2020Census Update by National League President

Last month all eyes and ears were on the landmark gerrymandering case Rucho v. League of Women Voters of North Carolina. While the Court’s ruling in that case was a huge blow to democracy, the Supreme Court handed down a second critical decision last month—and this one was a big win for the League and for our country, so we wanted to make sure you heard about it.

The SCOTUS ruling in Department of Commerce v. New York put a stop to recent efforts to add a citizenship question to the 2020 Census, protecting the purpose of this crucial once-in-a-decade count. While the outcome is still yet to be seen, we’re working overtime to help quell the fear and chaos that has resulted in vulnerable communities across the country.

As a key plaintiff in the case, the League argued that a citizenship question would NOT improve enforcement of the Voting Rights Act, but rather severely decrease participation among immigrant and non-English speaking communities, suppressing the count and thus harming those communities and compromising the services we all need to protect our communities and thrive.

Of course, decreasing participation, particularly in communities of color, is exactly why partisan operatives stealthily pushed the citizenship question for two years—so they could maintain their grip on power. Thankfully, the Court sided with democracy on this one.

The League has a concrete, three-pronged strategy that includes education forums, “Get Out the Count” activities, and watchdog reporting. And, if partisan operatives continue to push the citizenship question, our legal teams will be standing ready.

It’s Awesome! Pay your dues and Donate online!

It has finally arrived. Our ability to pay our dues online. Your membership in the League is so important. 

Payment online (JOIN or RENEW your Membership)helps us save money on postage, paper and envelopes. Dues are due in July. Your ability to donate online is also now activated. It is your generous giving that has allowed us to do so much this past year. Please help us by giving a little extra. 

ACTION ALERT :

LWVOR Legislative Report

is now available for June 25, 2019. Click: Legislative Report #23 to read more. There is a lot of important things happening in the legislature. Your state league has been extremely busy. Climate change, candidate filing update to laws, education are just a few of the items address in this report.