LOCAL VOLUNTEERS ATTEND LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS NATIONAL MEETING

Joan Ziegler, President, LWV Glenview Takes Part in 2014 Convention in Dallas, TX

GLENVIEW – The League of Women Voters of Glenview was represented by Joan Ziegler, President at the 2014 League of Women Voters of the United States (LWVUS) 51st biennial national Convention June 6-10 in Dallas, TX.

"The energy and passion for democracy was infectious at our convention. I was so proud to join with 700 other delegates from almost every state in the country, in urging all voters to join the League in protecting the right to vote and fighting against the big moneyed self-interests that so dominate and divide our politics today.  The League is one organization trusted to take on these issues and effective enough to win because we are real people, grounded and active in our communities", said Joan Ziegler.

While in Dallas, Ziegler attended workshops and caucuses, and discussed many of the critical issues facing our democracy this election year. The League’s Power the Vote 2014 initiative was highlighted throughout as delegates celebrated the organization’s accomplishments and hard work on voting rights, campaign finance reform and the environment.

Delegates reelected Elisabeth G. MacNamara of Georgia as national President for a third term and elected a new Board of Directors, passed the League’s budget, and voted on the organization’s agenda for the next two years adopting a three-part program focusing on key structures of American democracy, including campaign finance reform, the constitutional amendment process, and redistricting reform for the U.S. Congress.  Delegates also vowed to continue the fight to protect voting rights and continue to push to combat climate change, including supporting the EPA’s new rules on carbon pollution.

 Ziegler and other attendees were welcomed to the convention by Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez and Houston Mayor Annise Parker and learned great insights on national demographic trends from Steven Murdock of Rice University.  Governing Magazine’s Peter Harkness shared insights on trends in state legislatures, and ideas to help foster civic renewal and restore trust in government were presented by Peter Levine of CIRCLE and Patrick Bresette of Public Works.  A panel discussion on voting rights and reform featuring Former U.S. Election Assistance Commissioner Ray Martinez and Ann McGeehan, the former Director of the Texas Elections Division, rallied attendees to action. NPR commentator Wade Goodwyn also addressed delegates at their banquet dinner providing his insights on the state of voting and election reform across the country.

“I was proud to represent the LWV of  Glenview at Convention 2014,” Ziegler said. “The League is a vibrant organization of volunteer men and women using our community-based power on the critical issues of the day in all 50 states and DC. I feel so fortunate to have had this opportunity to learn and network with them.”

### 

“Like” the League on Facebook.  Follow us on Twitter: @LWV

The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Founded in 1920, the League is one of America’s most trusted organizations.  Membership in League is open to men and women of all ages.