VOTER Newsletter – February 2016

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V O T E R Volume 65 Number 1 President’s Message The League of Women Voters of Broward County (LWVBC) is Ready for Action as we start this exciting 2016 election year! We’re celebrating hard fought victories, informing and engaging our community, and inviting you to volunteer, participate and have fun. The Florida League has won the fight for fair redistricting across the state. Brenda Snipes, Broward Supervisor of Elections, will send updated voter identification cards with the new districts to each registered Broward voter this spring. But, citizens will vote in their current districts for the upcoming Presidential Preference Primary (PPP) on March 15, 2016. Speaking of elections, LWVBC continues to register and inform voters—about registration deadlines, candidates, and issues. • Laura Simon and LWVBC volunteers registered voters at several events, including the Dr. Martin Luther King Fort Lauderdale celebration. We informed voters that February 16th is the deadline to register and/or indicate party affiliation for voting in the PPP. • Jocelyn Carter-­‐Miller spoke on behalf of the LWVBC at the Delta Sigma Theta Founder’s Day event, where she encouraged greater voter participation. • Janie Koszoru, Margery Marcus and Carol Smith through the LWVBC Speakers Bureau, developed and provided presentations for Broward residents on Florida Voter History, Why Vote and other important topics of interest. • Shaheewa Jarrett-­‐Gelin and the Broward Vote! Coalition—the organization developed by LWVBC that includes leaders form over a dozen Broward groups—continue to inform and engage the community in meaningful civic activities. • Jane Gross and her team are updating Vote411.org to provide voters with relevant information on election dates, candidates, districts, issues and more. To celebrate Women’s History Month, LWVBC is holding its first Women in Leadership Forum in March. Guest speakers will connect with Broward women to share insights and experiences for advancing women and important issues. And you’re all invited to join us for wine and meaningful conversations at this Forum. Join us at the LWVBC Open House on February 20th, where we’ll connect for friendship and fun as we share our plans for 2016. If you haven’t already done so, renew your membership and invite a friend to join us. We have big plans for 2016 and need you to make them happen. Looking forward to seeing you at the February LWVBC Open House. Jocelyn
Jocelyn Carter-­‐Miller -­‐ LWVBC President
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V O T E R Voters Service LWVFL has updated its voter registration training and quiz. If you have not taken the quiz in 2015, please retake it so that the state can update their records. Complete this as soon as possible so you can be re-­‐certified to register voters during this very busy time for us. The LWVBC goal is to have 50% of membership qualified. • Go to: http://thefloridavoter.org • Click on MEMBERS, follow directions for Voter Registration and take the quiz. • Email Laura Simon when you pass the test. If you have any questions, contact Laura Simon (954-­‐430-­‐5234; [email protected]) New members are also encouraged to take the quiz. Voters Service Activities: • Jan. 12: Pride Center Coffee and Conversation. Thanks to volunteers: Donna and Bart Meyers, Jerry Ziertman, Betty Gambino, and Laura Simon. • Jan. 18: Martin Luther King Celebration. Thanks to Margery and Ron Marcus, Alice Levy, Jerry Ziertman, Elayne Garver, Jocelyn Carter-­‐Miller, Scherry Donato, and Shaheewa Jarrett-­‐Gelin. • Jan. 30: Delta Sigma Theta Founders Day Event. Thanks to presenter Jocelyn Carter-­‐Miller, and Shaheewa Jarrett-­‐Gelin, Elayne Garver, and Laura Simon. Upcoming Voter Registration Events (Volunteers Needed) • • • • • Feb. 3: Hagen Park CAN, 6:30 pm, Wilton Manors Feb. 4: Garden Plaza at Inverrary, 11 am, Lauderhill Feb. 6: Coral Springs Family Fun Day, 10 am, Coral Springs Feb. 12: SunServe, 10:30 am, Fort Lauderdale Feb. 29: Life Long Learning, 12:30 pm, Davie Top: Laura Simon, Jocelyn Carter-­‐
Miller at MLK Celebration Above: Scherry Donato and Jerry Ziertman Left: Ron and Margery Marcus LWV Broward County VOTER 65(1) February 2016 2 LWV
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V O T E R Presidential Primary March 15 So many candidates …only one vote Florida is a Closed Primary State If you wish to vote in the upcoming March 15th Presidential Preference Primary election you MUST be a registered Democrat or Republican voter in order to cast a ballot for the candidate in that party. In order to vote, those registered as an Independent or Other must revise their voter registration to indicate a party affiliation of Democrat or Republican 29 days before the primary election. Last day to do this is February 16, 2016! Republican Candidates:
Jeb Bush, Ben Carson, Chris Christie, Ted Cruz, Carly Fiorina, Jim Gilmore, Lindsey Graham, Mike Huckabee, John R. Kasich, Rand Paul, Marco Rubio, Rick Santorum, Donald Trump (although some
candidates have suspended their campaigns,
they will still be on the ballot)
