Photos on the left: LWVC Board members, staff, and League volunteers around the state participated in LWVUS’ National Day of Action on August 8, 2026. Photos on the right: LWVC joined the California Democracy Partnership at the Sacramento State Capitol to support the California Voting Rights Act of 2026.
Dear League Members and Friends,
As we head toward the November election, I find myself thinking about two responsibilities we have in this moment: defending the democracy we have, while continuing to build the democracy we want.
There is no question that the broader political environment remains deeply concerning. We continue to see efforts at the federal level to undermine voters’ confidence in our elections and interfere with the ability of state and local officials to administer them. The Department of Justice has pursued access to state voter files across the country, and LWVC intervened in the California case. Now, we are hearing about plans for an unusually large deployment of federal election monitors at polling places during the midterm elections. All of this is happening against a backdrop of continued attacks on mail voting, repeated efforts to enact federal proof-of-citizenship requirements, and persistent false claims about the integrity of our elections.
At LWVC, we believe part of our responsibility is to be prepared – not panicked.
That is why we have been participating in scenario-planning conversations with partners across the democracy space to think through what we would do if the midterms bring challenges we sincerely hope never materialize. What happens if the Department of Justice or another federal agency attempts to seize ballots or interfere with their counting? How do we respond to intimidation or violence by private actors? What happens if certification is improperly delayed, a recount is prolonged beyond the date Congress is seated, or the rightful winner of a House race is prevented from taking office?
These are difficult scenarios to contemplate. But preparing for them now means that if a crisis arises, we will not be starting from scratch. We will know whom to call, how our legal and advocacy partners can work together, how to get accurate information to voters quickly, and how the League can best use our trusted voice and statewide network.
We are far from alone. Across California and the country, voting-rights organizations, election experts, lawyers, civic groups, and community leaders are building relationships and preparing to stand together in defense of voters and free and fair elections. That preparation makes our democracy more resilient.
At the same time, our work cannot only be about playing defense.
Here in California, we are working toward a stronger and more inclusive democracy. We are co-leading the campaign for Proposition 4, which would reduce the influence of corporate special interest money in our elections by lifting California’s ban on public financing of campaigns. And we are advocating for a robust California Voting Rights Act that protects every Californian’s ability to have their voice heard.
That combination – defending democracy while pushing it closer to its promise – has always been at the heart of the League’s work.
The months ahead may test our institutions in ways we cannot fully predict. But I enter them with confidence in something we can control: how well we prepare, how strongly we stand together, and how consistently we remind people that our democracy belongs to all of us.
Thank you for your support, your partnership, and your commitment to this work during such a critical time. I am deeply grateful to have this League community standing alongside us.
In League,
Jenny Farrell
Executive Director
League of Women Voters of California
Shasta County Update – We Won!
Last month, the League of Women Voters of California filed an amicus brief in support of the state of California’s request for an injunction to prevent Shasta County from implementing Measure B in the November election. Measure B would require every voter to present government issued ID in order to vote, would require all ballots in Shasta County be hand counted, and would force all elections procedures to be conducted in one day with limited voting by mail.
Well, good news – we won! Earlier this month, the Court granted our request for a preliminary injunction, noting that Shasta’s status as a charter county does not mean it can ignore state law and make its own election rules. This means Measure B will not go into effect for the November midterms.
In its ruling, the Court made several references to arguments we made in our amicus brief (e.g., that even if facially-neutral, Measure B will uniquely disenfranchise vulnerable voters). This is a great example of how LWVC participating in this kind of litigation, including through the filing of amici briefs, can have a real and immediate positive impact on the rights of voters throughout communities in California.
Save the Date: 2027 LWVC Convention in Anaheim!
Mark your calendars! We are thrilled to announce the details for our upcoming state convention. Join League members, leaders, and supporters from across California as we gather to connect, collaborate, and chart the future of our work.
2027 Convention Details
Dates: June 25-26, 2027 (Pre-convention events on June 24)
Location: Westin Anaheim Resort | Anaheim, CA
Stay tuned for registration details, speaker announcements, and agenda updates in the coming months. We can’t wait to see you in Anaheim!
Easy Voter Guides: Order Your Bundles Today
The 2026 November Easy Voter Guides (EVG) are now available for purchase!
The 16-page guide is available in 5 languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese.
They are sold in bundles of 50 guides for $34 per bundle.
Place your order at easyvoterguide.org today! The shipping of orders will begin on September 21.
The Easy Voter Guide is a publication produced by the League of Women Voters of California. It summarizes the State propositions that will appear on the ballot for the upcoming election. We also provide information about when and how to cast your ballot. Our summaries are unbiased and written in plain language. We hope that it provides an introductory level of information so that voters will become more engaged and more informed before casting their ballots.
The content is great for:
- Newly registered voters
- Young voters
- Voters who speak a language other than English
- Everyone!
Advocacy Briefing on Props 4, 5, and 39
Join LWVC for an interactive Zoom advocacy presentation on three key California ballot measures: Propositions 4, 5, and 39! We will dive into what each initiative means for voters, share campaign updates, explore ways to get involved, and answer your questions during a live Q&A session.
