The strong voter participation during the 2018 general election in Bucks County and our surrounding community gives everyone reason to be proud. More than 40 volunteers from the League of Women Voters of Bucks County participated in 22 voter registration events held leading up to the November 6 Election. Venues included schools, libraries, Farmers Markets, and naturalization ceremonies. Citizens were helped with registering to vote and preparing absentee ballot applications, questions were answered, and applications were provided for those who preferred to apply on their own. League members from our Speaker's Bureau also provided educational programs about voting at several libraries.
Candidates running for offices at the federal and state level participated in six candidate forums hosted and moderated by the League. Two of the six forums were in partnership with Bucks County Chambers of Commerce. Delaware Valley University hosted two forums and provided assistance in videotaping, and most other venues were provided free or for a reduced cost. All who participated made these forums a great service for our citizens. We were impressed by the number of people who attended the forums; several were at capacity with 300 - 400 attendees. The candidates and attendees were civil and polite, allowing everyone in attendance to get value from the events.
Voters visited our web site in great numbers during November, looking for non-partisan candidate information in our Voters' Guide and information about our forums. Media partners helped by publicizing information about our guide and forums. Bucks County Transport generously donated signs on their vans publicizing Election Day.
The League's membership of men and women has also grown by well over 25% over the past several years. Interest surveys of our members indicate an increased interest in non-partisan volunteerism with a desire to educate voters and work for fair, accessible elections.
With the holiday season as a special time to reflect and express gratitude, we wish to recognize the candidates who participated in candidate forums, the generous venue hosts and forum partners, the dedicated volunteers of the League and most importantly, you, the voters, who make democracy work.
Message from the Co-Presidents, League of Women Voters of Bucks County:
Peggy Dator
Jan Hendershot
