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The Voter 7/26/2025

Published on 7/29/2025

Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy.

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

Vol 67 | Issue 7 | Date: July 26, 2025

In this issue:

ACTION ALERT: PROTECT FAIR REDISTRICTING

Stop Newsom’s Power Grab – Protect Fair Maps!

LWVC Action Alert Image

Governor Newsom is reportedly considering mid-decade redistricting to redraw California’s congressional lines - not to serve the people, but to play political revenge games with Texas. This is gerrymandering, plain and simple. And it would be a dangerous step backward.

Californians fought hard to end the days of shady, backroom map deals. In 2008, we passed Proposition 11 to create the Citizens Redistricting Commission, an independent body that puts people over politics when drawing district lines. That system works. In fact it’s considered the national gold standard. And it belongs to the voters - not to the Governor or any political party. The LWVC was a proponent of Prop 11, and continues to advocate for fair redistricting throughout California.

Now, all that progress is under threat.

Mid-cycle redistricting would:

Destabilize elections
Confuse voters
Open the door to partisan manipulation
Undermine public trust in democracy

We must not let California dismantle our fair maps.

Tell Governor Newsom and your legislators:

Hands off our maps. Respect the will of the voters. Protect fair redistricting.

ACT NOW - Defend Fair Maps

THE LEAGUE SPEAKS OUT

LWV Denounces DOJ Requests for Sensitive Election Data from State Election Officials

On July 18, the League of Women Voters of the United States issued a statement denouncing the Department of Justice’s demand that state election officials share sensitive data on voters. This is one of several actions by the DOJ to interfere in the constitutionally mandated election processes, intimidate election officials and voters, and suppress the vote.

“We must protect not only the practices that keep our elections free and fair, but also the people who sacrifice their time and energy to work at the polls, get voters registered, and carry out our democracy,” said LWVUS CEO Celina Stewart.

“We condemn the Trump Administration’s continued abuse of power in this action to inappropriately target voter data.”

See the full statement here.

LWV Condemns Supreme Court Decision Allowing Deportations Without Due Process

The LWV has condemned a Supreme Court decision to pause a lower court order that prevented the Trump administration from deporting migrants to countries other than their country of origin without affording them due process. The decision – issued without a hearing on the Court’s “shadow docket” – allows the Trump administration to continue to deport non-citizens to countries they have never visited without an opportunity to challenge the deportation.

See the full statement here.

League of Women Voters of California Urges Yes on SB 42

Big money in politics is drowning out voters – and Californians have had enough. An overwhelming majority say wealthy donors and special interests have too much power over our elected officials. And they’re right. Mega-donors and corporate-funded independent expenditures are dominating our elections, sidelining everyday voters and eroding trust in government. That’s why the League of Women Voters of California is sponsoring SB 42 (Umberg).

SB 42 lifts California’s outdated ban on public financing of campaigns – but only if the Legislature passes it and voters approve it in 2026. SB 42 doesn’t impose public financing - it gives voters the power to choose it.

Tell Senator John Laird to vote YES on SB 42 at Contact Us | Senator John Laird.

LWVC is co-sponsoring SB 42 with Common Cause of California. See the LWVC co-sponsor letter of support SB 42 Coalition Support Letter.

STUDENT AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

The League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County, in partnership with the SLO County Elections Office, has launched a new youth-focused voter registration program. During the coming school year, secondary school student representatives will be trained in the fundamentals of voting and voter registration. The students representing 7 high schools in the county will be mentored by volunteer advisors from the League as they create and implement peer-to-peer outreach programs.

The program, initiated for the first time in SLO County and only the second of its kind in the state, aims to cultivate a new generation of civic-minded leaders by equipping them with the tools, training, and support necessary to conduct meaningful voter outreach and registration efforts. Ambassadors will gain hands-on experience in election-related civic engagement while earning community service hours and developing leadership and project management skills.

In the past, the League of Women Voters has connected with county high schools to deliver presentations on the history and importance of voting and pre-register 16-year-olds and register 18-year-olds. With the county’s new program, League advisors will act as consultants and provide direction and resources when requested by the student representatives who initiate their own voter registration and engagement activities on their campuses.

The students will receive comprehensive support from the Elections Office, including a voter outreach kit, and access to event material. Two Zoom check-in meetings—one in fall and one in spring—will provide opportunities to brainstorm and share ideas with fellow ambassadors.

“We’re excited to offer this opportunity for students to take a leading role in engaging their peers in civic participation,” said Clerk-Recorder Elaina Cano. “This program will not only strengthen youth engagement in elections but also foster a deeper understanding of the importance of voter participation.”

If you are interested in volunteering for this program, contact Julie Rodewald or Ed Cabrera atvoterservice@lwvslo.org.

LEAGUE RELAUNCHES SPEAKERS BUREAU

Speakers Bureau to Address Civic Education and Information Literacy

Civic education and information literacy are primary areas for our League’s education and action this program year – 2025 -2026. Our efforts will focus on increasing public understanding of how government works, correcting misinformation about government, and exploring ways to build more responsive government and stronger communities. As a concerted move in this direction, we’re resurrecting a Speakers Bureau. Planning has begun to recruit a group of volunteer public speakers from our League to present at various venues throughout the county.

