JULY 2026

President’s Message

State of the League of Women Voters Akron-Area 2026 

President’s Message July 2026

The National LWVUS Convention held in Columbus recently was an eye opening experience for the four of us who attended from Akron League - Arrye Rosser, Michele Root, Kymberly Coolidge and myself.

First of all I have to say I loved being in the presence of 1000 plus women as well as a few good men who are passionate about our democracy. That energy was in the air and permeated into each of us. I really cannot adequately convey how empowered we all felt.

Second, it was all business along with some laughter as we struggled to come to consensus on the direction the League would be taking for the coming year.  We examined and approved the budget and elected new national officers. We came together from 49 states and the District of Columbia with differing opinions and views on subjects such as healthcare, privatization, immigrant rights and more which we had to hash out to project a strong forward presence in our battered and divided government. It was a satisfying and unifying process. You can read all about our positions and priorities on the LWVUS website which I encourage you to visit regularly. Hint: Bigger and Bolder was a theme. We agreed to defend our Democracy Under Siege while continuing to  remain non-partisan. I only wish our national government these days could operate so efficiently and transparently.

Third, The breakout sessions were so inspiring and educational. We came away with many new strategies and ideas to implement in our individual local leagues. LWVUS will be posting the slides and information from the breakout sessions on the website LWVUS.org. 

Dare I say once again that I was never so proud to be a member of the League of Women Voters? Don’t believe me, just read what fellow attendee, Michele Root says,

“I  came to the convention excited to learn more about the League and its positions. It exceeded my expectations with the interesting and relevant breakout session, powerful speeches, and the overwhelming confidence that the League is doing all it can to defend democracy for all. I left feeling empowered and hopeful.”

I highly recommend attending a League Convention if possible. It is validation that we are doing what we can to defend our rights and uphold our Constitution for generations to come just like we have been doing for 106 years. Being in the League, we are in the right place to make a difference.

Mary Robbins 
President, LWVAA 

Contents in Newsletter

Democracy performs best when voters are actively engaged, have accurate information and access to the ballot.

LISTEN, ENGAGE, VOTE 2026 ELECTION COVERAGE

ONE SESSION TO GO:

HIGHLAND SQUARE BRANCH LIBRARY on July 14, 11-2pm

From our friends at Common Cause Ohio:

Good Trouble - Protect Our Votes on Friday, July 17 at noon

where they’ll share updates on voter registration, what's changed with mailed-in voting, and how to get involved in supporting elections this year.

Register HERE.

JOIN US for some fun, and get to know more about

Akron and fellow League members!!

SATURDAY JULY 18 AT 11 am

Please register at the link HERE

JOIN US Thursday, August 13  5:30 - 7:30 PM

2026 Members and Friends Potluck Gathering


Our special guest will be Brandon Waithe, a 20-year veteran in the US Air Force in Special Operations Airborne Intelligence. Brandon is the executive director and co-founder of Buckeye Veterans Coalition, a group of Ohio veterans who strive to effect systemic change for the good of our communities.

He’ll tell us how the organization plans to help protect the vote this fall and introduce us to Project Halo, a vehicle for bringing people together to create a welcoming, celebratory, nonpartisan presence around elections so every voter feels safe, respected, and confident when participating in one of our most important shared American traditions.


Bring a friend and a dish to share.
Paper, plasticware and bottled water will be provided.


RSVP HERE

EVENTS 

Fair Courts & The Environment Series

Judges, Judicial Philosophy & the Environment

Wednesday, July 22 @ 6:00 pm

Understanding the Intersection of State Agencies, the Courts & Your Utility Bills

Wednesday, August 19 @ 6:00 pm

OBSERVER CORP: An Observer Corps is a structured way for people to exercise their right to know about what’s going on in their local government and provide a valuable service to both the League and their community.

If you’re interested in learning more or getting more involved, LWVUS is hosting a training on July 22 (details and registration here). 

If you have signed up for Registering & Educating Voters, look for the  Sign Up Genius logo in your emails for volunteer opportunities going forward this summer and fall.

We will be busy at Farmers Markets, Community Celebrations, and Akron's Night Out.  

The Voter Outreach training was well attended.  If you were unable to attend, never fear - the video and

slides are available

HERE.

New Ohio Voter Registration Form on Secretary of State's website - a reminder:

In February 2026, Ohio posted a new voter registration form (see below).  This re-vamped form highlights in red the sections that must be completed. Print a copy to review if you are interested in registering voters.  To print a copy, go HERE

WONDERING HOW TO GET INVOLVED AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

FILL OUT OR UPDATE THE PROFILE INTERESTS FORM. 

Find the Link HERE 

ONCE YOU SUBMIT, YOUR SELECTIONS WILL BE ADDED TO YOUR PROFILE

WHY FILL OUT THE FROFILE FORM?

The LWVAA committees contact members to help in certain areas through the information in your profile interests (ie, Membership, Voter Services, communications, etc.).

If yours is blank, then you will not be notified. 

SO please fill out your profile!!

That being said, any member can attend events you find in the Newsletter and on LWVAA website.

LWVO ZOOM CALLS:

STAY CURRENT ON OHIO LEAGUE POSITIONS

LWVO August All-Member call | August 4 @ noon

Monthly call led by LWVO staff and board members to provide updates on what the state League is working on, share resources, and hear member feedback; often there are guests. Open to all LWVO members.

Register here if you’ve not already done so.

Ohio Voter Rights Coalition (OVRC) call |

Friday bi-weekly call, August 7 @ noon and August 21 @ noonEvery other Friday, OVRC hosts a call about what’s happening in Ohio’s democracy. OVRC is Ohio’s premier voter advocacy coalition group, led by LWVO, Common Cause Ohio, All Voting is Local, ACLU Ohio, and Ohio Voice, with contributions from democracy-focused individuals and organizations across the state. These calls are every other Friday at noon.

Register here

LWVO Voter Services | August 28 @ 7pm

Note: This call will center on Voter Guides and VOTE411
Monthly call led by LWVO Voter Service coordinator Heather Nye to provide training, guidance, and resources for members involved in voter service work, as well as provide opportunities for LLs to share information. Open to all members who do voter service work.

Join call here

LWVO Lobby Corps | No calls for most of the summer with legislators back in their districts; next call Tuesday, August 25 @ noon.

Please consider putting your extra time into Voter Service work this summer to help connect voters with resources and support to encourage participation in this years’ election!

To be part of Lobby Corps, sign up here if you haven’t already

done so

LOOK AHEAD FOR:

Our Contact Information

*{{Organization Name}}*

*{{Organization Address}}*

*{{Organization Phone}}*

*{{Organization Website}}*

*{{Unsubscribe}}*