June 2026 Edition

In this issue:

• LWVD Upcoming Events
• What is a Unit Meeting?
• Let's Keep Voting
  
• Message from our Vice President of Voter Services
• Advocacy Form
  

What is a Unit Meeting? We are so glad you ask!

A Unit Meeting in the League of Women Voters is a small grassroots discussion group that allows members to gather in local neighborhoods or online to learn about civic issues, discuss community priorities, and help determine the organization’s official advocacy positions.

Unit meetings serve as the core of the League’s member-driven process to include: Informed discussions, and community focused meetings that feature informational guest speakers or presentations tailored to local community needs. 

Let’s give a “thank you”, to our gracious Hosts, and Unit Coordinators, the Honorable Harryette Erhardt, and the Honorable Carol Donovan, for serving this past year as our Unit coordinators.

The last Unit Meeting held at the Honorable Harryette Erhardt’s home was May 20, 2026. The Guest Speaker was, Dr. Daniel Kasper, a Senior Lecturer in English at the University of Texas at Arlington. Dr. Kasper conducted an extremely interactive, engaging, member lead/community focused discussion, and lead from the Topic, “Banning Books – Silenced Stories”.

Starting in August 2026, the League of Women Voters Dallas Unit Meetings will be held at a new location, on the third (3^rd) Wednesdays of each month, at 5:30pm in the home of our Unit Coordinator/Host, VP of Operations, Sandy Thornton, 6910 Santa Maria, Dallas, TX 75214. 

Topics Recommended for Unit Meetings:

*Health Centers: Disparities in Dallas

*Senior Living: changing demographics

*Separation of Power: Constitutional Crisis

 (What does a Constitutional Crisis look like?)

*The Effect of suppression: people, DEI, Meritocracy

*US Aid, rebounds on us

*Consequences of all cuts being made

*World Affairs Council

*Children’s Advocacy

It is our goal to: 

*provide learning tools to the communities

*develop a more involved approach by sharing the presenters ‘notes (summaries)

*utilizing more social media platforms to share the unit meetings 

  discussions, and the like

You may contact the Vice-President of Program, Gwenda Lowe by email: programvp@lwvdallas.org.

Thank you.

Gwenda Lowe

Let's Keep Voting!

What’s Happening with Mail-In Voting? 

As we get closer to the November 2026 elections, you might be hearing a lot of news about mail-in voting. 

New rules are being discussed by the president, court battles in Washington, and changes at the post office.

It can be very confusing!

 Here is a simple breakdown of what is happening across the country, and a clear reminder of how mail-in voting works right here in Texas.

The Big News: What is Happening Nationally?

Back in March, President Trump signed an executive order (a special rule made by the president). This order tries to give the federal government more control over mail-in ballots. It tells the government to make lists of who is allowed to vote by mail, and it gives the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) new powers to regulate mail-in ballots.

This caused a lot of arguments, and people went to court over it.

You can find more details about the executive order and how we are fighting back here - HERE

Here is what happened recently:

• The Court Decision (May 28): A federal judge named Carl Nichols was asked by voting rights groups to stop the president's order immediately. The judge said no, but not because he thought the order was legal. He said it was too early to stop it because the government hadn't actually changed anything yet. He told the groups they could bring the case back to court as soon as the government tried to enforce the rules.

• The Post Office Rules (May 29): Just one day later, the Post Office released a 20-page plan showing exactly how they want to enforce the president's order. They want to make big changes for the November election, including:

• Sharing Lists: Forcing states to give the federal government a list of every voter who gets a mail-in ballot.

• Blocking Ballots: Giving the post office the power to stop or reject a ballot if the voter’s name isn't on the federal list.

• Special Barcodes: Requiring a special barcode on every single ballot envelope.

Many people who defend voting rights are worried. They say these rules will confuse voters, cost too much money for small towns, and make it harder for legal voters to have their ballots counted. These rules are not final yet, and more court battles are coming.

The Facts: How to Vote by Mail in Texas

Important Update: As of right now, absolutely nothing has changed regarding the vote-by-mail process in Texas. While the federal government and courts debate national rules, our state laws and application processes remain exactly the same as before.

To vote by mail in Texas, you must fit into at least one of these categories:

• Age: You will be 65 years old or older on Election Day.

• Sickness or Disability: You have an illness or physical condition that makes it unsafe or too difficult for you to vote in person.

• Away from Home: You will be out of your county during the entire voting period.

• Jail: You are in jail but still legally allowed to vote.

• Having a Baby: You expect to give birth within three weeks before or after Election Day.

Two Important Tips for Applying:

1. Write Down Your ID Numbers: When you fill out the application to vote by mail, you must write down your Texas Driver’s License number OR the last four digits of your Social Security number. Pro Tip: The state computer systems can be strict. To avoid mistakes, it is best to write down both numbers if you have them.

2. Watch the Deadline: Your application must arrive at the Dallas County Elections office at least 11 days before Election Day. (It cannot just be postmarked by that day—it must actually be in their hands).

We Are Here to Help!

With so many changing news headlines, keeping up with voting rules can feel overwhelming. But you do not have to figure it out alone!

If you need help getting an application, want to check on your ballot, or just have a quick question, please reach out to us directly. You can email us at info@lwvdallas.org or call us at  (214) 688-4125.

Let's work together to make sure every voice is heard!

Elaine Campbell

Vice President Voter Services

voterservicesvp@lwvdallas.org

Hello, My name is Joan Ridley.  I am the new V.P of Advocacy for League of Women Voters Dallas.  Many of our League of Women Voters Dallas have indicated an interest in advocacy.  As Jessica Rivera-Lucas and I put together the Advocacy Committee, we would like to know more about you.

Kindly use the link below to respond!

 If you wish to share ideas, here is my contact info: jridley@ourusa.net ∙ 214-316-4198 (please text).

Thank you.  Your input is very helpful.

League of Women Voters of Dallas

1402 Corinth Street, Room 109