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HomeThe Voter Newsletter

APRIL 2025


This Month's Features

Your Members of Congress Must Attend Town Halls: Turn Up the Heat!

Shining a Light on You

April Special Election Coming Your Way

Alternatives to Signature Verification Pilot

Your Chance to GiveBIG

Unit News

Board Meeting Highlights

We'd Like to Hear From You!




Our Newsletter

The Voter features information on our forums and other public events; our neighborhood discussion groups; volunteer opportunities; our voter registration and education efforts; and our work on issues like accountability for local government, climate change, education, health care, and police reform.


Do you have an idea? Send us your news! Contact the Voter Editor at votereditor@lwvskc.org. Submissions are due by the 15th of the month for the next edition.

View a PDF of the current issue of The Voter.

Our Mission

The League of Women Voters of Seattle-King County, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

Want to work with us? Become a member!
Want to reach us? We’re at info@lwvskc.org!
Want to support us? Donate today!

Past Issues

View past issues of The Voter.

Your Members of Congress Must Hold Town Halls: Turn Up the Heat!

LWVUS

You probably heard already, but there is a lot going on across the federal government. In times like these, your members of Congress (MOCs) need to hear from you. After all, their job is representing you and your interests to the federal government. 

They need to hear how their actions, or inactions, impact you, your family, and your community — and you’re in the best position to share those experiences. There is a wide variety of issues that impact you, your family, and your community that you may need to speak with your MOC about right now. The issues are likely to include one or many of the following: 

  • A loved one’s health care through the Department of Veterans Affairs;
  • Children in your community going hungry;
  • How your personal health and tax information is being accessed and used by unelected and unvetted people through the President’s newly created Department of Government Efficiency;
  • Your grocery bill (and nearly every other bill) that will likely go up in the coming weeks;
  • The security of our country and the future of our democracy — which, let’s be clear, is in crisis right now;
  • The dismantling of the agencies that protect citizens from corporate abuse and government corruption;
  • The rising costs consumers will face as the trade war deepens and the tariffs’ impacts spread throughout our economy; and
  • The future of public education. 

The federal government is taking action on all of these issues and more right now, which is why we’re calling on you to make your voice heard this spring. MOCs desperately need to hear from the people. That means us! 

How Can You Contact Your Representatives?  

You can speak directly to your MOCs at a “town hall,” meet-and-greet, community event, or at their state or district offices. And this is the perfect time to do so. Click here to find your representatives.

In the next three months, your members of Congress — senators and representatives — should be home, meeting with people in their communities during planned congressional recesses around March 15–23, April 12–27, and May 27–June 1. 

What’s a town hall? Why should I attend an event with my MOC? How do I find out if my MOC is holding or attending a community event? How do I prepare? What do I do if my MOC isn’t participating in anything?  Those are all great questions! Let’s take them one at a time. 

 

What’s a Town Hall? 

A town hall is a meeting where elected officials or other government representatives bring together members of their community to discuss specific topics, hear directly from their communities, and answer questions. Town halls have been a staple throughout America’s history. When hosted by a MOC, they typically occur during government recesses, when MOCs are in their hometowns rather than in Washington, DC. 

 

Why Should You Connect with Your Member of Congress? 

Connecting with your MOC is not just a long-held tradition but is also critical in ensuring MOCs stay connected to your needs. Your community elected MOCs to represent them, so how can MOCs do that effectively if we, the people, don’t share our stories of impact? 

 

Additionally, speaking directly to MOCs forces them to put faces and names to the suffering and/or support they are creating/producing, which can be much more compelling than just hearing stories secondhand or seeing them on paper. We talk directly to MOCs at town halls to show them the impact of their decisions and hold them accountable for their actions or inactions. 

 

Your community elected members of Congress to represent them, so how can they do that effectively if we, the people, don’t share our stories of impact?

 

How Do I Meet with My MOC?  

To find out if your MOC is holding a town hall or participating in a community event, contact their district office. You can find your MOC’s local office information on the LWV Elected Officials finder. 

