Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy. |
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The official newsletter of the League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County.
Vol 68 | Issue 4 | Date: Apr 21, 2026
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In this issue:
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| LWV Joins Voting Rights Coalition Challenging Executive Order on Mail-In Ballots
A coalition of voting rights organizations has filed a lawsuit challenging President Trump's March 31 executive order on mail-in voting. The Constitution explicitly states that only Congress and the states can set the rules for elections. Nevertheless, the order attempts to displace states’ mail-in voting laws by transforming the US Postal Service from a neutral mail carrier to an arbiter of who may cast a ballot by mail.
The order also requires the Department of Homeland Security to build and give to each state a list of citizens eligible to vote. Given that federal databases are out-of-date and unreliable, this risks mass disenfranchisement of eligible voters.
The suit was filed by the League of Women Voters, the Association of Americans Resident Overseas (AARO), US Vote Foundation, Asian Pacific American Advocates (OCA), and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
They are represented by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Brennan Center for Justice, Legal Defense Fund (LDF), Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC), and Latino-Justice PRLDEF.
See the full press release and the statement from the plaintiffs and their counsel here.
League of Women Voters and SPLC Move to Defend Fair Representation in Census Lawsuit
The League of Women Voters, represented by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), has filed a motion to intervene in Louisiana v. U.S. Department of Commerce. The lawsuit seeks to exclude some undocumented persons and holders of temporary visas from the census count used to allocate congressional seats and Electoral College votes.
The League is intervening to ensure that all residents – not just citizens – are counted to ensure fair representation and equitable distribution of federal resources, as required by the Constitution and federal law.
If the plaintiffs are successful, states with large immigrant populations would be penalized, stripped of congressional seats, electoral votes, and any federal funding tied to population.
See the full statement here.
 Action Alert: Tell Congress the Census Must Count All People
Urge your Members of Congress to protect the census
LWVUS Joins Letter to Congress Supporting Free Public Education for Children Regardless of Immigration Status
The letter to members of Congress reiterates the League’s support for the US Supreme Court's 1982 decision in Plyler v. Doe, which ruled that children cannot be denied access to a free public education on the basis of their immigration status.
See the text of the letter here.
Learn More about League Action and Speak Out with the League
You can find out more about action the League is taking to defend democracy, amplify the League’s voice, and increase our impact for change by responding to Action Alerts from LWVUS and LWVC. Sign up for LWV Action Alerts.
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GET READY FOR THE JUNE 2 PRIMARY ELECTION | The June 2nd primary is quickly approaching - now is the time to prepare. While primary elections typically see lower turnout (often hovering around 40–45% of registered voters), your participation is vital for several reasons.
Why Your Vote Matters Now
- Local Races are Often Decided in June: For many local seats, this is the final election. The contests for District 2 and District 4 Supervisors feature only two candidates; the winner will be declared in June. Similarly, if one of the three candidates for County Clerk-Recorder receives more than 50% of the vote, they win the seat outright.
- The "Top Two" Rule: For statewide, assembly, and congressional contests, California uses a "Top Two" primary system. The two candidates with the most votes - regardless of party - move on to November. If you don't vote now, your preferred candidate might not even be an option in the general election.
Important Dates & Deadlines
- May 4-8: Ballots begin arriving in mailboxes
- May 18: Deadline for voter registration
- June 2: Election Day
3 Steps to Prepare Today
- Verify Your Registration: Visit registertovote.ca.gov to ensure your status is active and your mailing address is correct.
- Track Your Ballot: Sign up for Where’s My Ballot? This free service notifies you when your ballot is mailed, received, and when your signature is verified for counting.
- Research the Candidates:
- Vote411.org: Use this resource to see candidate profiles and read their platforms in their own words. Candidates are beginning to populate their information and the effort is ongoing to encourage their participation. Vote411.org is available in Spanish and other languages as well as English.
- Attend or Watch Candidate Forums: Catch a replay of the County Clerk-Recorder forum (held April 7). Attend or watch upcoming supervisor forums: District 2 on April 22 and District 4 on April 29 (see details below). View the replays on the LWV SLOCO YouTube channel.
Encourage others to participate in this important election
- Reach out to friends and family in person or on social media and share the important dates and 3 steps to prepare.
- Once ballots arrive, host a “let’s look at the candidates” get-together to share opinions and research.
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LWV Joins Court Cases at Federal and State Levels. SCOTUS Decisions Due in June-July
Litigation empowers the League’s fight for the issues that matter most to our democracy. By going to court at the state and national level, the League works to protect the right to vote, promote fair and accessible elections, end big-money corruption, and foster public participation in our democracy.
Watson v. Republican National Committee. LWVUS filed an amicus brief to protect vote-by-mail and the states’ authority to set the rules for elections in their states. In this case the RNC challenged a Mississippi law that allows the counting of mail-in ballots received after the Congressionally specified Election Day. The League brief argues that the RNC is asking the Court to radically rewrite federal law in a way that would dismantle more than a century of election administration and disenfranchise eligible voters. The Constitution grants the states the primary power to manage elections in their states, recognizing that states must have the flexibility to ensure every lawful vote is counted. LWVUS has joined the ACLU Foundation in this suit. See the LWVUS statement here.
