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The Voter 5/19/2025

Published on 5/19/2025

Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy.

The official newsletter of the League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County.

Vol 67 | Issue 5 | Date: May 19, 2025

In this issue:

THE LEAGUE SPEAKS OUT

Federal Court Blocks Part of Executive Order Challenged by LWV
A federal court judge has issued a ruling in League of Women Voters et. al. v. Trump et. al., temporarily blocking the US Election Assistance Commission (EAC) from implementing a provision in the President’s executive order adding a requirement to show a passport or similar document proving citizenship when registering to vote via the federal form. While the case proceeds, this injunction preserves the status quo where would-be-voters already affirm under penalty of perjury that they are US citizens on the federal form.

"The League of Women Voters is heartened by this ruling, which is a major victory for voters across the country,” said Marcia Johnson, chief counsel of the LWVUS. "While the fight is far from over, we're glad the court agreed that a President cannot ‘short-circuit’ Congress and unilaterally use an illegal executive order to obliterate the rights of millions of voters.”

See more on the court’s decision here.

California League Seeks to Protect Vote-by-Mail Ballots – Thousands Risk Disenfranchisement
LWVC is seeking to intervene in a lawsuit that is an attack on voting rights and fair, accurate elections in the nation’s most populous state.

“California’s vote-by-mail system follows a common-sense principle: voters who mail their ballot in by Election Day should have their vote counted,” said Chris Carson, president of the League of Women Voters of California. “This dangerous lawsuit seeks to rob Californians of the opportunity to make their voices heard in the way most accessible to them – and the League of Women Voters of California will not stand for that.”

Read the CA League’s motion to intervene.

LWV Responds to Creation of Anti-Voter Task Force by US Attorney
On April 29, 2025, US Attorney for the District of New Jersey Alina Habba announced the formation of a federal task force, the so-called “Election Integrity Task Force”. The League of Women Voters of the United States (LWVUS) and the League of Women Voters of New Jersey (LWVNJ) responded, calling the measure a fear tactic meant to intimidate voters and an attack on dedicated public servants who work to keep our elections fair and secure.

Read the League statement here.

LWV Responds to the Arrests of Milwaukee County Circuit Judge and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka
The League of Women Voters has responded to the recent arrests by federal agents of Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka. League of Women Voters CEO Celina Stewart stated:

“In a democracy, holding institutions accountable should be protected — not punished. The League of Women Voters will continue to defend our country’s principles and speak out when there is executive overreach and whenever people's rights are denied — especially by the government. We believe silence in the face of injustice is not an option.”

She called on President Trump to immediately stop these unlawful actions and for Congress to stand up for the officials who are being targeted.

Read the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin's joint statement with other pro-democracy organizations in the state here.

Read the LWVUS and League of Women Voters of New Jersey’s join statement here.

UNITE AND RISE 8.5: A CAMPAIGN TO DEFEND DEMOCRACY

The League of Women Voters has launched a wide-ranging campaign to confront the constitutional crisis facing our democracy as the Trump Administration continues its executive overreach and assault on institutions.

Unite and Rise 8.5 will engage and mobilize 8.5 million voters to protect and preserve our democracy. Find out how you can get involved.

Unite and Rise 8.5: A Campaign to Defend Democracy | League of Women Voters

The League defines a Constitutional Crisis as when the executive, the legislative, or the judiciary branch cannot or will not adequately protect the US Constitution; when there are explicit attempts to dismantle a functional democracy within any of the three branches; or when any level of federal government takes action to destroy democratic institutions in a manner that intentionally or purposefully jeopardizes the US Constitution.

We are clearly at that point. Join us and make your voice heard.

HOW TO SUPPORT THE IMMIGRANT COMMUNITY

LWVUS Joins the National Partnership for New Americans to Support Immigrant Communities

Immigration Image

The League of Women Voters of the United States has joined the National Partnership for New Americans to provide important information on how we all can support our immigrant neighbors and defend their rights.

Recent actions by President Donald Trump threaten today’s immigrant communities. To date, he has taken more than 10 presidential actions related to immigration. Among other things, his administration:

Paused the resettlement of tens of thousands of refugees, many of whom had already been cleared for resettlement in the US;
Provided expedited refugee status and resettlement to Afrikaners from South Africa;
Ended humanitarian parole for people from Cuba, Haiti, Venezuela, and Nicaragua;
Launched efforts to round up and remove millions of immigrants from their homes in the US;
Instilled fear in countless Americans and their loved ones.

