May 2013 - http://Tacoma-WA.AAUW.net - P.O. Box 65303, Tacoma, WA 98464-1303 “By joining AAUW, you belong to a community that breaks through economic and educational barriers so that all women have a fair chance.”
RENEW TODAY! renewal form inside (last page)
Saturday, May 18, 11:30 a.m. ANNUAL SPRING LUNCHEON
Our annual spring luncheon is fast approaching. This year we will convene to visit, dine and grow our friendships. We will also hear about this summer's Tech Trek camp program for 8th grade girls, recognize outgoing officers, install new officers and congratulate ourselves for our growth in membership, accomplishments and new friends. Here are the details:
11:30 a.m. on Saturday May 18, 2013 at the Fircrest Golf Club, 1500 Regents Blvd., Fircrest
Cost: $23 Advanced reservation through prepayment is required. Payment at the door will not be accepted and admission will not be granted.
Payment is due by Monday, May 13. Make your check payable to AAUW Tacoma and mail to: AAUW TACOMA, ATTN: TREASURER P.O. BOX 65303 TACOMA, WA 98464-1303
If you choose to bring guests, they must also be pre-paid. Please include a note with your check that lists your guests’ names.
Also please note: Our lunch will be fixed and include a chicken mandarin salad, non-alcoholic beverage and cookies for dessert. Fircrest Golf Club can accommodate any dietary restrictions you may have. Please include them in a note listing dietary restrictions with your check and you will enjoy a special plate that suits your needs. The dress code at the venue precludes jeans and denim. As always, we encourage you to adorn yourself with your very stylish fascinators, crowns and hats!
How about a book on your head? Hey, it's a vintage hat and it may improve posture as well!
MAY 2013 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE PHYLLIS IZANT
Ok, I’ve complained about the over use of this word but now I’m going to use it in my last President’s missive to you before my term is complete. Welcome to my “feeling” space. Here it is: I felt nothing but fantastic schadenfreude when I read the April 21, 2013 Sunday New York Times Magazine cover article on the Today Show ratings and advertising revenue disaster involving the ousting of Ann Curry after her brief time in the co- anchor chair. Have you seen this article? http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/21/magazine/who-can-save-the- today-show.html?ref=magazine&_r=0 Here’s the summary: The morning show is bruised and battered, still trying to recover from firing Ann Curry. Every time the show tries to put its head down, the scandal is dredged up again. Back in March, New York Magazine published an article that laid bare just how poisonous the atmosphere at the show was. Now the New York Times has published its story of the bad treatment of Ann Curry. Thinly sourced? Sure. Everyone wants to be on deep background or they’ll never get a job again.
Many of us in AAUW recognize the interpersonal professional dynamics that were operative in this kind of article. A competitive workplace, stakes that are high in our profession, suddenly we’re on the radar and here comes the spin, blame, then the knife. We may lose our job, we may miss the promotion, we may have our supervisory duties taken away. We’re left hurt, sometimes humiliated. It can be hard to move on.
The NBC Today Show people chalk it all up to interpersonal chemistry on TV. You know, that sexual tension where you could envision your co-host as your parent, sibling or – for the men running the show – a grand fantasy flirtation that suggests a lover. Looks like Ann Curry never exhibited any of that. So, of course, she was sad after signing off, but also rightfully enraged. Here’s the author’s key comment from Curry from the article “When critics blamed a lack of chemistry for her departure, she dismissed it to friends as a euphemism for something else. “ ‘Chemistry,’ in television history, generally means the man does not want to work with the woman,” Curry was known to have remarked. “It’s an excuse generally used by men in positions of power to say, ‘The woman doesn’t work.’ ”
So the disaster that is now the NBC Today Show is for all to see. It’s a story of big money that supports other programming like the NBC Nightly News and the story of an ambitious serious woman who received the same treatment that most women receive when managed by frat boys ill equipped for their jobs, who consider money the single measure of value. So yes, if you think morning television shows on all three networks are silly, gossipy “if it bleeds, it leads” waste of life units, well, I agree with you. But the fallout now from Producer and Executive in- fighting in the brief months of Ann Curry in the co-host chair is another bold example of the need for AAUW and other promising women’s organizations that work for pay and workplace equity. It’s also my schadenfreude joy. Mwa-ha-ha-ha!
