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Date: 3/5/2026
Subject: Weekly Update for March 5, 2026
From: League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County



March 5, 2026

LWVUS  Denounces President's Elections Power-Grab

Following reports of an upcoming Presidential Executive Order asserting federal control over elections, the League of Women Voters of the United States issued a statement denouncing the executive branch over-reach.  The statement said, in part:

 “Reports that the President is preparing a sweeping executive order to seize federal control over American elections are not only alarming, they are also dangerous. This is another power grab from this Administration. This possible EO is not about election security. It is about political power and attempts to make it harder for eligible Americans to register, cast a ballot, and have their voices heard..."

LWVUS previously issued a statement condemning the president's earlier remarks calling for nationalizing elections. Excerpt:

 “President Trump’s continued rhetoric is a calculated effort to dismantle the integrity of the electoral system as we know it. This is not political theater: it’s a direct threat to the very fiber of democracy itself… Time and again, the President’s claims of widespread fraud have been disproven by nonpartisan election officials, the courts, and the Department of Justice... Facts have not deterred this assault on our country, because facts were never the point..."  

Bi-partisan Opposition in WI

 A March 1 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel op-ed by four prominent Democratic and Republican former office-holders, who now serve on the Wisconsin board of the The Democracy Defense Project, said, in part:

Any attempt to 'nationalize' elections is not only unconstitutional, it is an insult to the millions of Americans who dedicate their time to ensuring elections are run fairly and securely… Wisconsin’s elections are free, fair and secure and they are resilient against outside interference. But we cannot be complacent. The only way to ensure our elections remain secure is to build on our successes and rebuild the trust that has been damaged by years of misinformation and political cynicism.


Join the LWVWI  on March 10th at 6:30pm for a webinar on the Supreme Court. As the April 7th election approaches, take time to learn about the candidates and take a deeper dive into analyzing the role of Supreme Court judges.


Lunch March 13

“Latina Activism in MKE” with Eloisa Gómez

Friday, March 13th, 2026 | 12:30pm-1:30pm
Virtually via Zoom | Registration Required.

The public is invited to join the Milwaukee County Historical Society in celebrating Women’s History Month! A March 13th virtual program titled “Latina Activism in MKE in the ‘60s-’70s,” will be presented by author, activist and LWVMC member Eloisa Gómez. Eloisa will share the history of Latina Activists who fought for Civil Rights in 1960s-1970s Milwaukee.

 FREE VIRTUAL PROGRAM! Register here:

 Registration is required. If you cannot attend the live virtual program, be sure to still register. All registrants will receive the program recording link for 1-week after the program’s original air date.


Happy Birthday, League!

The League of Women Voters celebrated its 106th Birthday on Saturday, February 28, with an inspiring afternoon of history and reflection. Guests enjoyed a captivating performance by Jessica Michna, who brought Eleanor Roosevelt to life with her portrayal of the former First Lady’s years in the White House. League President Peg Schrader followed with a brief but powerful presentation highlighting the League’s rich history and enduring achievements in civic engagement and voter education. The event honored more than a century of advocacy and the League’s continuing commitment to empowering voters and defending democracy.


Comité por el voto Latino Distributes Bilingual U.S. Constitutions

LWVMC's Comité por el voto latino/Latinx Voter Outreach (AKA El Comité) is distributing bilingual U.S. Constitution booklets in the city’s Spanish-speaking communities. El Comité bilingual volunteers focus on nonpartisan bilingual voter outreach on Milwaukee’s South side. They will distribute 500 free copies of the U.S. Constitution this year in honor of the country's 250th anniversary as a nation built on the premises of democracy.

 "We made a decision to offer free copies of the U.S. Constitution in English and in Spanish to further the community's understanding of the foundation of our country's democracy,” said El Comité lead Eloisa Gómez. "In addition, we are creating different community engagement tools (word puzzles, spin wheel contests, etc.) to open dialog with residents of all ages.”

