| Empowering voters. Defending democracy.
| Happy July 4th!
As we commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, we have an opportunity to reflect on our nation’s history with honesty and purpose. America belongs to all of us who live, work, raise our families, and contribute to our communities. The story of our democracy includes not only its founding, but also the generations of people who expanded rights, opportunities, and participation so that more voices could be heard. Together, we can continue building a democracy that works for everyone. Let's remember, celebrate, and remain steadfast in our mission to empower voters and defend democracy! | | Lots for you to learn and do this week. . . Organize a skeptics picnic! Learn about LWV DEI foundations! Walk for Democracy! Volunteer for July 4, a Youth Scholarship program and/or some letter writing and take Action to oppose proposed mail in ballot regulations. Keep reading for these opportunities and more! | Volunteer for Voter Outreach at Indivisible Celebration Picnic, July 4
Indivisible is organizing voter registration/outreach at the Indivisible Celebration Picnic and is looking for a few LWVSKC members to join them for this outreach. If you are interested, contact Mary Ellen at mestone7@gmail.com (Mary Ellen is also a LWVSKC member). | Interested in Designing LWVSKC's Youth Scholarship Program?
The LWVSKC is looking to develop a Youth Scholarship program and needs you to help build it! This scholarship will provide financial support to individuals demonstrating a strong commitment to democratic values and civic participation. Because we are in the early, foundational stages, we are looking for enthusiastic committee members with diverse talents. Whether your interests or skills lie in program architecture, marketing, fundraising, or financial oversight, there is a place for you to make an impact. If you’re ready to help design and launch this meaningful program, please contact Chris Klotz at caksail@gmail.com to join the committee! | Can You Speak Spanish? And Help With Voter Outreach?
The LWVSKC is looking for some Spanish speaking members to help with voter outreach this summer/fall at various events. If you can speak Spanish - please let LWVSKC know at voterservices@lwvskc.org and they will be in touch with volunteer opportunities as they arise. Thank you! | Oppose Proposed Mail and Absentee Ballot Regulations Now!
At the direction of President Trump, the United States Postal Service (USPS) issued a proposed rule that would erect barriers to mail voting. These proposed amendments would create 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. 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 Now! | You Can Celebrate 250 Years by Writing and Op-ed or Letter to the Editor
The Washington Newspaper Publishers Association (WNPA) is using our nation’s 250th birthday celebration to run a sustained, statewide campaign — “250 Years of the First Freedom” — that uses local newspapers to remind Washingtonians what the First Amendment is for, why a free press matters, and why an informed public is the precondition for everything else a democracy is supposed to do. The LWVWA is partnering with WNPA, which is asking local leagues to write one or more companion pieces -- op-eds and letters to the editor -- placed in your local newspaper. There are three stages to the project timeline: July 4, Sept. 17 (Constitution Day), and October through December. If you are interested in writing one or more letters to the editor for this project, contact Kate Hobbie at krhobbie@gmail.com or Dee Anne Finken at dfinken@lwvwa.org. | Are You Interested? LWVWA Affinity Group on Data Centers in WA State
Interest is building in League membership to understand data centers, what they mean for electricity rates, natural resources, community environments, economics, and more. Therefore, a Data Center Affinity Group for members of the LWVWA is being formed. If interested contact Martin Gibbins mgibbins@lwvwa.org. | What's a Skeptics Picnic and How to Organize One
You and other League members or a Unit can organize a skeptics picnic over the summer. It's about voter outreach with folks we don't normally connect with. Watch this video here to find out more.
passcode: S6Y.iJit | We The People - Free Course by Harvard University
Check out this free course here:
We the People: Civic Engagement in a Constitutional Democracy | LWV Guidance For Events: Why we are joining demonstrations; safety tips for participation and being nonpartisan at events:
| Unite and Rise
Unite and Rise 8.5 aims to build a movement of 8.5 million individuals to fight back against the anti-democratic actions of the current administration. The number 8.5 million is the estimated number of voters it would take to bring about change through nonviolent protest.
Now! Playbook 5, May - July 2026, Watch the recording of what you, your Unit, and all of LWVSKC can do here. Passcode is:
L.aI@Dd4
| | League Events and Activity | Join in the Walk for Democracy
The LWVSKC West Seattle unit is hosting a team-building "Walk for Democracy" where you can network with League members from across King County. It is scheduled for Sunday, July 12, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Meet at the Alki Statue of Liberty, at Alki Ave SW and 61st Ave SW. LWV members, friends and family are welcome to enjoy a Sunday morning 5K stroll along Alki to Alki Beach Pier and back. The route is flat and accessible for everyone. |
This will celebrate our work with the League and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Attendees are encouraged to wear red, white, and blue. Or wear your favorite 'democracy' T-shirt or hat (see below). Pinwheels and signs will be provided. No registration is needed, and participants should bring their own water bottles. For questions: vp@lwvskc.org.
For democracy t-shirts and hats see:
| | | LWV Health Care Reform Interest Group
Here is the link to the June 2026 newsletter of the LWV Health Care Reform Interest Group. | LWV DEI Foundations
Watch this LWVUS webinar on the foundations of DEI at the League here.
Passcode is: ?$y&2wSQ | Unit Meetings
LWVSKC Board Meeting, Saturday, July 18, 10 - 12:00 p.m.
All League members are welcome and encouraged to zoom in!
Join on Zoom
Meeting ID: 814 6602 6625
Passcode: 460139
| | Thank you to all LWVSKC members for your work towards growing the LWVSKC this past year. . .The LWVSKC was awarded the "Building the Future Award" at the LWV national convention this past weekend! Way to go LWVSKC!
Thank you to Barb Tengtio for speaking at the Bellevue City Council meeting on behalf of the LWVSKC supporting budget for Bellevue's 2050 decarbonization commitment.
Thank you to Janet Lenart for speaking in Seattle to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the overturning of Roe v. Wade in support for women's rights, reproductive freedom, and bodily autonomy.
And congratulations to Mary Coltrane for her election to the LWV National Board!
| | | League of Women Voters of Seattle King County
1511 3rd Avenue, Suite 801
Seattle, WA 98101
Email: info@lwvskc.org
Phone: (206) 329-4848
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