HOW TO RENEW ONLINE
Open www.aauw.org/ You will be on AAUW’s home page Click on Login (link is next to “JOIN” at the top of the page) There are links for first time registration, and for finding your member ID Scroll to the bottom of the home page and click Member Tools link Find Member Services Database (MSD) and click “visit here” Enter the Member Services Database
Your membership page will come up; click on renew. You will be able to pay by credit card.
INTEREST GROUPS AND NEWS AAUW Daytime Hot Topics May 15, 2013 WHAT IS “BENEVOLENT SEXISM” AND WHY IT IS DANGEROUS? Book Group
A blog in Scientific American—“The Problem When Sexism Just Sounds so Darn 2012·2013 Friendly” is the inspiration for the May Hot Topics get-together. Sexism, like racism, is a form of prejudice but it’s not always “sticks and stones”--it’s not Co-Chairs: Marianne Candioglos, always hostile. Sometimes it feels good—compliments on womanly virtues, and Lee Ann Ufford admiration for masculine talents. What is B.S. exactly? How is it different from hostile sexism? Is it sexism at all? Are we just being too sensitive? The Daytime Book Group Keep on the alert for cultural cues that generalize about the qualities of males and meets on the 4th Wednesday females, whether positive or negative. Should women accept or rebel? Why do of the month at 10:00 a.m. stereotypes persist? Consider the argument that women and men are “hard unless otherwise noted. wired” to perpetuate sexism.
To read more about it: http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/psysociety/2013/04/02/benevolent-sexism/ We are meeting at 10 a.m. at the http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/335405/benevolent-sexism-katherine- connell home of Irene H. Bring ideas for http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004121314.htm book selections for next year, plus http://pwq.sagepub.com/content/35/3/530 a salad to share. Drinks and dessert provided. For more info, contact Marianne or Lee Ann, Join us [email protected]. Wednesday, May 15, 2013
4-6 pm YMCA Lakewood 9715 Lakewood Dr. SW Lakewood, WA 253-584-9622
GENEALOGY & FAMILY HISTORY interest group
We’ll meet Friday, May 17, 1-3 p.m., at the LDS Tacoma Family History Center, 5915 South 12th St. There are several computers available there, and we plan to explore some of the newer Google tools available for genealogist. Volunteer staff will be on hand for consultation. The library is open until 5 p.m., so we can stay later to work on our research projects.
Mary Hammond, Chair
MORE INTEREST GROUPS! AAUW Evening Book Group, 2012·2013 Papercrafters The May Potluck is at 6:00 p.m. Grab your brown bag lunch and your unfinished paper project and head to Lakewood Presbyterian Church, 8101 104th St. SW, on Wednesday, May 8th at 10:30 a.m. for over three hours of uninterrupted time to work on your project at your own table. MAY 20 Contact Connie at [email protected] if you have questions POTLUCK BY THE GROUP or need directions to the church. Reviewers: Everyone Coffee and tea iare provided. Hostess: Jane
Evening Book Group Pot Luck Monday, May 20th Not So Fast Food Group 6:00 Jane Hahn’s house The Not So Fast Food Group will beat the rush by celebrating Cinco de Mayo on Saturday, May 4th. We will meet at 6:00 PM at La Fondita restaurant at 2620 N. Proctor St. La Fondita is a cute little place Send in book suggestions for next across the street from The Blue Mouse Theater in the Proctor year to Susie: district. Put on your sombrero and enjoy some great Mexican food. [email protected] th Call Jane Hahn for reservations/questions. by Friday May 17 . She will print off a list and bring it to the potluck.
