In This Issue
- March 5 Primary Information
- Co-Presidents' Message
- Poll Monitors Needed
- Free DART Rides to the Polls
- Luncheon Thank-Yous & Photos
- Board Nominations Request
- Calendar
- Luncheon Photos
| March 5 Primary Election
Did you vote early? If not, then circle March 5 on your calendar if you want to vote in either the 2024 Democratic or Republican primary elections.
Visit Vote411.org to view a personalized non-partisan LWV voters guide before you go to the polls. Remember, phones are not allowed in polling places, so print out the filled-in Vote411 sample ballot if you would like a reference while voting. You can also visit the LWVD website to view candidate forums for:
- Tx House 115 (D) Primary
- US House 32 (D) Primary
- US House 70 (R) Primary
- US House 108 (D) Primary
In Texas, you do not need to be a member of a party to vote in a party's primary election. However, you can only participate in one party's primary or candidate selection process. If one candidate does not receive more than 50% of the vote in the March 5 primary, then a runoff election will be held between the top two vote-getters. If you voted in one party's primary, you can only participate in that party's runoff election.
No matter which party you vote for in the primary, you can vote for any candidate of any party in the general election in November. You also do not need to participate in the primary election to vote in November.
The Libertarian party will choose candidates at conventions on March 12 (precinct) and March 16 (county). The Green party also uses conventions to select candidates. Because you may only participate in one party's selection process, you cannot vote in the Republican or Democratic primary and participate in a Libertarian or Green party candidate selection convention. | Co-Presidents' Message
Great News! On February 9 we held our 27th Annual Luncheon. We broke records for attendance and funds raised. I congratulate our wonderful awardees, the Honorable Margaret Keliher, “Making Democracy Work Award”, and Cristal Retana Lule, the “Eleanor Sutherland Volunteer Award”. So many people worked to make this event successful, and Jessica Riveria-Lucas acknowledged everyone in the article below.
You might think the League could slow down after this election, but we will still be out registering people, participating in candidate forums, and wrangling candidates for the Voters Guide for the local May 4th election. If you would like to volunteer with one of those events, click here.
Long time League members know we do not just work on voter registration, voter education and get out the vote efforts, we also have an Advocacy program. Based on our positions we can advocate on diverse topics such as free and fair elections, public money only for public schools, affordable housing, clean air, moving local elections to off year November, and other topics.
Do you want to get involved? We need your help and there are articles below that describe ways to volunteer. Become a member if you are not already a part of this amazing organization or renew if your membership has lapsed.
If you want to get involved on an issue committee, email our VP of Advocacy, Ashley Washington at AdvocacyVP@lwvdallas.org. If you want to become an Observer at city council, DISD, Dallas College, or other government meetings, visit our Observer Corps page to learn more and sign up.
In League,
Libbie Lee and Sandy Thornton
Co-Presidents – LWVD
| Poll Monitors Needed!
Election Protection is in dire need of more Poll Monitors! LWV members are invited to sign up for a shift without going through a formal training session. This is for LWV members ONLY! They have provided the two pager and a guide of poll monitor responsibilities (see below). League members can sign up for a shift directly on helptexasvote.org. Please email Miguel Rivera (Senior Advocacy Manager- Voting Rights, Texas Civil Rights Project) with any questions or if you need help registering for a shift.
Resources:
Thank you so much for helping boost our Poll Monitor numbers for the Primary Election!
| DART Offers Free Rides to the Polls
On March 5, DART will be offering free rides to the polls! To ride free, voters must bring their voter registration card with them. GoLink riders will need to use code VOTE35 at checkout for a free Adult Local Day Pass in the DART GoPass app. For more information, click here to visit the DART website.
| Celebrating Success:
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Supporters
Dear Friends,
On behalf of the League of Women Voters of Dallas, we extend our sincerest gratitude to all who attended and contributed to the success of our 27th Annual Luncheon. It was a remarkable gathering filled with inspiration, camaraderie, and a shared commitment to democracy.
First and foremost, we want to express our deepest appreciation to our esteemed honorees, the Honorable Margaret S. C. Keliher, recipient of the Making Democracy Work Award, and the Honorable Cristal Retana Lule, recipient of The Eleanor Sutherland Volunteer Award. Your dedication to advancing democracy and civic engagement is truly commendable, and we are honored to recognize your outstanding contributions.
We also extend a special thank you to our co-chairs, Catherine Estrada and Laura V. Estrada, whose infectious energy, wit, and charm brought laughter and joy to the event. Your leadership and enthusiasm were instrumental in making the luncheon a memorable occasion.
A heartfelt acknowledgment goes out to the incredible people behind the scenes, our dedicated steering committee members: Edna Arratia, Becky Brakke, Madge Cruse, Libbie T. