Tacoma League member Alison McCaffree knows her way around the Legislature—and democracy. The granddaughter of a four-time state representative, McCaffree also coordinates the state Lobby Team’s democracy team.

As the second year of the two-year legislative session nears its start in January, McCaffree is looking for volunteers to join her on the democracy team, a collective of League members who track legislation and help determine whether the League will support or oppose bills.

“We had more than 120 bills introduced earlier this year related to democracy, and only one passed,” said McCaffree. “We can use more help this coming session!”

McCaffree reassures potential volunteers that they’ll receive appropriate training. Tasks involve tracking bills through the legislative process, asking questions of lawmakers and their legislative assistants and considering whether a bill aligns with a League position.

“We are empowered to act only when we have a position on an issue,” McCaffree said.

Bills dealing with a variety of issues are among the topics the democracy team addresses. They include election methods, election law and process, election security, money in politics and campaign finance reform, government structures, initiatives and referendums, citizens’ right to know, local news and democracy and census and redistricting reform.

If you'd like to learn more or to help, email McCaffree at amccaffree@lwvwa.org .