Quick Links to Articles in this Issue

President's Message
Save the Date
Membership
Voter Services
Advocacy
LWVAZ News
LWVUS News

October is here—and with it comes one of the most important and exciting times of the year for the League of Women Voters of Metro Phoenix!

I want to take a moment to celebrate you—our incredible League members and volunteers.

Across our community, you are working the polls, supporting election protection, sharing nonpartisan voter information, promoting Vote411, volunteering at community events, and helping friends, family, neighbors, and first-time voters get ready to cast their ballots. Sometimes it’s a full day of volunteering, or sometimes it’s simply reminding a neighbor, “Don’t forget to vote!” Every action matters.

On October 20, we celebrate Election Hero Day, recognizing the election officials, staff, and poll workers who help ensure safe, secure, and accessible elections. I also want to recognize our League members who help make voter participation possible.

You are election heroes, too!

Thank you for giving your time, sharing your knowledge, and encouraging others to participate in our democracy. Let’s celebrate one another, thank our election workers, share Vote411.org, and keep helping our communities make their voices heard.

The General Election Is Coming—Let's Make Every Action Count!

This election matters, and the League offers many ways to participate in defending democracy and getting out the vote! Volunteer at a community event, support election protection, share nonpartisan voter information, or reach out to friends, family, and neighbors to encourage them to vote.

Ready to make a difference? Log in to your League account and visit the LWV Metro Phoenix website to explore upcoming events and sign up for volunteer opportunities. Remember, you must be signed in to ClubExpress to access the Events page.

Whether you have an hour or a day to give, every volunteer and every action counts. Let's finish this election season strong—democracy needs all of us!

With gratitude,

Kara Pelletier
President
League of Women Voters of Metro Phoenix

A Thank You That Means So Much

Sometimes the best reminder that our work matters comes from the people that we serve.

Recently, we received this thoughtful thank-you from a valued community partner at Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest. Their note recognized the League’s work to provide nonpartisan ballot proposition information and our shared commitment to making democracy accessible to everyone.

Their message was simple, but it meant so much:

“Thank you for the work you do and the time you’re spending communicating through GOTV. We appreciate partnering with you and the League to ensure everyone’s rights are upheld.”

This is why we do what we do.

From distributing our Ballot Proposition Voter Education Booklets to sharing reliable information through Vote411, the League works every day to help people participate in our democracy with the information that they need.

We are grateful for community partners who recognize the importance of this work—and who help us spread our reach further.

Together, we are making democracy work for everyone.

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


Event Calendar

Join LWV of Metropolitan Phoenix for Suffs Community Night!

The vote was not given, it was won. These are the women who made it happen.

The League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Phoenix is excited to participate as a Community Night partner for the October 25 performance of the Tony Award-winning musical Suffs at The Phoenix Theatre Company.

Suffs tells the electrifying true story of the women who fought for their right to vote. From suffragist icons like Susan B. Anthony and Sojourner Truth to the young activists who carried the movement forward, Suffs brings one of history's most important battles to life through a bold, contemporary score.

The story and themes of Suffs have a natural connection to the League's mission and our work to empower voters and encourage civic engagement. LWV of Metropolitan Phoenix will have a presence at the theatre during Community Night, sharing information about the League and providing nonpartisan voter education and civic engagement resources.

Special Community Night Offer for League Members

Sunday, October 25, 2026
7:00 PM Performance

Pay What You Can Pricing — minimum $1!

League members and their households may reserve up to six tickets per household using the special LWVMP promotion.

Use Promo Code: LWVOTE

Tickets may also be reserved using the special booking link: https://tickets.phoenixtheatre.com/18469/18543?premove=Y&promo=LWVOTE

There is no deadline for the promo code; however, it is valid only for the October 25 performance. Ticket inventory may go quickly, so we encourage members to reserve their tickets early.

Where

The Phoenix Theatre Company
1825 N. Central Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85004

(602) 254-2151
www.phoenixtheatre.com
We hope you will join fellow League members for this special evening. It is a wonderful opportunity to experience this powerful production together, connect with other members, and celebrate the history of the women's suffrage movement and the continuing importance of civic participation.
We look forward to seeing you at Suffs!

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!

League Volunteers at
Tolleson Union District HS Commitment Day (September 2026)

🍂Fall Into Action with LWV of Metro Phoenix!

There are so many opportunities to be a part of League work this fall! Whether you have a few hours or many, we have opportunities for you. Join us in our efforts to help educate voters, engage with youth, and get out the vote in the weeks leading up to the general election.

Here’s what’s coming up:

🗳️ October 11 — Phoenix Pride Festival

Join us for voter education, registration, and election information at the Phoenix Pride Festival. Help us connect with voters and share the nonpartisan resources they need to participate.

Sign up for Phoenix Pride Festival

🎓 October 13–14 — PHX Future Fair

Help staff the LWVMP booth at the PHX Future Fair for Phoenix Union high school seniors at Burton Barr Library. This is a wonderful opportunity to engage with young people and encourage the next generation of voters to become active in their communities.

