help_outline Skip to main content

Follow Us

Social networking will appear here

Support Us

Join  |   Donate  |   Volunteer  |  League Updates |   Resources 

Guidestar Platinum Seal of Transparency LWV-Wake is a proud member of the NC Center for Nonprofits 

Contact Us

3509 Haworth Drive #306
Raleigh, NC USA 27609
Copyright © 2021 • All Rights Reserved • Terms of Use Privacy Policy • Powered by ClubExpress
Add Me To Your Mailing List
Date: 10/18/2021
Subject: LWV-Wake Update October 18th 2021
From: League of Women Voters of Wake County



LWV-Wake Update 10/18/2021

 
Old LWV Sign for Newsletter
Dear ~~first_name~~,
 
Greetings from LWV-Wake. The historic polling place sign pictured above was recently discovered inside the old Barbee School campus at 1116 N. Blount St., purchased by The Fletcher Academy as the new location for its lower school. Fletcher's Head of School, Dr. Paul Atkinson, discovered the sign during the recent renovation and reached out to the League to let us know of its existence. Estimated to be from the 20's or 30's, the sign will be displayed in the academy as part of a 'history wall' that celebrates the building's 100th year of service to the community. Dr. Atkinson has also graciously offered us 'borrowing rights' for any future League exhibit. I am very excited to see that it will be shared with the Fletcher Academy community!
 
Speaking of polling places.....early voting has begun at the Wake County Board of Elections and will start on October 23rd at the Avery Street Recreation Center in Garner and John M. Brown Community Center in Apex. The 12 municipalities holding elections include: Angier, Apex, Durham, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, Holly Springs, Knightdale, Morrisville, Rolesville, Wake Forest, Wendell, and Zebulon. Our VOTE411.org website, which has election and candidate information for these municipalities, continues to gain users, and our voter services local elections door hanger and postcard distribution has begun. Thank you to all the volunteers who have stepped up to assist with these projects! 
 
Giving Tuesday Fundraising begins
Today is the start of our end-of-year fundraising campaign, Giving Tuesday. This is our third year participating in this global day of giving. GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: A day that encourages people to do good. Whether it’s some of your time, a donation, or the power of your voice in your local community, everyone has something to give. We all know, giving makes us feel good! This campaign is especially meaningful to the League as it provides an opportunity to brag a bit about our Gold Seal of Transparency recently awarded to us by Guidestar (now Candid). Guidestar ratings have long been considered the gold standard for measuring the transparency of an organization. Those in the donor fund/foundation world look to Guidestar to review an organization's data and dedication to its mission. We are proud of our work to achieve this status and are working to attain the highest platinum level in the coming year. This year's Giving Tuesday is November 30th. Learn more about the League's plans, including our MATCHING DONATIONS challenge and swag givaways below. 
 
 Volunteers Needed
Communications
The communications committee is looking for additional volunteers to add to the team. Those interested in learning our website platform or who enjoy creating social media content and/or editing are encouraged to share their talents with the League. This is a great opportunity to learn new skills and help increase the visibility of LWV-Wake. Membership in the League, while helpful, is not required. If interested, please contact Cheryl Tung or Jenny Kotora-Lynch. Members, please share this volunteer opportunity with anyone you think might be interested!
 
LWVNC - Advocacy
LWVNC is looking for 2-4 individuals from several local Leagues to comprise a state level Lobby Corps. These individuals would in essence be 'on call' when opportunities arise for the League to advocate for a particular piece of legislation or policy position. LWVNC is looking to build a group individuals from around the state that can visit legislators in their home offices. Anyone interested should contact LWVNC board member Gary Kenton

Leandro v. North Carolina School Funding Hearing Happening Today!
Today is the deadline for state leaders to submit a state budget that addresses the Leandro plan. Judge Lee has stated he has the authority to take action. We will be monitoring local news outlets and social media for information coming from today's hearing. Scroll down for more details. 
 
Call for Local Elections Stories for GOTV 
2021 is an election year, but one that might not get as much attention as other election years. Why? Because this year is an election for only local offices and ballot initiatives. Voter turn-out is typically much lower for these elections. LWV-Wake is working to change that! Help us spread the word about why local elections matter. We'll be putting together some social media messages and we want to hear your personal stories about why local elections matter to you. Please submit your comments here.  Thanks for helping us Get Out The Vote!

