October 9 at 6:30 pm - District 15 Forum at 2658 East Magnolia (sponsored by Knoxville Area Black Caucus)
November 8 - Election Day
November 10 - Membership Meeting
President's Desk
First of all, a big thank you to everyone who volunteered for National Voter Registration Day! I know we’ve made a huge impact on the community. And there’s still time! If you know someone who needs to be registered, remember the last day to be registered is right around the corner: October 11th.
And the opportunities to have an impact haven’t stopped! See below for information on poll watching, an effort being led by the state League. This is another simple, distinct way that you can give back to your community at your convenience. Help make sure that our polls are running smoothly. I know I’ll be signed up to observe!
This is an election year unlike any other. If you’re concerned about politics in our country, be a part of the solution. Stay tuned for more voter services information soon!
In League,
Rynn Dupes, President
League of Women Voters of Knoxville/Knox County
Be a Poll Watcher with the League
This year Leagues across the state of Tennessee want to have a very important presence during early voting and on Election Day at the polls. We know you’ll be voting, but there’s something else you can do with the League that’s very important as well.
If you’re willing to help, please let us know soon so we can communicate with the Election Office in time. Register here or email local League President Rynn Dupes to volunteer for a specific time slot at a polling location of your choosing. LWVTN is asking for your observations on the voting process, voter ID issues and voter registration issues. We’ll make sure you have all the information you need to make sure democracy is working right here in Knox County! Volunteer today!
Voter Services
National Voter Registration Day on September 27 showcased the largest accomplishment ever by the League of Women Voters of Knoxville/Knox County and partners! Because of volunteers made up of experienced League members and new willing citizens, we were able to set up information tables at:
Lonsdale Elementary School
Mast General Store
Cansler YMCA
Pellissippi State-Magnolia campus
Broadway Shopping Center
Downtown YMCA
Talbots's Call Center
Three locations at UT: the Hill, South Carrick Hall, and the Haslam College of Business
Our full days work made for excellent totals of 57 volunteers and 282 voter registration forms!
We are very proud of this success and thank all the volunteers and those who registered.
The next weekend was the HOLA festival and an additional 40 voter registration forms were filled out. Also, Emma, a super League supporter, handed over 40 more forms from the FISH Pantry to be hand delivered to the Election Commission.
This surge of interest shows that people care about the upcoming election and they want to have their voice heard. Our next job is to help them actually get to the polls and vote. Your support and help is still needed. - Ann Strange
Human Trafficking Meeting
In recognition of the growing problem of worldwide human trafficking, the delegates to the 2014 LWVUS national convention adopted a position stating the League's opposition to all forms of human trafficking. We're now working to educate our members, and the community, about the issue. At our meeting on 9/30 we learned about the scope of the problem right here in Knox County. There were over 100 arrests last year involving sex trafficking.
Women and children are a large percentage of the victims of trafficking. There are phone numbers victims can call and safe houses if they are interested in escaping their situation. Sadly, many victims are so intimidated/frightened they turn down help when it is offered. More can certainly be done to spread awareness of these options and more can be done to help people recognize trafficking victims when they see them, so authorities can be notified.
As long as cheap labor and sex, especially with under-age children, is in demand there will be opportunities for trafficking. Those who do the trafficking will not stop voluntarily. For more information, visit www.ccaht.org - Judy Poulson
LWVKKC Board of Directors
President - Rynn Dupes First Vice President - Candice Gilreath Second Vice President - Lance McCold Treasurer - Joyce Feld Secretary - Dasha Lundy
Directors: Kindall Aaron, Jamey Dobbs, Mary English, Linda Maccabe, Cathy McCaughan, Judy Poulson, Luis Ruuska, Ann Strange
