Attending a national League convention can be exciting and motivating. It is always eye-opening. We are busy and engaged in League work within our own communities, so it is good to have a reminder of how vitally important the League of Women Voters is nationally, making democracy work across the country—sometimes against formidable obstacles.

In particular, we are fortunate to live in a state and county where voter participation is enabled, encouraged, and facilitated. California is one of only thirteen states with an independent, nonpartisan citizens redistricting commission. This is partly due to years of California League advocacy on voting and elections.

Engaging with League members from states like Texas, Alabama, and Florida is like jumping into a cold bath of reality. I came away awed by the courage and persistence of Leaguers struggling with voter suppression in those and other states. In Florida, for example, the League is fighting against state actions that purge thousands of voters from the registration lists based on inaccurate, outdated, and unverified information. In Texas, the League opposed a bill that made citizens ineligible to vote by mail if they lack transportation to a polling place or if they are not able to leave their place of employment to vote. Texas even requires voters to submit a sworn affidavit of disability to receive a mail-in ballot!

The next national convention will be held in Washington, D.C., in 2024. The prospect of a convention in D.C. in a presidential election year, featuring an opportunity for in-person lobbying on the Hill with our elected representatives, is thrilling. Stay tuned!

—Katherine Gavzy