Event Details
WHEN: Tuesday, September 1 at 12:00 PM
WHERE: Online via Zoom
Key Measures Covered
- Proposition 4: Lifts California’s ban on public campaign financing, allowing local communities to fund grassroots candidates without relying on wealthy donors or special interests.
- Proposition 5: Reforms the recall election process to focus on removing corrupt officials rather than enabling political gamesmanship.
- Proposition 39: Prohibits voting without complying with strict new identification requirements for both in-person and mail-in voters.
We hope you can join us then! This webinar will be recorded. Please register to receive a link to the recording.
Fighting for Democracy at the Capitol
On August 5th, the League showed up in force with nearly 100 others from the California Democracy Partnership to advocate for our co-sponsored bill package, the California Voting Rights Act (CVRA) of 2026. A big thanks to Helen Hutchison, Carol Moon Goldberg, Dora Rose, and Savannah Jorgensen for being League voices at the Partnership’s Lobby Day as we pushed legislators to strengthen democracy and protect voting rights.
The crucial voting rights package, made up of SB 1164 and SB 1360 by Senator Cervantes, would:
- Protect against vote dilution and voter suppression.
- Enshrine federal language access protections in state law.
- Give Californians a direct path to enforce voting rights in state court.
What’s next: Both of the CVRA bills head to the Assembly floor as the legislative process begins to wrap-up for 2026. This is the final stage of the process before bills head to the Governor’s desk.
Take action: Ask your Assemblymembers to vote YES on SB 1164 and SB 1360!
San Bernardino Redistricting Bill Clears Latest Benchmark
Our sponsored bill, SB 1414 (Reyes), passed out of the Assembly fiscal committee and is heading to the floor! This vital bill will create an Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission (IRC) for San Bernardino County. IRCs put community voices first and make the redistricting process transparent and fair.
Take action: We need your help to get the bill across the finish line! Urge your Assemblymember to vote YES on SB 1414.
To follow other bills LWVC has positions on this session, visit our Bill Status Report.
Support Local Democracy: Serve As A Poll Worker
Looking for a meaningful way to give back while getting paid? Step up to support your local community during the upcoming election by serving as a poll worker!
Registered California voters and eligible high school students 16 and older can apply to serve as poll workers. This is a fantastic opportunity to directly support your neighbors, gain valuable hands-on experience, and get an inside look at how elections are administered.
Why Serve?
- Earn Extra Income: Receive a stipend for your time and training.
- Build Your Resume: Gain practical experience in public service and event coordination.
- Serve Your Community: Ensure local polling places run smoothly and securely for everyone.
Bring a friend or family member along and sign up together!
To learn more about eligibility, local county requirements, and application steps, visit the official California Secretary of State Poll Worker Portal. You can also contact your local county elections office for region-specific guidance.
Welcome to Our New LWVC Board Members!
Over the summer, the LWVC Board of Directors appointed three new Board members to fill open Board seats. We are thrilled to officially welcome Lupe Camacho, Dr. Mindy Romero, and Yolanda Schonbrun to the League of Women Voters of California Board of Directors! Each of these remarkable women bring a wealth of expertise, deep community experience, and a shared dedication to defending democracy and empowering voters across California.
Meet the New Directors
Lupe Camacho
Lupe brings an extensive background in project management, consulting, and local League leadership. A dedicated advocate for community engagement, she has served as Treasurer and Program Chair for the LWV San Bernardino Area, leading efforts on critical civic topics like redistricting and census awareness.
Dr. Mindy Romero
Mindy is a political sociologist and the founder and director of the Center for Inclusive Democracy (CID). She is widely recognized for her work examining political participation, representation, and civic engagement among young people and communities of color across the United States.
Yolanda Schonbrun
Yolanda brings dedicated local League experience and leadership to the state level. Having served with the League of Women Voters of Napa County and the Bay Area regional team, she brings strong expertise in advocacy, policy review, and community outreach.
To learn more about our new Directors’ backgrounds, and to read their full bios, visit the LWVC Board of Directors Page.
Elevate Your League’s Digital Presence Effortlessly with One Voice Social Media
Amplify your local outreach effortlessly with One Voice Social Media, a service provided by LWVC to support local Leagues. Visit lwvc.org/OneVoiceSocial and click the sign-up link on the site to enroll your local League today!
What You Get
- 6 Custom Posts Monthly: Prepared and published directly to your local League’s Facebook and Instagram accounts by LWVC.
- Consistent Advocacy: Professional graphics and messaging tailored to keep your community engaged without adding extra work to your board’s plate.
LWVC in the News
Explore our latest media mentions below, or check out our page, LWVC in the News for complete media coverage.
- 94.1 KPFA:KPFA: The Stakes (Interview with LWVC ED Jenny Farrell begins at 49:00)
- The Observer: On Your November Ballot: Prop 5 Would Reshape How California Conducts Recall Elections
- The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint: On Your November Ballot: Proposition 39 Puts California at the Center of the National Voter ID Debate
Fun Corner
This month, we’ve got a Wordle for you! Visit this link to play the quick puzzle – you’ll have six guesses to find the 5-letter word. As you guess, any matching letters will be highlighted (green for exact matches, yellow for the correct letter but wrong place). Hint: think about your vote!
