by Angela Gyurko, Secretary, LWV of Washington

Want to learn how to build graphics that pop? Grab your computer and register for Council 2026 in Lacey, Washington, where Carolyn Stewart will lead a hands-on Canva workshop for any member wanting to learn the software. 

Stewart was a student at Whatcom Community College in 2019 when she first encountered LWV Bellingham-Whatcom members registering voters on campus and cheering them on as they put their ballots in a nearby ballot box. “As time went on and I started talking with more of the volunteers, they asked if I’d be willing to help with their social media posts,” Stewart told me. “I definitely wanted to help, and I’d been using computers since I was ten, so I sat down to teach myself Canva. I had friends who used it, and in addition to the support available through the program, I was able to find blogs and YouTube videos to help me learn.”  

Her volunteer work that year with Bellingham-Whatcom led to an internship with the LWVWA in 2021 working on the push to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act. “My biggest struggle with graphics design was figuring out what graphics are both interesting and effective,” Stewart said. “I decided to start collecting graphics that looked effective to me, then I compared those to the graphics LWVUS was providing for the campaign. That’s still how I do it.” 

Stewart has worked with other graphics software, but she finds Canva very approachable. “Canva has a brand standards kit, where you can plug in the League’s specific colors and fonts, then create editable templates. This is how LWVUS does their graphics support to state and local leagues,” she explained. “It keeps the branding consistent, and the local Leagues just need to fill in their specific details.” 

She’s excited to work with League members across the state to get them comfortable with the software. “Opening Canva for the first time can feel overwhelming, and the help options within the program don’t always feel helpful at first.”  

Stewart recommended that workshop participants bring whatever device they will use for Canva at home. The software is available for computers, tablets, and even phones. “Canva on a tablet or phone is a little more challenging, so early users might feel more comfortable starting with a computer.” 

Council 2026 opens on June 6 in Lacey, giving budding graphic artists time to think about what they want out of the Canva workshop. “Think about what you’re trying to accomplish for your League with Canva,” Stewart advised. “Open up the software. Watch some videos about the software. We can work on the rest together when we all get to Council.” 

By Sally Carpenter Hale, Communications Chair, LWV Clark County

Inspirational tales of local heroes were part of “She Did That!,” a Women’s History Month event sponsored by the Clark County League as part of Downtown Vancouver’s First Friday series. The March 6 event brought 119 people to the Clark County Historical Museum for an evening of fun, food and stories.

Washington state League President Karen Crowley delivered the keynote speech, urging attendees to be bold in defending democracy. A spokesman from the League of United Latin American Citizens talked about local efforts to provide immigrants with legal and housing assistance.

Three other speakers told stories about local heroes. Paul Porter of the Clark County  NAACP remembered his grandmother, activist Minnie Porter; archeologist Doug Wilson spoke of the Meti women of Fort Vancouver; and Chinook elder Sam Robinson told the story of his ancestor, Ch'isht. Also known as Catherine Huckswelt, Ch’isht was married to 1851 treaty signer Thomas Huckswelt and was known for her remarkable memory of tribal ancestral trees.

The March 6 event was capped with an entertaining reprise of the “Match Game,” featuring famous women from the 1970s. The “participants” were Shirley Chisholm, Janis Joplin, Gloria Steinem, Phyllis Schafley, Bette Miller, Margaret Thatcher. 

The League provided “Resist Threats to Democracy” resources, a Spin the Wheel game, live music and tamales, chips and salsa. 

In her speech, Crowley urged the audience to counter the daily threats to democracy.

“By demanding federal intervention in state and local elections, the Trump administration is working overtime to create intimidation, chaos and confusion,” she said.

“We need to be bold. We need to name names, call out actors who are behaving in ways that are supremely against our principles. We need to be loud. We need to be visible and unapologetic when speaking truth to power.” 

She urged the crowd to get involved by joining an organization, attending city council and school board meetings, observing local elections—and, most importantly, by voting. 

“Every day there’s another threat, another challenge. So we need to be nimble … and we need to be working in coalition with allies and partners who are doing this work together,” Crowley said

Sen. Maria Cantwell, left, Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey and Nancy Halvorson, LWVWA board member discuss the threats to democracy posed by the SAVE America Act.

By Dee Anne Finken, Communications Portfolio Director, LWV of Washington

With former Clark County League president Nancy Halvorson and others at her side, U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell was in Vancouver Wednesday morning to explain how costly the passage of the SAVE America Act would be for Americans.