Upcoming LWV-Wake Events

  • October 19th 3pm League Lit Western Wake - Will discuss the book The Undocumented Americans by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio.
    "One of the first undocumented immigrants to graduate from Harvard reveals the hidden lives of her fellow undocumented Americans in this deeply personal and groundbreaking portrait of a nation". - Amazon. A National Book Award Finalist. Register here.
  • October 21st 5:30pm Timely Topics (Virtual Public Event) - NCLM: Improving Resident Quality of Life in Cities and Towns. Guest speaker, Jennifer Cohen, Director of Business Development will discuss the role of the League in helping North Carolina cities and towns be the best hometown each can be for their residents. Register here.
  • November 1st 6:00pm-7:30pm DEI Roundtable Homogenized Hollywood - Is the content we consume through TV, movies, or reading diverse? Join for a discussion and brainstorming session on consuming diverse content in our daily lives. Register here.
  •  November 4th Raleigh League Lit - Will discuss the book The Three Mothers by Anna Malaika Tubbs. From Goodreads, "In her groundbreaking and essential debut The Three Mothers, scholar Anna Malaika Tubbs celebrates Black motherhood by telling the story of the three women who raised and shaped some of America's most pivotal heroes: Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and James Baldwin." Register here.
  • November 18th 6:30pm Timely Topics: An Introduction to the TRHT Framework: A Holistic Approach to Racial Equity - This presentation introduces participants to the national Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) Movement and Framework. We will also situate the work of the Duke TRHT Center within this broader context.The TRHT Framework is a comprehensive and community-based process to address the historical and contemporary sources of racism and bring about transformation and sustainable change. Register here.

Upcoming LWVNC Events
LWVNC Civilian Oversight Newsletter Image
LWVUS Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement Webinar
 Interest in civilian oversight of law enforcement has grown significantly in the League and in our communities. This workshop is especially for members who are new to this issue, to help you get started. Experienced League members will benefit from hearing the latest research and what is happening in other Leagues across the country, with a special emphasis on Sheriffs. To learn more and to register, click here. 

Other Events
Politica Event Census Slam
PoliticaNC Census Slam
Please join our friends from PoliticaNC as they host experts on the 2020 Census results. Kyle Brazile from NC Counts, Dr. Chris Cooper from Western Carolina University, and by Dr. Michael Cline from the NC Office of State Budget and Management will discuss Census results and how they will change political representation and federal funding for our State. Register here. 

Duke Polis Event for Newsletter
Discourse for Democracy: Mayor Steve Schewel
Join our friends at Polis (Duke's Center for Politics) for a fireside chat with Durham Mayor Steve Schewel (Duke ’73) as he prepares to transition out of the role of mayor. There will be a discussion on local politics, pathways to public service, and the important role that local leaders play in our democracy. All are welcome! Register here.

Redistricting Update
State Redistricting
State redistricting map-making has begun! Phyllis Demko, LWVN board member, offers the following guidelines for observing the map-making process:
  • Keep detailed notes when you observe and include date and time of day.  
  • Note who is doing the map-drawing, and if someone is working with that person (note physical description if you can see that person) -- this may be useful later for litigation purposes; date and time are important as they indicate when "the map" is actually entered and by whom.
  • Note if the person or a companion is using notes.
  • Send your notes to Laurel Voelker or Cheryl Tung. Notes will be forwarded to Phyllis Demko and be made available to other interested parties if necessary.
  • If you see something peculiar, take a screen shot, preferably with date/time stamp.
  • You can respond through the portal if you witness anything disturbing.  Unless you have cleared it with your president, please respond as an individual -- not on behalf of the League.  
NCGA map-making live streaming can be viewed here. NC Policy Watch has published a great article on October 13th that summarizes the redistricting process thus far at the NCGA. Spoiler alert: It has NOT been a good process. 
 
In addition, The Princeton Gerrymandering Project has evaluated the following maps that have been drawn during the past week.
 
LWV-Wake will continue to attend meetings and make public comments whenever public comment time is made available. 
 

Local Redistricting- Wake County Board of Commissioners - DRAFT MAP NOW AVAILABLE
 
 
The October 4th Wake County Board of Commissioners meeting included a staff presentation on redistricting. Public comments on behalf of LWV-Wake were made concerning the need for public involvement/outreach, maps to be drawn in public, and feedback was provided on proposed criteria. Two speakers from other organizations made similar comments. There was much discussion about our comments and recommendations. A recording of the meeting can be viewed here. 
 
