Tag: democracy

Initiative Petition 57

The process for drawing congressional and legislative district boundaries has, for too long, been controlled by politicians. Letting politicians manipulate voting maps is like putting the fox in charge of the hen house. Politicians in power shouldn’t be allowed to draw voting maps that benefit themselves and their party.

The process for drawing congressional and legislative district boundaries has, for too long, been controlled by politicians. Letting politicians manipulate voting maps is like putting the fox in charge of the hen house. Politicians in power shouldn’t be allowed to draw voting maps that benefit themselves and their party.

People Not Politicians proposes Initiative Petition 57 to reform that process and create a fairer, more transparent system. At its simplest, this initiative would create an independent citizen redistricting commission comprised of Oregonians.

This is critical to do it now! Redistricting only happens every 10 years after a census is taken.

The Secretary of State has agreed to accept petitions from People Not Politicians and allow the gathering of more signed petitions until August 17. Read the Secretary of State Bev Clarno’s press release.

The League of Women Voters of Oregon along with a coalition are working hard on getting Initiative Petition 57 on the November 3rd ballot. If the petition makes the ballot voters will have the chance to vote on creating an independent redistricting commission for the state of Oregon. Now the redistricting is done by the state Legislature, a group of politicians.

See our home page for more information.

More About Ranked Choice Voting

Learn about Ranked Choice Voting by viewing this Powerpoint presentation.

Here’s a link to the League’s Executive Summary of study on Election Methods now on our Publications webpage. For the full study, visit the state League’s study page.

Oregon currently uses first-past-the-post, plurality voting, but there are other possibilities. The executive summary describes many election methods used by different states and countries.

Also see the News-Reviews article published on 1/14/20 on this topic.

Download the flyer below about this event.

FBI Surveils Southern Oregon Activists

We recently learned that those who have been vocal against the Jordan Cove Energy Project have been or are currently being watched by the FBI.

That surveillance includes members of the four Leagues of Women Voters in southern Oregon — Klamath County, Coos County, Rogue Valley and the Umpqua Valley Leagues. All activists, members of the League or not, should be concerned.

The League of Women Voters of Oregon (LWVOR) sent a letter to the Governor and Attorney General protesting this action saying “… it is unacceptable for local, state, and federal law enforcement to surveil and intimidate private citizens—even organizations—as they exercise their peaceful right to express concerns about this huge project.” Read the full letter here.

Read The Guardian‘s article here.

The ACLU of Oregon explains how you can obtain a FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) request on yourself to see what the FBI has on you. Here’s the link.

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Call About HR 1 Today!

The U.S. House will begin debate of HR1, the For the People Act, today! We need you to continue to urge your Representatives to support final passage of this legislation and oppose any amendments that would weaken the bills overall purpose: a stronger democracy.

Use the Capitol switchboard number (202) 224-3121 to call your Representative today! And tell them:

  • Vote Yes on HR1, the For the People Act
  • Vote No on amendments to weaken the bill or on a motion to recommit.

This sweeping democracy reform package is an unprecedented opportunity to put the power of our government back into the hands of the people where it belongs. The support of grassroots activists like YOU has pushed this bill to advance, we are so close and we cannot give up now! Call your Representative today! 

EMPOWERING VOTERS. DEFENDING DEMOCRACY.
U.S. HOUSE WILL VOTE ON HR1 THIS WEEK!
Voters across the country voted for democracy reform up and down the ballot in 2018, sending the 116th Congress a clear message that the country is ready for bold, comprehensive democracy reforms.

And now, HR1, the For The People Act is on the verge of passing the House of Representatives – THIS WEEK the House will vote on this historic piece of legislation. 

Call your Representative TODAY through the Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and urge them to vote to pass H.R. 1 – the  “For The People” Act.

HR1 is the biggest democracy reform agenda many of us have seen since the Voting Rights Act. This bill will revamp our voting system, implement fair redistricting, and crack down on dark money in elections so that voters have a stronger voice at the ballot box.

We must get this bold, transformative set of reforms to strengthen our democracy and return political power to the people over the finish line but we cannot do it without your help!

Call your Representative TODAY through the Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and urge them to commit to vote YES on  H.R1.

Yours in the fight!

P.S. Don’t want to call? Send an email using our action tool instead!

Voters’ Guides Are Here!

Get your nonpartisan, unbiased Voters’ Guide from a League friend or contact us. We have limited paper copies.

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Here’s a link to the electronic version of the paper Voters’ Guide:
http://lwvor.org/home/voteresources/

What does nonpartisan mean?

We do not support or oppose and political candidates or parties. Period.

Candidates Forum Tomorrow Night

Douglas County Commissioner Candidates Forum Tomorrow Night!

Be sure to attend Tuesday, April 17 at 7PM to 8:30PM a Douglas County Commissioner Candidates Forum to be held at the Umpqua Valley Arts Center, 1624 W. Harvard Ave, in Roseburg. This forum will host the slate of candidates running for the open seats on the Douglas County Board of Commissioners. Nine candidates have filed and have been invited to attend.

Bring your questions for the candidates. Find out what they think about your issues.

This event is free of charge, all are welcome. No campaign materials are permitted.

All League candidates forums are nonpartisan and unbiased. All candidates are treated the same and given the same information and opportunity to inform the public.

Be sure to come early!

For more information email lwvuv.info @ gmail.com or call [541]-[672]-[1914].

And the Candidates are . . .

Douglas County, OR – Position 2 – Four-year term
Tim J Freeman
Rita Harris
Ashley Hicks
Victor J Petrucci
Brandy Stone
Douglas County, OR – Position 3 – Four-year term
Chris Boice
James Hoyt
Jason Leeper
Jeremy Salter

Happy New Year!

May the New Year bring happiness, peace, and prosperity.

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LWV Umpqua Valley’s board of directors wishes all county residents a happy and prosperous 2018. We thank you for your support and
we vow to continue to address the needs of the community here in Douglas County, Oregon, mainly through open communication and shining light on issues.

May our respect for one another engender dialogue, cooperation, and understanding. 

The Board of Directors, LWVUV