Looking Ahead to 2026: Building Leadership, Expanding Engagement, and Empowering Voters

LWV Metropolitan Phoenix held its Annual Meeting on April 26. Thank you to all the members who attended. We were pleased to hear from our special guest, Victoria Lopez, Executive Director of the ACLU of Arizona, who discussed current threats to our democracy and the important role the League of Women Voters can play in protecting our rights.

During the meeting, we also conducted League business, including consideration of bylaws, financial reports, budgets, and nominations. Congratulations to our newly elected Board members, Sarabeth Spencer and Sara Economou, and welcome back to returning Board member Cricket Mitchell.

As we reflect on the past year, I am proud of the work our League has accomplished through voter education, community outreach, advocacy, and civic engagement. None of this would be possible without the dedication of our members and volunteers who generously contribute their time, talent, and passion to strengthen our democracy.

Our Nominating Committee, led by Suzanne Miller, conducted a thorough search for candidates to serve as President and President-Elect for the 2026–2028 term. While we were unable to identify candidates for these positions at this time, we know our League is filled with talented and committed members. We hope more members will consider leadership opportunities as we continue building the next generation of League leaders.

Under our bylaws, when officer positions remain vacant, the Board may extend service beyond stated term limits to ensure continuity of leadership and organizational stability. On May 21, 2026, the Board voted to appoint me to continue serving as President of LWV Metropolitan Phoenix on an interim basis. I accepted this role because I care deeply about our mission and want to help ensure the continued success of our League. I am grateful for the Board’s confidence and support.

As we prepare for the 2026 elections, I am energized by the opportunities ahead. We have numerous events and activities in the planning stages, including expanded voter education, voter registration efforts, and youth engagement initiatives. Empowering future voters and civic leaders remains an important priority for our League.

We invite you to join our efforts through the Voter Services Committee. If you would like to get involved, please contact us at infolwvmp@gmail.com.

The League of Women Voters of Arizona is also actively engaged in Vote411 and a variety of state advocacy initiatives. Members interested in volunteering are encouraged to reach out, and we will help connect you with opportunities to participate.

One of the things I value most about our League is the dedication of members who consistently show up to educate voters, advocate for democratic principles, and strengthen our communities. Whether you are a long-time member or newly involved, there is a place for you in this work. Together, we can ensure that every voter has access to reliable information and every voice has the opportunity to be heard.

Thank you for your continued commitment to the League and to the communities we serve.

Kara Pelletier
Interim President
LWV Metropolitan Phoenix

A Note From the Board

This is a short edition of Members Matter due to summer slowdown, vacations and holidays. The LWVMP will have a more robust newsletter in late July with volunteer opportunities in Advocacy and Voter Services as we gear up for the November elections. In the meantime, members are encouraged to email infolwvmp@gmail.com to learn more about these opportunities.

Save the Date

PLEASE CLICK ON THE BUTTON BELOW.

Note that some of the events are for members only, requiring login.


Event Calendar

Sunday, Oct 11, 2026, phxPRIDE: Come support the phxPRIDE community and help LWVMP provide voter education and important election information materials.  The Phoenix Pride event will be at a new location at the Arizona Center in Central Phoenix (455 N. 3rd St). 
To express interest in this event, please email infolwvmp@gmail.com. 

LWVMP Community Teams

Engaging with Community Teams

Community teams are organized into three broad geographic areas: Phoenix, Northeast Valley (Scottsdale and surrounding areas), and Southeast Valley (Tempe, Gilbert, Chandler, etc), providing convenient opportunities for members to socialize and advocate on local issues. Please look at the calendar to see when and where the community teams are meeting this month!

We need your help - Defend Democracy: Be the Eyes and Ears of Your Community!