The League of Women Voters and the National Partnership for New Americanshave identified ways you can help to defend America’s immigrant communities. In moments like this, we must stand against hate and stand up for our neighbors. To find out more see How to Support the Immigrant Community | League of Women Voters.

LWVC to Present Webinar on Protections for Immigrants in California on May 28

"California's Immigration Protections: Resistance & Resilience."
May 28 | 6:00 – 7:30 pm | Via Zoom

What challenges are immigrants in California facing? What policies have been proposed to address them? What can we do to help our communities stay informed and aware of their rights? Tune in to this advocacy webinar for a policy conversation with experts. Registerhere.

Find more resources for supporting the immigrant community in the SLO County UndocuSupport newsletterhere.

THE LEAGUE IN MISSION PLAZA

Voter Registration and More at Mission Plaza on May 31 and June 14

The League will provide voter registration and other voter services at Pride in the Plaza on May 31 and again at the Juneteenth Celebration on June 14.

The rights of American voters are under attack. From requiring a photo ID to vote, to requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote or change your name, address or political affiliation on your voter registration, to challenging the legitimacy of vote-by-mail, efforts to suppress the vote and limit the franchise are alive and well in our nation and our state.

The League works to ensure that all qualified Americans are registered to vote and can freely exercise that right. To register or update your registration, to learn your rights, and to find out more about what we do,visit the League booth at Pride in the Plaza on May 31 or at the Juneteenth Celebration on June 14. Find more information about each of those events below.

Pride Month Celebrating LGBTQ+ Identity and Activism

Pride Month is celebrated every June to honor the LGBTQ+ community and advocate for equal rights. It serves as a testament to the resilience and diversity of LGBTQ+ individuals.Pride Month's origins lie in the Stonewall Riots of June 28, 1969, when patrons of the Stonewall Inn resisted police harassment, leading to days of protests. This event marked a turning point for LGBTQ+ rights. A year after the Stonewall Riots, the first Pride marches occurred on June 28, 1970, in several U.S. cities. These marches commemorated the riots and demanded an end to discrimination.

Since then, Pride Month has grown globally, featuring parades, festivals, concerts, and educational workshops. Pride parades are symbols of visibility and acceptance, raising awareness about LGBTQ+ issues.Pride Month provides a platform for LGBTQ+ individuals to be visible and proud, challenging stereotypes and fostering a sense of belonging. It honors the history of LGBTQ+ rights and celebrates progress toward equality. It raises awareness about ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and promotes education and dialogue.

Locally, the 2025 Pridefest is a multi-week celebration running May 1–June 30. Dozens of community-hosted events will be held throughout SLO County. The celebration culminates with Pridefest weekend, May 30–June 1. All Central Coast Pride Month Events are managed by The Gala Pride & Diversity Center in San Luis Obispo.

The League of Women Voters SLO County is proud to participate in this vibrant and inclusive event. Please join us for Pride in the Plaza on Saturday, May 31,11 am - 5 pm, at Mission Plaza San Luis Obispo.

Find more information on these events:Pride in the Plaza and other Pridefest 2025 activities.

Juneteenth A Celebration of Freedom

Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. It marks the day in 1865 when Union soldiers announced the end of slavery in Galveston, Texas.Find more information about the history of Juneteenthhere.

Today, Juneteenth has evolved into a national celebration with parades, festivals, educational events, and family gatherings, honoring African American history and progress. The holiday symbolizes the end of slavery and highlights the resilience and contributions of African Americans.Juneteenth gained federal recognition when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law on June 17, 2021. This acknowledges Juneteenth's importance and provides an opportunity for national reflection and celebration.

The League of Women Voters SLO County is proud to participate in the NAACP SLO County’s Eighth Annual Juneteenth celebration on June 14,11 am - 4:30 pm,in Mission Plaza San Luis Obispo. This year’s theme is “We’re Still Here – Standing Together”. Please join us as we celebrate and reflect on the work still to be done.Find more information on these events:Juneteenth Celebration activities.