 

When you communicate with the MOC’s office to learn about events, also ask if there are restrictions on what you can bring. Town halls and other events often have security checkpoints, and they don’t usually let you bring in signs, so leave those at home. 

 

If your MOC is participating in a town hall or other public event, just attending the event can be a powerful action so that they know their community is paying attention. Your participation will be even more powerful if you come prepared to ask brief and pointed questions about what they’re doing to support/protect/promote your community and address the issues concerning you.  

 

If you’re comfortable, come prepared to share how recent actions by the federal government have impacted you, your family, and/or your community directly. It can be helpful to write down what you hope to share in advance, so you don’t leave out any important information.  

 

What if My Representative Isn’t Hosting a Town Hall or Public Event?  

If your MOC isn’t hosting a town hall or participating in other public events, you can: 

  • Call their office or post to their social media pages and request that they host a town hall during the next recess (the time when Congress is not in session and MOCs are back home in their communities);
  • Go to their district office (they’re usually open during normal business hours) and deliver a handwritten note asking your questions or sharing your story;
  • Post on their social media pages asking them your questions or sharing your story; and
  • Use the League’s online tool to urge your MOCs to stand up for our democracy.

 

Wherever you live, whatever issues you care about, whatever your story, your MOC needs to hear from you! 

 

Contact your MOCs today and then ask three friends to do the same!

 

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Shining a Light on You

Barb Tengtio


LWVSKC is a grass roots organization — you, our members, are the reason for any and all of our work. It is our collective belief in our mission to empower voters and defend democracy, as well as our personal time and talent contributions towards this work, that informs the King County community and works to empower all to engage in our democracy.

  

We appreciate all our members throughout the year for their support but in the month of April, we like to take a moment to acknowledge you — our members — for all your volunteer time.

  

This month we shine a light on all the many different ways volunteers contribute to LWVSKC’s work in King County and say a heartfelt thank you to:

  • Our LWVSKC board
  • Unit facilitators
  • Committee chairs and members
  • Organizers of candidate forums, voter registration events, and education events
  • Research volunteers
  • Fundraisers
  • King County elections observers
  • Observer Corps volunteers
  • Communications volunteers (LWVSKC weekly email, social media, website, The Voter, Because of You!)
  • And all volunteers that participate in organized LWVSKC activities, taking on the various roles necessary for LWVSKC to be present and impactful in the King County community

April 20 - 26 is National Volunteer Week, and an opportunity to recognize and thank volunteers who lend their time, talent, voice, and support to causes they care about. Their stories serve to inspire others to take action, to realize their power to make a difference, and to be a force that transforms the world. Hear from just a few LWVSKC members on why they volunteer with LWVSKC and be inspired!

  

Nancy Iannucci
It is an honor to be part of a person’s naturalization journey, to be present in a room filled with the energy of a dream realized. People choose to become citizens for many different reasons but they pass through the ceremony together and emerge thinking they are finally done. I like to be there to tell them the responsibility of voting is next. It’s my joy to say, let me help you with that.

Murugeshwari Ravi
As someone on a career break and newly adjusting to life in the USA, I’ve been eager to give back to the community. Democracy has always fascinated me, and I’m passionate about raising public awareness and fostering justice. Joining LWVSKC felt like a perfect fit, and over the past year, I’ve been inspired by the invaluable learning experiences, collaboration, and mentorship this remarkable group offers. Working with such driven and brilliant women has been both motivating and fulfilling. Volunteering as Treasurer feels like a natural next step, allowing me to put my love for numbers (and spreadsheets!) to good use while contributing to our shared mission. I’m excited to continue this journey with a team that makes even the toughest tasks enjoyable.

  

Sarah Haeger
I am inspired by the League's mission and want to make an impact in my 'backyard.' By serving on the LWVSKC Nominating Committee, I have the chance to work with smart and diverse women to recruit the next cohort of leaders who are passionate about empowering voters and defending democracy in our region.

