MONTGOMERY VOTER

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD

Promoting political responsibility through informed and active participation in government

2021/22 ● No. 1 ● September 2021

Come Join the Discussion on The Status of Federal Legislative Initiatives on Voting Rights and Implications for

The For the People Act (HR1/S1) is intended to modernize the system; restore voting rights to formerly incarcerated individuals; curb partisan ; and make campaign contributions more transparent. The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act is intended to modernize and re-instate the pre-clearance requirement for jurisdictions with a recent history of voting rights violations. The of the United States has provided written testimony to members of the US Diane Hibino & Nancy Soreng Support HR1/SB1 House of Representatives and the US Senate in strong support of both bills. As the national voting rights landscape continues to shift, it has been challenging to stay abreast of the status of the bills. So, what is the current status of the legislation? The September Discussion Groups will provide an update on HR1/S1 and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act as well as explain the relevance of reform to the advancement of voter rights. The discussion will also highlight the status of voting rights in Maryland and will focus on the unique challenges that face Maryland as we continue to work towards advancing voter empowerment. A Resource Guide has been provided in this edition of the Montgomery Voter by the LWVMC Making Democracy Work Redistricting Subcommittee. Please refer to the guide for additional background information in preparation for your participation in one or more of the Discussion Groups. The electronic link to the guide is here as well as a link to the Discussion Group schedule here: www.lwvmocomd.org/discussion_groups. The DG schedule is also on Page 4. – Cynthia Boddie-Willis and Amelia Brust

Trending Topics: Redistricting In Montgomery County: Inside the Voter Who Is Drawing the Lines? Planning for the Future Task Force As a result of Montgomery County voters’ response to a question in Page 6 the 2020 General Election, the Montgomery County Charter now mandates that a Law Enforcement Study newly appointed commission develop a plan to expand the number of districts in the Page 6 County from five to seven by November 15. Each district will have a designated council member, and the four at-large members will remain in place. The new configuration will apply to the 2022 election. LWVMC will provide an opportunity to learn about the redistricting process at a virtual Trending Topics session on

September 27 from 7:00-8:30pm. The panelists will be Mariana Cordier, chair of the Montgomery County Commission on Redistricting and Bruce Adelson, an independent expert from Montgomery County who is currently advising the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission. Key points in their presentations will include: the goals of redistricting; how redistricting impacts you; how residents can participate in the redis- tricting process; how the interests and needs of neighborhoods and communities of interest are being addressed; how the perspectives of communities that have been historically underserved are being incorporated into the decision-making process; and what is expected to happen after the Commission presents its maps. In addition, panelists will discuss how the county redistricting activities relate to redistricting activities underway for state legislative districts and U.S. Congress. There will be time for Q&A. Click here to register for this event. – Redistricting Committee D u r Tel: (301) 984-9585 ● Email: [email protected] ● Web: lwvmocomd.org i n Like us: Follow us: Follow us: Videos: g t

LWVMC OFFICERS & SOME COMMITTEES President’s Letter Presidents Election Services Greetings from Nancy Bliss Gretchen Blankenship (B) 301-365-5403 301-229-8539 Your New Vicky Strella [email protected] Co-Presidents 301-365-4559 [email protected] Environmental Nancy Bliss Linda Silversmith & Program VPs 301-294-0566 Cynthia Boddie-Willis [email protected] Vicky Strella 240-686-6931 Amelia Brust Get Out The Vote (GOTV) We are beginning this new League year on a note of 301-503-5429 Linda Kohn great sadness. Deanna Marcum, our new League [email protected] 301-530-3558 [email protected] president for 2021/2022, has resigned for health reasons. Action VPs She was recently diagnosed with lung cancer and will be Linda Silversmith Health & Human Services 301-294-0566 Chris Hager using all her strength to fight this disease. Our thoughts Joan Siegel 301-279-2037 and prayers are with Deanna at this difficult time. The 301-652-7577 [email protected] board at its August meeting elected us to serve as co- [email protected] Housing presidents. We have hit the ground running, so to speak! Making Democracy Work VP Sally Roman Melissa Urofsky 301-946-3587 September will be a busy month. Among the 202-415-7361 [email protected] activities will be the discussion groups meeting on the [email protected] International Relations topic: HR1 & the John Lewis Voting Rights Bill: How Does Secretary, Education Com Judy Whiton Maryland Stack Up? and Trending Topics on September Judy Morenoff 301-963-9432 27 with the topic: Redistricting in Montgomery County: 301-881-3132 [email protected] [email protected] Who’s Drawing the Lines? There will be the LWVMD Land Use / Transportation Treasurer Bee Ditzler (B) Constitution Day program on September 17 and the Steve Daubresse 301-565-0870 LWVMD Fall workshop from 9:30-12:30 on the 25. 301-933-1916 [email protected] The Planning for the Future (PFF) task force, [email protected] Law Enforcement in MC under the guidance of Cynthia Boddie-Willis and Yoke San Discussion Group Coordinator Cynthia Boddie-Willis Reynolds, has held several retreats this summer. The task Bee Ditzler 240-686-6931 301-565-0870 [email protected] force aims to create implementation plans by September [email protected] 25th. This is an extraordinary endeavor! LWVNCA Liaison BOARD & SOME COMMITTEES Anne Hefter Let us hope we can plan for the future in more

