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Reminder: LWV-WV Council Meeting - May 21 at 10AM
by Julie Archer 19 May '22

19 May '22

Dear LWV-WV Members, This is a friendly reminder that State Council 2022 will be held this Saturday, May 21, from 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. via Zoom. Councils are held in the interim years between Conventions primarily for the adoption of a budget for the coming fiscal year. Per our bylaws, the Council shall be composed of the presidents of the local Leagues or an alternate in the event a president is unable to attend, two delegates chosen by each local League, one delegate from each MAL Unit, and the state board. League members are welcome to join us. We will also have a special guest speaker, Renate Pore, Chair of the WV Suffragist Memorial Committee. The Zoom link and agenda are below. Several items related to the agenda are attached. If you plan to attend please RSVP by replying to this email to receive additional materials. Look forward to seeing you Saturday! Julie LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF WEST VIRGINIA May 21, 2022, 10:00 AM State Council & Board Meeting by Video Conference https://us06web.zoom.us/j/8106186796?pwd=V2FhZktOZWxwV3QvalRKTzRqcXBiZz09 Dial: 1 (646) 558-8656 OR 1 (301) 715-8592 - Meeting ID: 810 618 6796 - Passcode: 546014 Board: Julie Archer & Effie Kallas, Co-Presidents; Nancy Ulrich, 1st Vice President; Judy Ball, 2nd Vice President; Teresa Koon, Treasurer; Carline Shaw, Secretary; Directors: Betty Barrett, Nyoka Baker Chapman, Vicki Conner, Jonathan Rosenbaum, Shirley Rosenbaum Agenda 10:00 a.m. Call to Order/Agenda Changes/Additions - Effie Kallas 10:05 a.m. Board Minutes - March 19/Decisions by Email - Carline Shaw (minutes attached) 10:10 a.m. Treasurer's Report - Teresa Koon 10:15 a.m. State Council 2022 * Roll Call of Local Leagues - Teresa Koon * Discussion & Passage of the Budget for 2022-23 - Teresa Koon (proposed budget attached) 10:45 a.m. Guest Speaker & Discussion - Renate Pore, WV Women's Suffragists Memorial 11:15 a.m. Break (5 minutes) 11:20 a.m. Announcements/New & Unfinished Business Announcements/Upcoming Events * May 22 - LWV Morgantown-Monongalia Co. Annual Meeting - 12:30-1PM Check-In * 1 PM - Guest Speaker, Dr. Lisa Tetrault, Carnegie-Mellon University - "When Women Won the Right to Vote: An American Fiction" (see newsletter link below for details) * https://mailchi.mp/7a69ab7f5442/spring-2021-member-newsletter-16087551 * June 18 - Poor People's Campaign - Moral March on Washington * https://www.poorpeoplescampaign.org/june18/ * Ridesharing & buses available [1] for those interested in attending in-person * Virtual actions New Business National Convention - Appoint Delegates Julie Archer * Landing page for convention information: https://www.lwv.org/league-management/council-convention/2022-national-conv… * Dates: June 23-26, 2022 -- This is a fully hybrid (in-person and virtual) event with in-person events taking place in Denver, Co. * Representation is based on membership. Each local League is entitled to at least one delegate and the state board can send three delegates. League members may also attend as observers. * Local League representation * 1-49 members = 1 delegate * 50-99 members = 2 delegates * 100-149 members = 3 delegates * The registration fee is $475 per in-person delegate/observer and $300 per virtual delegate/observer. * LWVWV has received a $1500 discount code that can be applied towards registrations. * Registration Deadline: June 6 Unfinished Business * Legislative Action Workgroup Proposal - Judy Ball (proposal attached) * Voter Services * Voter's Guide/Forum Updates - Vicki Conner, Local Voter Services Directors * Schedule Meeting with LWVUS re: Vote411 - Julie Archer * How can WV make the best use of the platform in future elections? * Zoom Licenses - Teresa Koon (Holding space for announcements, updates on the following, if any) * Policy Review/Updates - Jonathan Rosenbaum * Update Position on Election Reform, Voter Access/Ease of Voting - Judy Ball (concurrence proposal attached) * Update Positions on Health Care, Libraries - Betty Barrett Reminder: Concurrence policy and examples shared via email prior to January board meeting. Noon - Lunch Break 12:30 p.m. Portfolio & Committee Reports * Education & Membership - Shirley Rosenbaum * Election Laws - Judy Ball (2022 Election Update attached) * Fair Maps/Redistricting - Nyoka Baker Chapman * Health Care - Betty Barrett * Judicial Selection - Nancy Ulrich * Natural Resources - Nyoka Baker Chapman * Taxation & Finance - Vicki Conner * Voter - Teresa Koon * Website & Tech - Jonathan Rosenbaum 1:15 p.m. Set Meeting Dates for 2022-23 1:30 p.m. Adjourn -- Julie Archer (she/her/hers) Co-President (304) 610-9094 Links: ------ [1] https://rally.co/ppc