“Time, money and maybe even their vote,” Cantwell said at a news conference in the Clark County Elections Office in downtown Vancouver.

Proclaiming the SAVE America Act as misleading and misguided, Cantwell said she would issue a snapshot report in the next day or two detailing the significant harms the bill would create.

But during Wednesday’s brief conference, Cantwell said immediate action is needed in light of President Trump’s insistence that massive fraud exists, necessitating the legislation.

Cantwell invited the League to participate as representative of an organization recognized widely for its commitment to voting and election security. As of press time, Sen. Cantwell had plans to hold another news conference in Seattle on Thursday, to which the League has also been invited. Seattle King County League President Barbara Tengtio is scheduled to speak at that event.

The House of Representatives passed the SAVE America Act earlier this month; it is currently under consideration in the Senate.

“We need to fight back,” Cantwell said, adding the bill poses grave harm, particularly for senior citizens, rural voters and working parents, as they would be most hard-pressed to produce the additional documents the act calls for them to produce.   

The bill also would significantly affect individuals who take their spouse’s name when they marry. 

Numerous sources estimate more than 21 million Americans would be unable to present the additional required documents, including marriage certificates and passports.  

What’s more, the bill would take effect immediately, Cantwell said.

Both Cantwell and Halvorson said Trump’s calls to nationalize elections are particularly onerous. 

Halvorson, who served as Co-president of the Clark League from 2020-21; President from 2021-23 and again 2024-25, said, “Let’s be clear:  The SAVE America Act is about restricting access to the ballot and deciding who gets to participate in our democracy. And the League stands in resolute opposition to assaults on our democracy.”

Halvorson used this analogy to address the claims about voter fraud: “A person is more likely to be struck by lightning than they are to commit voter fraud.”  

Cantwell said she was drawn to speak in the Vancouver-Portland area because of the area’s experience with threats to voting. Three ballot boxes in the region were set afire in October 2024. 

Cantwell said federal involvement in elections, particularly by the FBI, should be limited to investigating incidents like that.

Also speaking at the news conference were Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey and the Rev. Michael Jones Jr., vice president of the NAACP, Clark County chapter.  
“This is not just a political issue,” Jones said.  “It’s a civil rights issue.” He pointed to the disenfranchisement that resulted from poll taxes and other efforts in the 1950s and ‘60s to block Black Americans from voting.

Halvorson, who is a member of LWVWA board, emphasized the League’s nonpartisan status and reiterated that protecting the right to vote, granted by the U.S. Constitution, is neither solely a Republican or Democratic concern.

The League returns to Lacey, a suburb of Olympia the first weekend June, for its biennial council with “The Power of Us” as its theme. 

Registration is open now. 

Hosted by the state League and with volunteers from South Puget Sound-area Leagues, official proceedings begin Saturday, June 6, with optional activities kicking off June 5. Those activities include a walking tour of the capitol grounds, dine-around dinners and hotel-room caucuses. 

“Think of council as an innovation lab, where members and leaders come together to learn, share and shape the future of the League,” said board member Angela Gyurko, the event’s coordinator.  

With the focus on innovation, Gyurko said members are asked to submit proposals for workshops on topics that will lead to deep discussions at council and actions that members can pursue in their local Leagues when they return.  Proposals are Due by April 15, so please be thinking about submissions now!

“The Power of Us,” Gyurko said, takes a look at our power as individuals and leaders to influence change in our communities; to innovate boldly by empowering voters and defending democracy; and to unify and stand strong with our partners. 

Workshops, caucuses and plenary sessions will be at the South Puget Sound Community College, Lacey campus. Lodging is a 6-minute walk, at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lacey, where the League has reserved a block of rooms; and at nearby Candlewood Suites Olympia/Lacey. 

Eager to involve newer members, event organizers have set a reduced attendance fee—$60—for those who’ve joined the League in the past year, or since June 2025. Early-bird rate for all others is $115 until May 15. After that, it’s $135.  

Included in the registration will be lunch, snacks, happy hour, and buffet dinner on Saturday, and snacks only on Sunday. Coffee, tea, and water will also be provided. Attendees are asked to bring their own coffee cups. 

Twelve volunteers are needed to help onsite and will be able to register at a reduced rate. Email agyurko@lwvwa.org for more information or to volunteer. 

Council will be primarily in person this year, with provisions mostly to allow virtual attendees to view the plenary and workshop sessions and vote. (The early-bird virtual rate is $25 and $35 for regular virtual.) 

Two years ago, council also took place in Lacey. Organizers value the central location and reasonable rates charged for lodging and facilities. 