Aging in MoCo Study 301-529-0261 than one way. We had hoped to begin to hold some JoAnne Koravos [email protected] events in person this fall. However, with this Covid Delta 978-852-7401 LWVUS Lobby Corps variant hanging around, we must be flexible with our [email protected] Jackie Coolidge (B) programs. All the Trending Topics meetings will be Agriculture, Economic Devel. 301-646-1940 Margaret Chasson [email protected] conducted via Zoom this year. The Discussion Groups will

301-942-0497 Membership have two in-person meetings and three via zoom. [email protected] Diane Hibino Reach out to us anytime with your thoughts and [email protected] 240-669-8169 suggestions, Alliances Coordinator Melissa Urofsky Nancy and Vicky

Patti Maclay 202-415-7361 407-376-6477 [email protected] 2022 CALENDARS COMING TO A [email protected] Newsletter Editor LEAGUE NEAR YOU!

Civic Education Action, Linna Barnes (B) The 2022 calendars should be available for Newslettter Coordinator 301-654-6145 purchase by the end of September, if not sooner. Be on YokeSan Reynolds [email protected] the lookout for an email announcement later in the month. 434-242-9993 Observer Corps [email protected] Amelia Brust In the meantime, the Calendar Committee is in need of Communications, 301-503-5429 participants, both to help work on the calendar and Speakers Bureau [email protected] especially at this time to find locations of businesses to sell Elaine Apter Public Relations 301-438-8707 them for the League. Isabel Marbury-Mauro The wall calendars are $10 and the 2021-22 Kathy McGuire 301-424-9497 301-213-6381 [email protected] pocket calendars are $5. The calendars can be [email protected] purchased at the LWVMC Office (covid restrictions [email protected] Student Outreach Judy Cochran (B) permitting). Remember the Office Has Moved . They can County Revenues 301-949-5105 Barbara Hankins also be purchased at the Riderwood and Rossmoor/ [email protected] 301-493-4425 Leisure World Discussion Groups and they can be [email protected] purchased by mail. The Montgomery Voter is published by the League of Women Voters of Call the office for mailing Montgomery County, MD, Inc. prices (301-984-9585) or go Worth watching! From PBS American Masters in honor to the website (lwvmocomd.org) of the centennial of women’s suffrage, UNLADYLIKE2020 is and scroll to the bottom of the a series of short documentary films profiling diverse and little- known American women from the turn of the 20th century to homepage to the link for the contemporary women who follow in their footsteps. online store. – Karen Logsdon and Cindy Snow 2

SEPTEMBER 2021 EVENTS CALENDAR 15800 Crabbs Branch Way, Suite 300, Rockville, MD 20855 All meetings are open to the public. a = am, n = noon, p = pm or midnight Given the uncertainty of closings because of coronavirus, always check before going to a meeting.

