 | | | | One election down! One to go!
I can’t tell you how proud I am of our members who participated in various voter outreach events whether it was with the League, a candidate, your political party or another nonpartisan organization! While the voter turnout for the primary election was extremely disappointing, it was not for lack of effort on your part. While many of us continue to look for ways to motivate and inspire voters to show up at the ballot box, we will continue to offer our voter registration services throughout our area, volunteer for election protection, poll watching, canvassing board monitors, and election workers.If you have not volunteered for election work or signed up to be an election worker with your county Supervisor of Elections, I strongly encourage you to do so. Free and fair elections do not happen because we hope or wish they would. They happen because good citizens just like you and I step up and do the work to make sure that eligible persons can register to vote and once registered that they have no barriers to the ballot box. |  | Not sure how to get involved? Reach out to us at lwvjaxfc@gmail.com so we can get you connected to the work!
Lanelle Phillmon, President
LWVJFC | | |
Amendments Presentation
As many of you know there will be six amendments on our general election ballot and while there are a few that are very popular and receive a lot of public support or opposition, the League wants to make sure voters are informed on all of them. We will offer a virtual presentation of the amendments for our members on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at 6:00 pm. You can register for the event here. There will be an in-person presentation for members October 5, 2024 at 10:15 am at the Webb Wesconnect Library at 6887 103rd Street Jacksonville, FL 32210 (sign up link will be provided via email in the near future).
We are also available to provide the presentation to community organizations or groups and requests for speakers can be submitted via our website at lwvjaxfc.org under “Speaker or Training Request” or simply email us at lwvjaxfc@gmail.com. We have presented to a handful of organizations and the information has been well received.
Our presentation provides the amendment language as it will appear on the ballot, a summary of the amendment, how the amendment impacts our state if passed or not, and which organizations are in support or opposition of the amendment.
List of Amendments on General Election Ballot
Amendment 1: Changes school board elections from nonpartisan to partisan beginning in the November 2026 general election and for primary elections nominating party candidates for the 2026 election. Legislative Referral
Amendment 2: Establishes a state constitutional right to hunt and fish. Legislative Referral.
Amendment 3: Legalize marijuana for adults 21 years old and older. Citizen’s Initiative
Amendment 4: Provide a state constitutional right to abortion before viability. Citizen’s Initiative
Amendment 5: Provide for an annual inflation adjustment for the value of the homestead property tax exemption. Legislative Referral
Amendment 6: Repeal a constitutional provision providing for public campaign financing for candidates who agree to spending limits. Legislative Referral. | Monthly Luncheons
We will begin our monthly luncheons this fall in October rather than September. Not to worry, we are hosting the “We the People: A Day to Celebrate our Constitution and Citizenship” Luncheon Sunday, September 22, 2024 at 11:30 am at UNF Adam W. Herbert University Center. Our guest speaker, Attorney Andrea Reyes will speak about the path to Citizenship for those she represents as well as her own path and what it means to become an American.
For those not familiar with her work, she has been a relentless advocate for persons seeking citizenship and has hosted no-cost citizenship clinics. I was fortunate enough to volunteer for one of her legal clinics at the UNF campus where she recruited pro bono attorneys, paralegals and others who helped develop and process packages for over 100 people fleeing Afghanistan after the US troop withdrawal. She also worked with others to raise thousands of dollars to cover the costs of these packages to ensure the sponsors or those fleeing Afghanistan did not suffer the high costs associated with this work.
If you’d like to learn more about Andrea, you can see her interview for her most recent recognition “July 2024 Women with Heart” by Florida Blue on YouTube and catch her April 2021 Ted Talk “No One Is Illegal.” She is a fierce champion for those who too often have no voice and no power while they are making their way through the immigration and citizenship process.
Remember to register for the luncheon and invite friends and members of other organizations to come out to share this day with the League!
I look forward to seeing everyone and hearing about your summer travels and adventures.
| Join Us for Sips & Civics
Are you a Clay County League Member? Please join other Clay County members in Orange Park on September 25th at 6:30 PM for our September Sips & Civics. The topic will be the 6 amendment proposals on the Florida General Election Ballot. Come hear about what a yes or no vote on each of the amendments means so that you can be an informed voter in November.
Address will be provided upon registration. Registration is limited to 12 participants so register today. | The Urgent Push For AMENDMENT 4 – Let’s Make History Together!