Trump v. Barbara. LWVUS has joined amicus briefs in several cases urging the Supreme Court to strike down the Trump administration’s executive order on birthright citizenship in Washington v. Trump and most recently Trump v. Barbara. The League argues that birthright citizenship is a constitutional guarantee and this executive order is a dangerous escalation in the effort to redefine who belongs in our democracy. The brief debunks the Trump administration’s claim that the Reconstruction Congress intended birthright citizenship to apply only to freed slaves and their children. LWVUS joined the NAACP and the Equal Justice Society in this suit. See the LWVUS statement here.
Louisiana v. Callais. LWVUS and allied groups filed an amicus brief in the US Supreme Court supporting a new congressional map that created a second Black-majority district in Louisiana. The brief argues that using race to draw a congressional district in order to remediate a prior racially discriminatory map is in keeping with Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which is a commitment to right the wrongs of the past and move toward a multiracial democracy. If the Court rules that pro-Black remedial districts under Section 2 are unconstitutional, states could deny Black voters fair representation at will, perverting the purpose and text of the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments. See the League statement here.
In recent months, LWVUS has joined lawsuits to protect sensitive voter data in California, Kentucky, Maine, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Utah. As the Justice Department demanded states turn over private voter information and the states refused, the League has joined other voting rights and civil liberties organizations to defend the states’ refusals to compromise voter data. League partners in this fight include ACLU, Common Cause, the Brennan Center for Justice, NAACP, the Latino Action Network, the League of United Latin American Citizens, and Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW).
To learn more about League litigation efforts see Legal Center | League of Women Voters.
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2026 LEGISLATIVE INTERVIEWS | Elected Officials Answer Questions from the League
 State Senate President pro Tempore Monique Limón
LWV SLOCO completed the 2026 round of legislative interviews with an interview of Senator Limón who represents Santa Barbara and parts of San Luis Obispo and Ventura counties. During a 30-minute meeting via Zoom, the senator discussed legislative priorities, voting rights, immigration enforcement impacts, artificial intelligence (AI) policy, and homeowners insurance challenges. She also encouraged League members to share their own priority issues with her office to inform the senator’s budget and policy work. See the complete interview with Senator Limón here. See interviews with all of SLO County's legislators here.
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UPCOMING CANDIDATES FORUMS | Hear Directly from the Candidates
The League of Women Voters encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Candidates forums are intended to provide the public with an opportunity to learn about the candidates and their views on the issues. The League neither supports nor opposes political parties or candidates.
Community members are encouraged to attend the forum and to submit questions for the candidates at the forum. Find information about our upcoming candidates forums here.
|  | Watch a replay of the April 7 County Clerk-Recorder candidates forum here. |
 | Attend the District 2 Supervisor forum in person at the Morro Bay Vets Hall on April 22 or watch on SLO-Span here. |
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 | Attend the District 4 Supervisor forum in person at the South County Regional Center on April 29 or watch on SLO-Span here. |
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 California Insurance Commissioner Candidate Forum
April 29 | 5:30 pm | On Zoom
Meet the candidates running in the June 2026 election for the office of California Insurance Commissioner. Given the impact to fire and homeowners' insurance the past few years, the individual elected will play a pivotal role in shaping the future direction of policy availability and access. It is vital that voters educate themselves on the candidates and determine who they believe is most qualified to serve in this higher-stakes role. Register here. | |
COMMUNITY MEETING ON CITY OF SLO ELECTION CHANGE |  Find out how SLO City Council Member elections are changing this year.
On May 12, the City of San Luis Obispo will host an in-person community meeting on Citywide Single Vote, the new way of electing Council Members.
Tuesday, May 12 | 5:30 – 7:00 pm | Ludwick Community Center
Attendees will learn what is and is not changing, why the City made this change, and how to stay informed and make your vote count.
Register Here. Space is limited! Anyone who registers in advance is guaranteed a spot. Please register by May 11 at 5 p.m. | |
LEAGUE PRESENTATION MAY 23 |  Learn How We Can Protect Our Vote!
Saturday, May 23 | 2 - 4:30 pm
Unitarian Universalists San Luis Obispo
2201 Lawton Ave, SLO
Guest speaker: Ed Cabrera, LWV SLOCO Voter Service Director
Followed by Q&A | Register here. | |
LEAGUE FUNDRAISER AT SLO REP - APRIL 30 | Truth is complicated. Facts are contested. Sound familiar?
Join LWV SLOCO on April 30 for a pre-opening dress rehearsal of The Lifespan of a Fact at SLO-REP -- a sharp, award-winning comedy about what happens when facts collide with truth. It's the kind of story we think about every day.
Doors open at 6 p.m. for wine and desserts. Show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person, and this is a League fundraiser -- your ticket directly supports voter education and civic engagement in San Luis Obispo County.
|  Don't Miss Out! Tickets still available!
Thursday, April 30, 6:00 p.m.
The Lifespan of a Fact
At the San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre
Social hour with wine and desserts precedes the play.
Tickets are $50 per person.