Brittany Miles
I was drawn to the League of Women Voters of Seattle-King County because of its long-standing commitment to nonpartisan civic engagement and voter education. The organization's dedication to empowering voters and defending democracy resonated with my personal values of ensuring all voices are heard in our democratic process. My experience has been amazing. I’m doing everything I imagined in this role.

  

Cathy Dormaier
I became a unit facilitator 20 years ago after our long-time facilitator (Barb Norby) had to move away from Enumclaw to be closer to her son. I have always enjoyed leading groups of people (students, staff, volunteers, board members, and more) in lively and meaningful discussions as we always work toward agreement, consensus, or “elegant solutions.” Participatory leadership in which the leader becomes more of a “guide on the side” has always been my passion when working with groups of people.

Barbara Erickson
I joined the League about five years ago; at that time, my first project through the North End unit was to identify and work with other non-profit/ non-partisan groups to ensure the 2020 census reached those who might otherwise be overlooked. Leaping forward to 2021 I was nominated to fill a prematurely vacant spot on the Board of Directors, to assume the duties of Secretary which I fulfilled until June 2023.

  

At the time I joined, the Board was inspiring in its dedication and talent of many volunteers who assumed key roles in membership, communication, advocacy, voter services, and observer corps, not to mention the tasks of League administration and public relations. As one part of my Board responsibilities I was co-chair of the nominating committee in 2022-2023.

Throughout this period, and to the present, I have been actively involved in voter registration at high schools, community colleges, Food Banks, Mary’s Place, and yes, the Edmonds Ferry dock. My interest and passion for the last two years has been to engage young voters through the League’s modular civics programs. My first task with this group was to research potential grants which might underwrite our efforts to categorize target high schools. I thoroughly enjoyed traveling to a dozen Seattle high schools to make contact with principals as an introductory foray into the halls of academia. Also on this journey, I've had the pleasure of meeting with two high school students who were leading their schools in voter registration efforts. It has been a delight to interact with other Leagues, most particularly a League in New Jersey, to build our own bridge to the Gen Z voters. Filtered into this work were adapting New Jersey’s modules to Washington and then pursuing high school social studies teachers to attend meetings, both in-person and over Zoom, to become acquainted with these civics modules.

Last, but certainly not least, I had the pleasure of meeting new members in two orientation meetings, hosted by Judy Deiro. I continued to follow up with those members in attempting to match their particular interests with opportunities at LWVSKC. Each week, I welcome new members to invite them to find the activity that will inspire them.

Since 1974, National Volunteer Week has been an opportunity to recognize the impact of volunteer service and the power of volunteers to tackle society’s greatest challenges, to build stronger communities and be a force that transforms the world. We hope all our members feel the warmth of our appreciation for their volunteer time and recognize the value of their contributions to the King County community.

Thank you! 

 

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April Special Election Coming Your Way

Julie Sarkissian


First, a bit of history about local elections: In Washington state’s early history, citizens adopted direct democracy via initiative, referendum, and recall. In contrast to states on the East Coast, male Washingtonians decided to directly elect as many public officials as possible. As a result, citizens of Washington today elect everybody from nine statewide executives and the nine state Supreme Court justices to commissioners of fire, sewer, and water; cemetery districts; and many more public positions. Your ballot will be mailed April 2 and should be returned by April 22. Click the links below to see the details of each measure.

  • One measure will be on all ballots: 
    • A levy to continue funding for the operation of the Regional Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS).The AFIS program provides enhanced criminal identification services and promotes greater public and officer safety through information sharing, at a minimal cost to the individual taxpayer. Approval of the levy would authorize an additional property tax for seven years beginning in 2026 at $0.0275 per $1,000 of assessed valuation.
  • Other measures, depending on where you live:
    • Enumclaw School District No. 216 | Proposition No. 1 Capital Projects Levy
    • Mercer Island School District No. 400 | Proposition No. 1 Bonds to Modernize School Facilities, Improve Safety, and Enhance Learning
    • King County Fire Protection District No. 40 | Proposition No. 1 Annexation of the District into the Renton Regional Fire Authority
    • King County Fire Protection District No. 45 | Proposition No. 1
      • Shall Duvall Fire (King County Fire Protection District No. 45) be authorized to continue voter-authorized benefit charges each year for six consecutive years, not to exceed an amount equal to 60% of its operating budget, and be prohibited from imposing an additional property tax under RCW 52.16.160?  
    • Woodinville Fire & Rescue Proposition No. 1
      • Shall Woodinville Fire & Rescue be authorized to continue voter-authorized benefit charges each year for six consecutive years, not to exceed an amount equal to 60% of its operating budget, and be prohibited from imposing an additional property tax under RCW 52.16.160?