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LWV-WV Council Meeting - May 21 at 10AM
by Julie Archer 14 May '22

14 May '22

Dear LWV-WV Members, State Council 2022 will be held on May 21, from 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. via Zoom. Councils are held in the interim years between Conventions primarily for the adoption of a budget for the coming fiscal year. Per our bylaws, the Council shall be composed of the presidents of the local Leagues or an alternate in the event a president is unable to attend, two delegates chosen by each local League, one delegate from each MAL Unit, and the state board. League members are welcome to join us. We will also have a special guest speaker, Renate Pore, Chair of the WV Suffragist Memorial Committee. The Zoom link and agenda are below. If you plan to attend please RSVP by replying to this email to receive additional materials related to the agenda. Julie LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF WEST VIRGINIA May 21, 2022, 10:00 AM State Council & Board Meeting by Video Conference https://us06web.zoom.us/j/8106186796?pwd=V2FhZktOZWxwV3QvalRKTzRqcXBiZz09 Dial: 1 (646) 558-8656 OR 1 (301) 715-8592 - Meeting ID: 810 618 6796 - Passcode: 546014 Board: Julie Archer & Effie Kallas, Co-Presidents; Nancy Ulrich, 1st Vice President; Judy Ball, 2nd Vice President; Teresa Koon, Treasurer; Carline Shaw, Secretary; Directors: Betty Barrett, Nyoka Baker Chapman, Vicki Conner, Jonathan Rosenbaum, Shirley Rosenbaum Agenda 10:00 a.m. Call to Order/Agenda Changes/Additions - Effie Kallas 10:05 a.m. Board Minutes - March 19/Decisions by Email - Carline Shaw (minutes attached) 10:10 a.m. Treasurer's Report - Teresa Koon 10:15 a.m. State Council 2022 * Roll Call of Local Leagues - Teresa Koon * Discussion & Passage of the Budget for 2022-23 - Teresa Koon (proposed budget attached) 10:45 a.m. Guest Speaker & Discussion - Renate Pore, WV Women's Suffragists Memorial 11:15 a.m. Break (5 minutes) 11:20 a.m. Announcements/New & Unfinished Business Announcements/Upcoming Events * May 22 - LWV Morgantown-Monongalia Co. Annual Meeting - 12:30-1PM Check-In * 1 PM - Guest Speaker, Dr. Lisa Tetrault, Carnegie-Mellon University - "When Women Won the Right to Vote: An American Fiction" (see newsletter link below for details) * https://mailchi.mp/7a69ab7f5442/spring-2021-member-newsletter-16087551 * June 18 - Poor People's Campaign - Moral March on Washington * https://www.poorpeoplescampaign.org/june18/ * Ridesharing & buses available [1] for those interested in attending in-person * Virtual actions New Business National Convention - Appoint Delegates Julie Archer * Landing page for convention information: https://www.lwv.org/league-management/council-convention/2022-national-conv… * Dates: June 23-26, 2022 -- This is a fully hybrid (in-person and virtual) event with in-person events taking place in Denver, Co. * Representation is based on membership. Each local League is entitled to at least one delegate and the state board can send three delegates. League members may also attend as observers. * Local League representation * 1-49 members = 1 delegate * 50-99 members = 2 delegates * 100-149 members = 3 delegates * The registration fee is $475 per in-person delegate/observer and $300 per virtual delegate/observer. * LWVWV has received a $1500 discount code that can be applied towards registrations. * Registration Deadline: June 6 Unfinished Business * Legislative Action Workgroup Proposal - Judy Ball (proposal attached) * Voter Services * Voter's Guide/Forum Updates - Vicki Conner, Local Voter Services Directors * Schedule Meeting with LWVUS re: Vote411 - Julie Archer * How can WV make the best use of the platform in future elections? * Zoom Licenses - Teresa Koon (Holding space for announcements, updates on the following, if any) * Policy Review/Updates - Jonathan Rosenbaum * Update Position on Election Reform, Voter Access/Ease of Voting - Judy Ball * Update Positions on Health Care, Libraries - Betty Barrett Reminder: Concurrence policy and examples shared via email prior to January board meeting. Noon - Lunch Break 12:30 p.m. Portfolio & Committee Reports * Education & Membership - Shirley Rosenbaum * Election Laws - Judy Ball * Fair Maps/Redistricting - Nyoka Baker Chapman * Health Care - Betty Barrett * Judicial Selection - Nancy Ulrich * Natural Resources - Nyoka Baker Chapman * Taxation & Finance - Vicki Conner * Voter - Teresa Koon * Website & Tech - Jonathan Rosenbaum 1:15 p.m. Set Meeting Dates for 2022-23 1:30 p.m. Adjourn -- Julie Archer (she/her/hers) Co-President (304) 610-9094 Links: ------ [1] https://rally.co/ppc