L.I.F.E./Elderhostel Classes
These are not AAUW meetings, but are of potential interest to our members.
Class fee: $10, except the Wineries Tour. The meetings at Garfield Book Company at PLU are in the Community Room, 208 S. Garfield St. Tacoma 98444 http://www.plu.edu/lifeelderhostel, Contact Laura
Stewart (253) 241-4166 [email protected]
May 7, 10:30 a.m. Klondike – Tales of a Sourdough. Garfield Book Co.
May 24, 10:30 a.m. The Future of Human Space Travel. Garfield Book Co.
June 3, 10:00 a.m. I Am Always on the Women’s Side – Vignettes from the Civil War. Fort Steilacoom Historical Museum.
June 14, 9:00 a.m. South Puget Sound Wineries Tour. $25.
Activities Calendar
May 1 Wednesday May 2 Thursday May 3 Friday May 4 Saturday NOT SO FAST FOOD GROUP at La Fondita at 6 p.m. May 5 Sunday May 6 Monday May 7 Tuesday May 8 Wednesday PAPERCRAFTERS at Lakewood Presbyterian Church at 10:30 a.m. May 9 Thursday May 10 Friday May 11 Saturday May 12 Sunday May 13 Monday May 14 Tuesday May 15 Wednesday HOT TOPICS at the YMCA Lakewood 4-6 p.m. May 16 Thursday May 17 Friday GENEALOGY & FAMILY HISTORY at the LDS Tacoma Family History Center 1-3 p.m. May 18 Saturday ANNUAL SPRING LUNCHEON at the Fircrest Golf Club @ 11:30 a.m. May 19 Sunday May 20 Monday EVENING BOOK GROUP POTLUCK at Jane’s house at 6 p.m. May 21 Tuesday May 22 Wednesday DAYTIME BOOK GROUP at 10 a.m. May 23 Thursday May 24 Friday May 25 Saturday May 26 Sunday May 27 Monday May 28 Tuesday May 29 Wednesday May 30 Thursday May 31 Friday
Note from the Editors: This May issue will be our last as editors, as Rachel goes off to college and Mary takes on a new AAUW role. We wanted to thank all of you for your help and encouragement. A special shout out to Mary Hammond, our wonderful proofreader. Best wishes to the new editor
MEMBERSHIP NEWS
Tacoma Branch membership continues to grow. We’ve added three new members since April 7, bringing our total membership to 67.
o Trudy Looney joined while attending our Spring Tea at Julie Anderson’s house. She attended Western Washington University, PLU, and UW before getting her B.A. from Seattle Pacific. Like so many of our newer members, Trudy discovered us on meetup.com.
o Linda Isenson is a lifelong Pacific Northwest gal. She grew up in Alaska and graduated with a degree in History and Art History from the University of Oregon. Prior to moving to the Tacoma area two years ago, she lived in Seattle for more than 20 years. Linda has a well-developed sense of humor which helps, as she is very active in Pierce County Democratic politics. She loves cooking, her dogs, and being an aunt to four delightful kids.
o Sarah Nainby writes, “I earned my BA in Sociology from St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, MN in 2004. Then I earned my Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) from Hamline University in St. Paul, MN in 2011. I have been in the Tacoma area since July of 2007 and have been teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) since September of 2007. I discovered AAUW when a teaching colleague invited me to Hot Topics. I have 4 cats and live with my partner of 13 years, Nichole. Social justice is my passion and I love taking time to enjoy the beauty of the Northwest, especially if it involves hiking waterfalls.”
Do you know other women who would enjoy membership in AAUW? Invite them to attend an interest group with you. Bring them to our May luncheon in Fircrest. We’d love to meet them!
Reminder: Please remember to renew your membership before June 30 - the sooner, the better. The slickest way to renew is online, at www.aauw.org (directions in this newsletter). But if you’re more comfortable writing a check, please use the Tacoma Branch membership renewal form on the next page, and send it to our P.O. Box. Just do it. Soon.
