By Beth Pellicciotti, LWVWA Voter Services Portfolio Chair

Marty Gibbons, a LWVWA Board member, took a picture of this trash can recently at a rest stop off I-5.

The picture reminds me of other discouraging messages about voting. We hear, “Your one vote doesn’t count,” “You don’t know enough to vote,” and, “The system is rigged.” League members who have worked at Voter Services tables have heard all these negative comments and more.

So what do we do? We manifest our mission, Empowering Voters and Defending Democracy. We reach out to those voting for the first time, those who are afraid of making a mistake voting, those learning to vote in another language, and those who think they are forgotten.

We take the long view (after all, the League is over 100 years old) and teach young children about voting. We provide a way for youth to convey their opinions to elected officials.

Here are just a few examples of our recent work:

Those voting for the first time: Seventeen-year-olds who turned 18 by the general election were able to vote in the March 2024 Presidential Primary. Charli Sorenson (Kittitas) organized a panel discussion for youth and community members to focus on the presidential primary ballot for these first-time voters.

I have had many experiences with those voting for the first time. I have had high school students tell me, “I don’t come from a voting family,” In other words, “I have never seen a ballot; I don’t know the candidates or why voting is important.” Here is a picture of Elaine Harger (Spokane) encouraging high school students to vote. This high school is in a district with the lowest percentage of voting in the city.

Those who are afraid of making a mistake voting: Election laws have changed in the last few years for those who have been incarcerated with a felony. Once out of prison, these citizens have their voting rights restored, and they can re-register to vote. League members rely on a detailed flier, Voting Rights Restored, to explain this changed law. Collectively, League members are trained by staff from the WA Secretary of State’s Office on election laws so that we can speak with confidence to those afraid of making a mistake voting.

Those who first language is not English: Every month at Naturalization Ceremonies League members congratulate new citizens and register them to vote. These ceremonies are joyous occasions, the end of a long journey for most. Here is Susan Gray (Spokane) with a translated sign welcoming these new voters:

Reaching those who think they are forgotten: Julie Sarkissian (Seattle/King County) reaches out to women in transitional living, who because of domestic violence, have to leave their homes and ballot addresses abruptly. Cam Kerst (Bellingham/Whatcom) takes voter registration to senior living facilities. Laura Arce, a new member of the Washington Secretary of State’s Election Division, referred a volunteer to a League, who reported back that League was in the hospitals. Laura noted, “I will always send volunteers to the League.”

We take the long view: We teach young children about voting. Bonnie Bless-Boenish (Clallam) at three local events encouraged 900 children and their parents to “vote” how the League should contribute to local food banks. Should the League money support the food banks buying dog food or cat food? At a recent event in Spokane Valley, 300 children and their families “voted” for features for a new park, with this unofficial poll going to the City Council.

The Pullman/Whitman County League has also made significant efforts to educate future voters. The local League has hosted a Visual Arts Competition for students in grades 3-12 since 2021, beginning with the first theme, “What Does Democracy Look Like to You?” and most recently, “Why Does Voting Matter?” They saw 12 entries the first year and have now seen over 40 entries in 2024. Pictured below is the Visual Arts Competition Committee presenting the competition and theme to local students using LWV WA’s textbook, The State We’re In: Washington. Also pictured is the Visual Arts Committee at the Annual Artist Reception to celebrate all entries.

Look at the trashcan picture and then look at these pictures of League members encouraging all kinds of voters. As our late president of the LWVUS, Dr. Deborah Turner, said, “We have to keep on keeping on.”

By Jean Alliman, Nominating Committee Chair

Geese are so beautiful and efficient when they travel together, which is what they always do. There is a team leader for a while. That leader then drops back so she/he can rest a bit, and another leader takes point for a while. Each individual takes point for some time and then gets to rest, waiting to take a turn as leader after benefiting from the tailwind of the rest of the team.

Our League of Women Voters operates exactly the same way: each member takes a turn leading, then steps back to rest while someone else takes the lead.

Now is the time to think about leadership at the state level again. Our success comes from embracing diversity and sharing talents and expertise. The nominating committee invites each of you to consider taking a turn at being on the team at the state level.

Local Leagues have always generously “loaned” members for a couple of years to ensure that our state team continues to effectively support all Leagues. The next term begins in July 2025, with a short Board meeting for all newly elected members immediately following the Convention, and an in-person retreat in the summer. There are many opportunities to make a meaningful contribution to our mission.