Democratic Candidates:
Hillary Clinton, Martin O’Malley, Bernie Sanders
March 15 Municipal Elections (All Voters) • Town of Davie: District 4: Marlon Luis and John “Bud” Toole • Town of Hillsboro Beach: Commission Seat: Richard Maggiore and Troy Link; Commission Seat: Irene Kirdahy and Don Taggart; Charter Amendment to permanently hire a Town Manager • Town of Lauderdale-­‐by-­‐the Sea: Mayor: Scot Sasser and James Pady; Commission Seat: Yann Brandt and Alfred Oldaker • City of Pembroke Pines: District 2: Jay Schwartz, Jack McCluskey and Mark O’Loughlin; District 3: Iris Siple, Ryan Greenberg and Christopher Ziade Make sure your Voter Registration is up to date with your current address and signature. There are three ways to VOTE: • Early Voting at any one of 20 Broward locations. March 5 through March 13 -­‐ 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. • Vote by Mail: Call 954-­‐357-­‐7055 for ballot with postage pre-­‐paid return envelope. • Election Day, March 15, at your assigned polling place -­‐ 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. LWV Broward County VOTER 65(1) February 2016 3 LWV
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V O T E R Celebrating 96 Years February 14th isn’t just Valentine’s Day – it’s also League of Women Voters’ Day! The League was founded by suffragist Carrie Chapman Catt on February 14, 1920. Catt was instrumental in helping pass the 19th Amendment, which secured women the right to vote. Ever since, the League has been at the forefront of efforts to strengthen our democracy, including registering and educating voters. Prior to passage of the 19th Amendment, suffragists used holidays like Valentine’s Day to promote the cause of “Votes for Women.” The National Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA), the League’s predecessor, even created its own suffrage postcards! (Reprinted from LWV.org 2/12/2015) League Open House – February 20 Join us on February 20 to celebrate the League’s February 14th Birthday and learn how you can get involved in League-­‐sponsored 2016 Election events and activities. Share the Love by bringing a friend – and win a raffle prize. Light refreshments will be served. When: February 20 at 10 am Where: LWVBC Office 5101 NW 21st Avenue, Suite 450 Fort Lauderdale, FL " Friends who vote together, stay together."
Let’s prove it in 2016!!! LWV Broward County VOTER 65(1) February 2016 4 LWV
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V O T E R Vote411.org is a one-­‐stop site which provides election information. Developed by the LWV, it’s simple to use. Just log on, enter your address and find answers to all your election-­‐related questions. Primary election dates and registration deadlines Voter registration tool Data on candidates in federal, state, and local elections Your polling place location Voting procedures Other election and voting topics • Information regarding the March 15 Presidential Primary will be available on the Vote411.org site in mid-­‐February. Redistricting Update Both the US Congressional and FL Senate maps that were selected by Circuit Judges Terry Lewis and George Reynolds were submitted by the LWVF. Each map was determined to best follow the voter approved Fair District guidelines in the Constitution. They may be found on the LWVF website, www.thefloridavoter.org. The Congressional map has been accepted by the FL Supreme Court. While there is still an unresolved challenge, the map appears to be final. There will be 4 Districts in Broward: 20—Western Broward shared with Palm Beach County; 22—North Broward and Boca Raton; 23—Southeast Broward and northeast Miami-­‐Dade, 24—West Park, Pembroke Park, part of Hollywood and north central Miami-­‐
Dade. The FL Senate map has been sent to the FL Supreme Court by Judge George Reynolds. The districts on the map have been renumbered. The Senate has decided not to appeal, so that map is set. Five Senate Districts are outlined for Broward: 29—SW Palm Beach, SE Coast of Palm Beach and small portion of North Broward; 32—West Broward; 33—NE Broward; 34—Broward Coastline; 35—shared with Miami-­‐
Dade. Congressional candidates must live in the State but not necessarily in the District. On the other hand, Florida Legislators must live in their District. All FL Senate Districts will be on the ballot: even numbers for 2 year terms; odd numbers for 4 year terms. The FL House map was not challenged. Susan Cameron Veronica Phillips
Diane Fettrow
Linda Thigpen
Jill Fine
Julie Wade
Angela Griffin
