League of Women Voters of Oklahoma "OK Voter" September Newsletter

OK Voter Newsletter, September 2015

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To build our statewide network, share ideas and updates, and to make the League's good work more visible the OK Voter is sent each month to all members and friends.

V.I.P. Launched

The goal of V.I.P. is simple: to increase voter registration and voter turnout at the polls. The idea originated with Floretta Reed of the Tulsa League, and has been adopted by the League of Women Voters of Oklahoma.

The Voting is Power Kickoff

More than 80 people from Tulsa and nearby towns attended the August 22 kickoff for the Voting is Power initiative at the Rudisill Library.

At the event, thirty-five pledge cards were filled out by individuals from a variety of nonprofit organizations, promising to hold at least two registration events in 2015 and four events in 2016.

Read more about V.I.P, view a gallery of photos from the kickoff, and look for updates in future OK Voter newsletters.

Success!

Bringing Oklahoma into Compliance with National Voter Registration Act

The National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) of 1993 has helped register millions of Americans to vote, yet there was strong evidence that Oklahoma’s public assistance agencies were not in compliance.

The League of Women Voters of Oklahoma and the League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Tulsa worked on a year-long initiative with group of voting rights partners that resulted in an agreement with the Oklahoma State Election Board and state agencies, ensuring compliance with NVRA.

Read more about how Oklahoma Leagues helped ensure full compliance with NVRA.

DONATE TO SUPPORT VOTER EDUCATION IN OKLAHOMA

New member Erica Mackey says, "Voters need information that is readily available and 'easy to digest,' without having to wade through technical language or unnecessary information."

We agree!

Our goal is to raise $10,000 to provide the information voters need in this election year.

Will you make a tax-deductible donation of $10, $25 or $100 to help us achieve our goal?

Donate here

LWVUS Council 2015

Keyword for Council 2015: CHANGE

Oklahoma delegates Karen Hardy Cårdenas (left) and Sheila Swearingen (middle) meet with LInda Wassenich, LWVUS Board Member and Liaison to Oklahoma Leagues (right)

President of the League of Women Voters of the United States, Elisabeth MacNamara, welcomed delegates, shared her own pride in the League’s 95-year history, and said that all Leagues and members can draw great strength from our heritage. She also noted the many ways that the world has changed in 95 years, and the the rate of change is accelerating. The key is learning to embrace positive change. Read more about LWVUS Council 2015 (including links to all presentations) here.

Meet New Member Erica Mackey

A resourceful and accomplished young attorney living in Oklahoma City, Ms. Mackey found the League's website and joined online.

LWVOK: What interested you about the League and what could we be doing to better attract other new members—especially younger members?

I have always been interested in political issues and being involved with civic organizations to give back to the community. I became interested in the League because of its history of voter education and it generally seemed like a good group to join. I look forward to becoming an active member of the League and working with them in the future.

I think if the League wants to attract more members, particularly Millennials, the League can become more involved in social media. Social media can be a great tool to reach younger potential members and to help spread the word about the League, its goals, what the league does, and any events in the area. The League could also consider connecting with clubs and organizations on university campuses.

Read the rest of Erica Mackey's interview here.