Please go to lwvwa.org to get more information and an application in the file for the nominating committee. Contact Jean Alliman at jean.alliman@lwvwa.org with any questions you may have.

The LWVWA Nominating Commitee has already begun its efforts to find the League members who will serve on the LWVWA Board of Directors in 2025. LWVWA members will be nominated for the board positions of President, Secretary, Second Vice-President, C3 Treasurer, and three Director positions. The Nominating Committee Chair and two additional positions in the committee will also need to be filled. The election for these positions will take place at the 2025 LWVWA Convention. Please consider volunteering yourself, or suggesting another person from your local League to apply for these positions. We need the skills and input of local League members in the state League programs!

The application form, and the form to nominate another person, are available on the Nominating Committee webpage (located in the "For Members" portion of our homepage).

The current members of the Nominating Committee are:

• Jean Alliman, Chair (LWV Spokane Area)
• Linda Benson (LWV Clallam County)
• Julie Sarkissian (LWV Seattle/King County)
• Dee Ann Klein (LWV Clark County)
• Shelley Kneip (LWV Thurston County)

Please reach out to the current members of the committee (their emails are linked above), if you have questions about the process. The Nominating Committee also welcome nominations of other LWVWA members whom you think would add skills and insights into the LWVWA Board of Directors.

The Lobby Team at the August 2024 retreat. From left to right: Phyllis Farrell, Ann Murphy, Kate Lunceford, Karen Tvedt, Dee Anne Finken, Cynthia Stewart, Heather Kelly, Mary Coltrane (LWVWA President), Marty Gibbins, and Alison McCaffree. Not able to attend were Catherine Ahl, Mary Lynne Courtney, and Cindy Madigan

Some of the most important work the League does is its advocacy work. At the state level, the LWVWA Lobby Team leads this work, with guidance on priorities from local Leagues and the LWVWA Board of Directors.

The LWVWA Lobby Team is a group of League members with expertise in certain issues who have been approved by the LWVWA Board to speak on behalf of the League at the WA legislature regarding the issue for which they have been appointed. The Team has a bit of respite after each session, but essentially keeps work all year—though at a less frantic pace. Throughout the year there are coalition meetings to attend, research to do, briefings to various local Leagues and other groups, and planning for the year ahead.

In late August, the Lobby Team met in a retreat to plan for the year ahead. Some of the projects the Team is engaged with now include a webinar on the November ballot initiatives and an upcoming Action Workshop.

Are you interested in helping the Lobby Team? There are a number of ways that you can support the Team on issues you care about! You could be trained as a future Issue Chair or support the Team as an Advocate. You can also watch the weekly Legislative Action Newsletter (published during WA legislative session) and take action as requested. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Cynthia Stewart.

Initiative Webinar

The Lobby Team is sponsoring a webinar on the November ballot initiatives—I-2109 (related to the Capital Gains Tax); I-2117 (related to the Climate Commitment Act); I-2124 (related to the WA Cares Act); I-2124 (related to the WA Cares Act); and I-2066 (related to restrictions on access to natural gas). The webinar is offered at two times to make it accessible to as many members as possible. Attend one of the webinar sessions to understand what's at stake if these initiatives pass and why the League recommends voting NO on all four.

The two sessions are:

• Thursday, September 26, 6:30-8:00 PM. Click here to attend.
  
• Saturday, September 28, 10:00-11:30 AM. Click here to attend.

Action Workshop

This year, instead of holding both an Action Workshop in the Fall and Lobby Week during the legislative session, the Lobby Team will hold one virtual Action Workshop this fall and offer support to local Leagues who are interested in holding meet and greets or other events with their local legislators before the session begins in January. Because there are a number of factors that will influence the next legislative session, including uncertain election outcomes, new executive branch leadership, and the forecast of decline revenues compounded by the effects of the initiatives if they pass, the Lobby Team believes pre-session is too early to set priorities. Instead, the Team wants to facilitate local League involvement with coaching that can also apply to advocacy at the local level. Watch for more information on Action Workshop soon.

Along with other recently enacted legislation, the Climate Commitment Act (the CCA) is essential to achieving our mandated greenhouse gas reductions. The CCA enacts fees (via allowance auctions) on greenhouse gas gas (GHG) emissions in WA. Along with the usual climate-warming emissions, other environment and health degrading emissions often also occur, such as nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter. Governments regulate such emissions to minimize them as economically as possible, but we seldom consider the external costs and damage and the associated future cost. The cost of allowances encourages emitters to reduce their emissions. The CCA enables our state's GHG profile to have the biggest reduction of any other state policy targeting climate change. If repealed, we will not achieve the legislative-mandated emission reduction goals.