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V O T E R Do You Wonder How to Handle All the Requests for Money That Come from League? LWVUS: Fundraising letters may come from the National League office asking for you to contribute to some issue or program: It is totally your choice to support in any way you choose—or not support. Membership dues should not be mailed to the Washington office. The Broward League pays a per member payment to the National League on your behalf. LWVF: Likewise, the State League office will send fundraising letters to support petition drives or legal efforts. Again, that is totally your choice to support or not support. Unless specified, these are not tax deductible. The Broward League pays a per member payment to the State League on your behalf. LWVBC: Membership in the League is renewed annually in October through dues paid to the League of Women Voters of Broward County (LWVBC). Any tax deductible donations that you would care to make to support the work of the League should be made by mailing a check, payable to LWVF-­‐Education Fund/Broward County and mailed to LWVBC, P.O. Box 15952, Plantation, FL 33318. In addition, regular donations to the Broward League may be added to your dues check or sent separately to LWVBC, P.O. Box 15952, Plantation, FL 33318. LWV Broward County VOTER 65(1) February 2016 6 LWV
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V O T E R Education Margery Marcus [email protected] Voters Service Laura Simon [email protected] Membership Data Base Scherry Donato [email protected] Education Committee members Jane Koszoru and Margery Marcus represented the League at Ed Talk, a public forum sponsored by Broward Schools at the Signature Grand in Davie, FL. The purpose of the forum was to engage the public in educational strategies advancing the District’s Strategic Plan. The Education Committee is also developing a new presentation on the Florida Election System as well as preparing press materials for the upcoming elections. Voter Registration Events: Feb. 3: Hagen Park CAN, 6:30 pm, Wilton Manors Feb. 4: Garden Plaza at Inverrary, 11 am, Lauderhill Feb. 6: Coral Springs Family Fun Day, 10 am, Coral Springs Feb. 12: SunServe, 10:30 am, Fort Lauderdale Feb. 29: Life Long Learning, 12:30 pm, Davie Join us for our Membership Open House on February 20 Learn how you can get involved in Election 2106 events and activities. REMEMBER TO RENEW! Speakers Bureau Carol Smith [email protected] Fundraising Betty Gambino Bettyboop9132001@ yahoo.com Margery Marcus and Jane Koszoru are developing a new presentation to encourage voter turnout entitled Florida Matters. Presentations: Feb. 29 Life Long Learning Institute, 12:30 pm, Davie -­‐ The History of Florida Voting Do you belong to other organizations that need speakers on "Florida Matters", "Redistricting and the Effect on Our Elections", or "Ballot Issues Made Understandable"? Will you need moderators for Candidate Forums? The League of Women Voters is your source for nonpartisan voter Information. Contact Carol Smith, 954-­‐341-­‐9221, [email protected], or the League Phone, 954-­‐735-­‐1311 Please contact me if you know of any local merchants or individuals who would like to donate gifts or services to be raffled off at our annual League luncheon in April. LWV Broward County VOTER 65(1) February 2016 7 LWV
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Date V O T E R Event Sunday February 14 League of Women Voters Founding Date in 1920 Tuesday-­‐‑Thursday February 16-­‐‑18 Saturday February 20 9:30 am Saturday February 20 10 am Legislative Summit and Historic Capitol Gala For details: http://thefloridavoter.org/about/2016-­‐lwvf-­‐
legislative-­‐summit/ Board of Directors Meeting LWVBC Office 5101 NW 21st Avenue, Suite 450 Fort Lauderdale, FL Membership Open House LWVBC Office 5101 NW 21st Avenue, Suite 450 Fort Lauderdale, FL Follow us on Like us on Twitter @lwvbcfl Visit our Facebook Website Lwvbcfl.org The VOTER is a newsletter published by The League of Women Voters Broward County Jane Koszoru – editor [email protected] Jocelyn Carter-­‐Miller – LWVBC president [email protected] LWV Broward County VOTER 65(1) February 2016 8 LWV
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V O T E R Jocelyn Carter-­‐Miller President Shaheewa Jarrett Gelin Vice President Elayne Garver Secretary John Kent Treasurer Barbara Beahan Director Kamalie Belizaire Director Scherry Donato Director Betty Gambino Director Jane Koszoru Director Margery Marcus Director Harriet Mathis Director Donna Meyers Director Laura Simon Director COMMITTEE CHAIRS 954-­‐464-­‐5512 305-­‐495-­‐8252 954-­‐471-­‐1355 954-­‐632-­‐5301 954-­‐753-­‐4779 240-­‐603-­‐7711 954-­‐849-­‐8568 954-­‐895-­‐4150 954-­‐464-­‐4165 954-­‐563-­‐3685 954-­‐600-­‐4563 954-­‐430-­‐5234 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Ghazala Salam Shaheewa Jarrett Gelin 954-­‐385-­‐7834 305-­‐495-­‐8252 [email protected] [email protected] 240-­‐603-­‐7711 [email protected] 954-­‐547-­‐1473 [email protected] 954-­‐563-­‐3685 954-­‐341-­‐9221 954-­‐646-­‐4165 954-­‐895-­‐4150 954-­‐430-­‐5234 302-­‐521-­‐7741 954-­‐849-­‐8568 954-­‐646-­‐4165 954-­‐600-­‐4563 954-­‐563-­‐3685 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 954-­‐791-­‐0387 [email protected] BOARD MEMBERS Scherry Donato Nora Ayala Harriet Mathis Carol Smith Margery Marcus Janie Koszoru Laura Simon Lynne Joshi Betty Gambino Margery Marcus Donna Meyers Harriet Mathis Jane Gross Action Community Outreach Membership Database Membership Outreach Public Relations Speakers Bureau Voter Editor Voter Services Webmaster Fundraising Education Hot Topics Voter Turnout Taskforce VOTE411/WRY LWV Broward County VOTER 65(1) February 2016 9 LWV
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