This event is open to League members, non-members and guests.
Buy your tickets here
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SLO REGIONAL MEMBER SOCIAL MAY 20 | | San Luis Obispo Regional Social Event (includes Avila Beach)
We invite you to participate in an afternoon of conversation, connection and community. Light refreshments and beverages will be available.
Wednesday, May 20 | 4 – 6 PM
The Pavilion at SLO Ranch
Not a member? All are welcome — we hope to see you there!
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2026 SPRING MEETING JUNE 6 | | 2026 Spring Meeting
Guest speaker Kaila Dettman
Exec. Director of The Land Conservatory
Saturday, June 6 | 9:30am - 11:30am
Doors open at 9 am
$40 per person
includes Continental Breakfast
Ventana Grill, 2575 Price Street, Pismo Beach
Members and non-members welcome.
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Meeting highlights:
- Socialize with fellow League members
- Ed Cabrera and his lively slide show of this year’s events
- A presentation from the League Civil Discourse Committee: "Coping With Chaos", a short discussion of how we might get through these difficult times.
- Guest speaker Kaila Dettman, Executive Director of The Land Conservatory, will help us see the beauty around us and give us hope for the future with her presentation of the Land Conservancy’s past and current projects: "Finding Hope in Nature."
| | National Volunteer Week 2026 runs from April 19–25, 2026, celebrating the "Your Year to Volunteer" theme. The League of Women Voters highlights this week by honoring several of our local volunteers who power democracy through voter education, registration, and advocacy.
Check out our Volunteer page for opportunities to get involved in the important work of the SLOCO League. | | | |
FINANCIAL REVIEW TEAM OPPORTUNITY |
Use your financial expertise to support the League
Are you a numbers person?
Do you have experience with financial records and accounting?
If so, LWV SLOCO needs you!
In accordance with our bylaws, we are required to conduct an annual financial review at the end of each fiscal year, ending June 30. We need members to join the Financial Review Committee. This is a short-term part-time commitment with the review beginning in August and concluding in October.
If you are interested in helping in this important way or have questions, please contact Wendy Brown at billing@lwvslo.org. | |
WELCOME HOME VILLAGE OPENS SOON |
Welcome Home Village (WHV) is scheduled to open May 29 at the intersection of Bishop and Johnson in San Luis Obispo, providing 40 permanent supportive housing units and 14 transitional care units for people experiencing homelessness. WHV is funded by a 2023 $13.4 million grant from the CA Interagency Commission on Homelessness as part of the Encampment Resolution Fund. Some League members who’ve ‘adopted a unit’ will be moving household goods into ‘their’ unit on May 2. A public ribbon cutting ceremony is set for June 8. Contact Jack Lorenz (jack@dignitymoves.org) at Dignity Moves to learn more about how you can help. Read more about Welcome Home Village on the SLO County website here and on KSBY here. | |
UPCOMING EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS |
LWV SLOCO provides information on upcoming community events & announcements that may be of interest to readers of the Voter. Inclusion on the list does not necessarily indicate LWV SLOCO endorsement of the event, or the opinions and actions of the sponsoring organization. |
Stand Up for Democracy Yard Signs
As the window rapidly closes to protect voters during the critical 2026 midterm election season, we’re mobilizing to defend the freedom to vote and ensure every voice is heard. Please make a gift of $26 or more today to show your support. As a thank you, you’ll receive a limited-edition League yard sign while supplies last.
SLO Climate Coalition: Electric Home Tour
Resilient Futures
📅 Date: Saturday, Apr 25
🕘 Time: 10 am - 12 pm
📍 Location: In SLO. Register to receive address
Take a tour of a fully electric and weatherized home in San Luis Obispo. Learn how this homeowner was able to replace their gas appliances with electric ones, and how you can do the same. Register Now to secure your spot & receive the address.
The Land Conservancy of SLO County
Santa Rita Ranch BioBlitz
📅 Date: Monday, Apr 27
🕘 Time: 10 am - 1 pm
📍 Location: 3520 Old Creek Road, Templeton
Collaborate with The Land Conservancy and other partners for the annual City Nature Challenge while enjoying a beautiful day at the Santa Rita Ranch. We’ll be guiding a bioblitz to explore the amazing plants and animals found in Central California.
All you need is a smartphone and we’ll instruct you on how to use the iNaturalist app to engage with the natural world around you. Space is limited, so secure your spot today. All ages welcome! Come gather to become community scientists!
RSVP here!
May Day Protest
A nationwide day of collective action
On May 1, 2026, workers, students, and families rally, march, and take action across the country to demand a nation that puts workers over billionaires, with many refusing business as usual through No School. No Work. No Shopping. Find more information here.
Voting Rights: What Constitutes Free and Fair Elections?
League of Women Voters of California and the Mechanics’ Institute
As midterm elections approach, and the U.S. Supreme Court considers multiple election law cases, what can voters expect when they cast their ballots - and how may that change in the near future? Experts in election ethics law, election administration, and voting rights education and activism will address these and other questions.
📅 Date: Wednesday, May 13
🕘 Time: 6:30 pm
📍 Location: Virtual
Register here.
| 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. | |