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Alternatives to Signature Verification Pilot

Barb Tengtio
King County Elections will be piloting an online, alternative verification tool to verify ballots submitted for the April 2025 election. Voters will receive the same ballot and voters' pamphlet material as before. The only difference will be on their Ballot Return envelope: They can sign and submit their ballot as usual, or they can use the new tool to verify their identity using their WA State ID or the last 4 of their social security number. Please note, that voters can still use the previous method; the new method is completely optional.


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Alternatives_to_Signature_Verification_Pilot.jpg

Your Chance to GiveBIG 

Barb Tengtio

 

GiveBIG kicks off later this month and runs through to May 6-7. What is it? GiveBIG is a statewide fundraising campaign where individuals and organizations come together across Washington to invest in our communities. This is your opportunity to invest in LWVSKC!

Here is our story. The work we have been doing and continue to do with your help!

Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy.

You become part of a powerful movement committed to making positive change in our democracy locally when you join forces with Seattle King County League of Women Voters (LWVSKC). Whether you’re passionate about promoting voter education and participation, furthering youth civic empowerment, or advocating for social justice, the League offers a platform to make your voice heard. We are powered by amazing volunteers and the generous support of donors like you.

Power to the People! The league empowers voters to participate in our democracy. Our work includes:

  • Shape the future of your community: Elections have real consequences, and the choices we make at the ballot box can shape the future of our communities for years to come. Our candidate forums help voters decide which leaders represent their values and priorities.
  • Inform voters like you: Understanding who your representatives are and what they stand for is essential to being an informed voter. Our TRY “They Represent You” booklet empowers voters like you to make their voice heard by providing the unbiased information we need to hold your representatives accountable.
women_unstoppable_rally_3-8-25.jpg
  • Uphold the integrity of our democracy: LWVSKC members observe at King County Elections from collection at ballot boxes, to acceptance at King County Elections in Renton, through complete processing of ballots and audits.
  • Encourage full voter participation: LWVSKC members register voters at naturalization ceremonies to encourage all new citizens to actively engage in our democracy.
  • Make your voice heard: When you know how decisions are made and who is making them, you can better advocate for the changes you want to see. Our educational activities provide you and others with the knowledge and tools needed to make our voice heard and create positive change in your community.
  • All LWVSKC work is nonpartisan: We envision a democracy where every person has the desire, the right, the knowledge, and the confidence to participate.

We are committed to empowering the next generation of voters.

  • Amplifying youth voices: Young people have the power to make a real difference in our democracy, and our Civics and You! program provides high school teachers with great educational resources so students can actively engage in their civics learning.
  • Building the next generation of voters: Our voter registration drives in high schools are designed to inspire the next generation of voters.
  • Student-led forums: LWVSKC partners with high school teachers to have their students organize and conduct candidate forums.
  • Practice voting: Working with King County Elections, LWVSKC offers practice voting for high school students.
  • Inspiring the next generation of leaders: Our Observer Corps program gives young people the tools they need to become active participants in their local government. We’re creating a pipeline of young leaders who are working to create positive change in their communities.

Your gift today helps to defend our democracy by empowering ever more voters. Give generously.

LWVSKC is a 501c3 and your donation is tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law.

