WI Aviation and Transit: 2024 Report Card for Wisconsin's Infrastructure
The Wisconsin aviation network includes 97 airports, 87 of which are part of the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems. Transit provides mobility to work, school and recreation for the one-third of Wisconsin residents who do not drive or choose to drive less. Join the LWVWI and ASCE-WI webinar to learn how we can raise the grades for Aviation (C+) & Transit (D+) on October 31, 2024 from 12:00 to 1:30 pm. Register here.
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WEC Warns Voters About Misleading Communications
The Wisconsin Elections Commission is reminding voters about the need to be cautious when receiving or responding to communications purporting to represent official voting information about the upcoming Nov. 5 General Election.
One recent case was in the form of a text message campaign from an organization called AllVote, which was contacting voters with information about their voting or registration status that may have been inaccurate. The text messages the WEC reviewed also provided a link to what at first appeared to be the voter’s municipal website but was incorrect. Wolfe said these third-party groups will often attempt to represent themselves as an official source of election information.
“Nothing could be further from the truth,” Wolfe said. “The WEC’s MyVote Wisconsin website is the official source of information for voters. Voters can visit MyVote – at MyVote.wi.gov – to find almost anything they need to know about the upcoming election. The MyVote site and the local clerk’s office are always going to be the best path for voters who have any questions,” Wolfe said. |
Latinx Outreach Team Interviewed by French Newspaper
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Clockwise from left: Eloisa Gomez, photographer Andrea, Maria Avila, editor Frédéric Autran, and Barbara Medina.
Who would have thought that a French newspaper would request to learn about LWVMC’s work on Milwaukee's South Side? Deputy Chief Foreign editor, Frédéric Autran, from Libération (a French daily newspaper) sent an email to CVL-LVO, via Eloisa Gomez, that he would be in Milwaukee as part of the newspaper's coverage of the 2024 elections that included the importance of Latino voters and outreach efforts for voter turnout. Frédéric was accompanied by a documentary photographer based in Chicago.
On October 19, Comité members Maria Avila and Barbara Medina, along with Eloisa, met Frederic and photographer Andrea at the Guadalajara restaurant, 901 S. 10th St.
Eloisa said Maria and Barbara provided great examples of our grassroots outreach we provide year round and strategies we use to engage South side residents. They gave them each a My Community Votes/Mi Comunidad Vota! hat and League literature.
"I’m not sure we’ll know if our interview will be included in one of his stories (which will be in French)," Eloisa said, "but kudos to the League for the ongoing support provided to strengthen outreach efforts in the Latino community. We’re on the world map!"
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Voter Services Teamwork in 2024
Voters Services VP Peg Schrader reported on the work of LWVMC’s nine Voter Services teams in calendar year 2024, saying, “I am very proud of the work that the team leaders and volunteers did during this very busy year.” The various teams had over 300 events during the year, totaling 3,413 volunteer hours. Read the impressive report here.
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LWVMC Weighs in on County Budget
Natural Resources Committee member Louise Petering addressed the Milwaukee Board of Supervisors at their Oct. 28 budget hearing. Her statement on behalf of LWVMC can be read here. Excerpt:
Based on its member adopted positions on climate change1. and equal rights and opportunities as well as social and economic justice2., the League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County urges the County Executive and all Supervisors to approve a $100,000 allocation for the Office of Sustainability to hire a grant writer and thereby avail the County of dollars from the Inflation Reduction Act This $100,000 represents an investment, one that offers the County an opportunity to obtain Federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) dollars to implement clean energy projects.
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A Tribute to LWV Member Janet Fitch
Join us at First Unitarian Society, 1342 N. Astor, Milwaukee, on Sunday Nov 17 at 10 a.m. for a showing of Janet Fitch’s documentary “Most Dangerous Women” a 35-minute film, and discussion. Meet Janet's historical consultant, LWVMC member Merry Wiesner-Hanks, as we honor Janet’s spirit and commitment to democracy and women changemakers working to create a more just and equitable world.
Strong women were, and often still are, labeled dangerous, yet their resilient persistence continues to be essential in creating positive change. Wyoming was the first governmental territory in the world to recognize women’s right to vote and to hold public office, and whose female elected officials remain powerful voices on the national stage. In the film, contemporary leaders reflect on this early legacy of visible women, as well as their challenges and hopes for the future. |
NAACP 100 Anniversary Celebration
LWVMC sponsored a table and ad for the 100-year anniversary of the local chapter of the Milwaukee NAACP on October 18, 2024.
Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, U.S. House Minority Leader, gave the keynote address and is pictured here with Peg Schrader, Voter Services VP (left) and Mary Ellen Spicuzza, Organization VP.
Representing the League (L to R): Secretary Jennifer Lemke, Board Director Elizabeth Harris-Hodge, President Nancy Maloney, Voter Services VP Peg Schrader, Fund Development Lead Mary Voelker, and Organization VP Mary Ellen Spicuzza. |
'Tis the season…
LWVUS Protest Safety Guidance
If you plan to participate in a political rally or protest march, know your rights and how to stay safe. If you decide to pull out your cell phone to record events, keep in mind that you have a 1st Amendment right to record law enforcement in public spaces, but only as long as you don't interfere -- and the police make that call.
Read more advice from the national League here. |  |
Vote 411
Empower voters and defend democracy! The 2024 Presidential Election is next Tuesday! Time to stand up and be counted! Are you ready to vote?
Go to VOTE411.org and type in your address. You will see your personal ballot – the candidates and ballot issues. Hear directly from the candidates and study their positions on issues important to our communities and our country.
