LWV-Wake Update 3/20/2023
|  | Dear ~~first_name~~,
Greetings from LWV-Wake.
As we continue to celebrate Women's History Month, I'd like to highlight some interesting Women's history within the League and celebrate activities we've participated in this month to encourage future women's history makers.
On March 6th, LWV-Wake hosted 6 ECU students at the League's office for an afternoon discussion about women's suffrage, the work of LWV-Wake, and the importance of igniting the youth vote. Dale Cousins and I led a roundtable discussion about youth voter turnout and how to motivate young people to vote. The students then created short videos about the importance of voting, which we will be using on social media. Two ECU students are featured in the photos above.
On March 8th, Elaine Okal, Mary Thompson and I represented LWV-Wake and LWVNC, and along with other ERA supporters and organizations, attended a press conference led by Rep. Julie von Haefen and Senator Natalie Murdock. With other ERA bill co-sponsors, they announced the filing of NC Adopt ERA bills.
David McLennan, Professor of Political Science at Meredith College was also present and spoke about the latest poll showing a majority of North Carolinians support the ERA. Meredith students who carried out the research were also present. To see the results of the Meredith College Poll, click here.
On March 14th, Women's Rights Committee Co-Chairs, Elaine Okal and Kristen Howard, joined me on a road trip to ECU's International Women's Day #EmbraceEquity conference. Students played our Spin to Win Trivia game, which featured questions about women's issues in NC, as well as famous 'herstory' questions. You can see one happy winner of a 'vote.' t-shirt above. Both students and faculty were welcoming and appreciative of us being there.
LWV-Wake Women's History
Have you wondered about the work of our Leaguers over the past 50-75 years? LWVNC and LWV-Wake Board Member Marian Lewin interviewed one of our longtime members, Polly Williams, who passed away last week at the age of 99 (see In Memoriam below), back in 2017. Also included in the discussion were League members Vicki Gerig and Carol Atwood.
Marian provided a written history of that discussion which describes the important work LWV-Wake members carried out, particularly around integration, environment, and the expansion of libraries. If you have 10 minutes, it's a fascinating read.
I was surprised by Polly's description of the Wake County Board of Commissioners in the 60's as wealthy landowners (all men) who didn't want to fund libraries because it would cost them money in taxes. We've come a long way! To read the oral history, click here.
|  | | In Memoriam
Mary C. (Polly) Williams
While Polly's obituary and funeral arrangements have not yet been published, Polly's daughter and LWV-Wake member Carol Atwood, announced Polly's passing Friday, March 17th. Polly was a member of LWV-Wake in the 50's and then again in the late 80's and 90's. Taken from an excerpt about Polly from the NC Justice Website, Polly Williams was a professor of English at NC State University until her retirement. She was a public policy advocate for older North Carolinians. In addition to her work with the NC Coalition on Aging, where she served as an officer, Polly volunteered with many organizations. She volunteered with NC Justice Center since 2001, specializing in issues related to aging and health. She received both the NC Justice Center's Lifetime Champion of Justice and Order of the Longleaf Pine awards in 2021 during an NC JusticeAward Presentation, which can be viewed here. We extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Polly Williams.
Carol has extended an invitation to all LWV members to attend a visitation to honor and remember Polly on Tuesday, March 21st from 6pm-9pm. Please email me for the address. | | Join Us Tomorrow!
March 21st 5pm-6pm
League Office
Empowering voters is the heart of our mission, and the work of the Voter Services committee is the driver of our organization's success. Planning for the 2023 municipal and the 2024 election begins NOW and we need your help! It is our member volunteers who will determine what GOTV projects will be carried out over the next two years.
This event is an opportunity to meet each other in person and brainstorm future projects. Attendees are encouraged to research voter engagement projects that have been successful in other communities, or by other organizations, and bring these ideas forward.
Marian Lewin will also provide a voting legislation update. We encourage everyone interested in helping out to attend.
Snacks and drinks will be provided. To register, click on the link below:
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- March 30th 3:30pm-6pm - Member Meetup at Brecotea - Meet other members and socialize at Brecotea, a Taiwanese inspired tea and pastry shop, located in Cary. There's plenty of free parking. For more information and to register, click here.
