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Date: 10/17/2024
Subject: LWVOC Newsletter & Events
From: Lisa K Adkins


From President Rev. Kathy Schmitz:
This year, I am serving as a non-partisan Canvassing Board Monitor. So far it is fascinating -- in that election nerd sort of way. My first outing was to view the Logic and Accuracy Testing. This meant going to the elections warehouse and watching the testing of the machines used at every level of the vote counting process. I was impressed by the professionalism, organization, and transparency of the staff. I was also quite mind-boggled by the number of machines involved. I shouldn’t have been. If you haven’t done so, I invite you to ponder the amount of equipment it takes to equip our county’s approximately 250 precincts as well as the number of 4-page ballots that will need to be processed.

The County Canvassing Board is made up of just three people -- the Supervisor of Elections, a County Court Judge (who acts as chair), and a County Commissioner, yet they are supported by scores of elections employees. Despite the magnitude of the task, I left feeling reassured, not just about the machines that were tested but also about the processes which will ensure the integrity of our free and fair elections.

Yours in Service,
Kathy
P.S., We need some marching volunteers! I'd like to add my encouragement for everyone to sign up and join us for the Pride parade this Saturday. It looks like the weather will be perfect and it's a chance to get our message out to thousands of people. If you've never participated in a Pride parade before, I can tell you, as a veteran of 25 years of parades, that they are a joyous event not to be missed. --Kathy
 
 
UPCOMING EVENTS
OCT 19, Pride Parade Marchers, 4-6pm
Wear all white or your purple LWVOC shirt.
It is a 1.2 mile route around Lake Eola.
 
NOV 13, 11am, Hot Topics
How Florida Can Reduce Gun Violence
Winter Park Events Center
JOIN US next month for this very important program as experts share their opinions about how to prevent more gun violence.
LWVFL Leadership recently posted this opinion piece, To End Gun Violence, Change Culture.... "We have a responsibility to make America a safe place for everyone. It is the most patriotic thing we can do. We need not choose between having the Second Amendment or having safety and security. We can and should have both."
Continue reading HERE in Orlando Sentinel.
Register HERE for our LAST 2024 Hot Topics!
 
 
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
Leaguer Melva Bentley Ross (above left) presented her first Amendments presentation at the L. Claudia Allen Senior Center in Orlando on 9/19/24. This senior event was hosted by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity for attendees of the center and for their fraternity members. Member Marsha Davis assisted.
LWVOC recently hosted a presentation helping to explain the 6 state amendments that are on the ballot.  Download our quick voter guides in  English,  Spanish, or  Haitian Creole
 
Shown above L-R: President Rev. Kathy Schmitz and Denise Burton
LWVOC held its League Showcase and New Member Welcome this week.  After sharing some League history and volunteer info,  attending "All-Star" Leaguers were recognized for going above and beyond in their volunteer efforts including Voter Services and our very active committees.
Shown above L-R: President Rev. Kathy Schmitz, Margo Hamel, Mary Montanus, Kay Hudson, and Gina Hall.  Photo by Carol Wonsavage with full photo album HERE.
BE VOTE READY
Click HERE to read and download quick reference voting guides in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole. Take time to prepare as this November’s ballot will be 4 pages long! There are lots of ballot questions: 10 for the Orange County Charter and 6 for the state. We've prepared a special voter guide to help you navigate your amendment choices.
LAST DAY to request a VBM ballot is OCT 24 by 5PM
--Online through the vote-by-mail request    By phone--call them at 407-836-8683
EARLY VOTING begins Oct 21 and runs through Nov 3
Voting sites can be found here:  https://ocfelections.gov/early-voting
WATCH the candidates on the LWVOC YouTube Channel HERE. From recorded candidate forums, you can watch the candidates in action to help you make your final ballot decision.
 
Ninth Judicial Circuit State Attorney  Candidates: Andrew Bain and Monique Worrell
Orange County Supervisor of Elections  Candidates: Karen Castor Dentel, Dan Helm, Wes Hodge, Sunshine Linda-Marie Grund
Ninth Judicial Circuit Judgeship Group 15 Candidates: Jeff Ashton and Alicia Peyton
District 5 Orange County Commissioner Forum Candidates: Steve Leary (did not participate in forum) and Kelly Semrad
Beware of false claims about the election. We expect bad actors to spread disinformation in order to cast doubt for their own political gain. You can report election disinformation you see online at https://reportdisinfo.org/. We all deserve to have our voices heard. Disinformation dealers want you to be confused to keep you from participating in our democracy. Be sure to get the info you need at VOTE411.org Election officials implement ballot processing and tabulation safeguards designed to ensure each ballot cast in the election can be correctly counted. These safeguards include chain of custody procedures, auditable logging requirements, and canvass processes.
 
 
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Special Alert!  The Voter Services team is fielding multiple requests for Leaguers to "table" at community events with voting information and they invite all members to join their efforts!
 
To register voters, members must pass the certification test and then they can volunteer at events. Certification training and testing information can be found on the Voter Services Committee page CLICK HERE
 
Click on the committee link above or reach out to our Co-Chairs if you'd like to learn more:  Kathy Sheerin or Gina Hall 
SIGN UP HERE!  Members, be sure you're logged into the system and visit our site page for ALL the available openings. 
Deirdre Clark
 
Share this newsletter and invite your family and social circles to JOIN the League of Women Voters of Orange County!
Janet L. Ziomek
 
Therese D. Osborne, in honor of Rae Delfosse
 
Marilyn Baldwin
 
We are almost there!  The Double Your Gift Campaign is close to our goal. 
 
Visit our Donor page to see the MANY different ways you can support the League of Women Voters of Orange County.
With the NOV 5 election around the corner, we hope you have plugged into the power of your vote to protect democracy. 

Jennifer and Phil Anderson are back! Thanks to their generosity, we are pleased to announce that any gift you make by November 5 will be doubled by a matching grant up to $25,000.

Click to DOUBLE your gift

Sponsors are vital to our work to empower voters by providing timely information for the benefit of non-partisan civic engagement in our community.

To further explore how becoming a Hot Topics Sponsor can align with your business goals, please contact LWVOC Vice President, Lee Rambeau Kemp HERE

A range of sponsorship levels are available.

Why Give?  Your financial support fuels our mission to educate, empower, and advocate for informed and active voters. As we strive to build a democracy that works for everyone, your donation becomes a catalyst for positive change. Your gift supports:

Voter Empowerment: We are dedicated to providing unbiased and comprehensive information to voters. Your donation bolsters information and education initiatives, allowing voters to make more informed choices at the ballot box.

Civic Engagement Programs: Our community outreach and educational programs encourage active participation in civic life. Your support helps organize events and community forums that foster dialogue and engagement among community members.

Advocating for Democracy: The League of Women Voters of Orange County is a relentless advocate for policies that enhance democracy and protect the rights of all citizens. Your gift adds your voice as an advocate for positive change.

Accessible Elections: We work tirelessly to ensure that elections are accessible to all citizens. Your gift helps eliminate barriers to voting and promotes fair and inclusive elections.

 Ways You Can Make a Difference

One-Time Gift: A single gift has a significant impact on our programs and initiatives.

Sustaining Gift: Join our community of sustaining donors by making a monthly, quarterly or annual commitment to support our goal for a vibrant democracy.

Corporate  or Individual Sponsorship: Partner with us to promote social responsibility and contribute to the betterment of our community.
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