President Trump issued an Executive Order, Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections on Monday, March 24th. In fact, this order disenfranchises millions of voters and creates chaos and confusion in our electoral systems. On Tuesday, the League of Women Voters of the United States issued a statement opposing the order.

Leagues across the country are appalled and alarmed for American democracy. LWVUS is leading our work to resist the threats to democracy. LWVWA is responding to the order with strong support for the LWVUS statement.

At the state League level, we are working hard to coordinate and support local League efforts.

• State League Advocacy Chair Marty Gibbons organized a zoom meeting (March 20th) for LWVUS Lead Council Marcia Johnson to talk with League members about what National League is doing. Over 200 people attended. You can find the recording of this meeting on the For Member website. Marty is following up to share themes and concerns expressed at the zoom meeting and develop next steps.
• The state League is putting together a committee in support of local League efforts to resist threats to democracy. This will highlight communications around rallies and protests. We are working to get National League guidance on which rallies League supports; members should wear t-shirts and carry signs to show a League presence at these rallies. Examples: the recent Light for Democracy and the upcoming April 5th event. See your March 25th League Update for more information.
• We are looking into t-shirts and signs for use at rallies and protests. State League has a small amount of grant dollars from LWVUS for support of the John Lewis Voting Rights Act Amendment. We will direct those dollars to t-shirts and signs for local Leagues.
• We are looking at how to expand use of the LWVWA EveryAction platform for action alerts.
• Important guidance from National League. Please click here to learn more about our nonpartisan policy as it relates to events with partner organizations who may be more partisan.

What can individual League members do now? Here are some ideas to get started.

• Go to rallies and protests. Wear League t-shirts and carry League signs. We are looking into t-shirts and signs to give to convention attendees, and a way for Leagues and individuals to buy their own. Don’t just go; let everyone know Leaguers are willing to put bodies on the line.
• RE: safety: follow the same practices we urge for volunteers at tabling events:
• • Don’t engage with people who want to pick a fight.
  • Use common sense and make sure there’s an exit. If it feels crowded, leave.
  • If it feels uncomfortable, leave. We cannot guarantee anyone’s safety, but people shouldn’t be cowed.
  • Anger is not helpful. Fight smart. League can be a leader in civil protests and rallies.
  • National League advises League members not to proactively participate in campaign or partisan groups' photos or videos and to be mindful of images shared on League platforms.
• Action alerts. Sign up for League in Action and any other action alerts you know about. Use them. Members of Congress who are fighting in support of democracy need to know we've got their backs. Members who are silent about threats to democracy need to know this is not OK.
• Family and friends. League in Action allows you to forward their action alert by text. Ask your friends and family if you can text them and ask them to text their friends. If you have friends and family (who are willing) in districts where there are vulnerable Members of Congress who are not supporting democracy, target them.
• Tabling. This is important. Tabling this fall may be more important than ever. Let your local League know if you are willing to help and acquaint yourself with your local League's elevator speech and talking points.
• Economic Boycotts. Keep alert to boycotts; they can make a difference.
• National League. Keep up to date with National League activities to safeguard democracy. Check https://www.lwv.org/take-action for actions you can take. Supporting National League is critical to our success and to speaking with one voice.
• Take note of opportunities for your League to play an organizing role in rallies and protests.
• Support your local League leadership. These are the folks who can organize to show a League presence in your community. Please help them!

These are some ideas for now. More ways to resist threats to democracy will present as we move forward. Unfortunately, we must think in terms of the long haul in ways that have never before been needed. Now is the time to Stand Up for Democracy.