Thanks -
Mary Hammond V.P. Membership
TECH TREK UPDATE
Tacoma branch is sponsoring two 7th grade girls from Tacoma middle schools to attend Tech Trek: a STEM summer camp powered by AAUW. The camp runs from July 21 to July 27 on the campus of PLU. They will join 50 other girls from all over Washington State, staying in the college dorms, eating in the college cafeteria, and making new friends. There will be daily classes, perhaps learning the chemistry of cosmetics, the use of DNA in forensic science or geometry in art. Girls will work on projects together, take field trips, and meet women who are in STEM professions, play games and make new friends.
The branch Tech Trek committee members are Dorothy McBride, Sandy Halvorson, and Hope Teague. They have received essential help from 7th grade math and science teachers, reviewed applications and conducted interviews with the girls and their parents. The committee will select two campers and several alternates. The state Tech Trek committee continues to raise money for scholarships and our committee hopes that their success will enable more Tacoma girls to go to STEM camp this summer.
For more information go to http://techtrek-wa.aauw.net/
NCCWSL 2013 Tacoma branch is proud to support 4 women from our partner campuses PLU and UWT to attend the National Conference for College Women Student Leaders, May 30-June 2 at the University of Maryland. The branch awarded grants to each campus--the Women’s Center at PLU and the Office of Equity and Diversity at UWT--and they selected the recipients. Let the young women introduce themselves to you:
Leslie Ducay “I am a junior studying Communication with an emphasis in Public Relations and Advertising at Pacific Lutheran University. In my future after PLU, I hope to pursue a career where I can execute my skills as a Communication professional and demonstrate my unique leadership style that I have acquired through my various work experiences at PLU.”
Jimena Mascaro “My name is Jimena Mascaro and I was born and raised in Lima, Peru. My parents decided to move to USA when I was 18 years old; here I discovered my new passion: Sociology and with this, was introduced to Women’s studies. I am currently working on my BA at PLU and I consider myself an advocate for women and human rights!”
Jessica Trondsen “I am a junior at Pacific Lutheran University, double majoring in Communication (journalism emphasis) and English (writing emphasis) with a minor in women's and gender studies. I am the editor-in-chief of PLU's student newspaper, The Mooring Mast, a member of Media Board, and the president of PLU's Society of Professional Journalists chapter.
Uuriintuya “Erica” Ganjargal I am a junior at UWT majoring in Politics-Philosophy-Economics. I am the daughter of parents who immigrated from Mongolia. I am currently serving an internship at the state legislature in Olympia. My goal is to learn about government in order to return to Mongolia and serve in leadership. I am absolutely thrilled to be going to the conference.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM PASCO: AAUW-WASHINGTON 2013 Annual Meeting
Lisa Maatz, AAUW Director of Public Policy & Government Relations Keynote Speaker
On the job of being an advocate: “Lobbyists are more successful when they can tell somebody if the legislator has been good or bad. I need AAUW members and branches.” On the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act: “AAUW was at the table; NOW is outside screaming bloody murder….you need both.” On the Paycheck Fairness Act: “The 2012 election was the first time that equal pay became part of the campaign. AAUW is going to keep the issue in the news and on the floor to demand a vote and hold the legislators accountable.” On the status of AAUW: “We are in the best shape we’ve ever been in.”
Mary Letterman elected Co-Vice President for Communication for AAUW-WA along with Jim Dunkelberger
Connie Dunkelberger honored for being a willing and reliable volunteer. Connie’s acceptance speech: “I prefer to stay in the background.”
Tacoma Branch received AAUW Washington “Bright Spot” Award for membership growth through creative use of social media: Meetup.org; FACEBOOK; website; Tacoma Branch News.