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LWV WV Spring 2022 Voter
by teresa.m.koon＠gmail.com 11 Apr '22

11 Apr '22

Good evening League Members! Attached is the latest VOTER newsletter from LWV of West Virginia. Lots to read in here! For those of you who get hard copies, those are still coming in the mail if you prefer to read it that way. Expect it one day next week. Teresa Koon Editor LWV WV

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- Today at 4:30: LWV forum on winter resource accessibility
by balljk＠aol.com 10 Mar '22

10 Mar '22

Hello, League members, Hope you can join us for our Winter Warming Forum to discuss ideas to make warming shelters and winter heating resources more accessible, more effective, and with dignity for WV communities! We will host a panel of experts at 4:30 today with a Q&A at the end. Questions can be sent in via Zoom chat or Facebook Live. Watch live: - Watch on Zoom - Watch on Facebook Video will be available on the same Facebook page if you’re unable to attend. Marly Ynigues Social Justice Chair League of Women Voters of Morgantown-Monongalia County -- • Liberi • Marly Hazen Ynigues She • YEN-knee-GUESS

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Wednesday, 10am - League of Women Voters Bill Tracking Program
by Jonathan Rosenbaum 07 Mar '22

07 Mar '22

Dear League Members, Although it's late notice, a fantastic opportunity has just materialize. Our League will offer a tutorial on using the Legislature's Bill Tracking feature. Our West Virginia Legislators introduce hundreds of bills each legislative session. Keeping abreast of these bills as they wind their way through the legislative process can be challenging. Fortunately, there is a handy tool on the Leguslature's website that helps citizens stay up to date. Join us for a Zoom conference on Wednesday, March 9, 2022 at 10:00am for a tutorial on the Legislature's Bill Tracking feature. https://us04web.zoom.us/j/71584366211?pwd=UlfibEV-XoMaDsGPqbYSPVolhyHABi.1 Meeting ID: 715 8436 6211 Passcode: hZrD7Y John Tice from the Legislature's Office of Reference and Information will guide us through setting up an account, maneuvering through the "Bill Tracking" feature, and storing items of interest for later reference. Please mark your calendars for this fantastic and timely program. You'll use your newly acquired skills immediately as the last, and busiest, week of the Legislative session is upon us. Looking forward to seeing you on Wednesday! --Effie Kallas

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ACTION on HB 4293 - Voting by Absentee
by balljk＠aol.com 01 Mar '22

01 Mar '22

HB 4293 is up for 2nd Reading on House Floor today. Contact your Legislators and urge them to vote NO. If it passes the House, as it likely will, contact your Senators. https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bulletin_Board/house_calendar_special.cfm?ses… The purpose of HB 4293 is to prohibit the delivery of unsolicited absentee ballot applications to any person who has not specifically requested one from the county clerk. (text excerpt below) WHY ACTION?This bill is a solution in search of a problem. The Legislature has already decided not to expand absentee voting as it was conducted successfully in 2020. That means most West Virginian voters are not eligible to vote by absentee. Even those who are eligible are deterred from applying because the rules are vague and overly complicated. Yet, this bill wants to further limit and penalize county clerks and others from distribution of absentee ballot applications to voters who might be eligible. It makes no sense. It is voter suppression and will have a chilling effect on county clerks who try to encourage voting. TEXT excerpt: (o) (1) If any election official knowingly and intentionally mails or delivers an application for an absentee ballot to any voter without the specific request of that voter, that person shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than $500 or imprisoned in a state correctional facility for a period of not more than six months, or both fined and imprisoned. (2) If any person, not an election official, knowingly and intentionally mails or delivers more than 10 applications for an absentee ballot to a group of voters without the specific request of those voters, that person shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than $500 or imprisoned in a state correctional facility for a period of not more than six months, or both fined and imprisoned. - Judy Judy K. Ball, PhD, MPA 9 Palmetto Drive Morgantown, WV 26508 240.997.1222 (cell) BallJK(a)aol.com