By Jane McClure, Student Video Contest Committee co-chair, LWV of Washington

If ever there was a time for the LWVWA Annual Student Video Contest to be top of mind in high schools, that time is now.  

The curse of “living in interesting times,” reportedly to be of Chinese origin, is here in challenges to both our constitution and democratic way of life.

Could there be a better time to hear from the next generation of voters? 

The League created the statewide video contest, now in its fourth year, to help develop students’ perspectives about voting. This year’s focus, on election credibility, is intended to spark early engagement in the process and to encourage a lifetime of voting. 

We know instilling those values in young people can lead to higher turnout rates. Students who create content for one another can inspire a culture of voting among peers and family.  

Winners receive cash prizes and, although the awards are modest, all participants can list their involvement on their college applications.  

Additionally, students learn video production, storytelling and persuasive communication; they increase their understanding of voting and democracy issues; and both they and their videos are featured on official election websites and other platforms. 

Community members also benefit because the videos can clarify voting mechanisms, counter election misinformation and increase awareness. 

Contest committee members are in their final push to get students to submit their videos by the May 1 deadline. As a League member, you can help. Because one-to-one contact helps generate interest, we ask you to encourage civic education teachers and others to involve their students. Contact high school students you know and encourage them to develop compelling videos. 

The contest empowers students, fosters civic engagement and cultivates a new generation of informed voters.  

Contest details and resources for students and educators are HERE.

The Everett Herald featured this solid report about the video contest Wednesday morning by Snohomish League President Lisa Utter.

Jane McClure has been a member of the League of Women Voters of Snohomish County since 2018. 

By Karen Crowley, President and Education Committee Portfolio Chair, LWV of Washington

The League is committed to civic education for all ages and at all levels. But here’s a basic truth. If we want to create an informed, engaged electorate and ensure the ongoing health of our democracy, we need to energize today’s students.  

After all, they are tomorrow’s voters. 

Thanks to legislation sponsored by former state Rep. Laurie Dolan, and with robust support from the League, civic education is mandated for all high school graduates in Washington.  

What’s more, the League has created a complete suite of civic learning materials endorsed by the Washington State Council for Social Studies and the Washington State Indian Education Association: “The State We’re In: Washington.”  

The state’s Office of the Superintendent of Public Education, too, has adopted the textbooks and has made them available as Open Educational Resources. 

We are proud of these resources. They are the only comprehensive civic education textbooks in Washington that include information on tribal government. We produce textbooks for middle and high school and for grades 3-5, including a Spanish translation. You can explore these books and a full range of supporting materials HERE. 

More than 45 school districts across the state use these resources.It’s time to hear from them. Our Civic Education Committee is working with the public affairs and marketing firm Strategies360 to reach teachers in those 45 districts, as well as home school educators.  

We are asking how teachers feel about the materials, how they use them in the classroom, what works well, what updates would be helpful, and how can we improve. 

We’ve sent our survey to nearly 100 educators. Their input will be critical to expanding the use of these materials—and to developing our long-term plan to sustain and improve them. We will share what we learn with all of you. 

And there is more.  

This March, Education Committee members Bonnie Bless-Boenish and Karen Verrill will attend the Washington Council for the Social Studies spring conference in Tacoma: Narratives of Our Nation: Stories, Strategies, and Skills for the Classroom.  

Crescent School District teacher MacKenzie Maxwell will present a session describing how she uses “The State We’re In: Washington” in her fourth-grade classroom. This project is funded through an Education Fund grant. We look forward to listening and learning from Maxwell.  

Contact Amy Peloff,  apeloff@lwvwa.org , if you have questions about helping to expand the use of “The State We’re In: Washington” into districts in your area.

Responding to this query from the Yakima Immigrant Response Network, League members in Kittitas County are providing second-hand suitcases for immigrant families who’ve had a family member taken into custody.  

Charli Sorenson, Kittitas League vice president, said a YIRN contact explained the suitcases are needed by families relocating closer to where the Department of Homeland Security has sent a loved one. Additionally, if DHS shares details about where a family member has been moved, the suitcases are used to send fresh clothes and other items.   

“Otherwise, the resident is often deported with nothing—no clothes except for what they were arrested in—and with no money,” Sorenson said. 

Sorenson said the initial request from YIRN came shortly before Christmas. “Our members responded with eight suitcases and we agreed to keep collecting them.”  

The following month, another request came—and League members donated eight more.  

“The families have been very happy to receive them,” Sorenson said learned. 

