The Northern Voter Winter Edition

Winter Edition 2024

President Notes

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The decorations are packed away, family visiting has slowed down, and we are back at it! Our main focus this year is - no surprise - the 2024 election. Our motto is, “empowering voters, defending democracy”. Those words are not a catchy phrase - they carry real significance and weight in our current political climate, and now is the time to put those words into actions.

Michigan’s new voting laws will be enacted with the upcoming February 27th primary election. Some of the most significant changes effecting voters are: nine days of early in-person voting, better voter access to secure ballot drop-boxes, and improved absentee ballot processes, which includes enhanced ballot tracking with voter ability to correct errors. Our election clerks have been working hard to ensure accurate implementation of these new laws. Nine days of early voting means 9 more days of staffing! Let’s continue to support our clerks, consider becoming a poll worker. Working as an election inspector, a.k.a. poll worker, is the best tutorial about Michigan elections that you can find. As we’re in a rural, small town area, you’ll meet and greet lots of friends and neighbors.

There are other ways to become involved. We can empower voters with accurate and factual candidate and ballot proposal information, we can support efforts to get all eligible citizens out to vote, we can register new voters. We can defend democracy by countering dis- and mis- information, and advocate for policies that support all voters.

Defending democracy requires all of us and democracy needs us now. We have an important meeting coming up Wednesday January 31st. Please read more about it below.

There are so many ways to support League activities that don’t take a lot of time or money. Your participation in the League, no matter the amount, contributes to the LWV mission and will make a difference!

Robin

Upcoming Events

The calendar reflects the dates of our meetings and events, with some of the programming still in development. Our website calendar will be updated as each event is finalized.

January

Wednesday 1/31: All Member Meeting, 7:00-8:30pm via ZOOM. See section below for details.

February

Wednesday 2/20: Conversation with AG Dana Nessel 7:00-8:30pm via ZOOM. More information below. Register here.

March: Women’s History Month

Wednesday 3/6, 7-9:00pm: Movie Night at the Carnegie. Iron-Jawed Angels.
3/10-3/16 Sunshine Week.
Wednesday 3/13, 5:30-7:00pm: Public Forum: Surviving Near the Poverty Line in Northern MI, ZOOM.
Thursday 3/14, 7-8:30pm: Annual Book Read Member Discussion, ZOOM.

April

Wednesday 4/10, 5:30-7:00pm: Public Forum: Protecting Our Health and Waters: Why Effective Septic Systems Matter. Petoskey District Library and ZOOM.

January All Member Meeting

Wednesday, January 31, 7-8:30pm, via ZOOM.

Bring your favorite beverage to your computer and join the discussion!

We want to hear YOUR thoughts, concerns, and ideas about the upcoming election cycle. Where and how do you think we can be effective, how can we make a difference? This will be a discussion among all members present on Zoom. We need your help to set the direction for our League’s election activity.
Then, the Voter Services Committee will describe the various election activities in the planning stages for spring, summer and fall thus far.
We will move into brief breakout room sessions where you can learn more about those efforts that interest you and incorporate new ideas that emerged from the group discussion.

What a difference we could make in our community with “all hands on deck” for this election cycle! There are tasks both small and large, there is a place for everybody to do “your one thing”. Please attend this session and give your ideas, and learn about the opportunities to act together.

All members will be sent the meeting link by Monday Jan. 29th. Email info@lwvnlm.org with any questions.

The new year is off to a fast start and our work won’t be finished until after the November election is certified! Members are needed to register voters, work the polls, observe Board of Canvasser meetings, assist with our Vote411ballot information data bank, distribute voter guides, inform the public about new voting laws.

Several members have signed up for poll worker training in time for the February 27th primary election. Additional training sessions for the November general election will be coming up this summer.