The CCA allowance sales become revenue that we invest to correct past damage and encourage energy efficiency. Such investments include clean transportation, clean buildings, clean energy, and reducing pollution in overburdened communities. Investments help landlords and low-income homeowners increase household energy efficiency. Some of the revenue is also added to the state's transportation budget. If I-2117 succeeds, and the CCA is repealed, that funding will disappear and we will need to transfer funding within the  budget or terminate the investments. This map shows where investments from the CCA's revenue are making a difference and benefiting areas across the state. Voting NO on I-2117 is a vote to continue the CCA.

The most prominent objection to recent energy and emission legislation is the perceived effect on gasoline prices. Petroleum is a global commodity, which means world supplies and events have a large effect on the price of petroleum products like gasoline. (When we achieve full electrification and renewable energy, we will be free from global energy market manipulation and price swings.)

WA taxes gasoline at $0.45 per gallon, collected and paid by the fuel distributors. The petroleum refiners must purchase the allowances required to offset the emissions their product emits. This represents just one of their costs of doing business, and the industry decides how to offset those costs: reduce emissions, charge their customers part or all of those costs, or cover them with the profits to reduce their tax burden.

Because gasoline is a commodity, the industry prices it on what the market will bear, and to optimize profits. Recent estimates for profits on a gallon of gasoline in WA is around 80 cents per gallon—in Texas it's around 50 cents per gallon. But, margins vary widely by season, with summer having the highest profit margins. 

We experienced higher gasoline prices in 2008, 2011, and 2013 than in 2023 or 2024 after the CCA was implemented. The highest absolute gasoline prices in WA were in June of 2022, 6 months before the first CCA auctions. Nothing in I-2117 guarantees a gasoline price reduction.

Also, gasoline prices vary across our state, with the following recent per-gallon prices for regular: Bellingham $4.067, Tacoma $4.175, Spokane $3.856, and the Tri-Cities $3.947. All refineries in WA are on the west side of the mountains.

Talking Points:

The most effective way to influence the vote is to talk to your friends, family, and neighbors. They know you are knowledgeable on such issues and will probably trust your perspective more than the news sources.

Why should we vote against the initiatives and invest the CCA money now?

• As we reduce GHG emissions, other harmful pollutants decline as well—these include nitric oxides, carbon monoxide, and particulates.
• We invest the revenue to increase energy efficiency and to reduce environmental inequity.
• Fossil fuel pollution harms children the most.
• Because we are the beneficiaries of our strong economy which was built on cheap fossil fuels and many other aspects that we underpriced and deferred paying the full cost for into the future.
• The climate change future is here, right now. Further delay will cost us more than investing now.

Of course, WA state cannot end the climate crisis on our own. All nations, states, counties, and cities, worldwide must do their part. If we wait for others to go first, climate change will continue causing much more disruption in the next decades, more struggle and more cost of adaption. We cannot go backward; we cannot even delay.

Coalitions are coming together to oppose 2117, and they include: Climate Solutions, Conservation Northwest, Earth Ministry/WA Interfaith Power and Light, Methow Valley Citizens Council, Pudget Soundkeeper, Seattle Aquarium, The Nature Conservancy, The Lands Council, Washington Conservation Action, and many more. Each organization will speak with their own voice, as will the League.

The League opposes the I-2117 based on League positions, a few of which are:

• Climate change is a serious threat facing our nation and our planet.
• That state's short-term power needs should be met through implementation of a vigorous conservation program in which all energy users participate.
• The use of renewable energy systems such as solar, wind and recovery of energy from wastes should be actively encouraged.

A more comprehensive summary of the rationale for the LWVWA's opposition to I-2117 can be found in our issue paper.

The League of Women Voters of Washington has taken a "vote NO" position on four initiatives that will be on the ballot in November. These initiatives are: I-2109 (related to the Capital Gains Tax); I-2117 (related to the Climate Commitment Act); I-2124 (related to the WA Cares Act); and I-2066 (related to restrictions on access to natural gas). Some of the initiatives are challenging to explain and misunderstood by the public—for this reason, the LWVWA is hosting two webinars on them. 

These webinars will explain the initiatives, describe the harm the initiatives will cause and the consequences of their passing, and provide ways for League members to get involved in the NO campaigns. You can also read more about how and why to oppose I-2117 here.

The webinars will be offered at two times, to make them accessible to as many members as possible:

• Thursday, September 26, 6:30-8:00 PM. Click here to attend.
  