As we approach this critical election time is of the essence. With only a few short weeks remaining, we stand at a pivotal moment in the fight for the rights of women across Florida.
Amendment 4 is more than just a policy issue, it’s about protecting the autonomy and dignity of women, securing their right to make personal healthcare decisions free from political interference. But these efforts require each and every one of us to spread the word, mobilize the voters, and make sure we are prepared for the challenges ahead. Here’s how you can help:
- Volunteer: Engage in phone banking, door-knocking, and text banking efforts to get the word out about Amendment 4 and its critical importance. The Post Card event hosted and paid for by our LWVJFC has been rescheduled from 9.21.24 to 9.28.24 due to a very busy league schedule on the weekend of the 21st. Please contact Wendy Snee at wesnee2010@gmail.com if you would like to join us on September 28th from 2:00 to 4:00 PM.
- Donate: Consider supporting organizations and campaigns that are advocating for the passage of this amendment. Every contribution helps amplify the message.
- Share the Facts: Ensure that the facts about Amendment 4 are clear - this is about protecting the fundamental rights of women in Florida. Share these truths with your networks through social media, email, and conversations.
- Make a Plan to Vote: Remind everyone in your circle to make a plan for voting. Encourage everyone to head to the polls on election day, every vote counts.
We are the voice of reason, and together, we can make sure that Amendment 4 passes. The time is now to rally our communities and remind them of the power they hold to create change. Let’s make history and protect the rights of women in our state.
Please use the link to register for phone banks, texting, and canvassing with Yes on 4 campaign.
Floridians for Reproductive Health has a large volume of information about reproductive health and resources.
|  | | We each have the power to increase voter turnout and promote voter education. Don’t go into the election unprepared! VOTE411.org has everything you need, from registration deadlines to personalized election information! Get ready for Election Day at VOTE411.org and share this tool with friends and family using the QR code in the image or by printing this flyer to hang up in your local coffee shop and other hangouts. | League in Action
Support the League of Women Voters Jacksonville First Coast by joining League in Action. League In Action is a digital platform where anyone who believes in our mission and values at a click of a button can directly connect and take action on issues impacting their communities on the local, state, or national level.
Look for an email with more information or simply scan the QR code below on your phone to get started. After you set up an account, scroll through the feed to see all the ways you can support our efforts. After that, you will receive updates and new actions periodically.
|  | Canvassing Board Observers Needed
We are in need of Canvassing Board Observers for all four counties (Clay, Duval, Nassau, and St Johns). The goal is to have enough observers for each county, so we don’t have to ask a small group of members to cover more than a couple of dates each. We will have some funds available to reimburse for meals and gas if needed.
Training for volunteers will be held virtually in October and if you sign up to volunteer and change your mind after attending the training, you can just let us know. We realize that life events occur, and that canvassing board observation is not for everyone.
|  | JOIN US for Orientation
Sunday, September 29, 2024
12:00-1:00pm
Highly recommended for all members who have not previously attended.
- Learn about the history of the League, how we operate, and the process of Study and Action.
- Meet local League Leadership, committee chairs, and other new members.
- New Members are encouraged to attend.
- Current members as well as non-members are also invited.
The Zoom link will be emailed to you following Registration.
Questions? Contact:
Karen Parish
Membership Director, LWVJFC
904-477-9538 | New Members - Welcome aboard!
Susan Horowitz
Alexandra Balfour
Interested in being part of the League? Click JOIN TODAY
| Donations are always appreciated!
Our website lwvjaxfc.org offers an easy way to make donations to LWVJFC, even if you prefer to pay by check. Click on the red "Donate" button at the top of the Homepage. | | | | Local
Stay up-to-date on all local upcoming events on the LWV of Jacksonville / First Coast:
• Website
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
Regional
The Regional Facebook Group, LWV Florida North Region Leagues, includes Alachua, Bay, Jacksonville/First Coast, Okaloosa & Walton, Pensacola Bay Area, and Tallahassee.
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Contact Us!
Phone: 904-355-8683
Email: LWVJAXFC@gmail.com
Postal Address:
League of Women Voters of Jacksonville First Coast
PO Box 330353
Atlantic Beach, FL 32233 | | | | The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization encouraging informed and active participation in government. We influence public policy through education and advocacy. | | |
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