At the direction of President Trump, the United States Postal Service (USPS) issued a proposed rule earlier this month that would erect barriers to mail voting.

These proposed amendments would create unnecessary barriers to voting that could prevent eligible voters from receiving and returning their mail-in and absentee ballots and could even serve to disenfranchise eligible voters who are unable to vote in person.

Under the amendments, USPS would need to verify that mailed ballots are only being sent to approved voters on a list supplied by states. This gives USPS a role in election administration that rightfully belongs to state and local election officials.

The proposal would also establish mandatory ballot-mail design and tracking requirements, including requiring states to update their mail ballot envelopes to include voter unique ballot-tracking barcodes. 

Everyone agrees that election mail should be secure. But these new federal requirements will create barriers that could prevent eligible voters from receiving and returning their mail-in and absentee ballots in time to be counted.

Voting is a fundamental right for citizens that must be guaranteed. Voting by mail is part of that right and is a critical part of the election process throughout the United States.

The USPS comment period is open until July 2, 2026, at 5PM Eastern.

Use this form to file your comment today!

Voting Has Begun

Fall Primary Election VOTE411 Voter Guide is Published  

The League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County has published its VOTE411 online Voter Guide for the August 11 Primary Election. We will find information about races for US Congress and Wisconsin State races.  In local races, Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties each have a Sheriff and a Clerk of County Court race. On VOTE411, voters can learn more about the responsibilities of these offices and each candidate's answers to the League’s questions. 

If you see that a local candidate has not answered the League’s questions, please reach out to the candidate. Ask them to answer our questions.  If they say they did not receive the invitation, ask them to check their spam mail. If not there, they can email Sue Leister at voterguide@lwvmilwaukee.org and she will resend the invitation to participate in VOTE411.

Four Years After Dobbs 

In a landmark 6-3 decision issued June 24, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court held that the Constitution does not confer a right to abortion. In overturning Roe v. Wade (1973) and Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992), the authority to regulate abortion access was returned to individual states. So ... how's it going?

This map by the Guttmacher Institute tracks abortion access since Dobbs, when states began enacting their own laws. But it hasn't stopped there, as laws concerning medication abortion, birth control and other reproductive health care are being debated in state legislatures. Reproductive rights are on the ballot for the November midterm elections! 

For many LGBTQ+ people around the world, the United States has long represented a place of safety and freedom from persecution. A recent TIME article, "For LGBTQ+ People, America's Promise of Refuge Is Fading," examines concerns that this perception may be changing.

Advocates report that shifts in asylum and refugee #, along with a changing political climate, have created uncertainty for LGBTQ+ individuals seeking protection in the United States. For people fleeing discrimination, violence, or criminalization because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, access to asylum can be a lifeline.

The article raises important questions about human rights, equal protection, and the role of the United States as a refuge for those facing persecution. As these debates continue, staying informed about the experiences of vulnerable communities can help foster thoughtful conversations about the values of freedom, dignity, and opportunity for all.

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

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

Speaking up matters.

LGBTQ+ ... All Letters Matter!

Do you interact with community members at tabling events?  Do you belong to the Speakers Bureau and speak with groups?   Save the date for this free LWVMC training conducted by Dr. Philip Chard to build your skills interacting with community members at voter services and advocacy events and/or when speaking to a group.  Click here for more information.

History Shows Us that Protests Matter

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

Thank You! (And It's Not Too Late)

Thank you to everyone who has donated to the Spring Appeal for LWVMC!! 

It’s not too late to donate to the Spring Appeal before the League’s fiscal year ends on June 30. Your support helps register voters, campaign to maintain voting rights, participate in the fight against undemocratic actions by our government, and advocate for the causes we care about.       

You can donate to the League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County in different ways:

A Conversation & Community Meal With Milwaukee's Mayor

Milwaukee County Historical Society

We The People: Milwaukee Stories of Immigration, Citizenship, and Community 

910 N Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.

Exhibit Open Now

Is Your Member Profile Up-to-Date?

The Member Portal of our website has resources (including a member directory) just for members. Please login to the website, click Member Resources in the top menu, go to your Member Profile and complete/update your Additional Member Data and Interests (found under Website Functions). Contact roster@lwvmilwaukee.org with questions. Thank you!