President’s Notes

“Now is not the time to wallow or hide!” (Carrie Moon-Dupree, LWV NW Wayne County)

I have been reading newsletters from other Leagues in the state and the line above jumped out at me. I confess I had been wallowing in the helpless sense of the word. But wallowing can also mean to devote yourself entirely and take pleasure! Pigs wallow in mud, right? I need to wallow in the pleasure of my resistance to the preposterous actions and proposals coming from our elected officials!! Let’s wallow in resistance together!

We need to speak out against the unprecedented executive overreach threatening our American democracy. We need to call and write to our representatives to speak against the SAVE (Safeguard Amer. Voter Eligibility) Act and HJRB in Michigan—bills which would require onerous proof of citizenship in order to register or re-register to vote. This legislation would not safeguard elections, it would silence voters! Click on the LWVMI Action Alert below.

The number to reach Parker Fairbairn in Lansing is 517-373-2629. Now is the time to make that call. Call Jack Bergman in Washington, too. 202-225-4735. Practice before you dial. Be concise. Citizenship is already a requirement to vote. We need to encourage everyone to vote, not constrain them with unnecessary documentation.

Read your League email. All of it! Local, state and national. Support League legal challenges and strategic plans as they develop. Share League posts on social media. Be visible and vocal about what we stand for and about what YOU stand for. We empower voters and defend democracy and have done so for more than 100 years. Feb 14 marked the League’s 105th birthday. New members are joining our local league every month. We have eight new members already this year and are now 165 members strong.

Our state League is strong, too. Join other Michigan LWV members at the State Convention May 16-17 in Grand Rapids (see below). Talk to your committee chair or call me (231-838-0797) if you are interested in attending.

Take care and take action,

Lisa Blanchard

WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER

Every day seems to bring a new assault on our democracy, and American citizens and many around the world are experiencing significant upheaval. The LWVUS has issued the following oath for our members, in support for democracy: 

“We do solemnly swear that we will empower voters and defend our democracy. We will faithfully execute our civic responsibility as nonpartisan advocates. We do this fearlessly, reflectively, and collectively. We act from a place of hope and collective power. We affirm that we will work to provide democracy education and election administration support, restore and defend voting rights protection, abolish the Electoral College, protect democracy organizations, and fight for reproductive freedoms. We will not be deterred from these tasks. So, join us to protect life, liberty, freedom, and justice.” - lwv.org

Read the LWV RESPONSE to the Presidential Address to congress on March 5th.

Remember in these challenging times, as an individual citizen, you are free (and encouraged!) to be engaged and take whatever action you wish as long as you are not representing yourself as a League member. Write and call your Senators and Representatives around issues you care about. Use your right to protest. Stay informed on issues that matter to you so you can act. Stay engaged. Watch for action alerts and notices from the League around actions you can take, whether they be small or large. (Lynne Kochmanski, President LWV Washtenaw)

Microplastics and Health Public Forum

Micro and nano plastics are extremely prevalent in our environment and the amount is rising. The health effects may be broad and significant. Microplastics are being implicated in cardiovascular disease, respiratory disorders, neurological symptoms, inflammatory bowel disease, and oxidative stress. The chemicals in micro and nano plastics are accused of causing cancers, metabolic disorders, ADHD, and fertility issues.

The LWVNLM Environment and Health Committees are cohosting a public forum on Wednesday, May 14, 5:30 – 6:30 pm at the Petoskey Public Library. John Meeker, Professor of Environmental Health Sciences and Senior Associate Dean for Research, University of Michigan will present a review of recent research on health and micro plastics and will be our featured speaker. The forum is supported by the Friends of the Library and will also be broadcast via Zoom.

We had a quieter winter post-election, allowing us to coordinate and refine our VOTE411 website and plan more public forums on issues related to voting. Check out our most recent public forum on Ranked Choice Voting - what it is and how this can strengthen democracy.

Observer Corps

We have an amazing group of 19 dedicated members who regularly attend local government meetings and Board meetings of local schools and libraries. We cover a large 3 county area and are always looking for members who want to defend democracy locally. It’s typically a once per month commitment, and you can always recruit a member friend to split the task if you choose. You learn a lot about your area when you attend these meetings! To learn more, please contact Penny Crim at paigeacrim@charter.net.