DATE & TIME SEPTEMBER EVENTS LOCATION or TYPE Discussion Groups: HR1/S1 & the John Lewis Voting Rights Bill – How Does Maryland Stack Up? Voter Registration Month 1, W, 6:45p LWVMC Board Meeting Zoom 6, M Labor Day – LWVMC & LWVMD Offices Closed 11, Sa Patriot Day & National Day of Service and Remembrance 14, Tu October “Montgomery Voter” Deadline 14-16,18,20,Tu-Th,Sa,M Discussion Groups Zoom and In-person. See page 4 17, F, 12-2p LWVMD Constitution Day Program, The Democracy Constitution, p. 7 Zoom 25, Sa, 9a-12:30p LWVMD Fall Workshop, look for email Zoom 25, Sa,1-3p LWVMC Planning for the Future Retreat Zoom 27, M, 7p Trending Topics: Redistricting in MoCo: Who’s Drawing the Line? Zoom 28, Tu National Voter Registration Day 30, Th LWVMD Advocacy Training Workshop, look for email Zoom

OCTOBER EVENTS 6, W, 6:45p LWVMC Board Meeting Zoom 11, M Columbus/Indigenous Peoples’ Day – LWVMC & LWVMD Offices Closed 12, Tu November “Montgomery Voter” Deadline 12-14,16,18,Tu-Th,Sa,M Discussion Groups: Turmoil in the Northern Triangle Zoom and In-person 24, S United Nations Day 26, Tu Fall Luncheon – Format TBD – Speaker: Lynne Benzion, MoCo Economic Dev

SEPTEMBER COMMITTEE MEETINGS People who wish to attend a Zoom Committee Meeting should contact the chair. Contact info is on Page 2 TBD, 10:30a Economic Development (Contact Chair, Page 2) Zoom 17, F, 10a Land Use and Transportation Zoom 20, M, 10:30a Agriculture Zoom 20, M, 7:30p Get Out The Vote Study Zoom 21, Tu, 7p Making Democracy Work Zoom 23, Th, 1:30p International Relations Zoom 23, Th, 7:30p Civic Education Action Zoom 28, Tu, 2p Housing Zoom No Committee Meeting in September: Education, County Revenue Aging, Communications, Environment, HHS, Membership: Contact Chair, Page 2

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LWVMC DISCUSSION GROUPS AND NEWS

* * * * * SEPTEMBER DISCUSSION GROUPS: VOTING RIGHTS LEGISLATION

BEFORE CONGRESS

All meetings are open to the public. Guests are welcomed! Help Wanted Ads to the Rescue!

The first piece of legislation introduced in the 117th Observer Corps Seeks Congress was the “For The People Act” (HB1/SB1), LWVMC Committees’ Help In 2021-22 which champions voting rights across the country. In Staying abreast of county government activity is September, the Discussion Groups, members and central to League work but it requires a motivated team. guests, will examine the ins and outs of this legislation This year the Observer Corps seeks members both new and and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act veteran to track Montgomery County Council, and Executive to see how it could affect Maryland and the chances Branch boards and commissions. If a member is passionate of the bills passing. This discussion should prove to about government transparency, if she or he wants to know be timely and informative. what laws are passing in the county, or if that person just wants to feel more empowered come election day this might LWVMC uses the videoconferencing platform Zoom be the perfect role for that member! for three of the Discussion Groups. There are also To ensure comprehensive and speedier reporting, two Discussion Groups that meet in person at Observer Corps Chair Amelia Brust hopes to recruit an Riderwood and Leisure World. We invite all members Observer from every League committee this year. Ideally and guests to attend any one of these gatherings. these “ambassador” observers would follow legislation or The free videoconferencing app for Zoom may be government bodies most relevant to their respective installed on your electronic device to enhance your committees. Greater continuity of coverage and faster viewing (https://zoom.us/support/download) and used information sharing can best help the League track policy for these and any League Zoom meeting. Many and give public testimony if needed. LWVMC members are familiar with Zoom and can League members interested in joining the Corps, help if it is needed. or who want help with meeting coverage, can contact

Links to zoom will be provided via email and ARE Amelia at [email protected]. – Amelia Brust