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Unit News 

Sarah Beth Miller

 

The South West King County Unit Analyzes and Reports on Voting Patterns in SWKC to Enhance Voter Participation

The LWVSKC South West Unit (Burien, Des Moines, Federal Way) has been looking at voting patterns in Southwest King County (SWKC) for the 2024 General Election. A finding that particularly concerned the Unit was that turnout among Youth voters in SWKC was considerably lower than in other parts of King County, and for KC as a whole.

The SW Unit decided to develop a letter to their local leaders to highlight their findings and alert them about diminishing voter turnout among youth and other groups, specifically in the 30th and 33rd Legislative Districts. An essential component of their letter was a Report that they drew from the WA Community Alliance, found here. 


Meg VanWyk and Vicci Rudin of the SW Unit want to share this information and the process they used with other LWVSKC Units, so that all Units can develop their own reports and letters to distribute in their local communities. The Youth Committee also hopes that local units can show their communities how low turnout among young voters impacts voter participation.

Click here to see a copy of the letter developed by the SW Unit.

This Report can be adapted and updated to show current election results. For example, the 2024 report used by the SW Unit is for Legislative Districts. A future 2025 edition can reflect voting patterns in cities, etc.

Here are the steps involved to develop your local Report:

  1. Read the Voter Outcome Report from the Washington Community Alliance.
    1. Determine which districts you want to highlight in your Report.
  2. Write your Report and highlight which voter outcome numbers you want to impress on your audience.
  3. Contact Meg Van Wyk, meg.vanwyk@gmail.com, and request the Voter Turnout Graph excel sheet. Once you have it:
    1. Enter the Area you want to report. Go ahead and type over the areas already in the table.
    2. Enter the percentage of voter turnout for that area. Again, type over the data already in the table.
    3. The graph will update automatically.
    4. Copy and paste the graph into your document.
  4. Once your letter is designed and edited for distribution, send it to Allison Feher, allisonfeher@lwvskc.org, and she will add the letter head, and create a link for you to access and send electronically.

Examining the Washington Community Alliance website is an excellent way for all Units and other sub-groups within the LWVSKC to understand voting patterns in your local area. Developing and sending letters that provide statistical information to bolster your claims are likely to have a strong impact on community leaders.

For any questions or more details, please feel free to contact Meg Van Wyk: meg.vanwyk@gmail.com



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Board Meeting Highlights 

Marie Cooley

 

Barb Tengtio called the meeting to order at 10:01am and presented the Land Acknowledgement to the first peoples of the Salish Sea.

Eight Board members were present at the Zoom meeting, along with staff member, Allison Feher.


Kim moved to approve the January Minutes, seconded by Joanna. Motion carried.


Financial Updates and Forecasts: Joanna/Carol

Joanna and Carol presented the financial statements including updated projections for the 2024 – 2025 fiscal year. The projections show a net revenue of minus $12,978, which is significantly less than previous projections of minus $32,179. The change is primarily due to the new lease agreement.

Expenses are higher than expected due to moving expenses, postage supplies, and the needs of an election year. We are still under the projected budget. Fixed costs are stable.

CIM Discussion and Request for Write-off: Kim

At last month’s board meeting, a vote was passed to write off a small investment that is problematic and delaying the closure of the c4 accounts. To facilitate this sale and/or write off, Kim presented a resolution to give past president Heather Kelly the authority to sign all documents related to the sale of these shares. Resolution passed.

National Membership Portal Update: Kim, Allison, Joanna

The National Membership Portal is up and running but with a few hiccups. We would like to let our members know that the member information on our web page is not necessarily up to date and correct but will be sorted out soon.

Unit Updates: Keela/Sarah Beth

Keela presented the Consensus Work Update on Immigration. Around 50 Unit members participated in the consensus work. Feedback from the Unit members included a positive response to participating in the work, but doing three projects at one time was too much.

Voter Services: Julie

Julie reports that an in-person meeting is set for March 28 at Newport Library to begin planning Voter Services for 2025. Members are welcome to attend.

Development: Barb

Barb reports that the “Because of You” flyer has been sent out. This flyer gives a summary of the LWVSKC activities for the past six months, and is a good way to show potential and new members all the LWVSKC activities.

