you care about most. We hope you’ll consider supporting the League of Women Voters of Wake County, your local, boots-on-the-ground advocates for democracy.
From hosting candidate forums to registering new voters and answering election questions, our volunteers are out in the community year-round making sure every eligible voter has the information they need.
Your donations keep this work going — funding voter education, community programs, and tools like VOTE411.org.
Help us keep democracy thriving in Wake County!
DONATE NOW Giving Tuesday 2025 |  |
The League of Women Voters of North Carolina is planning a special day for members to attend SUFFS: The Musical in Charlotte on Sunday, March 15, 2026 for the matinee performance. This Broadway hit brings to life the inspiring story of the suffragists who fought for women's right to vote — history deeply tied to the Leagues' own legacy.
The afternoon will include time to gather, offering members the chance to connect, share in camaraderie, and celebrate together.
The LWVNC has secured special pricing, and League members are invited use this link to purchase tickets today. Starred seats include 30 Grand Tier seats and 30 Mezzanine seats reserved for the League, so act now to buy your ticket and receive the group discount. LWV-Wake is exploring options for members who would like to travel together.
|  | | Our committees are open to all members and work across several key areas. Attending a meeting is a great way to see if you are interested in getting involved. Two Committees are meeting this week, and you can attend to hear more about the work they are engaged in.
The Women's Rights & Healthcare Committee will meet Tuesday, November 11, 2025, 3:00 PM until 4:30 PM. This committee works on a range of issues impacting women's rights and healthcare including, but not limited to discrimination against women in voting, reproductive choice, access to health insurance, the Equal Rights Amendment, childcare, employment opportunity equality, and disparities in healthcare.
The Membership Committee will meet via Zoom this Thursday, November 13, 2025, 5:00 PM until 6:00 PM
See more Events and Upcoming Meetings and register online. To learn more about LWV-Wake’s current committees or to email a chair/co-chair, go to our Our Work page. |  | | The Affordable Housing Committee will not be meeting in November and December. We will resume in January with exciting programming and advocacy opportunities. Join us for our book discussion by registering for the January meeting and to be added to the Book Discussion Group list.
Book and Film Discussion Series
As part of our ongoing education on housing equity, members are invited to:
Watch: Segregated by Design (17-min film by Richard Rothstein) — available at Zinn Education Project
Read: The Color of law by Richard Rothstein.
Reading assignments are spread across November, December, and January, with a group discussion scheduled for the January 26th committee meeting.
We’re seeking members to report on housing initiatives in their municipalities (e.g. Wake Forest, Wendell, Fuquay-Varina, Zebulon, etc.). This helps us build a countywide view of local affordable housing progress and challenges.
Interested? Email Liz Simon Bryant to be assigned a municipality or sign up on the Affordable Housing Advocate for Wake County page on our site.
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To renew your membership visit the Join page on our website and click "Join and Renew" to access the renewal portal on LWV.org. If you'd like to make an additional contribution to LWV-Wake, there is an opportunity to do so in the renewal process. Please note that your credit card will only be retained in the lwv.org system if you sign up for automatic renewals. Thank you for your support!
Join, Renew, Invite friends to join.
| | LWV members engaged in an informative discussion at the October 30th Timely Topic event on Federal Changes to Medicaid and SNAP, featuring experts Shadonna Headen and Rebecca Cerese. Attendees gained valuable insights into the implications of these changes for North Carolina, followed by a lively Q&A session.
| PARTNERSHIP NEWS AND EVENTS | Join ProChoiceNC.org, one of our partner organizations, for their Final Quarterly Update of the Year—The Anti-Abortion Center Edition!
On December 2, 12:30pm via zoom
This timely program coincides with the U.S. Supreme Court will hear First Choice Women’s Resource Centers v. Platkin, a case that could decide whether states can hold anti-abortion centers accountable—or if these centers will gain even more protection to mislead patients. ProChoiceNC.org will unpack what’s at stake, what the ruling could mean for North Carolina, and how lawmakers can respond. Special guest Rep. Julie von Haefen (HD-36) joins them for this timely conversation on truth, accountability, and reproductive freedom. Register today!
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The ERA-NC Alliance is holding its Annual Meeting next week. Their guest speaker will be Jeri Burton, who led Nevada NOW's successful campaign for their inclusive state ERA in 2022.
2025 ERA-NC Alliance Annual Meeting
Saturday, November 15 (New date)
10:30 a.m. EST
Virtual meeting on Zoom
REGISTER HERE | | Media placements help us get our voice heard. And being heard helps us make an impact. You can keep up with LWVUS press coverage at the League of Women's Voters Newsroom.
November 5, 2025: High Turnout for NC municipal elections as voters make themselves heard.
To check results for these races, or any of the other hundreds of races, visit the State Board of Elections website.
November 3, 2025: League of Women Voters Celebrates Election Hero Day and Encourages Voter Action on Election Day
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November 5, 1872: Susan B. Anthony voted in a U.S. presidential election, defying laws prohibiting women from voting. She was later arrested and fined, which was a defining moment in the women’s suffrage movement.
November 8, 1910: Washington State granted women the right to vote, boosting national momentum for the 19th Amendment a decade later.
| The League of Women Voters of Wake County is a designated 501(c)3 nonprofit charitable organization by the IRS. Donations and membership dues are fully tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. | |