HJR B Action Alert

ACTION ALERT: HJR B - Citizenship Verification

TAKE ACTION

The League of Women Voters of MI asks you to urge your State Legislators to oppose passage of House Joint Resolution B, which amends Michigan Constitution to require citizenship verification.

On January 29, Rep. Posthumus introduced HJR B to amend the Constitution to require:

1. proof of citizenship to register to vote after December 18, 2026

2. photo ID when voting in person or casting an absentee ballot

3. MI Department of State to scrutinize voter rolls for non-citizens and remove questioned voters 60 days after notification if individual does not respond or verify citizenship

 It may seem intuitive that such proof be required—only citizens may vote. However, the specifics about what suffices as documentary proof are either not spelled out (HJR B) or contradictory and burdensome (SAVE Act). And the documentary proof of citizenship must be presented in person. No more registering by mail or online. No more updating one’s registration online. No more LWV voter registration.

Proponents claim these measures are needed because non-citizens are voting. Actually, non-citizen voting is very rare. A Heritage Foundation study found only 68 cases in the US in the past 40 years, and the majority of those involved lawful permanent residents (green card holders) given bad advice by election workers. More details here.

Please contact your State Legislators now and tell them to vote No on HJR B. You can also use this website to get the telephone numbers and contact your State Legislators by telephone.  Legislators - Michigan Legislature

To take action click here or on the link below.  The letter can be edited.

In League,

Paula Bowman          Denise Hartsough

Co-President             Co-President

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LWVMI Signs Letter to Congress

The League of Women Voters of the United States and League chapters from all 50 states and the District of Columbia sent a letter to congressional leaders expressing strong concern over abandoning its duties and authorities under Article I of the US Constitution, urging leaders to address the unprecedented executive branch overreach threatening American democracy.  In the detailed letter to Congress, the League highlighted several recent executive branch actions that are causing significant harm to millions of Americans, including the undermining of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, attempts to end birthright citizenship, pause distribution of congressionally allocated federal funds, and dismantle federal agencies without proper congressional oversight.

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Bi-Annual Michigan Convention

The LWVMI 2025 Convention will be held in Grand Rapids May 16-18. Seven LWVNLM members went to the 2023 convention and it was really fun! We learned a lot about the League and came away so inspired by the people we met! Any member is welcome to attend as a voting or nonvoting delegate. Since we have more members we qualify for more delegates. We have more slots open for any members to attend. Give it some thought, you’ll have fun! Contact Lisa Blanchard at lisa.g.blanchard@gmail.com

The LWVNLM Needs You

The 2025 Nominating Committee is seeking nominations for the Officers and Members of the LWVNLM Board of Directors whose terms expire this year. The Nominating Committee will present a slate of officers for election at the Annual Meeting in June. Unless noted, all terms are for two years. 

Below are the positions to be filled this year with a note about whether the incumbent is running again:

• (1st ) Vice-President: Vacant

• (2nd ) Vice-President: Incumbent Eileen Mikus – Running

• Treasurer: Incumbent Jessica Shaw-Nolff – Running

• Director: Incumbent Carole Shane –Running

• Director: Incumbent Marcia Meyer – Running

• Director: Vacant

• Nominating Committee: Vacant (Three positions; 1-year terms)

The Nominating Committee is looking for individuals who are:

• Dedicated to LWV’s mission, “Empowering Voters, Defending Democracy.”

• Committed to LWVNLM’s policies and positions.

• Enthusiastic about promoting LWVNLM’s growth and effectiveness.

If you are interested in being a candidate for one of these offices or want to recommend a member whom you think would be, please contact the Nominating Committee Chair, Karen Cole at karenjcole@hotmail.com by April 1, 2025.

We encourage individuals with varying life, work and volunteer experiences to apply. We seek a diverse group of individuals who have a passion for the League of Women Voters and our important work. Join us in helping to move the LWVNLM forward!

