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Voter Service Update for the Fall 2019 Municipal Election

November 30, 2019

LWVN held 10 Candidates’ Forums this election season, including two for Ward 5 Ward Councilor, both before and after the preliminary election.  All were produced with NewTV, our long-time partner, recorded at NewTV, and made available through the NewTV and LWVN websites.  These were for contested seats on the City Council only.  Although there were also three contested School Committee races, one candidate in each race declined to participate.  Because LWV does not hold ‘empty chair’ debates, we had to cancel the School Committee Candidate Forums.

The LWVN Online Voters Guide did include all candidates for City Council and School Committee, including those in uncontested races and those whose opponents chose not to participate.  This was made available to the public approximately three weeks before the election.  City Council candidates were asked four questions, and the School Committee members were asked five.

LWVN also created ‘Saturday Night at the Races,’ a ‘candidating’ type event for City Council candidates, which was co-sponsored with 7 other Newton organizations.  The event was held at the War Memorial at City Hall, and involved groups of citizens conversing with the City Council candidates by ward.  Every 15 minutes, voters were asked to move to a new table to meet a new set of candidates.  This was quite well-received, both by the candidates and by the voters, who enjoyed an opportunity for face-to-face discussions on issues raised directly by the voters.  Many especially appreciated being able to meet with candidates who did not have challengers, but who nevertheless made the effort to meet voters and discuss important topics.  We expect to continue this event in the next election, but will work to address some issues raised (mainly the noise level and timing).

In an effort to learn more about a new incoming City Councilor, LWVN did also host Ward 8 Ward Council candidate Holly Ryan on our monthly NewTV program, ‘The League Presents’.  Because Holly did not have a challenger, either on the ballot or as a write-in, we felt it was acceptable to meet with her individually and talk about some of the same issues discussed in our Candidates’ Forums. 

LWVN thanks our Voter Service team of co-chairs Bonnie Carter, Sharyn Roberts and Sue Flicop, as well as Lucia Dolan, Lois Levin, Karen Manning, Lisa Mirabile, dozens of LWVN volunteers for the Candidates’ Forums and Saturday Night at the Races, the wonderful NewTV staff, and our co-sponsors for Saturday Night at the Races:  Green Newton,  Mothers Out Front, 350 Mass for a Better Future, Newton Needham Regional Chamber, Newton Conservators, Newton Council on Aging!

Submitted by Sue Flicop

Categories: Candidate Forums, VOTE - Voters Service, Voters' Guide

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The League Presents... is a monthly program on NewTV produced and directed by LWVN members about issues important to our community.

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Cover for League of Women Voters of Newton, MA
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League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

The League registers voters and educates them about the important issues and challenges facing Newto

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA updated their cover photo.

1 month ago

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA
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League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

1 month ago

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA
Newton voters now have the option to vote early by mail in all elections, with no excuse required! All registered voters in Newton should have received their official 2023 Vote by Mail Application this week, in plenty of time to Vote by Mail in the Newton Special Election on the override proposal. Full details of how to vote by mail are here: www.newtonma.gov/government/elections/absentee-voting ... See MoreSee Less

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League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

2 months ago

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA
Join us for a conversation with Congressman Jake Auchincloss of the MA 4th District on Wednesday, Feb 15 at 7:30pm!Learn more at lwvnewton.org/event/congressmanauchincloss-feb2023/Register at bit.ly/talk-with-jake ... See MoreSee Less

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League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

2 months ago

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA
LWVN is again offering two scholarships to high school seniors in Newton! We are pleased to have increased our scholarship award for the class of 2023 to $2,000 each!Learn more at lwvnewton.org/lwvn-scholarship-program/Candidates should apply online at bit.ly/LWVNAPPLY23 Deadline extended to March 31, 2023! ... See MoreSee Less

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League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

5 months ago

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA
Election Day is one week away! Not sure what's on the ballot or how to vote in the midterm elections? Get your election questions answered at www.vote411.org and watch forums on the 4 Massachusetts ballot questions at lwvma.org/ballot-question-forums/ ... See MoreSee Less

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The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization encouraging the informed and active participation of citizens in government. It influences public policy through education and advocacy.

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