Lisa Christensen has stepped up to the challenge and will be the coordinator for our new Speakers Bureau. Before the year is out, she will arrange the first series of presentations. She will contact local organizations that are seeking speakers for their meetings and events. Armed with a variety of presentations on various topics from the redistricting process, to what local agencies do, to the separation of powers in our governmental system, she will offer topics for the local groups to choose from. She will then schedule the League member who has stepped forward to offer a presentation on the chosen subject.

We’re looking for members who are comfortable with public speaking to help us implement the program this fall. Support will be available with the subject matter and ample coaching will supplement presentation skills. More details on the undertaking will be available in the coming weeks to members.

VIRTUAL COCKTAIL HOUR

~~~ You're Invited! ~~~

Virtual Cocktail Hour

Wednesday, July 30 at 5 pm

Register Here

This month we'll feature an overview of the Legislative branch of government

Bring your favorite beverage and join other LWV SLOCO members to get to know each other and discuss topics and issues that are important to you. This month we'll focus on the Legislative branch of government. Everyone is welcome - you don't need to be a League member to attend.

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.Register here.

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

DEMOCRACY IN YOUR HANDS WEBINAR SERIES

This virtual training series presented by the League of Women Voters outlines how Leagues can activate and mobilize their communities in this rapidly changing political environment and make a lasting impact.

August 20, 9:30 - 10:30 am:Understanding the Three Branches of Government
September 17, 8:00 - 9:15 am: Working with Local Election Officials to Anchor Change
October 22, 12:30 - 2:00 pm: Building Coalitions to Amplify Action

Find more information and registerhere.

View the prior presentationshere:Understanding Media Literacy andChampioning Issues that Matter Most to You.

SLO CITY GRANT PROGRAM

City Grant Program to Increase Access and Equity in SLO

Nonprofit organizations that help create a more welcoming, inclusive, equitable and safe San Luis Obispo can now apply for the City’s DEI High-Impact Grant. Applications are due on September 2, 2025 by 5 p.m.

The City is offering up to $150,000 in total funding through its 2025-26 DEI High-Impact Grant program, which is designed to support programs that address equity gaps locally and enhance the sense of belonging for the community at large.

City staff will hold an online information session in English via Zoom on July 31 at 1 p.m. Find more information and register online here. Interested community members can find more details about this grant and its requirements, as well as a recording of the information session at www.slocity.org/DEI. An information session in Spanish can be provided upon request by emailing dei@slocity.org.

UPCOMING EVENTS & WEBINAR REPLAYS

Saturday, July 26, 10 - 11:30 am
Families First Rally
San Luis Obispo Superior Court,1050 Monterey St, SLO
Coming together to say in unity: our families come first.
Find more information here.

Saturday, July 26, 12 - 4 pm
Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary is hosting its first ever Get Into Your Sanctuary Event
Pismo Beach Pier Plaza
Help keep your beaches clean, enjoy yummy snacks, make some art, and get into your sanctuary!
Learn more about the sanctuaryhere.

Mujeres de Acción Donation Drive Mixer: Supporting Families in Santa Maria
Wednesday, July 30, 5:30 - 9 pm
A Toiletry Donation Drive to support families in Santa Maria who have been impacted by recent ICE activity and family separation. Your ticket to attend is a donation item (or items). Find more information, register, and view the list of requested donation itemshere.

ECOSLO20th Annual Creeks to Coast Cleanup
Saturday, September 20, 9 am - noon
For two decades, our community has come together to protect local watersheds, restore natural beauty, and create lasting environmental impact.We will be hitting various locations, from the Creeks to the Coast! Please register for the event by using this link.

Give for Good,Diversity Coalition's Annual Fundraiser
Wednesday, September 3,5 – 8 pm
Flying Caballos Ranch in SLO
Get tickets here.

Braver Angels SLO event: "Reuniting America", film and discussion
Sunday, July 27, 4 to 6 pm
Unitarian Universalists SLO,2201 Lawson Avenue, SLO
This50-minute documentary about polarization in America shows 7 Republican-leaning and 8 Democrat-leaning voters experience a Braver Angels Red/Blue workshop in Waynesville, Ohio. Find more information and register for this free event here.

One Million Rising:Strategic Non-Cooperation to Fight Authoritarianism

Virtual events sponsored by:

and managed by:

July 16: The Movement & Your Mission - View the recording here
July 30: How to Make It Happen
August 13: What Now?

Find more information and registerhere.

American Academy of Arts & SciencesRecorded Webinar
What Can Be Learned from International Perspectives on Autocracy and Democracy?
What happens when the contours of a constitutional democracy start to change? What are the most important warning signs and red lines? How can we tell the difference, and what are the steps that can strengthen, rather than weaken, a society’s democratic trajectory when under stress? This conversation explored recent turns toward authoritarianism and other challenges for constitutional forms of government. Watch ithere.

League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County

The League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County is a nonpartisan, grassroots civic organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Membership in the League is open to people 16 years and older, of all gender identities. With over 100 years of experience, the League is one of America’s oldest and most trusted civic nonprofit organizations.

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