Breakout sessions : Tech trek workshop for branches with committee members Dorothy McBride, Leslie DiMaio, and Kelvie Comer; workshop on using FACEBOOK page to increase AAUW popularity with Tiffany Woelfel.
Next meeting dates announced: **August 24, 2013--All Member and Officer conference in Ellensburg, WA **April 18-20, 2014--Joint State convention with AAUW Oregon in Portland
AAUW Board Minutes April 10, 2013
Attending: Phyllis Izant, Dana Holt, Lee Ann Ufford, Wanda Johnson, Dorothy McBride, Diane Palmquist., Mary Hammond, Jane Hahn, Carol Rikerd President Phyllis Izant called the meeting to order at 5:10.
I. Consent Agenda The minutes from the March meeting were approved.
II. Treasurer Betty Troxell sent a $25.00 donation to the Program Fund. Phyllis will share the letter she sent with her donation.
$935 was given to the Virginia Cummings Scholarship Fund. The fund now has over $2,000.00. Money from the Fund will be disbursed when the Branch needs it. Lee Ann Ufford spoke with Pat Cummings at the April 7 Tea. He told her Virginia’s heirs do not want to direct the use of the Scholarship money. Lee Ann also suggested that the money be used for small grants. As an example, we could fund $500 through Kathleen Britton’s Forensic Nurse Examiner Service Program to train nurses to deal with sexual assault cases. Asking for Virginia Cummings Scholarship Fund donations at the annual April Tea was discussed. Since there is no more Scholarship Committee, the Branch must decide yearly how to spend the Fund money.
Update from Phyllis on Cummings Fund donations: Total received: $2,470
Dorothy McBride explained that for our records, we must show a clear Fund designation for each donation. Dorothy explained the Funds currently at Greater Tacoma Community Fund for the incoming officers in attendance.
UWT and PLU were each given $1,400 for NCCWSL grants. PLU is sending three women and UWT is sending one.
Tech Trek had $1700 allocated in our Branch budget for two students. New materials from national AAUW have an updated price of $1,000 for each camper, rather than $850. There is also a $50 fee that is paid by the camper’s family as a commitment. Dorothy would like the Branch to pay the $50 fee. The Board agreed. The price for each camper is $1050.
Motion to the Board: Tacoma Branch will allocate an additional $400 to the Scholarships and Grants budget to fully fund two campers at Tech Trek; allocation to come from Reserves. The motion was seconded. Phyllis would like the families to fill out all the paperwork for Tech Trek attendance, including the section stating they cannot pay the $50 fee. This will vest the families of the campers in the program. Dana Holt asked if there was a backup camper if one decided at the last minute not to attend. Dorothy said there would be alternates. The motion carried unanimously.
Dorothy spoke with a representative at GTCF about the letter she received identifying AAUW as one of the 90 anchor organizations in GTCF. We are not part of that coalition, and signing the form letter about the proper use of money does not clarify that our disbursement from the GTCF is a dividend and not a grant. Signing the letter would create a legal document that is not correct.
The issue was tabled until Phyllis can speak with GTFC management about clarifying the nature of our investments in GTCF.
I. Membership We have only eight renewals. Trudy Looney joined in April. Members are encouraged to renew online. We have a gift of two free national AAUW memberships to give. Phyllis suggested we give them to two of the visitors at the Tea. This is only for National membership, and both will be encouraged to joint AAUW at the State and Branch level.
II. Programs Lee Ann Ufford, Jane Hahn, Phyllis Izant, Dana Holt, and Carol Rikerd will meet in the coming weeks to determine programs for 2013-2014. (See full minutes for details)
III. Governance and Development Officers have been elected for 2013-2014. Dana Holt and Diane Palmquist will be Co-Presidents, Irene Hutchinson and Sue McLean will be Membership Co-Vice Presidents, Dorothy McBride will chair the Governance Committee, and Phyllis Izant will be Treasurer.
Members are encouraged to vote online for candidates in the national AAUW elections. The April Outlook has candidate and issue statements.