BIENNIAL MEMBER MEETING

2025 BEMM Image

LWV SLOCO Holds Biennial Meeting on May 10

More than 60 members and guests attended the 2025 – 2027 Biennial Meeting on May 10. At the meeting, held at the Ventana Grill in Pismo Beach, members adopted the budget and program for the 2025 – 2027 biennium and elected officers and directors to serve tor the two-year term. They also elected the Nominating Committee for 2025 – 2027.

Guest of honor and keynote speaker Biz Steinberg, CEO of CAPSLO, was presented with a Certificate of Recognition from the California State Assembly by Assemblymember Dawn Addis. Clint Weirick, District Representative to State Senator John Laird, presented Ms. Steinberg with a Certificate of Recognition from the California State Senate.

In her remarks, Ms. Steinberg described the history of CAPSLO, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, and the operations and staffing of the nonprofit – CAPSLO has 1,030 employees (600 in SLO), 435 active volunteers, and 80 facilities. She also outlined the programs CAPSLO provides from child and family services to health clinics to senior programs and homeless services.

Members enjoyed a buffet breakfast and the chance to catch up with old friends and meet new ones.

2025 BEMM Image

JULIE RODEWALD HONORED

Julie Rodewald Honored as a 2025 Congressional Woman of the Year

On May 4, U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) announced that Julie Rodewald, Voter Service Director for the League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County, was one of the five winners of the 2025 Congressional Women of the Year award from the Central Coast. The Congressional Women of the Year Award honors exceptional women across the 24th Congressional District who have made a positive impact on their communities.The other winners of this year’s award are Alison Wales of Lompoc, JoAnne Meade Young of Santa Barbara, Lisa Kawamura of Arroyo Grande, and Cherie Eulau of Ventura.See the press releasehere.

Julie Rodewald served for 33 years in the Office of the SLO County Clerk-Recorder and has served on the LWV SLO Board of Directors for nine years. As Voter Service Director she launched the Empowering the Voters of Tomorrow, Today initiative, which has registered or pre-registered some 3,500 local high school students.Julie also worked with the Latino Voter Engagement Project to help Spanish speakers in thecommunity exercise their right to vote and helped create a short film “Forever Voters” to inspire civic engagement.Julie's dedication to ensuring every citizen exercises their right to vote is truly inspiring.

LUNCH WITH THE LEAGUE REPLAY

Watch a replay of our May 5

Lunch with the League webinar

"Does Prop 1 Fix the Problems in Mental Health Services?"

Learn how Proposition 1, or the Behavioral Health Services Act, will change the services provided by agencies in SLO County and how the housing bond may impact local housing and homelessness.

Watch the Replay Here

VIRTUAL COCKTAIL HOUR

~~~ You're Invited! ~~~

Virtual Cocktail Hour

Wednesday, May 28 at 5 pm

Register Here

Bring your choice of beverage and join other LWV SLOCO members for an hour of casual social interaction. This is chance to get to know other members, discuss topics and issues that are important to you, or just have a casual discussion. We would love to hear from you, so bring your questions and ideas. You don't have to be a League member to attend. Everyone is welcome

This meeting is held online on Zoom. Register to receive event reminders or just drop in using the link on the registration page.Your meeting host is long-time League member Nancy Welts.Registerhere.

Can't make it to this cocktail hour? See dates of future coffee and cocktail hourshere.

UPCOMING EVENTS

May 28 at 6 pm on Zoom: LWVC Webinar "California's Immigration Protections: Resistance & Resilience"
Immigrant communities are facing hate and hardships being promoted by harmful federal and state policies. Join LWVC as we learn about attempted policy changes that affect immigrant rights and liberties and consider steps we can take to protect our neighbors. Registerhere.

May 31, 11 am - 5 pm: Pride in the Plaza
A vibrant, all-day celebration of LGBTQ+ pride at Mission Plaza in the heart of Downtown SLO. With live entertainment, local vendors, community resources, and more. All ages, identities, and allies welcome. More informationhere.

June 14, 11 am - 4:30 pm: Juneteenth Celebration in Mission Plaza
Enjoy speakers, music, silent auction, bake sale, food, resource fair, history, cultural, and art exhibits. More informationhere.

June 24, 7 pmat Mission SLO Parish Hall, 751 Palm Street in SLO:The Fabric of SLO County -Understanding the Diversity and Contributions of our Immigrant Community
Study leader Joel Diringer, JD, MPH, from Diringer and Associates, will be presenting the findings of his report.A summary of this report is also available in English and Spanish here.

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