LWV-Wake Update 11/11/2024 | Welcome back to your exclusive, bi-monthly newsletter of the League of Women Voters of Wake County. If someone forwarded this to you and you'd like to become a member, just click here.
|  | Dear ~~first_name~~,
Today we honor all who served our country, including those that made the ultimate sacrifice, so that we may continue to enjoy the the fundamental rights our forefathers envisioned. Thank you to all veterans!
This past Thursday, 15 loyal LWV-Wake members attended the “Meet and Chat” at Hearsay Cocktail Bar in Cary. This social gathering was part of the ongoing Membership Committee’s series of socials; it also celebrated the Voter Services Committee’s work accomplished this election season to Empower Voters and Defend Democracy. Our work certainly accomplished our goal of “getting out the vote.” Early statistics of voter turnout in North Carolina are about 58% while the Wake County Board of Elections is reporting a 75.69% turnout in Wake County.
While LWV-Wake’s singular goal of getting out the vote was successful, we remain concerned about the future protection of freedoms, especially as they relate to women. As LWVUS President Dianna Wynn and CEO Celina Stewart state in the following news release:
“The 2024 election underscores the dedication of poll workers, election officials, and volunteers nationwide, who ensured that every eligible vote was counted, and every voice was heard. This year’s election was marked by integrity, transparency, and high turnout. The American people have spoken.
“While we celebrate a fair and secure election, the outcome of this election has made the future for women unclear.
“Given the disturbing rhetoric made during this election season, we are deeply concerned about challenges we may face, particularly regarding the issues that disproportionately affect women, from health care and reproductive rights to economic security and equal representation……”
This may be a time when we need more Empowerment of Voters and Defense of Democracy through civic education and increased public policy advocacy. We will carry forward with whatever we need to do with resolve. As our LWVUS President Dianna Wynn communicated during Thursday's social:
"We will have a new US president in January, whose campaign has been tinged with sexism and racism. Rather than despair, I am filled with “radical hope.” Radical hope is more than mere optimism or wishful thinking which requires no action. Radical hope is a deeply held belief that our world can be better coupled with the courage to take collective action. From Seneca Falls to Selma to Stonewall, it’s what has always fueled activists. And radical hope will sustain us through our work as we move forward."
In service,
Helen
|  | | Giving Tuesday December 3rd - Please Support Our Work!
As we approach the end of 2024, we hope that you've had the opportunity to learn about, and get involved in, our GOTV work. If not, please take a minute to review the list of ACTIONS LWV-Wake members collectively have taken during this election season (June-October) to empower voters:
- 26 - GOTV outreach events at college campuses, community events, churches and retirement communities reaching thousands of voters in Wake and surrounding counties.
- 15 - Community presentations covering election changes, how to vote, how to talk to young voters about voting, why voting is important and how government works.
- 15 - USCIS voter registration days with continuous oath ceremonies.
- 9 - Candidate forums for Wake County Board of Education, City of Raleigh Mayoral and Council, and Wake County Board of Commissioners with 912 views of the recordings.
- 1000 - Postcards sent to young voters reminding them to vote.
- 2 - Public educational events (Timely Topics) about the importance of judicial elections and women's reproductive health.
- 88/112 - Wake County candidate responses for VOTE411.org.
In addition to this work, members spend countless hours reaching out to candidates, planning and preparing content for these events. THANK YOU TO ALL OUR VOLUNTEERS!
Projects for 2025 (not to be confused with Project 2025 😉) include creating civics resources, increasing women's rights advocacy and expanding our partnership with Girl Scouts beyond our Voter Girl Project. All this work requires funding in order to create quality materials. We also have operational expenses that steadily increase each year.
As you plan your end-of-year giving, we understand there are MANY worthwhile organizations that do amazing work for our community. We hope you count the League of Women Voters of Wake County among the organizations deserving of your support.