IV. College/University Relations, NCCWSL, Scholarship & Public Policy The current Outlook has a review of the National Conference of College Women Student Leaders program, and a review of Tech Trek. PLU is sending three women to the NCCWSL conference, and UWT is sending one. Each school received $1,400 to fund attendance. Next year, more early publicity needs to be given out on campus about NCCWSL since the scholarship applications are due in March.
There were some problems getting in touch with middle school science and math teachers to explain and solicit support for Tech Trek. The science coordinator for School District 10 helped find teachers. Only three of nine middle schools, Bryant, Giaudrone and Jason Lee participated. Bryant submitted one student application, Giaudrone submitted six. It was suggested a follow-up thank you letter to the participating teachers be sent to the principals of the schools.
V. Newsletter The board agrees on the need for a strategy to produce the newsletter next year. An editor needs to be found, and $50 per month is budgeted for production. Several members agreed that announcements of meetings by groups other than AAUW should stop. A standard format needs to be established for the newsletter. There should be a standard format for submitted items as well. Mary Hammond recommended that the text be proofread before final formatting, rather than after. It was suggested that National AAUW be asked to publish a toolkit for editors. The Board decided to request a volunteer task force to plan a newsletter redesign. Ann Copeland and Mary Letterman will be asked to help.
VI. Next Board meeting. The next Board meeting will be scheduled for late June or early July.
AAUW BRANCH MEETING - APRIL 7, 2013, at the home of Julie Anderson, Pierce County Auditor
The Spring Tea was attended by 32 members and guests. Our guests were Robin Larson, Linda St. Clair, Linda Isenson, Ann Dasch and Laurie, a friend of Sue McLean, as well as Pat and Carol Cummings. New member Trudy Looney was welcomed. After enjoying conversation, tea and a variety of finger foods, President Phyllis Izant thanked AAUW member Julie Anderson, Pierce County Auditor, for opening her historic home for our meeting.
Julie’s house is the last surviving building of Whitworth College. George Whitworth established the Sumner Academy in 1883. The Academy became Whitworth College in 1890, and moved to Tacoma in 1899, opening January 2, 1900. This house was the Literary Society Hall, built in 1906. The house has feminist footprints as a meeting place for the YWCA early in the century.
Pat and Carol Cummings, two of Virginia Cummings’ children, joined us to remember their mother. They said Virginia had fond memories of her AAUW groups. She was married to an Army Officer, and made frequent moves around the world. Virginia always sought out an AAUW Branch to join. She was a Tacoma Branch member in the 1940’s, and re- joined when the family returned to Ft. Lewis in the 1970’s.
Virginia was born in Oklahoma and grew up in the dust bowl years. She worked for a local banker when she was in high school. He loaned her interest-free funds to attend college. She paid back every penny, even for the Coca-Cola she bought. Virginia was the only woman in her county to graduate from college. The banker became a friend to the family, and later, advised them on making good investments in the stock market.
Virginia’s father remained in Oklahoma, with its constant winds. Virginia wanted a wider environment. She met a young man from New York City, had a whirlwind romance, and married him within a few weeks. She had her first child when her husband was serving overseas. Her children grew up as ‘military brats’. One daughter attended 20 different schools.
Carol and Pat said their mother was a grammarian, a lover of books in many genres, who read about 100 books a year. When Virginia was growing up, the family would take turns reading aloud by a lantern. She saw the world through books. Reading was never censored in her household.
Lee Ann Ufford remembers Virginia as an open-minded woman, who thought blogging was an interesting occupation. She remembers Virginia’s conversational rejoinders were masterpieces of ‘one-upmanship’ delivered in innocent good humor. Carol Cummings told a story about a friend arranging a letter from Michelle Obama as a birthday present. Virginia had previously written to Mrs. Obama about the issue of sexual assault in the military, and had received a hand written reply from the President’s wife.