 Multiple voter outreach events are being planned to create awareness of the significance of this historic year at community gathering spots such as neighborhood meetings, libraries and community agencies. "Milwaukee has the largest population of Latinos in the state (at 36%) and after English, it’s the most spoken language in Wisconsin," continued Gómez. "This puts us in a position to show how Latino populations welcome the opportunity to learn more about the founding principles of our U.S. Constitution in their primary language.”


Online voter registration ends March 18th

There is still time for people to go online and register to vote in the April 7th election.  

Visit myvote.wi.gov now to find out all about the April election

  • View a sample ballot
  • Your polling location
  • Update your address if you've moved

City of Milwaukee Residents:  click here to find the drop box locations and click here to find information on early voting.
Milwaukee County residents:  call your city clerks or check your city's website to find out more details.

A VARIETY OF OPPORTUNITIES FOLLOW.

ELECTION VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Looking for ways to help with Voter Registration for the April 7th election?   The DMV is the place to be.

Every day there are opportunities to help people register to vote at the Milwaukee area department of motor vehicles offices.  The DMV is a great place to meet potential voters, new residents and new drivers. Our League is currently working with Jim Engle, a new League member but the longtime activist with the Milwaukee Voter Project. By combining Jim’s experience with our League's great Voter Services volunteer program we will be able to reach even more voters.  Volunteer now because online registration will close on March 18th. 

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer with this team please email c.owley@lwvmilwaukee.org for more  information. 


Candidate Forum Volunteers Needed!

This is local democracy in action! Volunteers are need for easy tasks: sorting audience question cards and timing the candidate responses. Two volunteers needed THIS SUNDAY for a candidate forum in Shorewood, 12:30-1:30 p.m., and for a forum in Menomonee Falls on March 19, 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Please contact forum coordinator Peggy Creer, p.creer@lwvmilwaukee.org


Voter Registration Initiatives Need You 

Register Voters on Campus:

The Milwaukee League is renewing its campus voting program. Programs are already in the works for Mount Mary University and MSOE. Next up are Alverno and UW Milwaukee.   

Volunteers are needed to be the point persons for area colleges and universities. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or a lead at one or more of the campuses, please contact  Candice Owley: c.owley@lwvmilwaukee.org 

Please Consider a 3-Hour Time Commitment (Or two)!
We know you are all busy, but voter registration is still so important, and each event is a one and done in 3 hours or less. There are several scheduled events that need one or two volunteers to help. Whether you're new to this or a veteran, we need you for events prior to the April elections. Learn more on the volunteer oppportunity web page. 

Come support the LGBTQ+ Advocacy Group with Drag Queen Bingo!

 Enjoy an evening of fun, laughs, and bingo with drag queen bingo supporting the League of Women Voters! Drag queen Dear Ruthie will be hosting an unforgettable event that is not one to miss! Parking can be limited near POP, so it is suggested to arrive early. Food and drinks are available for purchase.

 Reservations are encouraged and can be made here: Reserve | POP


Philadelphia Embracing LGBTQ+ Tourism

Philadelphia is taking an important step toward greater visibility and inclusion with the opening of a new LGBTQ+ visitor center in 2026. Located in the city’s historic Gayborhood, the center is designed to welcome travelers with information about queer-friendly businesses, cultural sites, and community resources, helping visitors feel a sense of belonging from the moment they arrive. The initiative is notable because it is one of the first dedicated LGBTQ+ visitor centers in the United States, highlighting Philadelphia’s commitment to celebrating diversity and preserving LGBTQ+ history. Unlike traditional LGBTQ+ community centers, which primarily serve local residents, visitor centers focus on making cities accessible and affirming destinations for queer travelers and their families. While there are hundreds of LGBTQ+ community centers nationwide offering services and advocacy, only a handful of cities have invested in dedicated tourism-focused LGBTQ+ visitor hubs. Similar efforts are underway in places like Salt Lake City, where leaders are also working to establish an LGBTQ+ visitors center to support inclusive tourism and local businesses. These centers send an important message that LGBTQ+ people are not only part of a city’s history but also a valued part of its future. At a time when LGBTQ+ rights and visibility remain contested in many parts of the country, creating welcoming public spaces is a meaningful investment in safety, pride, and community connection.