While Giving Tuesday is 'officially' December 3rd, all donations made today through December 31st will be recognized as part of our Giving Tuesday end-of-year fundraiser. As a reminder, as a 501(c)3 organization, all donations are tax-deductible. You can donate by clicking the link below or by mailing your check donation to:
League of Women Voters of Wake County
3509 Haworth #306
Raleigh, NC 27609
|  | | USCIS Voter Registration Volunteers Needed
November dates for USCIS rolling oath ceremonies are now listed on our website.
Tuesday, November 12th 8:30-11:45am and 12:45-3:00pm
Tuesday, November 19th 8:30-11:45am and 12:45-3:00pm
Please sign up!
VOLUNTEER
| Timely Topic: Extremism and Its Effects on Democracy
Join us as we welcome Tom Baker from the Bridging Divides Initiative at Princeton University and Joseph Wiinikka-Lydon, Ph.D., Senior Research Analyst, Intelligence Project, Southern Poverty Law Center to discuss different types of extremism and the impact these views have on our democracy. Registrants should bring their own lunch and beverage....and a friend!
|  | | Citizen Initiative Presentation Series
Please join fellow North Carolinians to learn about the citizen initiative process. This two-part series features guest speakers, Justin Phillips, an Associate Professor in the Political Science Department at Columbia University, and Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins who served two terms as LWVUS President, and is an adjunct professor at UNC Chapel Hill.
Both will discuss their experience with the citizen initiative process and its impact on democracy. This presentation series is being organized by the LWVNC Study Team on Citizen Initiative.
For more information and to register, click the links below.
November 12th: The Role of Citizen Initiative in Protecting Direct Democracy
December 11th: The Impact of Citizen Initiative on Ballot Proposals
|  | League 101: Introduction to LWV-Wake
LWV-Wake membership committee will again host League 101: Introduction to LWV-Wake, for our new members at our League office.
Wednesday, December 4th, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Join us and learn about the League structure, our history, and how you can get the most from your membership. This is a great opportunity for new and new-ish members to learn more about the League, make new friends and explore opportunities to get involved.
Click on the link below to register.
|  | 2024 General Election Canvass
Although Election Day has passed, there is still work to be done at county boards of elections to ensure EVERY eligible vote is counted. This occurs during pre-canvass and canvass. During this time, absentee ballots, provisional ballots and photo ID exception forms are reviewed. In addition, this is a time when voter challenges are heard and the election is officially certified. We encourage members to observe the process this week at Wake County Board of Elections on the following dates:
Wednesday, November 13th 2:00pm 2024 General Election Pre-Canvass
Thursday, November 14th 10am 2024 General Election Pre-Canvass
Friday, November 15th 11am 2024 General Election Canvass
If you observe these meetings, please complete a County BOE Monitoring Report Form. You do NOT need to be a LWV member in order to observe these meetings or file a report.
VOTE411 Candidate Response Results
For the 2024 General Election, Wake County had a 77% candidate response rate to our questionnaire. For statewide races, the candidate response rate was 89%. Wake County had the second highest participation rate behind ODC (Orange, Durham, Chatham).
Overall, 14 LWV Chapters participated, covering 646 races, 38 referenda and 1209 candidates in 40 counties.
THANK YOU to all our member volunteers who contacted candidates and thanks to Laurie Bader for providing this information. We will provide VOTE411 usage stats in our next League Update.
Election Results
Unofficial election results for Wake County can be viewed on the NC Board of Elections website here.
| Make Yourself Known!
Many of you wear your little square LWV pin at public and internal events to represent the League. Consider ordering a personalized name badge!
In addition to your name, our badge includes the League logo, a magnetized back and an elegant velveteen pouch. It's a great, easily recognizable way to announce your affiliation as a League member.
Just click the button below to order. A badge is only $20, and takes about two weeks for delivery. You will receive an email when the badge is in hand.
Wear it proudly and show your support for the League of Women Voters of Wake County!
| Looking for information from a past newsletter? Previous League Updates can now be viewed on our website's home page. Look for the "League Updates" blue tab on the top menu.
Thank you for continuing to support the League of Women Voters of Wake County.
Sincerely,
Helen Zimmerman
President | | The League of Women Voters of Wake County is a designated 501(c)3 nonprofit charitable organization by the IRS. Donations and membership dues are fully tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. | |