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There is No Destination
Too often, voters and people who do work to create free and fair elections focus on each election as they occur or a particular bill, as it’s introduced, and makes its way through the local, state or federal legislature. We should all remember that the constitution created by the founding fathers of this nation was imperfect, and therefore continues to be amended. As the population and demographics of our nation changes, there will be a need to continue to monitor the current constitution and legislation to ensure that it gives each citizen access to voter participation.
While states have the right, and often create legislation that represents the goals of their particular state legislative body, it's not always in the best interest of all constituents. We are fortunate to have the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 which historically provided protections to populations of people that would otherwise be disenfranchised or experience voter suppression. Unfortunately, over the last decade, we have seen changes that have allowed states to pass legislation that creates barriers for their constituents to be able to participate in elections, whether that be through gerrymandered redistricting, restrictions to vote by mail, or disenfranchisement for those with felony convictions.
We need to be vigilant in our work and conversations about the value of election participation by all people and work to remove any restrictions to the ballot box for all who are eligible. There has been an increase in efforts to end vote by mail and the use of election equipment and to restrict early voting. There is also pushback about the assistance required by federal and state agencies to offer voter registration assistance to those with disabilities or receiving public assistance.
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While many of us grew up with these protections and services in place, we only need to look as far as the overturning of Roe Vs Wade to understand that we cannot take any of our rights for granted and must be diligent in our work to maintain the rights we have while working to create a more perfect democracy for all.
As we prepare for this general election, remember, "We in America do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate." Thomas Jefferson
Let's get out and vote!
Lanelle Phillmon, President
LWVJFC
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Reproductive Health and Justice Volunteers in Action
Our LWVJFC hosted a postcard event for “Yes on 4” this Saturday, 9/28/24. Ten volunteers wrote 1200 postcards to registered Duval County voters. Missed this event? Don’t worry there are still opportunities for you to be involved.
Your support is vital for a final drive to send postcards to Florida voters, encouraging them to learn about Amendment 4 before the general elections. This effort is essential to ensure that voters have access to accurate information.
We will host an in-person postcarding event on Saturday, October 5th @ 10:15 am at the Webb Wesconnett Library, 6887 103rd Street, Jacksonville, FL 32210. If you can’t be there in person we have some alternative ways to participate:
- Drop by the library on October 5th to pick up postcards and address them at home.
- Volunteer to pick up postcards from another location within the next two weeks to work on them from home.
We will be canvassing Saturday, October 19th from 10:00 am til noon. More information on this opportunity will be provided via email but mark your calendars so you can come out to support!
Weekend of Action for Yes On 4 continues each weekend in October. Phone banks and canvassing continues and you may register for their event at this link:https://www.mobilize.us/yes4florida/ |  | LWVUS President Visits Jacksonville
Our local League was honored to host LWVUS President, Dianna Wynn and LWVFL Co-Presdients Deb Chandler and Cecile Scoon for a casual dinner and conversation at the Jacksonville Urban League. President Wynn spoke with attendees about the need to continue to develop grassroots community partnerships and collaborate when opportunities present. She also encouraged us to work with community members and fellow League members to tell our stories about how we are impacted by the work League is doing and how we are impacted by changes in laws that impact voter registration, voter engagement, voting, and access to the ballot box. She also discussed some of the work that is being done by the League and other organizations regarding election protection to ensure the general election is free and fair and reassured us that preparations are being made to address possible issues that may arise in states across the nation.
She expressed confidence in her relationship with the national board and newly appointed Chief Executive Officer, Celina Stewart and their vision for national, state and local Leagues. As we move forward, there will be an increased emphasis on capturing data on our work which will allow us to determine our impact, our shortfalls and help when seeking increased funding and support from donors or applying for grants. We will also hear more about the national approach to ending the electoral college and the "One Person One Vote" campaign. If you are interested in working with our local Vice President, Rhona DiCamillo to educate our community about this campaign, contact her at vp.lwfjaxfc@gmail.com. | Pen, Paper, & Party: Voter ID Letter Writing Event
VoteRiders will host this in-person gathering event focused on providing essential voter ID information, followed by a letter-writing campaign aimed at reaching voters likely to vote in person in the surrounding community or to promote a new polling location. They aim to create a lively atmosphere, complete with a photo-booth, appreciation swag bags, and a meal provided by VoteRiders. All necessary letter writing materials will be supplied. This event offers a unique opportunity to celebrate civic engagement and support voter participation. We hope you will register and show up to help us with this grassroots effort.
Date & Time: Oct 10th at 6pm
Location: Health Disparity Building EWU
Target Audience:Community and EWU University Students
| Voter Registration Committee
In celebration of National Voter Registration Day, LWVUS partnered with the LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics stores nationwide. On Saturday, September 14, LWVJFC's Vice President Rhona DiCamillo and Voter Registration Director Michelle Charron Hollie tabled at the LUSH store at St Johns Town Center. Our team was thrilled to take part in this opportunity to boost civic engagement and foster healthy democracy in our community.
On Saturday, September 21, several members of the Voter Registration team took part in the I'll Rise and Vote concert series at Jacksonville's Lonnie C. Miller Park. We extend our thanks to the several League members who trained in Voter Registration and joined the team in support of this event hosted by the Transformative Justice Coalition and local partners!
The same week, the Voter Registration team celebrated Constitution Week, Citizenship Day, and National Voter Registration Day by partnering with several great organizations to provide voter registration services: United States Citizenship & Immigration (USCIS) Jacksonville Field Office, Jacksonville University, University of North Florida, and Keiser University.If you are interested in joining the Voter Registration Committee, please contact Michelle Charron Hollie at lwvjaxfcvote@gmail.com | Help Florida Voters
I realize that many of us are stretched out pretty thin between voter registration, Amendment 4 activities, Amendments presentations, candidate and political party support, and serving as poll watchers and workers. But, if you have the time, I am asking you to sign up to serve as a Legal Monitor, Canvassing Board Monitor, Canvassing Board Advocate or Social Media Monitor. For information on the different volunteer opportunities, simply select each link in the attached linktree and sign up to receive the training. Sign up link: https://linktr.ee/helpfloridavoters
On November 5th, we may not agree with the outcome of some or all of the elections but we should all feel confident in the election results so we ask our members to help us do all we can to ensure our elections remain free and fair. |  | | 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.
|  | Education Committee Seeking Volunteers
Please contact our Education Committee Chair at lwv.jax.education@gmail.com if you are willing to volunteer for any of the opportunities below.
- Do you want to be added to our Duval google group so you’ll receive summaries of Duval School Board meetings?
- The LWV-Florida Education Action Team wants to send information about book banning to all school districts. Our education chair has sent them the email addresses for Duval’s school board. If you have the email addresses for the other counties’ school board members,please send it to our Education chair.
- Are you interested in leading an education subcommittee for Nassau, Clay, or St. Johns ?
- The LWV-Florida Education Action Team is looking for league members who want to volunteer for a subcommittee focused on higher education.
| New Members - Welcome aboard!
Marsha Humphries
Mary Jamieson Dee
Alyssa and Peter LaComb
Katie LeMaster
Kelly Mannel
Meltonia May
Cathy Moon
Monica Osborn
Kelley Ranch
Julia Ross
Julia Schaffner
Tessie Bond
| Donations are always appreciated!
We wish to acknowledge and thank those who made donations this month:
Lanelle Phillmon
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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