THE SAME for all Zoom sessions. If your zoom link Education Committee Begins a New Year doesn't arrive, please contact Bee Ditzler at Is ensuring a high-quality education to all children [email protected]. in Montgomery County a priority? The LWVMC Education Committee is staying informed about education issues in Choose from any of the five meetings to attend: the county, so that we are prepared to advocate, both as a League and as individuals. Some of LWVMC members ZOOM TUES, SEPT 14, 7 PM plan to join the LWVMD committee working on an Education Equity study adopted at the 2021 state convention. The LEISURE WORLD WED, SEPT 15, 10:30 AM committee members have been communicating primarily via email but may try some Zoom meetings this year. To join, ZOOM THURS, SEPT 16, 10 AM send an email to [email protected]. – Judy Morenoff ZOOM SAT, SEPT 18, 10 AM Oral History Committee RIDERWOOD MON, SEPT 20, 3 PM Interviews Continue As a follow up to LWVMC’s life member inter- views, the Oral History Committee is looking for people to interview some of the more illustrious members of the League. This is a great opportunity to get to know someone in the League better and to learn a bit about League history. Each interview should last about an hour. Assignment will be made matching people geographically, so no one has to drive too far for the interview. Optionally, given the covid situation, zoom interviews are also possible. Please join the committee for a fun, different and interesting project. Please contact co-chairs Barbara Hankins, 301-493-4425 or Karen DeThomas, 703-963-8839, or [email protected]. – Barbara Hankins 4 LWVMC MEMBERS

In Memoriam The Voter welcomes reminiscences by New Member Spotlight members for In Memoriam. We are sad to announce the deaths this year of two of our 50-year members Jane Hodgson (March 29) and Jane Peters Snyder (April 12), and also LWVMC Member Margie Epstein (June 2). We have been honored to receive donations In Memory of LWVMC members Marian Fox, Madeline Cholwek, Evelyn Falkowski and Ann McDonell, as well as, “in memory of two outstanding leaders of the LWV: Gloria Cole & Carla Satinsky,” and “in honor of the life of Margie Epstein & her enjoyment of LWV.” We also received donations In Memory of Elizabeth Schoonover NAME: Leah White* and former Office Manager Jonney Lawrence. FIRST HOMETOWN: I was born at home in Chillicothe, Ohio. My parents built a small log cabin in the middle of 99 acres of woods.

FAVORITE HOMETOWN: I don’t really have one. I lived in Bowling Green, OH for about 7 years, then moved to Columbus, OH for 7 years, and have been here in Rockville, MD for about a decade. Each place Montgomery County Board of has its benefits, character, and people; it is too hard to Elections Seeks Comments pick one as a favorite.

The Montgomery County Board of Elections (BOE) is LEISURE OBSESSION: I am a “jack of all trades” kind seeking comments from the public on the location of Early of person. Leisure time is enjoyable because I like Voting (EV) Centers for the 2022 gubernatorial election. variety. I am a bit of a cinephile. Lately I have been The sites must be reviewed every two years with final gardening, puzzling, watching Danish TV, gaming, and decisions made by the State Board of Elections at the end of baking. December. Montgomery County currently has eleven (EV) centers. If you think your voting experience or WHAT I’M GLAD I’M GOOD AT: I love to bake. My that of your community will be affected by the placement of family became vegans several years ago, and vegan EV centers, let your voice be heard by submitting written baking is fun. comments or testifying as an individual at the public hearing on September 18. SECRET AMBITION: To travel and see all the great art A new law HB745 passed in the 2021 legislative of the world. That is my bucket list. In February 2022, we session requires counties with 600,000 or more registered are planning a trip to see the great works in Italy. If any voters to establish at least 13 early voting centers with an member would like to suggest what to do in Italy... optional 14th center. The law added the following factors to consider when determining the location of EV centers: LEAGUE-SINCE WHEN, WHERE, WHY? 2018. After accessibility to historically disenfranchised communities, the 2016 election I thought of joining, but procrastinated proximity to dense concentrations of voters, and maximizing for 2 years. voter participation through the use of community centers and public gathering places. LEAGUE-WHY NOW? Democracy is an evolving The BOE must review the existing eleven EV process, yet we are in the longest period in US history centers used in 2020 as well as consider locations for two or without a Constitutional Amendment. When a process three additional EV centers. A link to information about the that is based on change does not change, it becomes public hearing and a list of possible sites may be found on stagnant and can turn toxic. Voters’ rights are being the BOE website at www.777vote.org. restricted without evidence of fraud. The League is a Written comments may be sent to valuable tool to help our democracy and voters, and I [email protected] by October 11. wanted to be part of the solution. Comments may also be offered at the Monday, September 20, 2:30 p.m. Board meeting. The Board is expected to vote *Leah is a member of the 2021 LWVMC website team. on their selection of centers at the October 18 Board meeting. – Mary Lanigan