- March 31st 1:30pm-3pm - Affordable Housing Committee - Join us as we welcome guest presenter Dan Sargent of Rebuilding Together of the Triangle. Mr. Sargent will discuss how Rebuilding Together is working to preserve affordable homeownership and revitalize neighborhoods by providing home repair and renovation services free of charge to those in need. This meeting is open to the public, however, registration is required. Register here.
- April 18th 4pm-5pm - League Leaders Roundtable - Learn about the new committee work plan that will guide committees as they determine their focus areas and actions for the next year. This roundtable is open to ALL committee members. Register here.
- April 19th 5pm-6pm- Timely Topics: Why Are Library Books Making Headlines? - Join us for our last Timely Topics presentation of the (League) year. Guest presenters, Dan Brooks, Materials Selector Manager for Wake County Public Libraries and Michelle Underhill, State Librarian for the State of North Carolina, will discuss current trends and responses in making book selections for public libraries. This virtual event is open to the public. Register here.
- April 25th 10am-12pm - League 101 - We are excited to offer League 101 again! This is a great way opportunity for new and new-ish members to learn more about the League, make new friends and find out how to get more involved. Leaguers Karen Ferguson and Judee Lonnee will guide attendees through an interactive session with time for mingling. To register, click here.
- May 11th 10:30am - NC Art Museum Tour - Join the Women's Rights Committee at the NC Museum of Art in the East Building for a tour of Women Artists as Influencers. Explore the innovation and influence of women artists from 19th century art movements to contemporary art exploration. Attendees will learn the names, techniques, and intent of women across art genre and form. Reservations are limited to 20 spots and open to all LWV-Wake members. To register, click here.
|  | | Annual Meeting with Guest Speaker Carmen Cauthen
Wednesday, May 17th 5:30pm - 7:30pm
NCSU University Club
We are pleased to announce that local author Carmen Cauthen will serve as our guest speaker for this year's LWV of Wake County Annual Meeting! Carmen will discuss her recently published book Historic Black Neighborhoods of Raleigh. The meeting will also include a brief update on this year's strategic objectives, the 2023-2024 budget and election of new board members.
There will be a mix & mingle followed by dinner and program. Registration is $35 and includes dinner. There will be an open bar for the first hour. Ms. Cauthen will sign books available for purchase. To learn more about Carmen Cauthen and her book and to register, click the link below.
|  | | LWVNC Convention May 19th-21st
LWV-Wake Member Delegates Needed
LWVNC’s 39th Convention will take place May 19-21, 2023 in Charlotte. We are excited to announce that Dr. Deborah Turner, the 20th president of the League of Women Voters of the United States, will speak at the Saturday evening banquet.
We really need our members to attend and participate in important League decisions and show support for our state League and LWVUS President. Among the agenda items:
- Analysis of 2022 Elections—Who’s Voting, Who’s Not
- Upcoming Legislative Trends: Initiatives We Need to Prepare For
- Misinformation/Disinformation in the Media and the League’s Role
- ERA—What’s Happening and What We Need to Do
- Tax Policy Presentation
- Effective Advocacy in Education
In addition, there will be two plenary sessions for official League business. This is an excellent opportunity for newer members to learn about important issues as well as how the League works.
The early bird registration fee (through April 15th) is $250. LWV-Wake will reimburse the registration fee for members who want to attend. We encourage any member who wants to learn more about the League to join us for a weekend full of fun and learning.
Please email Cheryl Tung if you have registered so we can arrange reimbursement. Click on the links below to register and to make hotel reservations:
| To see all upcoming LWVNC sponsored events, please view their Events Calendar
|  | | NCGA Legislative Update
In a year where the state motto has become "Elections have Consequences", here are just some of the legislative updates making headlines.
2023-2025 Budget Proposal
On March 15th, Governor Cooper released his 2023-2025 $32.9 billion dollar budget proposal. In it, he fully funds the Leandro plan, provides an 18% teacher raise over two years and designates $1 billion to support mental health, among other things. NC House Speaker Moore responded, calling the budget "unrealistic. You can read about Governor Cooper's budget here and the NCGA leadership's response here.
This year, the House Republicans will devise a budget, likely in private adding a lot of bad legislation, and vote to approve in April. The NC Senate will then begin working on their budget bill in May. It will also include bad legislation, followed by a compromise budget bill. The final budget with all the bad legislation included is expected to be completed and sent to Governor Cooper in June. And then it begins.....