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Event Invitation - Democracy and Social Justice Forum
by Jonathan Rosenbaum 19 Feb '22

19 Feb '22

You are invited to a forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of West Virginia. Please mark your calendars. Subject: Democracy and Social Justice Bills before the WV Legislature When: Saturday, February 19, 10:30 am What: This is a 45 minute virtual forum for League members, guests and the public, which will provide an overview about bills concerning Election and Social Justice in the Legislature. The audience is encouraged to ask questions following the presentations. Why: Democracy and Social Justice are two of our three priorities selected for action and education. Our intent is to promote ACTION while there is still time. Location: Spread the word. Zoom link - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81726695353?pwd=V2dGNEtNd0dRNWt1U2tNek5JaU5xdz09 Our Speakers: Democracy: Judy K Ball, State League Elections Chair The League's focus on Democracy includes voting rights, election reform, and redistricting. Congress has failed to enact Federal protections for voting rights, despite months of effort and advocacy. Recognizing that, the League has turned its attention to bills introduced in the 2022 session of the WV Legislature. Social Justice: Kimberley Crockett, Jefferson County League and Delta Sigma Theta The League is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion because, to succeed in the 21st Century, West Virginia must be welcoming for all. Kim is an attorney who is well versed on the bills currently before the legislature. These bills include the Crown Act, Human Rights Commission, and reproductive health. In recent years, lawmakers have declined to strengthen the state's civil rights code to prohibit hair discrimination and protect members of the LGBTQ+ community from discrimination in employment and housing. They have also continued their assault on the reproductive freedom of West Virginians. In League, LWVWV

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You're Invited: Democracy & Social Justice Legislative Briefing
by Julie Archer 19 Feb '22

19 Feb '22

What: League members and their guests are invited to a virtual forum on bills concerning Democracy and Social Justice in the Legislature. The audience is encouraged to ask questions following the presentations. When: Saturday, February 19, 10:30 am Where: Zoom - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81726695353?pwd=V2dGNEtNd0dRNWt1U2tNek5JaU5xdz09 Why: Democracy and Social Justice are two of our three priorities selected for action and education. Our intent is to promote ACTION while there is still time. Our Speakers: Democracy: Judy K Ball, State League Elections Chair The League's focus on Democracy includes voting rights, election reform, and redistricting. Congress has failed to enact Federal protections for voting rights, despite months of effort and advocacy. Recognizing that, the League has turned its attention to bills introduced in the 2022 session of the WV Legislature. Social Justice: Kimberley Crockett, Jefferson County League and Social Action Chair, Delta Sigma Theta The League is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion because, to succeed in the 21st Century, West Virginia must be welcoming for all. Kim is an attorney who is well versed on the bills currently before the legislature. These bills include the Crown Act, Human Rights Commission, and reproductive health. In recent years, lawmakers have declined to strengthen the state's civil rights code to prohibit hair discrimination and protect members of the LGBTQ+ community from discrimination in employment and housing. They have also continued their assault on the reproductive freedom of West Virginians. --- Our third priority for area is Environmental Protection. Here are two opportunities to participate in policy discussions on issues related to water quality, climate, economic transition and more. Wednesday, February 16 at 6:00 pm - the WV Environmental Council's Virtual E-Day This annual day of advocacy will include a legislative update from WVEC member groups, WV legislators, and the WVEC lobby team, as well as music and a silent auction. Registration link and more details here [1]. Thursday, February 24 at 7:00 pm - the WV Rivers Coalition is hosting a legislative update with WV legislators focused on water policy. Register here [2]. --- Julie Archer (she/her/hers) Co-President (304) 610-9094 (cell) Links: ------ [1] https://wvecouncil.org/join-us-next-week-for-virtual-e-day-2022/ [2] https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIufu6urTMvHtCstCiK9LD8Tjrl-KNjgY…

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LWV-WV Action Alert & Legislative Update
by Julie Archer 16 Jan '22