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LWVMC NEWS A New Study Group Looks at Law LWVMC Adopts Mission, Vision & Values Enforcement in Montgomery County LWVMC’s strategic planning initiative was launched The continuing egregious treatment of at the Annual Board Retreat of LWVMC leaders on June individuals by systems of justice within the US has caused 19. The Planning for the Future (PFF) Task Force led the many to challenge the principles that guide law enforcement initial discussion on whether LWVMC should develop both nationwide and in our county. Current LWVMC Mission, Vision and Values statements. It was generally positions are limited to “policing” and “corrections” and do agreed that having such statements would help LWVMC not speak to the continuum of law enforcement in focus its activities and, also, communicate “what it stands Montgomery County. Join this new study group and work for” to external parties. to: The retreat attendees reviewed the LWVUS Mission,  Create a framework for developing LWVMC positions on Vision and Value statements, and 76% concluded that the a system of law enforcement that involves appre- National statement did not represent the full breadth of the hending, prosecuting, defending, sentencing, and Montgomery County League’s endeavors. These punishing those who are suspected or convicted of cri- attendees advocated for tailoring the LWVUS’s MVV to minal offences - both while detained and once released. this local League. Using the opinions and suggestions that The framework will ensure that resulting positions align emerged in that deliberation, the Task Force drafted an with the LWVMC’s mission, vision, and values. expanded MVV statement for evaluation and critique at the PFF retreat the following month. At this retreat in July,  Probe contemporary literature on public safety, such as: amendments were proposed to the draft, and 94% of the o Final Report of the President’s Task Force on attendees voted to approve the revised version. This MVV 21st Century Policing (US, 2015) statement was presented at the August 4 meeting of the o Final Report of the Workgroup to Address Police LWVMC Board, where two clarifications were made. The Reform and Accountability in Maryland final version as approved is a flyer in this Montgomery o Montgomery County’s 2021 Reimagining Public Voter. Note that the LWVUS declarations are included in Safety Task Force Recommendations Report the bolded text, followed by language that applies  Review relevant bills and/or legislation introduced and/or specifically to LWVMC. – Cynthia Boddie-Willis and Yoke passed in 2021 by: San Reynolds, PFF Task Force Co-Chairs o The o The Maryland General Assembly LWVMC Is Planning for the o The Montgomery County Council Future and Needs Your Help  Assess existing positions on elements of the law LWVMC’s Planning for the Future (PFF) initiative enforcement system, such as: has begun. Guided by the League’s organization’s values – o Legal documents issued by the LWVUS with particularly emphasis on diversity, equity, and o Positions on the administration of justice held by inclusion – this effort is focused on the mission to the LWVMD “Empower Voters” and “Defend Democracy.” o Positions for action on corrections and police The PFF Task Force launched the project at the services adopted by the LWVMC League’s Annual Board Retreat. LWVMC members then  Develop and propose additions to and restatements of participated in the July 17th retreat and used information to existing LWVMC policies on the spectrum of law identify strategic objectives that were grouped into five enforcement in Montgomery County. areas of intervention. Five committees were formed to For more information, contact Cynthia Boddie- develop a component of a strategic plan for LWVMC, fine- Willis, LWVMC Co-Vice President for Program at tuning the objectives and designating a responsible party, [email protected] | (240) 686-6931. – Cynthia time-line, anticipated impact, and measure of success for Boddie-Willis each objective. LWVMC needs each member’s energy and expertise. Choose a committee to work on by September 8. Those interested in External Communications and

Branding, should contact Elaine Apter or Kathy McGuire ([email protected]); in Financial Resources: Acquisition and Allocation, contact Linna Barnes ([email protected]); in Organizational Structure and Function: Board and Committees, contact Yoke San Reynolds ([email protected]); in Membership and Internal Communication, contact Diana Hibino or Melissa Urofsky ([email protected]); in Organizational Operations: Technological Infrastructure and Database Management, contact Elaine Apter or Kathy McGuire ([email protected]).