• Saturday, September 28, 10:00-11:30 AM. Click here to attend.

Check out a previous webinar with LWV Seattle/King County. Watch the recording here.

In Star Trek, a “mind meld” is a kind of telepathic touch that enables the rapid sharing of knowledge and experience. Unfortunately for (at least most of) us, we are neither telepathic nor within touching distance of each other, so we have created a MELD Network* to provide a mechanism to better share tools, methods, practices, and accomplishments across the state with each other.   
 
The “League Mind MELD” column is a way to share even more information to all our members across the state. This column will run each month and will include the responses we receive to the questions posed at the end of the previous month’s column.

September's MELD Moment
Last month we discussed some of the "ins and outs" of MELD, to continue that thread, we've got a bit of MELD history for this month. Thanks to Miriam Kerzner for the following history! So, how did MELD begin?

MELD began in 2005 as a national coaching model to address membership decline. Its goals were to provide intentional and consistent outreach to potential members; to improve visibility and media outreach; and enhance the skills and confidence of League leaders. When LWVUS discontinued their MELD program, the LWVWA—recognizing the value of MELD—made the decision to continue the program in Washington. Since then, MELD has been described as the glue that helps local Leagues recruit, engage, and retain members; diversify community partnerships; and hone the League's DEI lens. Plus, it's a great way to keep local Leagues informed of the LWVWA's initiatives and activities.

The goal of MELD is to create a network organization to strengthen and expand the League's capacity and increase our value for all League members.

The League Mind Meld
Last month's questions resonated with quite a few of our members! The first of our questions—"Why will you vote in November?"—had a number of diverse answers! These included: "To have a voice in local issues;" "I earned it by serving my country;" "I want my voice to be heard;" "to maintain our democracy;" "because others fought so I could;" "I consider it my right and duty;" "we must protect the rights of others;" and "to exercise my rights so I don't lose them."

With our second question, "what do you like most about the League?" one answer was clearly on top—the reason we love the League is our fellow members. A close second was our commitment to nonpartisanship.

September's Question:
This month's question is more of a request. We are looking for individuals who are interested in providing a bit of training in social media and the graphic design tool Canva. Thanks in advance to anyone who can help!

Please reply to Nancy Halvorson if you can help, or if you have any questions.

*In the context of the League, MELD actually has zero connection to Star Trek; it is an acronym for Membership, Engagement, Leadership, and Development. MELD pods meet each month to serve as platforms for sharing successes, addressing challenges, and exchanging ideas among local Leagues. Are you interested in learning more about MELD? Talk to your Local League Leadership about becoming involved in MELD. 

In Star Trek, a “mind meld” is a kind of telepathic touch that enables the rapid sharing of knowledge and experience. Unfortunately for (at least most of) us, we are neither telepathic nor within touching distance of each other, so we have created a MELD Network* to provide a mechanism to better share tools, methods, practices, and accomplishments across the state with each other.  

The “League Mind MELD” column is a way to share even more information to all our members across the state. This column will run each month and will include the responses we receive to the questions posed at the end of the previous month’s column.

August's MELD Moment
Moving forward, the MELD Pods will be chatting about the value of MELD participation, as well as all things 'voter service' in preparation for the General Election on November 5.

What are some of the valuable aspects of MELD? These pods are an opportunity for League members to learn about what other Leagues are doing. Pods share insights ranging from how Leagues engage with the public and younger voters through in-person outreach like tabling or virtual outreach with social media, to presenting civics in schools, to League mechanics like new member orientations, leadership models. MELD Pods provide a time to delve a bit deeper into serious subjects, to hone our skills, and deepen our knowledge of the League—past, present, and future. Pods are a source to share resources, 'how-tos', templates, and guidance, but they are also a place for brainstorming and gaining new perspectives on a variety of situations.

How Leagues participate in MELD Pods varies, some Leagues have one pod representative, while others rotate attendance amongst a few members. All pod members are encouraged to report back to their home League to share what is learned and to get feedback from their own membership. We look forward to your participation in one of our pods!

The League Mind MELD
Last month's question about land acknowledgements garnered a lot of interest! The responses were very similar from both League members and people from our Native communities. The words in an acknowledgement can feel rote, empty, and self-serving. However, we are urged to make the statements stronger with actual commitments and actions—which we are, or are preparing, to do. Great observations, thank you to those who took the time to respond!

August's Questions:

1. Why will you vote in November?
2. As a League member, what makes you most proud?

Please contact Nancy Halvorson to respond, or if you have any questions.