The 2025 Nominating Committee: Cheryl True, Grace Ketchum, Karen Cole, Rose Fitzgerald

A New Way to Renew Your Membership is Here!

All Leagues have transitioned to ChapterSpot, the new system for paying dues. All Leagues now have a Chapter Spot coordinator; Jessica Shaw-Nolff is ours.

What do you need to do now?

1. Be on the look out for a message from Chapter Spot (check your spam folder). The LWV is doing this on a rolling basis so some of you have already received the email.

2. You will be asked to log on to ChapterSpot to “claim your membership.” This will connect your existing membership with the new system. It does not mean you will have to pay right away.

3. Then you will enter your email and receive a code. Once you enter the code, you will be logged in. No password is needed. Please do this as soon as you get your LWV email so we can receive our portion of the dues from national.

Learn more:

Click here to view the NEW MEMBERSHIP SYSTEM FAQS

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Join the ONE-TIME TASK TEAM!

Due to popular request, the Membership Committee has created a one-time task (OTT) team! This group is designed to do a task as needed without joining a committee or attending meetings, or making a long commitment. Examples of tasks include distributing LWVNLM written materials, bringing food to an event, or serving on the annual meeting clean up crew, whatever a committee needs! To add your name to the list, please contact Mary Netzky, mary.netzky@gmail.com.

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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!

Katelyn Skornia, Mary Lynn Skornia, Pam Knysz, Laura Houser, Mary Sue Prantera

Kathy Bardins, Karen Pollard, Jill Sanvordener

As a member, you have access to the “members page” on our website. Email info@lwvnlm.org for the passcode. All members receive our LWVNLM newsletters and the quarterly LWVNLM Northern Voter by email. If you have not been getting these, please email info@lwvnlm.org for assistance. We are 165 members strong!

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STAY INFORMED ON ALL LWVNLM ACTIVITIES

• Website - You’ll find links to our events calendar, committee meetings, our most recent public forum, legislative action alerts, and the members only page, to name a few. Check it out.

• YouTube Channel - This houses all of our recorded public forums. If you’re new to the League or have never visited the site, check out some of the topics we’ve covered over the last few years. It might give you an idea for a future public forum topic. Please click subscribe when you visit!

• Newsletters - We send a quarterly Northern Voter, and periodic interim newsletters to all members via email.

Member Appreciation

Shelli Duff

I moved to Petoskey in February of 2023 from Minnesota. Growing up in Boyne City, the nearby town of Petoskey was the place to go. It is where we went for shopping and entertainment. My mother took us to JC Penney for school clothes. I always liked the city by the Bay. So, when I moved “back home” to be near my family in retirement, I decided to live in Petoskey.

The first organization I joined was the Top of Michigan Trails Council and the second was the League of Women Voters. Phyllis Ledyard and others invited me to join their bike group. I had been active in a bike club in Minneapolis and appreciated having this kind group of women to ride with in my new community. That is how I met Lisa Blanchard who asked me if I would be interested in joining the League. I signed up that very evening. I had no idea at the time that many of my “new best friends” would be members of the LWV.

I believe in everything the LVW stands for including protecting voting rights and defending democracy. Our work is more important than ever. That is why I offered to co-chair the Voter Services Committee with Dibby Smith. I am looking forward to learning and growing into this position, as we continue to fight for Democracy.

National Legal Action

Did you know the LWV actively pursues nationwide litigation to protect voting rights, protect basic human rights and end big money corruption? Check out the LWV LEGAL CENTER page for an overview of current LWV legal action.

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, Jackie Mitchell jackiemitchell06@me.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. Date and time varies. Check events page.

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

Voter Services Committee Co-chairs: Dibby Smith, dibbys@aol.com, Shelli Duff, Sduff8991@gmail.com. Meet 2nd Wednesday of the month, 10:00am

LWVNLM Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement

The League of Women Voters Northern Lower Michigan is an organization fully committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in principle and in practice.  There shall be no barriers to full participation in this organization.  Diversity, equity and inclusion are central to the organization’s current and future success in engaging all individuals, households, communities, and policy makers in creating a more perfect democracy.