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MEMBERS MATTER NEWSLETTER
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Dear ~~first_name~~ ~~last_name~~,
As our nation commemorates America's 250th anniversary, we're reminded that democracy is strongest when citizens are informed, engaged, and willing to serve their communities. That belief has guided the League of Women Voters for more than 100 years, and it continues to inspire our work today.
Here in Metropolitan Phoenix, our League is making a difference every day through the dedication of our member volunteers. Whether registering new voters, presenting educational programs, advocating for transparent and accountable government, engaging young people, or building partnerships throughout our community, your commitment strengthens our democracy. These efforts may not always make headlines, but they have a lasting impact.
Our work becomes even more important during election season. Please remember that Arizona's Primary Election is Tuesday, July 21. Be sure to make a plan to vote and encourage your family, friends, and neighbors to do the same.
Behind the scenes, League volunteers are already preparing for the Primary and General Elections. Our Vote411 team is working to provide voters with trusted, nonpartisan candidate and ballot information, while members across the League are partnering with community organizations to host voter registration drives and voter education events throughout Metropolitan Phoenix. Every event we organize and every voter we assist helps strengthen civic participation in our community. Send us your areas of interest for participating in this important work at infolwvmp@gmail.com
One of the things I appreciate most about our League is that our impact extends well beyond Election Day. We build informed voters, encourage respectful civic engagement, and create opportunities for people to become active participants in their communities. That work continues year-round, and it is possible because of your time, talent, and dedication.
Thank you for everything you do to support the League of Women Voters Metropolitan Phoenix. Whether you volunteer at an event, contribute to Vote411, serve on a committee, or simply encourage others to vote, you are helping build a stronger community and a healthier democracy.
I wish you and your families a safe and enjoyable summer, and I look forward to working alongside you as we prepare for a successful General Election.
Warmly,
Kara Pelletier
President | Save the Date
Click on the Event Calendar to view upcoming events
Event Calendar
Note that some of the events are for members only, requiring login.
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Voices from Arizona - Listening Circles
A Statewide Day of Action to Commemorate the Voting Rights Act
On Saturday, August 8, the League of Women Voters of Arizona will host Voices from Arizona, a statewide Day of Action commemorating the legacy of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
The League of Women Voters of Arizona has been selected by the League of Women Voters of the United States as one of only five signature locations nationwide to host this important event—a recognition of Arizona's leadership in advancing voting rights and civic engagement.
Each of the five locations will focus on the voting experiences of different communities:
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San Francisco – Asian American, Pacific Islander, and LGBTQ+ communities
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Detroit – Northern Black communities
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Atlanta – Southern Black communities
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Philadelphia – The birthplace of American democracy and voting rights
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Phoenix – Native American and Latino communities
Arizona's event is unique. Through a Phoenix anchor event, satellite gatherings across the state hosted by local Leagues, and a statewide livestream, we will bring together Tribal leaders, Latino leaders, community members, youth leaders, educators, election officials, faith leaders, advocates, and other trusted voices to share their lived experiences with voting, civic participation, and access to trusted election information.
Rather than speaking about communities, Voices from Arizona is designed to create space for communities to speak for themselves. Through two statewide Listening Circles, participants will identify barriers to civic participation, share ideas for strengthening our democracy, and help shape future voting rights efforts.
The conversations will not end on August 8. The stories, experiences, and recommendations gathered during the Listening Circles will help inform the League's future voter education, civic engagement, and voting rights advocacy at both the state and national levels. Arizona's findings will also become part of a broader national effort to commemorate the Voting Rights Act and strengthen voting rights for future generations.
Join the Conversation Live
Whether you're able to attend in person or not, League members and supporters from across Arizona are invited to participate by watching the event live on the LWVAZ YouTube Channel (@LWVAZ3069).
Watch the conversations. Listen to the stories. Ask questions. Be part of the change.
Please save the date—Saturday, August 8, 2026.
Additional details, including the livestream link and opportunities to participate, will be shared in the coming weeks. We hope you'll join League members from across Arizona as we listen, learn, and elevate the voices that will help shape the future of voting rights in our state and across the nation. | |

Understanding Arizona's Housing Crisis: Lunch & Learn Series
The League of Women Voters of Arizona is proud to partner with the Safe Communities Coalition and Arizona Faith Network in advancing thoughtful, community-based solutions to Arizona's housing and homelessness crisis.
In 2025, the League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Phoenix adopted a comprehensive Housing Position to guide our advocacy and public education efforts on this critical issue. Read the LWV Metropolitan Phoenix Housing Position:
https://lwvmetrophoenix.org/docs.ashx?id=1604442
This Lunch & Learn provides an excellent opportunity for League members to deepen their understanding of Arizona's housing challenges and explore compassionate, practical approaches to addressing them.
We encourage all League members to attend this important program and share it with others who are interested in housing, homelessness, and community well-being.
📅 Part One: Understanding Arizona's Housing Crisis
July 21 | 12:00–1:15 p.m. | REGISTER FOR ZOOM LINK
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Observer Corps
Help hold local government accountable. Volunteer to be a part of LWVMP’s Observer Corps.
Ready to get involved? Email AdvocacyLWVMP@gmail.com to learn more and chat with an Observer Corps Team member!
