Recent Past Events

Recent Past Events

LWVTX Summer Regional Training, Saturday, July 27

Focused on LWVTX Census and Redistricting Advocacy

The League of Women Voters-Hays County is hosted LWVTX Summer Regional Training on Saturday, July 27th, in Wimberley.
 
LWVTX Issue Chair Stephanie Swanson
LWVTX Issue Chair Stephanie Swanson, the keynote speaker, spoke on Census & Redistricting, the latest advocacy issue of the League, including activities for 2019-2020.
 

League Action on Redistricting

Texas Redistricting Maps

   
   

"There is a whole component of citizen education dealing with transparency and public engagement that is absolutely vital to any redistricting system. People need to understand what the current redistricting process is, why it's so bad, and what can be done about it in clear, simple terms. We need good material in all formats and good speakers to share that material. We need volunteers who represent our diversity to help us inform our communities.

"We need to focus on creating a more transparent process. We need people to watch when the new maps are drawn to guard against gerrymandering. Sunlight disinfects. If the line drawers aren't doing anything "funny," then there is no reason to go behind closed doors. The public needs to see and understand who is drawing the maps and how they are drawn." ~ Chris Carson, President, League of Women Voters, US (see full LWV Texas presentation on Redistricting).

During the 2021 legislative session, the Texas Legislature will reapportion congressional seats, as well as Texas house and senate seats. Starting in September, the Texas House Committee on Redistricting will be holding Interim Field Hearings to gather information that will aid in making redistricting decisions. ( Click here for dates and locations. ) ( The hearings "provide an opportunity for citizens to present relevant testimony concerning local preferences, communities of interest, local voting patterns, and other issues that the legislature may consider when redrawing district lines. The hearings also promote public awareness of the legislative redistricting process." (https://redistricting.capitol.texas.gov/process#pub-hearing-section)

The LWV-Texas website has a wealth of information and resources regarding redistricting and how we can participate. Click here to visit the Redistricting/Census page.

League members will be making plans to attend one of interim field hearings and will offer opportunities for carpooling to those who are interested. Please watch for notices about the plans.

 

Kerrville Chamber of Commerce Business Expo

Reving Up Voter Participation

Kerrville Chamber of Commerce Business Expo

A huge thanks to Maggie Megee, Cathy Learoyd, Jeannette Ruark, and Alicia Boyette for setting up, staffing, and taking down our booth at the Business Expo. Jeannette noted that: " Voter registration is only one aspect of what we do. As Bunny reported, we have a higher than average number of registered voters, but a dismal rate for actually voting. Opportunities to talk to people and discuss Vote411, as well as other League initiatives, are going to be where our success is counted, for sure." (Maggie and Cathy pictured above.)

 
By the way, Cathy designed a very informative refrigerator magnet to give away at the Expo. Be sure to pick up one for your fridge at our next meeting.
 
Rev Up Refrigerator Magnet