Abortion Bill Watch
It appears that there is much disagreement between House and Senate republicans on abortion legislation. We hope this disagreement continues indefinitely.
Other Bills to Watch
HB 187 Equality in Education, was filed on February 23rd. This is an anti-CRT bill similar to one that was vetoed by Governor Cooper last year. Update: On March 13th the House K-12 Education committee debated this bill and a substitute bill was proposed. Read about debate surrounding this bill from NC Policy Watch here.
SB 49, Parents Bill of Rights, was introduced on Jan. 31 and passed the Senate on Feb. 7, 29-18 partisan vote. It has been referred to the House.
HB 40, Preventing Riot and Civil Disorder. Update: Sent to Governor Cooper on March 10th, who allowed it to become law on March 17th.
In a press release, Cooper stated, "I acknowledge that changes were made to modify this legislation's effect after my veto of a similar bill last year. Property damage and violence are already illegal and my continuing concerns about the erosion of the First Amendment and the disparate impacts on communities of color will prevent me from signing this legislation." Interesting to note that there was one Wake Senator (Bode) who voted in favor of HB40.
HB 17 Election of SBE, is moving to the House floor. This would have members of the State Board of Education chosen by partisan elections instead of appointed, and SPI becomes chair of SBE automatically. The concern is that this will further politicize the K-12 educational system in NC. Ref to Rules committee on Feb. 15th.
SB 88 Election Day Integrity Act, was filed February 9th. This bill effectively shortens the date by which absentee ballots must be received to 7:30pm on Election Day. This is a very troubling bill. Referred to Redistricting & Elections Committee on Feb. 13th.
SB 89 Prohibit Private Money in Elections Admin. was filed February 9th. This bill prohibits the State Board of Election from accepting private donations to conduct elections or provide temporary employment of individuals. Referred to Redistricting & Elections Committee on Feb. 13th.
HB 99 Wake County Bd. of Comm. Elections/Nonpartisan, filed by Wake Rep. Paré. This bill would make Wake County commissioner elections nonpartisan and establish single-member districts instead of the current at-large districts. UPDATE: A deal was struck and a revised bill was approved on March 8th. The new bill will keep the current board districts as-is, however, two new at-large seats will be added beginning in 2026. In addition, the elections will remain partisan.
And finally, the Good Bills
Several pro-democracy bills have been filed in the past week by delegates (including Wake):
HB 72(SB 313) Safeguard Fair Elections Act creates protections for poll workers and voters against intimidation, disqualifies any public official who refuses to certify the election, prevents interference with the election process, and more.
HB 293 (SB 226) Freedom to Vote would fully fund elections and implement online voter registration, prevent wrongful voter roll purges and create a study commission to develop nonpartisan redistricting by 2030.
HB 362 (SB 306) Fix Our Democracy also addresses redistricting reform and online voter registration, reduces the mail-in ballot signature requirement to one and allows forms to be returned in person, by mail, email, or fax. In addition, it returns the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and trial court elections back to nonpartisan, contains open meeting reforms, and extends the ban from six months to two years for a former public servant/legislator to register as a lobbyist.
To celebrate these bills being filed, LWV-Wake hosted a voter registration/information drive on Saturday at Trophy on Maywood, in conjunction with PopUp Raleigh's Arts and Craft festival. We interacted with many in attendance, including a teen who celebrated her 18th birthday by registering to vote! Thanks to Siobhan Millen, Jackie King, Jenny Kotora-Lynch, Johannes Christensen, and Marian Lewin for planning and assisting with this event.
While it is unlikely these bills will get debated, it is important for legislators who support pro-democracy legislation to file these bills so voters understand their values. We sincerely appreciate all the efforts from these delegates.
| League Advocacy
Encouraging effective advocacy on issues that align with our mission of Empowering Voters and Defending Democracy is the heart of what we do. And while we can send emails and provide public comment, we must also advocate to our family, friends and neighbors, social groups, etc. and encourage them to contact their representatives as well.
Find your representatives here.
Find 2023-2024 NC House Leaders here.
Find 2023-2024 NC Senate Leaders here.
| Looking for information from a past newsletter? Previous League Updates can now be viewed on our website's home page. Look for the "League Updates" blue tab on the top menu.
Thank you for continuing to support the League of Women Voters of Wake County.
Sincerely,
Cheryl Tung
President | | 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. | |