League of Women Voters’ of the Mother Lode

About:

League of Women Voters of the Mother Lode is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

It does not support or oppose candidates for public office or political parties at any level of government, but is always working on vital issues of concern to members and the public. We welcome individuals, women and men, who have a passion to work to strengthen the core beliefs of democracy. The League is able to fulfill our core missions by observing Sonora City Council, Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors, and Tuolumne Utility District Meetings, and reporting out to our community on their overall performance.

We hold Candidate’s Forms, to provide our citizens an opportunity to make informed decisions, and also an on-line information system, 411, where voters can go to find information on the candidates and propositions.

We provide local speakers to provide the Pros and Cons of State and Local Ballot Measures. Our speakers are well informed, trained, and understand the need to be unbiased and non-partisan.

We provide County Election Support such as:

• Staffing Voting Centers
• Collecting ballots from the Voter Ballot Boxes
• Support activities as determined by County Personnel.

We hold Voter Registration Events in our community, not only to register voters, but to provide information about how and where to vote, and also about their voting rights.

The League also conducts studies tailored to the needs of the community. We just finished a two plus year study on Housing and The Needs of the Unhoused, for Tuolumne and Calaveras County.

At this time, we are studying areas of mental health needs, water resources, and fire/safety in our community. We also provide the community with informational events, i.e. films, panels, discussion groups. All of these activities and events take a commitment of many volunteers who have a passion for the work we are doing and we welcome people who would like to help, no matter how much time one can give, or their skill set.

We are also looking for partners to help us with this endeavor from many of the Non-Profits in our community.

The law is clear: nonprofits can engage the community they serve in voting and elections. As long as they remain nonpartisan, they can talk to their staff and communities about the importance of elections, educate voters about the electoral process, communicate election reminders, and more.

The following are some reasons why it is important to encourage your communities to be informed citizens and to use their voices and VOTE!

Some Neighborhoods and communities that vote get more attention from candidates and office holders and are more likely to listen to their needs and concerns.

Individuals who can’t vote (those under 18 years of age) depend on us to represent their voices. We are not only voting for ourselves but their futures as well. Every vote does count! Many elections are decided by less than 100 votes. Even if your candidate doesn’t win, the number of votes they do get impacts what decisions are made. Don’t let others decide for you! Today’s non-voters actually have a higher rate of use of government and social services like health care, spending on education, income inequality, or public safety than people who vote regularly. Don’t let others decide who wins and what issues matter. Voting sends a message for what you need byway of new laws and policies. Voting is one of our most important rights as a citizen and creates a more healthy and inclusive Democracy.

Volunteer Needs:

We are looking for partners to help us with this endeavor. Examples of how this might be accomplished by your nonprofit could be by:

• Just talking with people
• Passing along information to your clients.
• Posting information on social media about the different locations one can register
• Who can and who might need to re-register to vote
• Timelines for doing so
• Importance of voting
• Interacting with clients, providing the opportunity for you clients to register to vote online
• Referring them to the County Office of Registration, or through the Department of Motor Vehicles, or possibly contacting the League and exploring the possibility of holding a live voter registration event.
• At election time there is also the need to distribute the League’s, “Easy Voter Guide”.

Take advantage of our 411 System; engage our Pros and Cons Speakers; pick up an Easy Voter’s Guide; encourage clients to attend Candidate’s Forum or Information Events.