To stay informed about legislation affecting the LGBTQ+ community and track advocacy efforts, visit Fair Wisconsin’s Bills to Watch page:
https://fairwisconsin.com/bills-to-watch

To identify and contact your state legislators and relevant committee members, use MyVote Wisconsinhttps://myvote.wi.gov

Speaking up  matters.

LGBTQ+ ... All Letters Matter!


Sometimes it takes an issue to motivate someone to vote.

Join the Advocacy Team to help Get Out the Vote for the April election.

Contact advocacy@lwvmilwaukee.org. Numerous community or behind-the-scene opportunities available when you are. Don’t care for meetings?  No problem!

The League’s Unite & Rise 8.5 nonviolent, pro-democracy campaign believes religious leaders have significant authority to either support or push back against governments as has been shown in countries around the world such as Poland and the Philippines in the 1980s, as well as countries in Central America and Africa.  The Interfaith Conference of Milwaukee is sponsoring a series of 5 Tuesday lectures in March that addresses the call to “Raise our Moral Voice” here in Milwaukee.  You can attend one or all of the lectures, in person or online and register at Interfaith Conference.
Interfaith March

Saturday, March 7, 2026 (All day) to Monday, March 9, 2026 (All day)

Please see the website, including  finding an action in your area, here.

On March 7-9, International Women’s Day weekend, Women’s March, Feminist Generation, and partners will lead a Brave Women Weekend of Action as part of the overarching theme of Free America. Women across the country will carry out coordinated direct actions that interrupt business as usual and force response.

The weekend advances two core demands:

  1. Justice for survivors of gender based violence, including those harmed by the wealthy and powerful.

  2. An end to ICE kidnappings, full accountability for extrajudicial killings, and a funding freeze toward abolition.


Mark Your Calendars: 

No Kings III

March 28, 2026

Washington Park

12-1 Community Fair

1-1:30 Rally

1:30 March

Stop by the League of Women Voters photo op space and table during the Community Fair.  Have your image taken with your sign or messages of your choice to commemorate the day.

Over 10,000 people are expected at this venue but there are other venues to choose from throughout Milwaukee and Waukesha counties.  You can find all the opportunities at NO KINGS.

Tell Legislators What We Want!

at No Kings, Washington Park

March 28, 11:30-1:00

The Unite & Rise team will be walking throughout the crowd at No Kings III asking people to complete postcards telling our legislators what we want and…don’t want.  Then we’ll present them with ceremony at the legislators’ offices.

We need people to help.  You’ll be done in time to listen to the speeches and to march.  Contact Donna Spars at d.spars@lwvmilwaukee.org.


Yes!  Protest Rallies are Happening During the Winter

Why do protests matter?

Visible resistance is essential so the government and its supporters  see the number of citizens who don’t agree with their actions.  Nonviolent visible protest activity encourages those sitting on the sidelines to join in.  

Here is the link to the listing of ongoing weekly protests:  Protest Rallies


LOCAL ACTION 

April 11, 10-12:30am - Data, Dollars, & Our Health: A Community Earth Month Forum with Tom Content, Executive Director, Citizens Utility Board; Jodi Habush-Sinykin, WI Senator, District 8; Anne O’Connor, Milwaukee County Supervisor, District 1.  Co-sponsors with the League are Healthy Climate Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Lung Association.

Apr. 8, 6p.m. City of Milwaukee ECO Office Public Input Opportunity

Now exceeding 100 new EV registrations monthly across the County, you can share your thoughts about moving forward with electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Join the public meeting on April 8th at 6pm at the Washington Park Urban Ecology Center or use this link.

