 | | | | Looking Forward to 2026
As we prepare for 2026, I am hoping that each member, whether seasoned or new, will join in our work. The coming year will bring many opportunities for us to engage each other and the public. Some of this work has already begun but we will continue to push back against mid-decade redistricting while lobbying our elected representatives to ensure our Supervisors of Elections and Secretary of State have the necessary funds required to carry out safe and secure elections. There is no precedent for mid-decade redistricting and it violates the Fair Districts Amendments and the Florida Constitution. If you have not reached out to your representative yet, you are asked to do so.
We will continue to work with other local organizations to educate the public about bills that are introduced during the upcoming 2026 Legislative Sessions. For our long time members, you will notice that there will be less action alerts from LWVFL during the session. The goal is to focus our "people power" on bills that directly impact voter registration, elections, and election integrity. You may still receive action alerts from Chairs of our state committees which you are highly encouraged to share and respond to. |  | If you are not able to join us for Lobby Days in Tallahassee January 20- 21, I hope you will make every effort to meet with your elected Florida representative or their staff to discuss League priorities and to help them better understand the needs of your community and our state. Don't assume that because you share the same political party of a representative that they know what your concerns are and also don't assume that because your political party differs that they are not open to hearing from you. As civically engaged residents, it's important that we continue to build rapport with our representatives and engage them about local and statewide issues.
Keep an eye on The Florida Voter and our local newsletter for opportunities and events.
Have a Happy New Year!
Lanelle Phillmon
President, LWVJFC | | |
One Person, One Vote Committee
One of the positions of the League of Women Voters of the United States is the passage of the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact (NPVIC) as a first step towards the abolition of the Electoral College. Passage of the NPVIC would guarantee the Presidency to the candidate who receives the most popular votes in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. As of today, 18 jurisdictions have enacted the NPVIC into law totaling 209 electoral votes. Check out https://www.nationalpopularvote.com/ for more information on the compact.
We are fortunate that Representative Gottlieb (Dem - HD102 which covers part of Broward County) has sponsored HB 57 which provides for the passage of NPVIC in Florida. Senator Guillermo Smith (Dem - SD17 which covers part of Orange County) has sponsored the companion bill in the State Senate - SB 232. It is a long-shot that these bills will even get a hearing but the goal of Floridians for National Popular vote is to get as many legislators as possible to sign on as co-sponsors on these bills. Locally, Representative Nixon has already signed on as a co-sponsor but she is the only one.
Please let Rhona DiCamillo (vp.lwvjaxfc@gmail.com) know if you would like to reach out to your local representative or senator to ask them to sponsor HB57 or SB232 or join the Committee for a Zoom call on January 14, 2026 at 7p.m. to discuss a plan for such outreach. Email Rhona if you want the Zoom link. | Voter Registration News
For eight years the Jacksonville Jaguars have hosted a naturalization ceremony at halftime. The only NFL Team to do so. Owner Shad Khan became a naturalized citizen in 1991 and when he became the owner of the Jaguars he wanted to share the significance of the process with the community. "These halftime naturalization ceremonies provide the court with a great opportunity to educate the public about the time, effort and perseverance needed to complete the process to become an American citizen."-Chief Judge Howard
The LWVJAXFC has been able to meet the new citizens after the ceremony and register them to vote. This year there were 96 residents from 39 counties and we were successful in registering the vast majority and providing the rest with the QR code to register online. "The expressions of joy and pride on the faces of the new citizens when they complete their oath of allegiance is a powerful reminder of how lucky we are to be citizens of the United States of America."- Chief Judge Howard. We also get to experience the pride and joy the new citizens feel upon registering to vote.Here's wishing everyone a renewed sense of hope for our democracy in 2026! | Join the League Leadership: Board Candidate Nominations Open for 2026
Now is the time for our local League to recruit candidates to the Board for our election in June 2026. This is a wonderful opportunity to get involved in promoting democracy!
The following positions are open beginning in June 2026:
President (term June 2026 – June 2028)
- Serves as the official representative and spokesperson for the League in all public matters and engagements.
- Presides over Board and organizational meetings, provides leadership and oversight, and serves as an ex-officio member of all committees (except Nominating).
- Stays informed on local, state, and national priorities; attends key League meetings, events, and conventions as delegate.
- Time commitment: 20–30 hours per month, including monthly Board, League Leader, and Lunch & Learn meetings.
Secretary (term June 2026 – June 2028)
- Keep minutes of the meetings of the membership and the Board.
- Maintains copy of League bylaws.
- Monthly board meeting 2nd Monday of each month at 6:00 pm via Zoom; transcribes meeting minutes and maintains meeting files.
- Time Commitment: 2 – 4 hours per month
2 Board Member Positions (term June 2026 – June 2028)
- Participates in Board planning, decision-making, and overall operations, including committee work and fundraising.
- Takes on special assignments as needed and may focus on a specific area of interest or serve as a general director.
- Monthly board meeting, 2nd Monday of each month at 6:00 pm via zoom.
- Time Commitment: 8 - 10 hours per month
3 Nominating Committee members (term June 2026 – June 2027)
- Identify open Board positions and follow the Nominating Committee’s annual recruiting process.
- Recruit, interview, and match candidates to Board needs based on skills and interests; prepare the slate and candidate biographies.
- Time Commitment: 15 hours per year
Please contact a member of the nominating committee if you have any questions or would like to be considered for a position. The deadline is February 28, 2026.
| Forbidden Florida Reads
Izzy Miletic is a junior Economics and Literature student at Florida State University. She is a board member of the League of Women Voters of Tallahassee, where she began publishing Forbidden Florida Reads. Forbidden Florida Reads is Izzy’s original monthly column that highlights a book banned in at least one Florida school district. Izzy is passionate about books and educational policy making. She hopes to attend law school and earn her Masters in Library and Information Science.
| New Members - Welcome aboard!
Kathyleen Beasley
Gloria DeVall
| Donations are always appreciated!
We wish to acknowledge and thank those who made donations this month:
Hattie Kaufman
Elaine Weistock
Paige Gottlieb
Emily Ray
Debra Mraz
Brenda Csencsits
Dianne Main
Ann Weisz
Deb Miller
Barbara Gubbin
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
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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 350210
Jacksonville, FL 32235-9998 | | | | 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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