The MP Observer Corps needs you - all members are encouraged to join the Observer Corps. Join our vital team of volunteers who attend local government meetings. By acting as our eyes and ears, you'll help ensure transparency and accountability, reporting on decisions that shape our community. These nonpartisan reports empower everyone to make informed voting decisions.
Just a few hours a month can make a huge difference. No experience is needed; we provide training, and it's a fantastic way to learn about issues directly affecting you.
Ready to get involved? Email AdvocacyLWVMP@gmail.com to learn more and chat with an Observer Corps Team member!

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Help Promote VOTE411 – Pick Up a Yard Sign!

VOTE411.org is the League of Women Voters’ nonpartisan digital voter guide, a one-stop shop for personalized voting information on races, candidates, ballot measures, elections, and voting, and links to register to vote and verify registration.

This election season, we are asking League members to help increase awareness of VOTE411 by displaying a yard sign or window sign in visible locations throughout their communities.

Volunteer to Display a VOTE411 Sign

Help voters find trusted, nonpartisan election information.

LWVAZ is looking for volunteers willing to display VOTE411 yard signs and window signs throughout their communities. Every sign helps raise awareness of VOTE411 and connects voters to reliable election information.

To volunteer or arrange pickup of signs, please contact:  infolwvmp@gmail.com

Together, we can ensure more Arizona voters know where to find the information they need before casting their ballots.

Where Can You Display a VOTE411 Sign?

Your Home

Display a yard sign at your residence if permitted by your HOA, local regulations, or property owner.

Businesses and Storefronts

Ask local businesses if they would be willing to place a VOTE411 sign in a window or other visible location.

Libraries

Many libraries support voter education efforts. Please obtain permission before placing any signs.

Community Centers

Community centers, senior centers, and recreation facilities may be willing to display VOTE411 signs. Always request permission first.

High-Traffic Areas

Where permitted by law, place signs in highly visible locations where voters commonly see campaign signs and election information. Be sure not to block sidewalks, driveways, traffic visibility, or pedestrian pathways.

When Should Signs Be Displayed?

On Private Property

Signs may be displayed now and remain up through the November General Election.

In Public Rights-of-Way

Arizona law generally permits temporary political signs beginning 71 days before an election and ending 15 days after the election.

2026 Election Dates

• Primary Election: July 21, 2026 
• General Election: November 3, 2026

If you place signs in public areas, please remove them promptly after each election period as required.

Help Voters Find Trusted Information

Every VOTE411 sign helps direct voters to a trusted, nonpartisan source of election information. Pick up a sign, place it where voters will see it, and help ensure Arizona voters have the information they need to participate in our democracy.

Help Arizona Voters – Become an Election Protection Poll Monitor

Election Protection Poll Monitors are trained, nonpartisan volunteers who help identify and report issues affecting voters and voter access. Poll Monitors play a vital role in helping ensure every eligible voter can cast their ballot safely, securely, and without unnecessary barriers. No prior experience is required. EPAZ provides comprehensive training and support.

The League of Women Voters of Arizona is partnering with Election Protection Arizona (EPAZ) to recruit volunteer Poll Monitors for the July 21, 2026 Primary Election.

What Poll Monitors Do

• Observe voting locations and election processes.

• Identify and report issues affecting voters.

• Support voter access and confidence in the election process.

• Document concerns and relay information to the Election Protection team.

Poll Monitors do not intervene in election activities. Volunteers are trained on observation, documentation, safety protocols, and reporting procedures.

Volunteer Safety Comes First

EPAZ prioritizes volunteer safety and well-being. Training includes safety protocols and reporting procedures, and volunteers are supported by legal observers, roving monitors, and coalition leaders throughout Election Day. Water, electrolyte supplements, and weather-relief supplies are provided, and volunteers are encouraged to take breaks and prioritize their health and comfort.

Sign Up Today

Register to become a Poll Monitor:
https://protectthevote.net/?source=LWVAZ

After registering, you will receive an email with instructions for selecting a training session.