16 Jan '22

Dear LWV-WV Members, First things first. As you know, the WV Legislature is now in session. On the second day, members of the House of Delegates started moving a bill that would ban abortions at 15 weeks, just like a Mississippi law under review by the U.S. Supreme Court. The bill (HB 4004), would prohibit abortions after 15 weeks of gestation, well below viability and the line set forth by _Roe v. Wade_. HB 4004 and HB 4005, which imposes invasive, cruel, unnecessary requirements regarding disposal of fetal tissue, have both passed the passed through the House Health committee and are on their way to Judiciary. This is a red alert moment for reproductive freedom. Now is the time to be heard. There will be a public hearing tomorrow (Jan. 17) at 3 PM [1] on these bills in the House of Delegates Chamber at the State Capitol. At this time, the hearing is limited to in-person participation, which may be difficult, if not impossible, due to the impending winter storm. As such, members are asked to contact their members via other means. The League of Women Voters supports the right of individuals to make their own reproductive choices, and opposes laws intended to restrict access to abortion. Additionally, the League supports equitable access to a basic level of care that covers reproductive health services including abortion. The right to decide if or when to have a child is essential to a person's ability to make highly personal decisions about their body and their future. It is essential for social, economic, and racial equality. We can't stand by while politicians try to restrict people's personal freedoms and take away their health care. Find your legislators here. [2] --- Additionally, related to the legislative session, are a number of events this week related to the LWV-WV's priorities for 2022. (See complete list priorities below.) Tuesday, January 18 - 6-7:15 PM - Information Session on the Feasibility of Advanced Nuclear in WV - The WV Environmental Council (WVEC) and others are hosting for an informational session on both the benefits and risks of repowering coal plant sites for advanced nuclear energy development or small modular reactors (SMRs) in West Virginia followed by a presentation from state legislators on the political landscape around proposed nuclear legislation and a Q&A discussion. Register here [3]. Thursday, January 20 - Environment Day (E-Day) - Hosted by the WVEC - Initially, scheduled as an in-person event, E-Day has been cancelled due to COVID concerns. A possible virtual event will take place latter in the session. In the meantime, check out WVEC's first newsletter of the year [4] to learn more about what they'll be watching for this year. You can sign up for their weekly legislative updates here [5]. Thursday, January 20, 6-7 PM - Health Care for All WV's Civic Engagement Training - (Virtual/Zoom) - How do you contact and build relationships with your representatives? - How do you track a bill from start to finish? - How do you use the West Virginia Legislature page? - How do you support state healthcare legislation? Learn how to find your representative(s), build relationships with them, and share what's most important to you as a West Virginian. Register here [6]. (Note: LWV-WV is a member of the Health Care for All WV coalition.) Friday, January 21 - Fairness WV Fight for Freedom Day of Action for reproductive freedom and LGBTQ equality. Although initially an in person lobby day, this event is now a virtual day of activities. Register here [7]. --- The LWV-WV has identified three main areas as legislative priorities for 2022. These represent only the primary focus areas for the League for the coming year. We will continue to work with partners on other issues. Democracy The right to vote and equal access to the ballot are pillars of our democracy and guiding principles for the LWV. We will: * Oppose restrictions on voter registration or voting. * Advocate for methods to increase voter turnout, based on lessons learned from the 2020 elections. * Prioritize measures to make voting easier, while protecting election security, including no-excuse absentee voting and expanded options for ballot return and early in-person voting. * Support legislation to modernize election methods, reduce taxpayer costs, and reduce administrative burden. * Oppose any effort to make political spending less transparent. * Support measures to increase transparency and public participation in the next redistricting process. Social Justice The LWV is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion because, to succeed in the 21st Century, West Virginia must be welcoming for all. We will: * Oppose legislative efforts to suppress civil and Constitutional rights. * Support legislation to ban discrimination and ensure equality of opportunity in education, employment, and housing for all West Virginians regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. * Support health care for all West Virginians including expanded Medicaid coverage, subsidies for affordable coverage under the ACA, measures to eliminate disparities in health care availability and outcomes for Black and other minority communities, and access to evidence-based treatment and harm reduction strategies to save lives affected by substance use disorders. * Advocate for state and local budgets that cover essential services and protect our most vulnerable. Environmental Protection Climate change is no longer a distant or future threat. The LWV is committed to protecting the planet along with the health and safety of all West Virginians. We will: * Support updating water quality standards to strengthen protections for human health, and support measures to expand access to water service that meets these standards. * Target strategic management of natural resources to protect the planet for this and future generations. * Advocate for environmental priorities that are coupled with a creative and just transition for workers in fossil fuel industries. * Oppose facilities that add, expand, or preserve dependence on fossil fuels. Best, Julie ----- Julie Archer (she/her/hers) Co-President (304) 610-9094 (cell) Links: ------ [1] https://www.facebook.com/events/3299913780237668 [2] https://openstates.org/find_your_legislator/ [3] https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUpf-CrpjwpHtC21edh2ww08sUmhpKA5R… [4] https://wvecouncil.org/green-volume-32-issue-1/ [5] https://wvecouncil.org/action-alerts-signup/ [6] https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwtcuiorjIjHN0-CUgLF_72HKinaCMAFg… [7] https://fairnesswv.org/2021/11/05/mark-you-calendar-for-the-fairness-for-al…