Pat told us about Virginia returning to school at the University of Illinois for advanced training in special education. She went back to work to help pay for her children’s college education. For 15 years she helped support 1 to 3 children in college.
Ginny Lindstrom remembers Virginia as very welcoming of new AAUW members, making them feel at home in the group. Carol Cummings recalled her mother greeting new arrivals at base housing with cookies, and planting flowers wherever the family made a home. The flowers, Virginia said, were for the next family to live in the house.
Virginia made her own decisions throughout her life. She determined when to stop driving, and when to move into assisted living at Narrows Glen. She was always confident and realistic about aging, serving as a role model for younger women.
At her passing, she left hand-addressed envelopes for each of her children. The contents were all the same, a practical letter of advice on the final settling of her affairs, jointly addressed to all the children. Not what they were expecting.
Her children found a photo album of Virginia’s college years with photos they had never seen before. They will share a link to those photos with AAUW.
Phyllis announced that the Branch had won the AAUW-WA “Bright Spot Award” for our recent increase in membership. Our membership has increased 18.8% over 3 years, and 14.5% over the last year. The new members have found us through introductions by current members and through Mary Letterman’s use of the meetup.com site.
Phyllis is considering another September meeting held jointly with Puyallup and Gig Harbor Branches.
Julie Anderson spoke about her work as County Auditor. Auditors were appointed by a commission prior to Washington Territory becoming a state, and before counties were organized. Their function was to audit government cash transactions. Today’s Auditor’s office handles multiple public responsibilities, from animal control to license tabs to recording deeds. The Auditor’s office has such a variety of functions that many people contact the office looking for other services. Her staff members are dedicated employees, many of whom have held their jobs for over 20 years. They are adept at directing customers to the correct office.
One of the problems Julie faces is in the publication of voter pamphlets. Pierce County still publishes its own local voter information pamphlet. Local initiatives need to have balanced viewpoints for and against ballot measures. She has had a problem in getting writers for opposing points of view. For this year’s spring elections, the issues on the Bonney Lake ballot were fully explored in “for” and “against” points of view, which should be the norm for all county ballot issues. One member suggested part of the process of placing an initiative for a vote should be having opposing viewpoints represented.
Pierce County is in the top 3 in the state for both voter registration and voter turnout. Online registration and voting by mail contribute to the good turnout. There are 27 ballot ‘drop-in’ boxes in the county. About 48% of ballots are returned to the boxes rather than mailed.
The county also has Voter Centers, satellite offices where people can get in-person assistance with voting or with ballot issues. Julie would like to see the centers set up with touch screen voting machines for the disabled, or for any voters who have trouble with a paper ballot. People who want to know if their ballot has been counted can phone 253-798-VOTE. Pierce County residents can also go online and enter their voter registration card information to track their ballot. Who voted in an election is public record, but how the the vote was cast is private. Personal information such as phone and email address is never public information.
Campaigns can purchase information about who has already cast a ballot. Voting early can ‘turn off’ robo-calls and stop mailed campaign literature. An early ballot also helps the workers who process ballots, which is a detailed and time-consuming process, performed under pressure from news media wanting election results. Asked about voter fraud, Julie answered that in Pierce County, there were only 4 possible double votes in the last election. Three were name discrepancies, and only one was a possible fraud.
Pierce, Thurston, Kitsap and King Counties, with the help of Department of Defense, are looking at an electronic voting process for service members overseas. Julie would like to see individual ballots emailed to out-of-country voters, which could be marked by touch screen and emailed back to the auditor. Julie spoke about the complexity of handling ballots. Political observers from each party watch the handling of ballots from the time they are picked up from the boxes through the counting of the votes. Julie is willing to present an overview of processing ballots for a Branch meeting, showing each step.
Phyllis announced the May Luncheon meeting to be held at the Fircrest Golf Club on May 18.
The meeting adjourned at 4:25pm.
Carol Rikerd