REPORT 

Bill McKibben on Trump’s Climate Rollbacks: “This Is Economic Self-Sabotage” - A sober 18-minute MUST-WATCH, that illuminates an array of negative effects due to the rollbacks.

LOCAL LEAGUE PROGRAM

Nov. 22, 2025 - LWVMC program, Addressing Climate Change in Milwaukee County - Learn about ongoing efforts by the City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County to address climate change and equity.  Find Video and Slides of this informative event here.  Spread word of this still-relevant information with others. 


How Does a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) Work?

A DAF is built around three simple steps: contribute, invest, and donate.

  1. Contribute: You open a DAF with a sponsoring organization and make a contribution. You can contribute cash, stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, or other appreciated assets. The moment you contribute, you receive an immediate tax deduction for the full fair market value, even if you haven’t chosen which charities to support yet.  Sponsoring organizations include the  Greater Milwaukee Foundation (GMF), Waukesha County Community Foundation, and many brokerage firms. 

  2. Invest: Your contribution can be invested.  Any investment growth happens tax-free, which means your charitable dollars can compound over time.

  3. Donate: When you're ready, you recommend donations from your fund to a 501(c)(3) public charity (LWVMC is a 501(c)(3) charity.  There's no deadline to distribute the money. 

Contact your financial advisor to determine whether a DAF is right for you.




Wisconsin Historical Society Traveling Exhibit Comes to Milwaukee Public Library Central Branch Beginning March 1st

The traveling display "'We Stand on Their Shoulders': A History of Wisconsin Women and Voting" explores moments when women in Wisconsin gained political rights and highlights a few key leaders. Covering the ratification of the 19th Amendment, 1921 Wisconsin Equal Rights Act, 1924 Indian Citizenship Act, and 1965 Voting Rights Act, the eight-panel display shares the important story of women's quest for political rights and recognition through quotes, photographs, and a timeline of events.

The League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County will also be on site from 1-3 pm on March 7, offering voting education and voter registration assistance.

Can’t attend in person? Learn more about the exhibit here

Tosa Forum

The Wauwatosa West Allis Chamber of Commerce is proud to host the Wauwatosa Candidate Forum. Join us for an important community conversation and hear directly from the candidates about the issues impacting Wauwatosa.

 This event is open to the public, and all community members are encourages to attend.

 5:30pm-6:30pm-Doors Open, Meet the Candidates

 6:30pm-8:00pm-Program Begins

Register here.

Resistance and Resilience at the Movies!

Tuesday, March 10 Viewing of “How to Start a Revolution”

Avalon Atmospheric Theater, 2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee

Doors open at 5:45 p.m. Mingle and check out local coalitions.

          • Movie begins at 6:30 p.m.
          • Gathering closes at 8:30 p.m.

Join Indivisible South Shore and Indivisible SE Wisconsin Indivisible for a FREE movie night. We invite you to this community building event that will continue to inform and build our shared RESISTANCE and RESILIENCE. Gather, get your free popcorn, buy a drink, and settle in for the viewing of "How to Start a Revolution". After the movie, stay for a guided talk-back and a small give-away.        

Due to limited capacity, RSVPs for EACH PERSON are REQUIRED. *Because of limited capacity, if your plans change, please CANCEL your attendance. RSVP.


Now is the Time…..to become part of a community of white women who…

  • are determined to do something about racism in our country,

  • don’t want to do this work alone,

  • won’t sit back at this pivotal moment of our country’s history and do nothing

  • see a need to transform their thoughts and attitudes toward racism and to act to dismantle the racism in our society

Our journey begins June, 2026.  Please click here to learn more about the program and to find a group.     

A number of LWVMC have participated and can be contacted as references for this amazing [free] opportunity.


Lots of Ways to Support Local Democracy and Your League.  Thank You!
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