Why you should become a poll worker from our members:

“Becoming an election worker is an easy way to be involved in important local community work. I enjoy the opportunity to meet other people and listen to them. The training was easy to understand and thorough. I got a real education on the voting procedures, checks and balances, handling and security.” JoAnn M. Astolfi

“I became a poll worker because I was motivated to see for myself how elections work. Those of us who believe in the process need to be active and not leave it to others. The training was thorough enough to be competent right from the start!” Rose Fitzgerald

Our January 31st all-member meeting is one where we will set our direction for the election season. We want to hear your ideas on where we can be effective in engaging voters, and will also provide information on what is planned thus far. Please contact Voter Services Chair, Dibby Smith at dibbys@aol.com to learn more about joining voter service activities.

Our Observer Corp is now 17 members strong!

We have Observers attending various local government meetings in all 3 counties we serve. Our newest OC member is Barb Lindsey, who is observing the NCMC Board of Trustees meetings. Thank you for volunteering, Barb!

Reports from these meetings give valuable insight into local government and are available on our website. In one place you can find out about your local government discussions and decisions!

Why you should join our Observer Corps:

“You stay up to date on issues in your community. You get to hear varied views on topics, not just those from your own “bubble.” You are actively participating in our democracy. You have opportunities to meet your friends and neighbors and educate them about LWVNM and what we do. You will find that people appreciate you giving your time and being engaged!” Carole Shane

“I have much enjoyed the Observer Corps experience as an opportunity to learn about local elected officials in action. Over time, my respect for them collectively and individually has actually increased!” Katie Parker

Observers are needed for:

Pellston Village Council: 2nd Monday of the month at 7:00pm.
Boyne City Commission: 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7:00pm; 4th Tuesday at 12N
City of Cheboygan: 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the month at 7:00pm
Alanson Village Council: 2nd Monday on the month at 6:00pm
Tuscarora Township: 1st Tuesday of the month at 7:00pm
School boards and library boards are available too!

Observers can attend one meeting a month or join with buddy and split the time. For more information, please contact Penny Crim at paigeacrim@charter.net

MOVIE NIGHT: Iron Jawed Angels

At our request, the Carnegie is showcasing the 2004 movie, Iron Jawed Angels on Wednesday, March 6th at 7-8:30 pm at the Carnegie Building.

The film focuses on the American suffrage movement during the 1910s and follows leaders Alice Paul and Lucy Burns who were instrumental in getting women the right to vote. The movie portrays the significant barriers to women's political participation and social justice. When the activists are physically attacked as they protest peacefully, the true hostility toward woman suffrage comes alive. The movie title alludes the chilling account of Paul's jail experience, showing her psychoanalyzed in the mental ward and violently force-fed after initiating a hunger strike. This historical drama illuminates little known information about the women’s suffrage movement and is a must-see!

Equal Rights Advocacy Committee Public Forum

Surviving Near the Poverty Line in Northern Michigan

Wednesday, March 13, 5:30 to 7:00pm, via ZOOM.

Perhaps you’ve heard of the ALICE report. It stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. Those in ALICE households earn above the federal poverty level but makes less than what is needed to afford basic essentials. ALICE households often earn too much to qualify for government assistance, and many have no cushion for emergency expenses. In Michigan, 39% of ALL HOUSEHOLDS have income below ALICE thresholds for survival.

Single parent families with children are more likely to be below the ALICE threshold, and women make up a significant portion of households in that category. Please join our public forum, Surviving Near the Poverty Line in Northern Michigan as we learn in detail about the scope of the issue and get a clearer picture of the often unseen lives of our neighbors struggling to make it every day.

Rebeca Otto, Director of Regional Community Impact in the CharEm Region for United Way will present local data from the ALICE report. Gail Kloss, Executive Director of The Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan, will present a of the lived experience of women in our area based on their service trends. The ALICE report for Michigan.

All members will be sent the link several days prior to public forum.

Environment & Natural Resources & Health Care Committees Joint Public Forum

Protecting Our Health and Waters: Why Effective Septic Systems Matter

Thursday, April 18, 5:30 to 7:00 PM, in the Petoskey Public Library Classroom and ZOOM.