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LWVMM January 2022 Newsletter
by Jonathan Rosenbaum 13 Jan '22

13 Jan '22

Sending this on behalf of LWVMM. Local Leagues are encouraged to send their newsletters to the statewide email list. Happy new year from LWV-Morgantown/Monongalia County! View this email in your browser [1] January 2022 _Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy._ CONTENTS * Fall Member Meeting * LWV-MM Report on Voters Service * LWV-MM Report on Redistricting * Communications * LWV-MM Report on Social Justice Priorities * LWV-MM Report on Broadband Access * JOIN US * MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION * WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! _FALL MEMBER MEETING_ Our Fall meeting was held October 24 via Zoom. This was not a business meeting, so our only agenda item was to hear from guest speaker Carye Blaney, Monongalia County Clerk. Carye spoke about how she felt Mon County would be affected by the voting rights bills that are being considered in Congress. Carye stated that she is very confident in the accuracy and security of elections in this County. Our voting machines are the most up-to-date available and nowhere do they connect to the internet. She feels we could easily meet all the criteria recommended in the voting rights bills but stated that some West Virginia counties would have difficulty. The smaller, less economically secure counties have outdated equipment and very small County Clerk staff so they would need funds and assistance in order to meet the requirements. _LWV-MM REPORT ON VOTERS SERVICE_ We are watching the two bills currently blocked in the United States Senate: The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom To Vote Act. The latter is sponsored by Senator Manchin. John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act The Voting Rights Act of 1965 removed barriers to Black enfranchisement, banning poll taxes, literacy tests, and other measures preventing African Americans from voting. A major portion of the VRA was effectively gutted by the Supreme Court in 2013 and numerous states, most in the South, responded almost immediately with new voter suppression laws. The John R. Lewis Voting Right Advancement Act seeks to reinstate much of those protections. This bill was passed by the House on August 24, 2021 along partisan lines with no Republican votes in favor. It was introduced in the Senate in October 2021, but cloture on the motion to proceed was rejected on November 3. Freedom to Vote Act The Freedom To Vote Act is a modified version of the For The People Act. Senator Manchin and others wrote the FTV Act in hopes of gathering Republican support but so far that has not happened. Cloture on the motion to proceed was rejected on October 20. Proponents of the bill point to ever-intensifying actions in states to pass laws aimed at reducing voters' access to elections and giving state legislatures the ability to overturn the outcomes of elections. What Happens Now? Since mid-December, President Biden has recognized voting rights legislation as the most critical action that needs to be taken up by Congress now. This means the priority is to focus on filibuster reform, especially for voting rights. The new LWV-US slogan on filibuster reform is _Fix It or Nix It_ because, without reform or repeal, a minority of the Senate will continue to hold voting rights bills hostage. A vote on filibuster repeal or reform is expected by January 17. 2022 Mid-Term Elections The Voters Service committee will be actively planning for candidate forums during the 2022 election season. - Vicki Conner _LWV-MM REPORT ON REDISTRICTING_ What District Am I In? Redistricting and the move to single-member Delegate districts have significantly changed boundaries for Mon County. Mon is now in Congressional District 2, is split between new state Senate Districts 2 and 13, and has 6 new Delegate districts that will elect one Delegate each. Carye Blaney, Monongalia County Clerk, has made a new interactive map available for Monongalia County. Use it to find your new districts at the link below. Just type in your address and tell the map to search for it. Thank you, Carye! https://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=b03055801196406fa273… [2] - Judy Ball _COMMUNICATIONS_ Judy Ball, Marly Ynigues, and Vicki Conner are working with a WVU student intern, Abagail Carte, to build a new website for LWV-MM. The goal is to have a site that provides easily accessible information for our members and the public, which will attract more interest in the activities of the League. We expect the site to go live in the Spring and will send updated information to League members as appropriate. - Vicki