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LWVN supports mail-in and early voting for upcoming special elections

December 7, 2020

Dear Representative Lawn,

On behalf of the League of Women Voters of Newton, I am writing in support of House Bill H5111.

As you are aware, Newton must hold a special election to fill city council vacancies that occurred with the resignation of Councilor Auchincloss and the death of Councilor
Ciccone. The pandemic is showing no signs of waning, but rather is escalating across the state and country. The citizens of Newton must feel safe voting in these elections. Therefore, we ask that the Joint Committee on Election Laws support Governor Baker’s request, on the City’s behalf, to allow Newton to use mail-in and early in-person voting for this upcoming election.

One of the League’s core beliefs is to build citizen participation in the democratic process. In order for the League and the City to do this, we must ensure that our election processes are accessible, safe, secure, and transparent.

In closing, thank you for taking this letter of support into consideration when the committee makes its decision.

Sincerely,

Marcia Johnson
President, League of Women Voters, Newton

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The LWVN Needs YOU to be the Eyes & Ears of the League

Effective League activity in a community relies on an understanding of how local government works.  A League Observer is the eyes and ears of the League, learning how government works and about issues that are, or may become, items for local study and action.  Consistent League presence at these meetings also adds to the League’s visibility and credibility.

We are looking for volunteers to observe City Council committee meetings.  Many people follow full City Council meetings, however fewer follow the committees where  the “work” really takes place.  Being an LWVN Observer,  is an informative and educational opportunity which is much easier today with the meetings taking place by Zoom.   So how do you become an LWVN Observer:

  1. Familiarize yourself with the various City Council committees and select the one(s) that interest you the most
  2. Use this link to find a list of current City Council  committee meetings, the agenda, and Zoom access information.
  3. Send an email to info@lwvnewton.org. to let us know of your interest and we will provide assistance and information to get you started.
  4. Then sit back, dial into the meeting, listen, learn, and take notes…what could be more educational and easier!

The Census Needs YOU — Please Volunteer NOW.

Volunteer for Phone Banks for Census Response and Voter Registration

Feel the need to take action around the upcoming elections? Want to make sure everyone in Massachusetts is counted in the 2020 Census? You can help by phoning residents and voters in hard-to-count/historically disenfranchised communities to encourage them to participate in the 2020 Census and to make a plan to vote safely this fall.  Phone banks are conducted on:

  • Tuesday, Aug. 18, 11 am to 1 pm
  • Wednesday, August 19, 5 to 7 pm—LWVMA hosts this phone bank!
  • Thursday, Aug. 20, 5 to 7 pm

Please  sign up to volunteer here. You’ll need a computer and a phone; training and a script are provided. Please note you need to sign up for each day you would like to phone bank.