In addition to YIRN, Kittitas League also collaborates on other projects to serve immigrants with the Student Leadership, Involvement & Community Engagement program at Central Washington University and Central Washington Legal Aid. 

Nadine Shanti, who boldly leads League volunteers throughout Snohomish County, was recognized earlier this month by the city of Mountlake Terrace for her efforts to empower voters.

Chair of the Snohomish County League’s Community Outreach Committee, Shanti rallies parade walkers, engages bystanders in chanting and talks with community members about voting power.  

As part of the city’s 2026 celebration of Black History Month, Shanti was among the Black women honored at a Feb. 5 ceremony for their leadership of students at Mountlake Terrace High School. 

Shanti and Snohomish County League volunteers registered 88 voters at the high school in January and talked with more than 130 students about voting and registering. 

In total in January, the volunteers visited nine high schools and spoke with more than 1,100 students. 

The proclamation extended to Shanti read: “Nadine and the League are passionate about registering voters in high schools and ensuring young people are prepared to exercise their right to vote on election day.”  

It continued: “Through voter outreach at our very own Mountlake Terrace High School - but also at four of our Everett School District High Schools as well as in Everett and Marysville, Nadine and the Community Outreach Committee have helped empower future voters and strengthen civic participation in our community. 

“We are grateful for her leadership and the League’s continued commitment to democracy.”

By Dee Anne Finken, Communications Portfolio Director, LWV of Washington

A recent survey of Seattle King County League members has produced a bounty of insights, including some that might apply to other local Leagues.

Karen Lenart said the outcome—based on 74 responses from the 574 Seattle King County League members surveyed—gives leaders a close look at what makes the local League tick. 

The effort, conducted in December, was designed to get to know members better and to offer programming based on what experiences members sought when they joined. 

“Seattle King County League has an incredibly untapped wealth of members and we only skim the top in terms of what our members have to offer,” she said. 

The survey sought answers to four primary questions: Why a member joined; specific experiences a member sought in joining; what skills a member brought to the organization; and the member’s volunteer or career experience. 

Most respondents cited their primary reason for joining as a chance to defend democracy and protect voting rights.  That response won out over ensuring eligible voters are registered and informed about candidates and issues. 

Members said they prefer attending meetings where discussion is a major feature. Less popular are meetings with experts who primarily lecture.  

Most favored topics of discussion are about empowering voters and defending democracy.  Hearing about action-oriented ideas followed in second place.    

What skills do members bring?  

About half have backgrounds or training in education, writing and event planning.  Thirty percent have experience in government public service and volunteer coordination.  Only a smattering are visual artists. 

Lenart, a retired pediatric nurse practitioner and educator who performed some survey work in her career, joined the League in 2022. The following year, she read in a League newsletter about a proposed study on immigrants and joined the committee that has since produced “Welcoming Immigrants to Washington.”   

Lenart is working with study co-chairs Susan F. Martin and Lydia Zepeda on national concurrence of the study’s resulting position. “It’s been interesting and informative,” Lenart said. 

Lenart and the LWVSKC Board are planning how to survey new members and use the data to reach out and involve them in League activities.  One addition would be to request recipients include their names to allow for better outreach and to make follow-up possible. “I think we need to be more directive, to do more personal outreach.”  

Local League President Barb Tengtio added: “From volunteering on specific events, like voter outreach and/or advocacy; to leading/working on committees or in units; to supporting LWVSKC communications and operations to being a LWVSKC Board member, we have so many opportunities. Understanding the interests and skill sets of our members through a periodic survey is one way we aim to maximize member engagement.” 

Organizers of the Resisting Threats to Democracy committee will host a “Democracy Power-Up!” virtual town hall on Wednesday, March 25, from 6:30-8 pm. 

Almost a year ago, as the Trump administration expanded its assaults on our democracy and the LWVUS deemed our nation was facing a constitutional crisis, LWVWA leaders began meeting weekly to consider how they could best guide members to respond.   

Born from that was the Resisting Threats to Democracy committee, which meets weekly and produces the Resisting Threats to Democracy newsletter. 

The town hall comes as the Legislature nears the end of its session end, providing members the opportunity to plan collectively for the remainder of 2026.  

Organizers Alison McCaffree, who leads the state Lobby Team’s Democracy effort, and Wendy Colbert from the Snohomish County League, said members will also be able to ask questions and meet in breakout groups to determine those next steps. 

Register here to attend. The end of the legislative session will also mark the return of the RTD newsletter, which has been on hiatus since Jan. 8.