The process for redistricting that was decided during the October 4th meeting is as follows:
  • Map(s) will be presented prior to the Board of Commissioner's October 18th 2pm meeting. At that time, a public comment portal will be made available for a period of 10 (now 15) days. Update: A draft map, along with other redistricting information and a public comment portal was made available on the the county website Friday afternoon, October 15th.
  • Public comments will be made public. 
  • There will be opportunities for translator services during public hearings.
  • Staff will be drawing the maps focusing primarily on equal distribution, along with other criteria that is published on their website.
  • Incumbency protection was listed as criterion for redistricting.
  • Staff was asked to provide descriptions for each criteria to make it easier for the public to understand. These changes are reflected in the new criteria posted on the website.
  • In-person public comment: There are currently two public hearings scheduled: October 18th at 2pm and November 1st at 5pm. However, in an email received on Friday, October 15th, Ben Canada, Asst. to the County Manager, stated "The Board may choose to schedule another hearing on this topic at its next Regular meeting on November 1". 
While the Commissioners made an effort to provide public comment opportunities and descriptions of the criteria, the draft map was drawn with little explanation or rationale. We would like to see more information and data made available, such as:
  • Were any other maps drawn and considered?
  • Why is this map considered the best?
  • Did they analyze the 'chosen' map with regard to communities of interest? If so, could they comment on that analysis?
  • Indicating incumbent's addresses (general area) on the new map (with a visual detail like a dot or star)
  • Providing a table that lists the precincts that are affected in each district would be helpful
  • Providing a 'growth heat map' similar to that produced for the City of Cary would be helpful
Please look at the maps (before and after) and examine your district. Has it changed? If so, are any communities split? Do you notice anything that merits more information/explanation? Does your district or the maps look better as a whole? If you have any comments, consider attending a public hearing or leaving comments online through the portal that can be accessed at the link above. In addition, members are encouraged to attend today's Board of Commissioner's meeting at 2pm. 
 
Local Redistricting- City of Raleigh
While no formal announcements re: the redistricting process have been made available, LWV-Wake has been invited to participate in a virtual town hall, along with Common Cause and NAACP - Raleigh/Apex on Thursday, October 21st at 7pm. This town hall is being hosted by district A council member Patrick Buffkin for the benefit of the entire Raleigh community and is described as an opportunity for each organization to participate as a part of a panel after city staff provides factual information on the census results. The League's focus will center on the need for robust public participation, maps to be drawn in public and for opportunities for the public to weigh in before and after maps have been drawn, as well as the importance of keeping communities of interest together. Information with Zoom link can be found here. 

Art Contest First Place Winner
Art Contest Second Place Winner
Fair Maps Art Contest Winners Interviews Now Available
Here are the winners of our Fair Maps Art Contest! First place winner Elizabeth Trefney is pictured on the left with her piece titled "Fair Maps Real Voices" and second place winner, Anna Podris is pictured on the right with her piece "Democracy is Rooted in Fair Voting Districts". Member Aliana Ramos has written a wonderful blog that outlines conversations we had recently with the contest winners. Read it here.

Leandro compliance image
Leandro Case Update
The next Leandro Plan hearing has been scheduled for TODAY Oct. 18, where Judge Lee will hear what, if any, progress has been made on funding the comprehensive plan.  He will also listen to proposals on what the court should do to ensure the plan gets implemented should the General Assembly refuse to fully fund it. Judge Lee indicated that he does intend to take the steps necessary to make sure the state’s failure to meet its constitutional obligation is addressed. He also said this is state lawmakers’ last chance to act. Tick Tock!
 
For an in-depth analysis of the Leandro case, including the WestEd Report, visit everychildnc.org.

Giving Tuesday Campaign Begins TODAY!
Donations are Tax-Deductible
Our development committee has been working to make our end-of-year fundraising campaign the best EVER! We are kicking off the campaign with a matching challenge. The LWV-Wake Board of Directors has agreed to match the first $1500 in donations! We hope this global day of giving will propel all of our generous donors to continue to support the League. In addition, we invite you to share our social media posts during the campaign to generate new donors who support our mission to Defend Democracy and Educate Voters. Stay tuned to our social media posts, newsletters and emails to find out what exciting items we will be giving away during our Giving Tuesday campaign. Help us kick off the matching challenge by making a donation today!
Thank you for continuing to support the League of Women Voters of Wake County. I look forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming events.
Sincerely,
Cheryl Tung
President
Gold Seal of Transparency
The League of Women Voters of Wake County is a designated 501(c)3 nonprofit charitable organization by the IRS. Donations and membership dues are fully tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.