Upcoming Events
Saturday, August 26, 2017:
Women's Equality Day! Commemorating the 1920 certification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, granting women the right to vote. There are many observances around Michigan, including one in SE Michigan. Click here for more details.
Tuesday, October 10, 2017:
Last day to register for the November 7, 2017 general election.
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Call for Volunteers!
Ready to get involved? The League needs you!
Dear LWVGTA Members,
The League of Women Voters of the Grand Traverse Area is proposing an update to our County Government Position, which was last revised in May of 2000. First, the League feels that this position should be called 'Local Government.' It should address all local governments, including city, township, and village governments. Second, there are many issues that have arisen in the past few years such as the proposal on tall buildings in Traverse City and development in many localities. If we broaden our position, we can advocate on these proposals. Third, we can develop an observer corps that attend local meetings to keep us informed and also let the public know if proper procedures are being followed.
We need a chairperson to head this committee and members to serve. If you are interested in local government and League service, please let Barb Berry know at barbberry2@charter.net or email the League at www.lwvgta.org/contact.html.
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Jane S. Watts Recipient of the Helen Milliken Leadership in Civic Empowerment Award
Awarded at the 2017 League of Women Voters of Michigan State Convention in East Lansing
Jane S. Watts of Peninsula Township, a long-time member and former President of the League of Women Voters of the Grand Traverse Area, received the Helen Milliken Leadership in Civic Empowerment Award from the League of Women Voters of Michigan (LWVMI) at their biannual convention. The award honors those who have led the way in providing citizens with information and encouraging informed voters through League work at the state and/or local levels.
For many years Jane has produced the League's informational brochure, They Represent You, which lists the names, contact information, and terms of office for both elected and appointed officials at the local, state and national levels for Kalkaska and Grand Traverse Counties, as well as voting information. Each year Jane personally delivers approximately 5,000 copies of They Represent You to libraries, public offices, and schools in the area. The brochure is very popular and is used by students, educators, health and human service agency staff and private citizens as a valued resource.
To help educate voters about the candidates running for office and the issues on the ballot in the 2016 election, Jane distributed over 2600 copies of the LWVMI published Voter Guide to libraries, public offices and schools throughout the region. This is something Jane has done for many years, which exemplifies her commitment to the League's mission of encouraging the informed and active participation of citizens in government on all levels.
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Making Democracy Work and Outstanding Service Awards
Awarded on May 13th, 2017 at the LWVGTA
Annual Meeting at the TC Golf & Country Club
At their Annual Meeting, the LWVGTA recognized the significant contributions of two of its members:
Bonnie Scheele, Grand Traverse County Clerk, was presented the Making Democracy Work Award, which honors a community member, organization or public servant who has diligently striven to improve our community through their leadership on civic issues.
Says League President Jan Warren: "Bonnie is outstanding in her role as County Clerk. The League is especially grateful for her assistance and active encouragement in helping us fulfill our mission to inform voters, to register voters, and to get voters to the polls. She willingly provides us with accurate information on elections and candidates for public office. She has attended our registration drives and sent deputy clerks to schools and other locations to register voters. Bonnie and her staff are always available to answer our questions regarding voter registration, voter ID requirements, absentee ballots, and the voting process. She does this all with a smile, a positive attitude, and with integrity. Grand Traverse County is fortunate to have a County Clerk who cares about all citizens, is committed to protecting voting rights, and ensures open, fair and accessible elections."
Ingrid Brophy was presented the Outstanding Service Award. Ingrid has been a member of the League’s Board of Directors for a number of years, holding the positions of 1st Vice-President, 2nd Vice-President, and Treasurer. She has been responsible for the League’s finances, chaired the League’s program committee, co-chaired the annual wreath sale–the League’s major fundraiser–and handled the physical logistics for Voter Services forums and the League public programs. Ingrid has worked behind the scenes with great efficiency and effectiveness, accomplishing tasks with humor, humility and attention to detail.
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Belle Ringer Awards
Awarded at the 2017 League of Women Voters of Michigan State Convention in East Lansing
Advocacy: Linda Crandall, 2nd Vice President
Linda has been on the League Board of Directors for many years and has been responsible for publicizing League events. She has close relationships with media of all types and major media spokespersons in the area and is always able to get information about our forums and activities publicized to the major extent possible.
Membership: Mary Beeker, Webmaster
Mary worked diligently for 2 years to research and implement PayPal as a dues payment method on the LWVGTA website, with the majority of our new members finding this a more convenient option. Mary has kept timely and pertinent updates on our website, which has resulted in increased requests for information and speakers on election-related topics and, currently, on the subject of redistricting.
Voter Services: Peg Townsend, Voter Service
Peg has been on the Voter Service Committee for several years and as Co-Chair for the past year worked on every detail of the 4 candidate forums and 4 voter registration drives/voter information events LWVGTA sponsored for the 2016 primary and general elections. She also organized a forum pertaining to the millage increase request from the regional public transportation provider for the May 2, 2017 election.
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