* In the context of the League, MELD actually has zero connection to Star Trek; it is an acronym for Membership, Engagement, Leadership, and Development. MELD pods meet each month to serve as platforms for sharing successes, addressing challenges, and exchanging ideas among local Leagues. Are you interested in learning more about MELD? Talk to your Local League Leadership about becoming involved in MELD. Are you interested in learning more about MELD? Talk to your Local League Leadership about becoming involved in MELD.

By Polly Zetterberg, LWV Seattle/King County

The LWVWA Election Credibility Committee needs "more hands-on deck" for the 2024-25 High School Video Contest!

This year's contest had 18 entrants, with 7 videos submitted. The contest website is already updated for the 2024-25 contest, the process is fine-tuned, and we are encouraging YOU to jump in for the 3rd annual contest! The Election Credibility Committee meets over Zoom—we laugh and share; we get things done; and we truly enjoy the productions the students make. See the amazing and memorable videos produced by this year's winners:

• 1st Place—"Make History" by Ava Espiritu
• 2nd Place—"How Does Mail In Voting Work?" by Caleb and Grey Higueria
• Honorable Mention—"Election Security" by Maya Rios, Ian Baker, and Evan Wold
• Honorable Mention—"Voting Rights Restoration" by Hazel Milleson, Isaac Wheeler, and Alexander Jones

Visit our webpage to learn more about the video contest and contact us with your interest and questions!

High school students are the future in so many ways. They are the future's thinkers, doers, and the models for the next generation to come. That means that, as present-day adults, we are bound to educate and encourage them. Those 17-and 18-year-olds who are ready to learn about voting should be supported. These students hold the future in their powerful hands, and voting is one of their most basic and important tools. It is amazing what these students can do, so we want this project to grow!

For the past two years, the LWVWA Election Credibility Committee has sponsored a high school student video contest. Our aim is to help high school students learn about all of the rules, facts, and mis-and disinformation about voting—and then help them share their gained knowledge with the folks in Washington state. The video submissions are student produced and approximately 30-60 seconds long.

Through the years, we have had support from a number of high school teachers and local League leaders, which has been great, and we are incredibly thankful for that support.

Educating voters is a vital mission for the League of Women Voters. One way that we do this is through candidate forums and debates, which give voters opportunities to hear directly from the candidates about their stance on the issues. So far this year, the LWVWA has held three candidate forums for the primary election for the offices of Superintendent of Public Schools, Attorney General, and Commissioner of Public Lands.

In May, the LWVWA teamed up with the LWV of the Spokane Area and Central Valley School District to hold the candidate forum for Superintendent of Public Schools. The League worked with Central Valley School District Superintendent Dr. John Parker and teacher Brittany Bergman to recruit students to be active participants in the forum. The student panel represented various high schools in the area and included: Jacob Cloward (Spokane Valley Tech), Hailee Elkins (Mica Peak High School), Lucy He (Central Valley High School), Gracie Newell (Ridgeline High School), Everett Stinson (University), and Vivian Van Buren (Ridgeline). These students did an excellent job! They developed questions for the forum and asked the candidates directly during the event. TVW broadcast and recorded the forum, you can watch it here.

In June, the LWVWA worked with the LWV of Benton/Franklin County to hold the candidate forum for Attorney General. The forum was held in Richland, at WSU's Tri-Cities campus, and was broadcast and recorded by Northwest Public Broadcasting. Watch the recording here.

In July, the LWVWA and the LWV of Clark County teamed up to hold a candidate forum for the Commissioner of Public Lands race. The League was pleased to be joined by The Columbian and The Reflector newspapers, who co-sponsored the forum. All seven candidates for the Commissioner of Public Lands position appeared at the forum and answered questions posed by the public and League members. This forum was also recorded and broadcast by TVW and the recording can be viewed here.

The LWVWA is fortunate to have the help of so many League members in planning and producing these candidate events! In particular, we'd like to acknowledge the help of Ann Strosnider and Maurie Louis (LWV Kitsap) for their public outreach efforts; Elaine Harger and Beth Pelliccioti (LWV Spokane/LWVWA) for their help with the Spokane events; and Diane Molleson and Bev Johnson-Torelli (LWV Benton/Franklin) for their help with the forum in Richland. The LWVWA forums could not have been as successful as they were without the help of these individuals.

Make sure you stay tuned, as the the LWVWA is planning more candidate forums for the general election in November. Watch our website for announcements!