Conner _LWV-MM REPORT ON SOCIAL JUSTICE PRIORITIES_ Warming Shelters LWV-MM presented a statement to Morgantown City Council on Nov. 30 to advocate for the City to open a winter warming shelter Downtown in addition to the one operating at Hazel's House of Hope. We also asked that all warming shelters be seasonal, not temperature-dependent (and open on other cold days beyond the scheduled timeframe) to provide stability of access to emergency resources. The Board has created a committee to address warming shelter concerns. Please contact Marly Ynigues at marlydubvee(a)gmail.com if you'd like to get involved. Read the full statement by LWVWV-MM [3]. See coverage in the Dominion Post [4]. Police Review Board LWV-MM supported the Civilian Police Review and Advisory Board. A December judicial ruling has prevented the City of Morgantown from implementing the Board or appointing members. LWV-MM urges the City to appeal the decision by advocating for stated uses of the Board (e.g., providing feedback on public safety policy) other than the use that was ruled against (disciplinary advising). - Marly Ynigues, Social Justice Chair _LWV-MM REPORT ON BROADBAND ACCESS_ According to FCC data, at least 30% of our state's rural homes and businesses currently lack adequate broadband access, leaving West Virginia with one of the nation's lowest broadband connectivity rates. Broadband expansion in West Virginia has been hindered by the cost of extending networks into mountainous rural areas. The state Broadband Office estimates that a combination of federal, state, local government, and private resources will expand broadband availability to at least 200,000 new locations in West Virginia. Governor Justice announced the plan in October and expects that roughly $718 million will be allocated for the project by Fall 2022. The funds will be allocated through competitive programs that draw matching funds from private-sector and local government partners, generating more than $1 billion in total broadband investment. Details of a news release from October 2021 can be seen here: https://governor.wv.gov/News/press-releases/2021/Pages/Gov.-Justice-announc… [5] - Vicki Conner JOIN US The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization. Providing nonpartisan information and promoting democracy count among our major priorities. Join or renew your membership in the League today to help us carry on this mission. Also, feel free to forward this email to your friends who may be interested in the League's activities. We are eager to add to our ranks. Renew Your Membership Today! [6] MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION When you become a member of the Morgantown-Monongalia County League of Women Voters, you are also a member of the LWV-US and the LWV-WV. Membership in the League is open to all persons (not just women) over the age of 16. Annual dues are $48 for an individual, $72 for a household (two at the same address), and $5 for a student. Checks should be made to LWV Morgantown-Mon County and mailed to: Lyndell Millecchia, 476 Lawnview Drive, Morgantown, WV 26505. You can also pay with credit card or PayPal at http://tinyurl.com/paylwvmm [7]. Dues must be received by December 31 to meet the LWV-US membership deadline. If you are unsure about whether your dues are paid, email Lyndell at millecchia(a)comcast.net. The League also welcomes and encourages contributions to support our work. Membership dues and contributions to the League of Women Voters are not deductible as personal or business expenses for tax purposes. WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! We apologize to new member Kenneth Martis whose name we misspelled in the October Newsletter. _Copyright (c) 2022 League of Women Voters Morgantown Monongalia, All rights reserved._ Add us to your address book [8] [9] Links: ------ [1] https://mailchi.mp/4a6339b2427c/spring-2021-member-newsletter-15616323?e=ac… [2] https://lwvwv.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4cfc532d297ffd33b5a9c2322&… [3] https://lwvwv.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4cfc532d297ffd33b5a9c2322&… [4] https://lwvwv.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4cfc532d297ffd33b5a9c2322&… [5] https://lwvwv.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4cfc532d297ffd33b5a9c2322&… [6] https://lwvwv.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4cfc532d297ffd33b5a9c2322&… [7] https://lwvwv.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4cfc532d297ffd33b5a9c2322&… [8] https://lwvwv.us20.list-manage.com/vcard?u=4cfc532d297ffd33b5a9c2322&id… [9] http://www.mailchimp.com/email-referral/?utm_source=freemium_newsletter&amp…

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