Upcoming Training Opportunities

Virtual Trainings

• July 1 | 6:00–7:00 PM

• July 11 | 11:00 AM–12:00 PM

In-Person Trainings

• June 25 | 5:30–6:30 PM | Yuma

• July 14 | 6:00 PM | Maricopa County (location to be announced)

About Election Protection Arizona

Election Protection Arizona is a statewide coalition of more than 30 partner organizations working together to protect voters and strengthen confidence in our elections. The League of Women Voters of Arizona has been a proud coalition partner for multiple election cycles and continues to play a leading role in recruiting and training volunteers.

Learn more about Election Protection Arizona:
https://www.electionproaz.org/

Together, we can help ensure every voter has the opportunity to cast their ballot and have it counted.

Growing our Membership and League Power

Please join us in welcoming 4 New League Members who joined last month:
Jaquelyn Swartz, Fran Beard, Mary Nesset, and Janet Grams.

And thank you to all 8 Renewing Members:
Julie Gunnigle, Mary Westheimer, Austin Englert, Mary Tripp, Maddie Tung, Kathleen Stephens, Cathy Arroyo, and Gail Maiorana.

Engagement Highlights

Help us grow our League power by inviting friends, neighbors, and democracy allies to Join the League today.

Thank You for Making Democracy Work

We want to say thank you for your continued support of the League of Women Voters of Metro Phoenix. Your membership helps make democracy work at a time when protecting voting rights is more critical than ever.

Your dues directly support voter education, advocacy, and nonpartisan election protection efforts in our community. Because of you, the League remains a trusted voice fighting for fair elections and an inclusive democracy.

Help Us Grow the Movement

Local action is where real change happens, and we invite you to help us grow our impact by encouraging your networks, family, and friends to join LWVMP. Membership starts at just $20 per year, making it easy for anyone who believes in voting rights and civic engagement to get involved.

To learn more about the League and help spread the word, you can share this resource:👉 Learn more about the League here

Get Involved: Membership Committee

Want to be part of this critical work? The Membership Committee plays a vital role in retaining and expanding our membership. Without our members, our work simply could not happen. If you’re interested in helping build the League’s future or want to learn more, please email membershiplwvmp@gmail.com.

Thank you for standing with us and helping strengthen democracy — together, we make change happen.

At the League of Women Voters, we know democracy doesn’t defend itself—it takes people, passion, and resources. Every voter registration table, candidate forum, youth program, and advocacy effort is powered by members and supporters like you.
This year, LWV Metro Phoenix is expanding our reach like never before. We’re mentoring the next generation through the new Ambassador Corps, engaging thousands of students at community events, and showing up in force for National Voter Registration Day and National Voter Education Week. These efforts matter—and they depend on your support.
When you give to the League, you’re making a direct investment in protecting voting rights, empowering young leaders, and ensuring every voice is heard at the ballot box.
Here’s how you can help today:
Make a one-time or monthly donation online.
Ask your employer about matching gifts.
Honor a friend or loved one with a gift in their name.
Together, we can keep democracy strong in Metro Phoenix and beyond. Thank you for standing with us.

📚 Stay Informed — and Take Action

Oppose Proposed Mail and Absentee Ballot Regulations

The League is urging action to oppose proposed federal regulations that could create new barriers to voting by mail and absentee ballot.

Take action here:
https://www.lwv.org/take-action/oppose-proposed-mail-and-absentee-ballot-regulations

Read Featured Articles and Statements

Stay up to date on League news, advocacy priorities, and actions.

www.lwvaz.org

Defending the Right to Vote: League Legal Work

In 2024, the League helped protect the voting rights of more than 9.38 million voters through legal action in courts across the nation.

And we are still fighting to:

• Protect free and fair elections

• Defend the separation of powers

• Safeguard voter registration

• Support fair representation for all

Read about the League's ongoing legal cases and advocacy efforts:

https://www.lwv.org/legal-center-search

Unite and Rise 8.5

Join the League's nationwide mobilization campaign to build people power, strengthen democracy, and take action in our communities.

Learn more:
https://www.lwv.org/uniteandrise