THANK YOU if you have already voted!! Your vote is your voice and every vote, every voice matters!!
Are we “ALL IN” and ready to vote in this election?
· Share the League’s posts on Facebook and LinkedIn
· Text your friends and family and include a link to VOTE411.org
· Email your colleagues and neighbors with the link to VOTE411.org | Good Coffee for a Strong Democracy
CHALLENGE MATCH EXTENDED
Buy your coffee now!!! The $5.00 match donation to the coffee sale has been extended into November until the match is reached! This challenge match was put together by a generous group of LWVMC members. Thank you!
Purchase coffee online at the League website here..
Our partner is East View Coffee Company who purchase coffee from women-owned coffee farms in Colombia and Brazil. East View uses packaging that is environmentally friendly. There are four varieties, and each 12 oz. bag of coffee is $17.50, available in either whole bean or ground. Descriptions of the four coffee blends are on the website and the pdf flyer here. |  |  |
Volunteers Needed for Post-Election Equipment Audit Observation
The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin is now recruiting volunteers for its Post-Election Equipment Audit Observation Program. The equipment audits happen in the weeks after election day, sometimes with only 24 hours notice, so flexibility is key for this volunteer opportunity.
LWVWI will find out which municipalities, reporting units and contests are chosen for post-election equipment audits on Wednesday, November 6, during a special Wisconsin Elections Commission meeting. LWVWI will provide training, a reporting form to document findings, and other support. Please contact LWVWI Voter Services Coordinator Delany Zimmer with questions at dzimmer@lwvwi.org
Sign up here! | | Are Reproductive Rights a top priority for you?
Do you have a few Social Media accounts?
Want to help educate citizens on abortion healthcare facts?
Help us create a world where all people have full autonomy over their bodies with equitable access to reproductive healthcare regardless of socio-economic status.
| | | The Cafe Corazon restaurant group has selected LWVMC as its featured Tú y Yo (You and I) community organization for the month of November.
This means that for every taco plate ordered on each of the four Tuesdays in November, LWVMC will receive a $1.00 donation.
Cafe Corazon has great food, a fun atmosphere, and friendly staff at three locations in Bay View, Riverwest, and Brown Deer. And who doesn’t like tacos?!
This is an easy way to support our League’s activities and to get our name out more across the Milwaukee community. |  | |
Make a Voting Plan
First-time and seasoned voters all need a plan before casting their ballot. Make a plan and get prepared to go to the polls.
1. Check your registration and/or register to vote
2. Learn about your early voting options.
3. Explore your day-of voting options.
4. Research candidates: Learn where candidates running for office stand on the issues, and about the ballot measures on your ballot.
VOTE411.org provides details on who and what will be on your ballot – including statements directly from the candidates on some of today’s most pressing issues. From local elections to national contests, take time to explore all the candidates on your ballot and hear from the candidates in their own words. To learn where candidates stand on the issues important to you, watch or attend candidate debates and forums in your community, and explore the information provided on VOTE411.org.
5. Share your plans! Tell your friends and family and encourage them to make a voting plan at VOTE411.org
|  | Early Voting Has Started!
And runs until Sunday, November 3rd
Call your Municipal Clerk to find out the schedule and location of early voting sites in your municipality. To find your clerk go to Find My Clerk.
Drop boxes may, or may not be available in your community, call your Municipal Clerk to find out if they are available in your municipality and the location of the drop boxes. To find your clerk go to Find My Clerk.
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The League’s flyer outlining key election dates and contested races in Milwaukee and Waukesha County is available in English. Please include this in your communications with your constituents or download and print it.
2024 Fall General Election Candidates and Calendar Flyer
This flyer is now available in Spanish.
2024 General Election Calendar and Candidate Flyer Spanish
Also new this week is a flyer which outlines the League’s reasons to VOTE NO
on the Constitutional Amendment on the Nov. 5 ballot.
Nov 5 Vote No Flyer |  | | Graphic used with permission. www.vecteezy.com
Giving Tuesday Leadership Volunteer Opportunity
While LWVMC has not participated in Giving Tuesday in the past, we should be a part of this movement to raise awareness of our mission and raise money to further our mission to empower voters and defend democracy. Volunteer for this targeted and short-term leadership opportunity to plan and implement a Giving Tuesday strategy. While approval is needed, this is a chance to be creative and scale a project to your available time and expertise. Align the project with our principles of being a grassroots, nonpartisan organization. Contact Mary Voelker at m.voelker@lwvmilwaukee.org to express interest and/or for more information.
|  | New! LWVMC Gift Memberships
Share Your Passion for the League of Women Voters by purchasing a membership for friends or family. They hear you talking about the League, and maybe about your specific work with the League. Now they can find out more about our wonderful organization and opportunities for civic engagement. Purchase gift memberships here.
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League members are invited to attend the annual Issues Briefing.
- The event is virtual and will include sessions on important public policy issues.
- Thurs, Nov. 14th 6:30 pm - 8pm
- Sat, Nov. 16th, 9:30 am - 11:30am
- Tues, Nov. 19th 6:30 pm - 8pm
Early registration now open. |
Accessing Members-Only Resources on the LWVMC Website
The website contains resources for members-only. Members must be logged in to see this information.
| Support Local Democracy. Support Your League.
Your support is critical to help our nonpartisan grassroots organization reach voters play a critical role in democracy. It would not be possible to empower voters and defend democracy without your support.
Thank you! LWVMC
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