Volunteer at the PHX Future Fair

🎤 October 18 — Arizona Corporation Commission Candidate Debate

Candidates invited to participate include Clara Pratte, Jonathan Hill, Kevin Thompson, Ralph Heap, and Mike Cease.

💀 October 24 — Día de los Muertos Festival

Come help with voter registration, election information, and voter education at this community tabling event.

Sign up for Día de los Muertos Festival

🎭 October 25 — Suffs Community Night

Special Community Night Offer for League Members

Sunday, October 25, 2026
7:00 PM Performance

Pay What You Can Pricing — minimum $1!

https://tickets.phoenixtheatre.com/18469/18543?premove=Y&promo=LWVOTE 

📬 October 27 — Phoenix Community Team Meeting

Join fellow League members at Changing Hands Bookstore for an informal Q&A about ballot measures, Get Out the Vote, and more. It’s also the last day to mail your ballot, making this a timely opportunity to help answer questions and encourage participation.

Learn more about the Phoenix Community Team Meeting

🎉 December 6 — Save the Date!

All LWVMP members, friends, and family are invited to our Holiday Gathering. Tentatively planned for 10 a.m.–1 p.m., this will be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our members, our accomplishments, and another year of making democracy work in our community.

Save the Date for the Holiday Gathering

Find an opportunity and join us!

There’s no better time than election season to get involved. Every conversation, every voter helped, and every hour volunteered strengthens our democracy.

For the complete list of events and volunteer opportunities, visit the LWV of Metro Phoenix Events page:

LWV Metro Phoenix Events

Please remember: You must be signed in to your ClubExpress account to see the Events page and access the event details.

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!

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.

LWV Metro Phoenix is thrilled to continue accepting applications for the Ambassador Corps!

This program gives young people a real voice in shaping their communities and democracy—while building leadership skills, gaining hands-on experience, and making real change.

If you know someone 16–29 who’s interested in government, political science, or passionate about issues like college costs, health care, criminal justice, the environment, or voting rights - connect them to us. The Ambassador Corps at LWVMP will channel their energy into an effective program with tangible results.

We’ll provide the structure, mentorship, community service opportunities, and leadership training. They’ll bring the passion. Together, we’ll prepare the next generation to lead—and protect our democracy.

2026 Arizona Statewide Candidate Debates — Join Us Online

Sunday, October 18 | 2:00–3:30 p.m.

Arizona Corporation Commission Candidate Debate

Candidates invited to participate:

• Clara Pratte — Democratic

• Jonathan Hill — Democratic

• Kevin Thompson — Republican

• Ralph Heap — Republican

• Mike Cease — Green Party

Registration:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ngVAEETnSV2ZyjmRODLI9A

These virtual debates will give voters across Arizona an opportunity to hear directly from candidates without having to travel. Advance webinar registration is required, and registered participants will receive a unique link to join online.

The League of Women Voters is nonpartisan and neither supports nor opposes candidates or political parties.

Help Us Distribute the 2026 Ballot Propositions Voter Education Booklet

LWV Arizona created the 2026 Ballot Propositions Voter Education Booklet, a nonpartisan resource to help Arizona voters understand the propositions on the November ballot.

The booklet is available in English and Spanish, and 20,000 copies have been printed for statewide distribution. More detailed information is available through VOTE411.org.   

We Need Your Help!

LWV Metropolitan Phoenix is looking for members who can help identify locations and deliver booklets within their communities and networks. Think about places where you already have a connection and would be willing to help distribute copies.

Potential locations include:

• Community centers and libraries

• Colleges and universities

• Senior living communities

• Faith communities

• Neighborhood and community organizations

• Civic and voter-engagement partners

• Other organizations and gathering places that serve Arizona voters

•  Ready to help? Email infolwvmp@gmail.com or lwvazadvocacy@gmail.com with the locations you suggest and whether you can help deliver booklets there.

With 20,000 booklets to distribute statewide, we have a great opportunity to deliver trusted, nonpartisan voter information directly to Arizona voters.

You Have Choices: Ways to Vote in Arizona

Download and share the bilingual Arizona Voting Options handout and share it widely with family, friends, neighbors, community organizations, and your personal and professional networks.

You may also print copies for meetings, voter-registration activities, community events, and other nonpartisan voter-education efforts.

Help Arizona voters understand their choices, make a plan, and vote early.

Early voting begins October 7, and Election Day is November 3. Arizona voters have several ways to cast their ballots. You can vote by mail, return your completed mail ballot at an authorized location, vote early in person, or vote at a voting location on Election Day.

Receiving a ballot by mail does not limit your choices. You may:

• Complete your ballot and mail it back

• Complete your ballot and return it at an authorized drop box or voting location

• Personally return your ballot at a voting location and choose to show the required voter identification

• Decide not to use your mail ballot and vote in person instead

The League of Women Voters of Arizona has created a bilingual Arizona Voting Options handout in English and Spanish to help voters understand these choices and make a plan.