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OTHER LWV ACTION NEWS

New Presidents Elected for LWVMD We are honored to be elected as Co-Presidents of the League of Women Voters of Maryland. We look forward to working with the rest of the elected Board, our local Leagues, and all of our current and future members. The 2021-2021 work year includes two major events that are at State Convention Follow-Up the core of the League’s mission to Empower Voters and The 2021 LWVMD convention on June 5 was Defend Democracy. First, the General Assembly will adopt attended by 57 delegates from 27 Leagues. We learned new maps for Legislative and Congressional Districts that will that despite COVID, LWVMD membership rose by 9%. be used for the next 10 years. Following that will be the 2022 Two study recommendations were approved and will be elections. It will be a very busy year and much of the work conducted over the next two years: Equity in Education will be done by our local Leagues. However, we will make and Living Wage. Study recommendations not adopted by sure that LWVMD will be there as a partner to serve and the delegates were Health Disparities in Maryland, Child assist our volunteers in these endeavors. Deborah Mitchell & Services, Public-Private Partnerships for Infrastructure Nancy Soreng, LWMVD Co-Presidents

Projects, Artificial Intelligence, Impact of the Deregulation of Energy Supply on Maryland Families, and Human Trafficking. Members Needed to Help Conduct Two New Studies at LWVMD: Studies are an important part of LWVMD work because when the results are shared, new positions can be adopted. When we have positions, we can advocate on the issue at both state and local levels. It also lets us join with other groups that have similar views, LWVUS NEWS so studies are the basis for action. Consider joining one of LWVUS Opposes Voter Choice Ballot the new studies committees, either as a Chair/Co-Chair or A new proposal for electoral college reform, known as as an interested member. No prior experience is needed. the "Voter Choice Ballot," has some groups advocating for First time on a study? Great! No background on the topic? individual states to enact laws that could unilaterally award Learn with others! Contact Linda Kohn, Program Chair, at their electoral votes to the national popular vote winner. A [email protected], to get started. ballot question would appear alongside the presidential vote, • Equity in Education: The purpose of the study is to asking if voters "want the candidate who receives the most establish positions that specifically address equity in votes in the nation to become the president?" For every education throughout Maryland. Howard County LWV voter who votes "yes" on the question but voted for anyone completed a study that can be considered for adoption other than the national popular vote winner, their vote will be statewide (a concurrence). transferred to the opposing candidate who won the national • Living Wage: The purpose of the study is to examine popular vote, for purposes of determining the winner of that ways that Maryland can ensure its residents have enough state's electoral votes. The LWVUS National Popular Vote income for at least the basics of food, clothing, shelter, and Task Force opposes this measure. Simply put, this healthcare. The Kansas LWV adopted a position in support proposal would not make every vote equal, would not of a living wage that covers these and other needs. guarantee the presidency to the candidate who wins the most LWVMD can review the Kansas position and adopt it as votes in all 50 states and D.C., and would not solve the written (a concurrence) or use it as a springboard to problem of most states and voters being ignored in the develop a study and a possible position specific for MD. general election. Leagues working on the Electoral College in your states and communities should refer to the National

LWVUS NEWS Popular Vote Task Force page at lwv.org.

Return of LWVUS UN Observer Corps! Turning Point Suffragist Memorial Some league members may be unaware that Unveiled LWVUS has been at the table with a United Nations (UN) The Turning Point Suffragist Memorial was finally observer role since the body's inception. The League was dedicated earlier this year in Occoquan, VA. Thanks to the instrumental in supporting and promoting the creation of the 39 state and local Leagues which, in addition to LWVUS, UN. This year the League launched a new process to contributed close to $40,000 for this important memorial to recruit members with international experience to support the history of women’s suffrage. The memorial tells the full the League’s international programming. Six diverse story of the suffrage movement, and a statue of Carrie League members were chosen to be part of the Observer Chapman Catt stands in the center of the memorial. The Corps. The League looks forward to the amazing work founding of the League is mentioned as well. Learn more at they will do to forward our mission to empower voters and https://suffragistmemorial.org/ defend democracy internationally. 7

Mission

Empowering voters. Defending democracy.

