The League of Women Voters is known for its grassroots efforts to educate and register voters. Local Leagues register voters, hold events to learn about candidates, and work to get out the vote. The LWVWA Voter Services Committee brings together members from around the state to share program ideas and resources, to learn about updates to voter registration, election laws, and candidate forum practices, as well as to provide mutual support and encouragement.
This year meetings had an educational focus. Representatives from the Elections Division of the Washington Secretary of State’s Office (SOS) met with the Voter Services committee three times. From these meetings the League learned about changes to voter registration that make it easier to vote, about SOS plans for civic engagement around the state, and SOS’s work to combat election mis- and disinformation. These meetings also provided League members an opportunity to inform SOS officials about problems they've encountered and to share LWVWA voter resources such as our “Info-Bits.”
Two of the Voter Services meetings this year focused on candidate events. Members learned about an innovative candidate event LWV Mason County held—modeled after “speed dating,” where voters at the event met candidates and asked them questions directly. These meetings also had space for local Leagues to share how their candidate forums are conducted and included methods of distribution such as livestreaming events and recording them for viewing later or in-person events. Voter Services meetings also have resources that are available to help local Leagues with candidate events.
This fall Voter Services met with Mike Bay, Vice President of Programming for TVW, to discuss TVW's priorities for covering candidate forums and ways they can work with local communities. Now, the League is gearing up for the 2024 elections—which will have many state and federal office races—and planning candidate events throughout the state.
The LWVWA is inspired by the work local Leagues are doing around the state!
- In Pullman, League members taught the “Civics and Natural World” chapter of The State We're In (elementary school edition) to 4th graders in several elementary schools.
- LWV Benton/Franklin produced a "Get Out the Vote” dance video performed by the Pasco High School Dance Team. Watch in English or Spanish.
- Clallam County League members devised a voting game to educate children on the importance of voting. Children voted on which charitable organization the League should donate to—a subject meaningful to them—and found the were really engaged!
- LWV Thurston produced a “Be A Voter” video highlighting the diversity of their community. Watch it here.
Sharing among our members helps keep the energy going for all. The Voter Services committee has future meetings planned that will focus on programs for youth and Spanish speaking outreach, as well as on resources and Vote411.
Please consider donating to support our voter services work here.