League Advocacy Issue Teams
Issue Teams are a key component of the important work undertaken by members. The League of Women Voters of Arizona (LWVAZ) focuses on statewide issues, and we encourage all members to join one or more of these statewide issue teams, which have a broad impact at the State and Local levels - Learn More Here
In addition to statewide work, the League of Women Voters of Metro Phoenix (LWVMP) addresses issues specific to the counties, municipalities, and school districts we serve. Our local league teams focus on priorities not yet supported at the statewide level or those with particular local significance, helping to promote LWVMP positions and principles. In addition to our support for Statewide issues, our current local policy focus areas include Sustainability, with a focus on Housing.
For more information or to get involved at the Statewide or Local level, contact us at AdvocacyLWVMP@gmail.com
Your Voice Matters! Join the LWVMP Advocacy Team!
Help protect democracy, raise awareness, and promote common-sense, nonpartisan change—all while building connections and friendships with people who care about our community. Participation is flexible, so you can contribute in ways and at times that fit your schedule.
Have questions? Email us at AdvocacyLWVMP@gmail.com to connect with a team member.
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Growing our Membership and League Power
Please join us in welcoming 7 New League Members who joined last month: E'Lisa Harrison, Makenna Dunlap, Amanda Hansen, Tiffanee Beyer, Matthew Beyer, Jeanne Devine, and Barb Jones.
And, thank you to all 5 Renewing Members: Gretchen Bolerjack, Carol Poole, Dale Domzalski, Janet Kerby, and Gerry Corey.
Engagement Highlights
Help us grow our League power by inviting friends, neighbors, and
democracy allies to Join the League today
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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 in the fight 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.
| VOTE411 is Live–Help Voters Make Informed Choices
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.
The VOTE411 Voters' Guide was published on June 24 to coincide with the start of early voting.
Visit https://www.vote411.org, enter your address, and access your personalized, nonpartisan voter guide.
VOTE411 includes:
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Candidates’ responses to League-developed questions for Federal, state, county, and local races
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Bio questions, including public policy positions, endorsements, social media tags, and education
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Information on when, where, and how to vote
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Key election dates and deadlines
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Voter registration links and other helpful resources
Candidates can continue submitting responses, so check back regularly for updates.
We invited all candidates—including incumbents and unopposed candidates—to participate. Write-in candidates are not included because they do not appear on Arizona ballots. Despite multiple reminders, many candidates have not yet responded.
How You Can Help - Candidate Reminders
Check Your Candidates
Go to https://www.vote411.org, enter your address, and see whether your candidates answered our questions. Encourage friends and family across Arizona to do the same.
Encourage Candidates to Participate
If a candidate has not responded, reach out by phone, email, or social media. Nothing is more persuasive than hearing directly from potential constituents.
Suggested message:
"As a voter, I want to know where my candidates stand on the issues. Please participate in the VOTE411 Voters' Guide so voters can be informed before casting their ballots. If you can’t find your invitation, email lwvazadvocacy@gmail.com to request another one."
Questions? Need candidate contact information? Know a candidate who can't find their invitation? Email: lwvazadvocacy@gmail.com
Help Promote VOTE411
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Share VOTE411 on social media
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Post in Nextdoor and community groups
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Follow and share League posts:
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Tell friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues. Every conversation helps inform more voters.
Share your local league’s recorded candidate forums and debates
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Links to YouTube recordings of League-hosted or co-hosted events are included in the VOTE411 position descriptions, allowing us to showcase the event while informing voters who did not attend
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The LWVAZ YouTube Playlist Candidate Debates and Forums 2026 contains links to all League-hosted or co-hosted candidate events
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Contact lwvazadvocacy@gmail.com for information on how to share the links.
| Pick Up a Yard Sign!
Increase awareness of VOTE411 by displaying a yard or window sign in visible locations throughout your community. Every sign helps raise awareness of VOTE411 and connects voters to reliable election information.
Together, we can ensure Arizona voters know where to find the information they need before casting their ballots.
To arrange the pickup of signs, please contact infolwvmp@gmail.com
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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.
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.
What Poll Monitors Do
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Observe voting locations and election processes.
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Identify and report issues affecting voters.
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Support voter access and confidence in the election process.
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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.
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Invest in Democracy: Support the League

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.
| LWV METRO PHOENIX BOARD OF DIRECTORS | LWV Metro Phoenix Board of Directors
Officers
President (Interim) : Kara Pelletier
President Elect: Open
Secretary: Gretchen Bolerjack
Treasurer, Finance and Development Committee Chair: Barbara Cricket Mitchell
Board of Directors
Advocacy Committee Chair: Open
Communications Committee Chair: Sarabeth Spencer
League Representative to State Board: Gitelle Seer
Membership Committee Chair: Emra Muslim
Nominations Committee Chair: Suzanne Miller
Voter Services Chair: Dawn Reeths
Contact us at InfoLWVMP@gmail.com |
Democracy needs more than believers—it needs doers. You are already a valued member of the League; now, take the next step. Stand up. Speak out. Take action. Let’s “make good trouble” together and keep our democracy strong.
Share your thoughts with us—this is how change happens. You may email me at InfoLWVMP@gmail.com
In League Service,
Kara Pelletier, President (Interim) Please Donate
LWV Metro Phoenix | |
League in Action is how the state and local Leagues mobilize members to take action on critical issues as we defend democracy. Download the app and register yourself as a supporter of LWV of Arizona and LWV Metropolitan Phoenix. Click here for step-by-step instructions to download the app and sign up as a supporter of both Leagues.
Stay informed with text alerts about MP Events and activities, Arizona legislative activity and calls to comment through the RTS (Request to Speak) system.
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LWV Metro Phoenix, 3219 E Camelback Road, #187, Phoenix, AZ 86018
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