To achieve this mission, the LWVMC facilitates voting, influences public policy, provides civic education, and promotes civic engagement.

Vision

We envision a democracy where every person has the desire, the right, the knowledge and the confidence to participate.

To achieve this vision, every person must also have the unimpeded opportunity to fully engage in our system of governance.

Values

We believe in the power of women to create a more perfect democracy.

To ensure that our core value is fully realized, we are also committed to

 Ensuring compliance – in principle and in practice - with the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy of the LWVUS at https://www.lwv.org/about-us  Non-partisanship  Grassroots decision-making  Consensus-driven policy development 2021 CONSTITUTION DAY PROGRAM

Join the LWVMD as we present the 15th Annual Constitution Day Program. Co- sponsors for this event are: the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law; the University of Maryland, Baltimore; and the University of Maryland, College Park, Department of Government and Politics, MLAW Program.

photo credit: Democracy Journal illustration: Pep Montserrat

Date/Time: Friday, September 17, 12pm - 2pm

Topic: An Audacious Idea Whose Time Has Come: The Democracy Constitution

Speakers: Sanford Levinson, Garwood Centennial Chair in Law and Government, University of Texas School of Law

Michael Tomasky, editor of “Democracy: A Journal of Ideas” and editor of “The New Republic”

Commentators: Leslie Henry, Professor of Law at the University of Maryland School of Law

Mark A. Graber, University System of Maryland Regents Professor

Chair: Peter Danchin, Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Development and Jacob A. France Professor of Law, University of Maryland School of Law

This virtual event is free and open to everyone.

If you would like to attend, send your name, phone number, email and local League to Andrea Gruhl at [email protected] or 301-328-1845.

LWVMD FALL WORKSHOP

Mark your calendar to attend the LWVMD Fall Workshop*:

Saturday, September 25, 2021 / 9am - 12:30pm.

This annual event is for League members and non-members.

* Grow your League knowledge to help build a stronger LWV presence in Maryland.

* Join breakout sessions for expert and peer learning.

* Help to cross-pollinate innovative ideas for best League practices.

Workshop and registration details coming soon to the LWVMD website, www.lwvmd.org, and in email invitations to all League members.

* To protect the health of its members, the half-day workshop will be virtual.

Make sure to mark your calendars, too, for our Advocacy Training Workshop on September 30, 2021.

PLEASE LOOK FOR THE FOLLOWING INSERTS

RESOURCE GUIDE: The Status of Federal Initiatives on Voting Rights FLYERS: LWVMD Upcoming Events LWVMC Mission, Vision and Value Statement

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS Non-Profit Org OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD, INC. US Postage 15800 Crabbs Branch Way, Suite 300 PAID Rockville, MD 20855 Suburban MD Permit #77 “ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED”

Sept 2021 Issue 2021/22 No. 1

SUBMISSION DEADLINE 301.984.9585 (Call to check office hours) FOR OCTOBER ISSUE: Tuesday, September 14, 2021 lwvmocomd mocomdlwv lwvmocomd lwvmocomd

email: [email protected] | web: lwvmocomd.org [email protected]

15800 Crabbs Branch Way, Suite 300, Rockville, MD 20855

The women, men and students of NAME the League of Women Voters of Montgomery County promote good ADDRESS government through non-partisan, CITY, STATE, ZIP grassroots volunteer work.

We — TEL EMAIL • Examine Issues ANNUAL DUES • Educate Citizens Regular Membership $65.00 nd • Register Voters 2 Member (Same house) $32.50 • Participate in Advocacy Student Membership fee waived Optional Contribution Membership includes affiliation with the League of Women Voters of (Tax-deductible) TOTAL Maryland (LWVMD) and the League Please make your check payable to: LWVMC of Women Voters of the United States (LWVUS). Or join online with credit card at: lwvmocomd.org