Did you know that Michigan is the ONLY state without statewide regulations to prevent septic systems from polluting our waters? The State of Michigan estimates that roughly half of its rivers and streams exceed the safety standard for concentrations of E. coli bacteria, which is an indication of fecal pollution in the water.

The Environment & Natural Resources and Health Care Committees, in partnership with the Petoskey District Library, will present this public forum. Two local experts in septic regulation and health implications of septic pollution will provide information on Michigan’s situation and current efforts to reduce septic system pollution.

Michigan’s fresh waters and the health of its communities are dependent on having properly working septic systems!

All members will be set the link several days prior to the public forum.

Public Forum: A Conversation with Attorney General Dana Nessel

Tuesday, Feb. 20, 7:00-8:00pm, via ZOOM

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel will provide updates about election protection, financial transparency from our elected officials, and a legal update on several environmental concerns. AG Nessel has been recognized for her work as a staunch advocate on behalf of Michigan's residents and resources, defending our democracy and our environment from harm. Joining the conversation will be Terri Wilkerson, a founding member of the Livingston County League, to provide background information on Line 5; and Stephen C. Brown, who represents the Sierra Club in national discussions about PFAS and excess nutrient problems, such as increasing algae blooms in lakes throughout the state.

Registration is required and begins Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at 9:00am. Michigan League members are being given “first dibs” on registering, then it will open to other groups. Mark your calendar if you plan to attend! Register here.

The Zoom meeting link and password will be emailed to registered participants prior to the program.

LWVNLM Nominating Commitee

We have an opportunity for you!

The 2024 LWVNLM Nominating Committee members Susan Hannah, Ann Scott, Nancy Dwan and Dave Penniman, are preparing to recruit members willing to step into leadership roles. Several elected positions will open this summer, please consider where you can lend your time and talents! We have a vibrant League and we need members willing to contribute to leadership to keep our momentum!

Yes, this is a big ask and if you say "YES" you will have the opportunity to help direct where the LWVLNM goes in the future while working with a dedicated and highly capable board. For more specific information about what's involved, please email Nancy Dwan at gold-dwan@outlook.com

Annual Membership Renewal

Have You Renewed Your Membership for 2024?

Be a part of Making Democracy Work in 2024! This is a crucial election year when all members’ support is needed. Support can be active involvement by volunteering for project tasks or simply by renewing your membership so that you will be counted among supporters of democracy.

January 31st is the date that our membership roll is reported to LWVUS. Will you be included? Membership renewal payments must be received by January 30th to ensure that there is time for memberships to be updated on our database.

There are two easy ways to renew.

1. Pay online with VENMO (@lwvnlm) or PAYPAL (@lwvnlmmembership).

2. Pay by check. Send to LWVNLM, PO BOX 795, Petoskey, MI 49770

*Members who have not renewed by January 31 will be dropped from our membership list.

Welcome to Bernadette Caldwell, Teri Crandell, Carole Cinnamon-Griffin, Joanna Kolodziej and Jean Van Dam! As a member, you have access to the “members only” page on the LWVMI website on our LWV, and receive LWVNLM newsletters and our quarterly Northern Voter via email.

We’re hosting new-member Meet & Greet Coffee gathering in the next few months, please watch for details in upcoming newsletters!

What is Sunshine Week?

March 12-18

Did you know that Michigan remains LAST for government openness and transparency among the 50 states? The Center for Public Integrity gave Michigan an “F” grade in 2015. In 2020, Michigan ranked 47th out of 50 for anti-corruption measures for public officials, according to the Coalition for Integrity. Michigan is one of ONLY 2 states that exempts both the governor and the legislature from FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) laws! Many bills have been introduced over many years but none have yet passed.

Sunshine Week coincides with the National Freedom of Information Day on March 16th. Sunshine Week is a nation-wide effort to open dialogue on the importance of transparency in government and freedom of information. During this week, the League of Women Voters and other “good government” groups encourage citizens to play an active role in promoting open government at all levels.