The handout provides information about:

• Receiving and returning ballots through the U.S. Mail

• Signing the mail-ballot affidavit envelope

• Mailing your ballot early enough to arrive by the deadline

• Authorized locations where you may drop off a completed mail ballot

• The optional identification-verification process available when you personally return your ballot at a voting location

• Voting early in person or on Election Day

• Finding a Vote Center or assigned polling place

• Tracking your mail ballot to confirm that it was received and accepted

• Arizona’s voter-identification requirements

Election officials must receive a completed mail ballot by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day. A postmark is not enough. If Election Day is getting close, return your completed and signed ballot at an authorized location instead of mailing it.

Track your ballot at TrackMyBallot.azsos.gov/voter. Find your voting location, review voter-identification requirements, and obtain trusted, nonpartisan election information at VOTE411.org.

VOTE411 Is LIVE! Help Us Spread the Word!

VOTE411 is now live for Arizona voters! Voters can enter their address to see the races and candidates on their ballot and compare participating candidates’ answers to league-written questions and their biographical information.

Key features include:

• Candidate information and responses. Encourage voters to check back often—especially before they vote.

• Ballot propositions. Nonpartisan LWVAZ analyses of all eight statewide propositions are available in English and Spanish.

• Voting information. Dates, registration deadlines, and other essential voting information in Arizona are always available.

Help Us Get More Candidates to Respond!

We will continue reaching out to candidates who have not yet participated—and we need your help! A personal reminder from League members can make a difference.

If you are willing to contact candidates and remind them that voters deserve to hear where they stand, email lwvazadvocacy@gmail.com. We’ll provide a script, candidate contact information, and instructions.

Visit VOTE411.org. Encourage voters to use it. And help us get every candidate to respond!

Become a Poll Monitor: Defend Democracy. Protect Voters.
Sign up Today

Free and fair elections depend not only on the laws that protect the right to vote, but also on people who are willing to show up and help ensure those protections work for every voter.

The League of Women Voters of Arizona is proud to partner with Election Protection Arizona, and we are calling on League members and community volunteers across the state to serve as nonpartisan poll monitors for the 2026 General Election.

Why Poll Monitors Matter

Every eligible voter should be able to cast their ballot without unnecessary barriers, confusion, intimidation, or interference.

Poll monitors provide an important citizen presence at voting locations. They observe what is happening, help voters connect with trusted nonpartisan information and assistance, and provide timely reports to the Election Protection network when problems arise.

Those reports matter. When Election Protection receives information about issues such as long lines, accessibility concerns, misinformation, voter intimidation, unexpected voting-location problems, or voters having difficulty getting assistance, those concerns can be assessed and triaged so that appropriate support can be provided.

Poll monitors are not election officials, and they do not interfere with election administration or tell anyone how to vote. Their role is to observe, document, report, provide voters with accurate nonpartisan information, and connect voters with trained Election Protection resources.

When Fear Can Become a Barrier to Voting

In today's election environment, voters may encounter not only practical barriers to casting a ballot, but also fear, confusion, misinformation, or concerns about intimidation and interference at voting locations.

Every eligible voter should be able to exercise their right to vote safely and without intimidation, threats, or coercion.

That is another reason a trained, nonpartisan citizen presence matters.

Poll monitors are there to observe, document, and report—not to confront or interfere. When something appears wrong, they provide reliable, real-time information to the Election Protection network so the issue can be evaluated and, when appropriate, connected quickly to voter assistance, legal resources, or other support.

Just as importantly, trained monitors can help distinguish verified problems from rumors or misinformation. We do not want unverified claims to create additional fear or discourage people from voting. We want concerns documented, reported through the proper channels, and addressed based on reliable information.

A Vigilant Citizenry Protects the Right to Vote

Election protection is ultimately a community responsibility. It begins with citizens willing to be present—to watch carefully, listen to voters, document barriers, and make sure problems do not simply go unnoticed.

Now more than ever, we need an informed and vigilant citizenry ready to stand up for the voting rights of every eligible voter.

Poll monitors help throughout the voting process by:

• Helping voters find trusted, nonpartisan information and Election Protection resources.

• Watching for barriers that may prevent or discourage eligible voters from casting their ballots.

• Observing and reporting potential voter intimidation, misinformation, or interference.

• Reporting problems at voting locations so they can be quickly triaged for appropriate service and support.

• Documenting patterns and recurring issues that may require a broader response.

• Helping ensure voters know where to turn when they encounter difficulties or have questions about exercising their right to vote.

You Will Be Trained

You do not need to be an election expert to volunteer.

Extensive training is provided to poll monitors. Volunteers learn their responsibilities, what they should and should not do, how to recognize potential voting problems, how to interact appropriately with voters and election officials, and how to report issues through the Election Protection system.

You will not be asked to solve complicated election problems on your own. You will be part of a larger Election Protection network with resources and support available when problems are identified.

What we need are people willing to give their time, remain nonpartisan, pay attention, and stand ready to help protect every eligible voter's opportunity to cast a ballot.

Democracy requires more than our individual vote. It requires citizens willing to help safeguard the ability of others to vote as well.

Be present. Be informed. Be vigilant.

BECOME A POLL MONITOR — SIGN UP TODAY.

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.
Kara Pelletier, President
LWV Metro Phoenix

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