Allison announced that the 2025 TRY (They Represent You) has been distributed to Libraries.

Education Committee: Joanna

The Education Committee met with Seattle School Board Member Sarah Clark on March 11; a report will be forthcoming. A conversation with ESD Superintendent John Welch is scheduled for March 27.

Youth Committee: Barb

The LWVSKC Youth Committee Continues to meet every 4-6 weeks and is moving forward on several fronts:

  • Sarah Beth presented The Suffragette Timeline, module one of the Civics and You program offered by LWVSKC at the Fairwood library.  
  • Susan Waller is reaching out to a local Girl Scout Service Unit to explore partnership opportunities with the national ‘Promote the Vote’ program.  
  • A Lake Washington Institute of Technology class will produce a poster project this spring to promote ‘Civics and You’ and related topics this spring.  
  • The Youth Committee is now working with National to learn how to use the app “League in Action” to push out information, promote events, do text banking, etc. Zoom training will be held at the end of March/early April.  
  • Diane Benigno will represent our League, as a judge, at the Kent Chamber of Commerce Civics Bee in April.


Social Media Changes

Barb reports that Aviva, who takes care of our social media, is stepping down at the end of March. A replacement is needed to take the lead on this task.

Social Language Interpretation

Barb tells us that ‘One America’ provides language interpreter services for a reasonable fee, both in person and on Zoom. LWVSKC can now offer this service for forums and League events.

State Conference

The WA State Conference, "Stand up For Democracy” will be held in Vancouver, June 6-8. The National LWV president, Dianna Wynn, will be attending in person.

League Participation in Rallies, Marches, and Protests

After conferring with National, Barb reports that members are free to participate in any protest rally as an individual. If the sponsoring group is partnering with the League, such as the “Hands off” rally April 5, the league as a group can participate. On the LWV web page is a list of precautions to protect yourself during a protest, and how to best record videos legally during the event.

Kim moved to adjourn, seconded by Joanna. The meeting was adjourned at 11:45am. Our next meeting is April 19.

 


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We’d Like to Hear from You!


Not sure who to reach? You can always find us at info@lwvskc.org or 206-329-4848 or check our events calendar for more information.

Want to stop by our office? We have office hours every workday except Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  We moved in December, but just within the same building. We’re located at: 


Melbourne Tower

1511 3rd Avenue, Suite 801

Seattle, WA 98101


Executive Committee of the Board of LWVSKC

Co-President

Kim Albert

president@lwvskc.org

Co-President

Barbara Tengtio

president@lwvskc.org

Vice-President

vacant

  

Secretary

Marie Cooley

secretary@lwvskc.org

Co-Treasurer

Carol Levin

treasurer@lwvskc.org

Co-Treasurer

Joanna Cullen

treasurer@lwvskc.org

Directors of the Board of LWVSKC
 

Director at Large

 Phillipa Kassover

 

Co-Unit Liaison

Sarah Beth Miller

unitliaison@lwvskc.org

Co-Unit Liaison

Keela Williams

unitliaison@lwvskc.org

Director at Large

 Laura C Rudert

 

Voter Services Chair

Julie Sarkissian

 voterservices@lwvskc.org

Director at Large

Murugeshwari Subramanaian

  


Committee Chairs for LWVSKC

Economics and Taxation

Kim Albert
Marilee Fuller

 kim.a@lwvskc.org
marileefuller@yahoo.com

Education

Joanna Cullen

jfoxcullen@gmail.com

Investment

Cindy Piennett

cindypiennett@gmail.com
Youth Civic Engagement  Barb Tengtio


Nominating Committee for LWVSKC

Chair

 Sarah Haeger

nominate@lwvskc.org
Member Chelsea Jordan

nominate@lwvskc.org

Member

 Kathy Jorgensen

nominate@lwvskc.org

And if you’re looking for the editor of The Voter, reach out to votereditor@lwvskc.org!


Find us on the web at lwvskc.org!


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