LEARN MORE

Member Highlight

Janet VanAlsten

My first exposure to the League was sharing a table with Sue VanDeventer at the Charlevoix Farmer’s Market while collecting signatures on the 2022 Reproductive Rights Initiative. It was heartening to meet other women in Northern Michigan dedicated to voter education and a strong democracy. After joining the League, I moderated a candidates’ forum in Boyne City last year and signed up new voters at Northern Michigan College.

My husband, Bob Dion, and I have had a home in Charlevoix for more than twenty-five years. In 2018 and now mostly retired, we made Charlevoix our primary residence. I spent my professional career as a corporate lawyer and human resources executive at Dow in Midland and Zurich, Switzerland and then at Amgen in Southern California. Much of my career involved governance of various global corporate programs, so good governance of all sorts is very important to me. I currently facilitate an executive network dedicated to global rewards for a business-oriented think tank in New York City. We recently moved our winter home to Scottsdale AZ to be closer to my one and only grandchild.

In Charlevoix, I volunteer with the library and attend the First Congregational Church. You can often find me swimming laps at the Charlevoix Community Pool, kayaking in Lake Michigan or whiffing on the Charlevoix Municipal Golf Course!

The LWVMI Advocacy section provides us with information on legislation moving through the MI house and senate. They also act to advocate for or oppose legislation through written or verbal testimony. Read here to learn what legislation we support/oppose in 2023-2024 sessions.

Ballot Proposals for 2024 - please read, know what you’re asked to sign!

Proposals approved by the Board of Canvassers:

Legislative Initiative to expand the Freedom of Information Act to include the executive and legislative branch – circulating petition.
Legislative initiative to allow good time credits for prisoners – circulating petitions.
Legislative initiative to increase the minimum wage – turned in signatures, Board of State Canvassers deadlocked on the decision of whether there were enough valid signatures submitted.
Referendum on PA 38 of 2023 – the extreme risk protection order. Circulating petitions – LWVMI opposes and urges you to decline to sign.
Legislative initiative to change the renewable energy siting law recently passed by taking power away from the Public Service Commission. Circulating petitions – LWVMI opposes and urges you to decline to sign.

Legislative Update Meeting for ALL League Members

The Advocacy Committee continues to meet to monitor state legislation and will host a legislative update Zoom meeting for all League members on Thursday, March 7, at 7 p.m. Registration information will be sent out prior to the Zoom virtual meeting.

Judy Karandjeff

LWVMI Vice President for Advocacy

Committee Chairs and Meeting Times

Observer Corp Chair: Penny Crim, paigecrim@charter.net. Meet as needed.

Health Care Committee Chairs: Patty Fralick, plfralick@gmail.com and Eileen Mikus, eileen.mikus@gmail.com. Meet 1st Thursday of the month, 9:00am.

Environment & Natural Resources Committee Chairs: Marcia Meyer, marciakmeyer@gmail.com and Ann Scott, alscott2050@gmail.com. Meet 2nd Tuesday of the month, 2:00pm.

Equal Rights Advocacy Chair: Jessica Shaw-Nolff, jnolff6@gmail.com. Meet 3rd Thursday of the month, time varies. Check events page.

Membership Committee Chair: Mary Netzky (lead), mary.netzky@gmail.com. Meet 2nd Monday of the month, 3:30

Voter Services Committee Chair: Dibby Smith, dibbys@aol.com. Meet 2nd Wednesday of the month, 10:00am

LWVNLM Board of Directors

President: Robin Jordan, 2022-2024

First Vice President: Lisa Blanchard, 2023-2025

Vice President: Eileen Mikus, 2023-2025

Secretary: Penny Crim, 2022-2024

Treasurer: Jessica Shaw-Nolff, 2023-2025

Directors:

Katie Parker, 2023-2025

Carole Shane, 2023-2025

Marcia Meyer, 2023-2025

Ann Scott, 2022-2024

Dibby Smith, 2023-2025

Susan VanDeventer, 2022-2024