LWVNYS and LWVUS are actively responding to last week’s deeply concerning efforts to undermine the election process, which is constitutionally a state function. We have seen the DOJ request voter information, casting doubt on the independence of state Boards of Elections, while also undercutting the essential, nonpartisan work of organizations

like ours that register voters at naturalization ceremonies and community events. On top of this, there are threats of National Guard deployments, mid-cycle redistricting, and even disturbing rhetoric labeling nonprofits as terrorist organizations.

We know how frustrating and alarming this feels. Many of you have asked, “What can we do?” The answer lies in how we have always met moments like this: through collaboration, communication, and steadfast advocacy. We must channel frustration into purposeful action. The League is a national partner in the upcoming No Kings 2 rallies on October 18th. Find a local event to join here.

Now is the time to stay connected, informed, and ready to act. Watch for upcoming advocacy alerts, share information with your communities, and join us in showing that the League’s strength is in our collective voice.

There is now just over one month before the November 4 th election. It’s a critical time to push get out the vote efforts and to remind all New Yorkers of the four ways to vote in NYS- in person on election day, in person during early voting, via an absentee ballot, via an early mail ballot. Any registered voter can now vote via early mail ballot, so (if they prefer) voters no longer need to leave the house to cast their ballot. Let us remind members in our community of the power of their voice especially during local election season when races are won and lost by one or two votes. Keep pounding the pavement to register voters by October 25th and let’s get New Yorkers to turn out to the polls.

In League,

Nancy Rosenthal, President, nancyrosenthal9@gmail.com

Erica Smitka, Executive Director, erica@lwvny.or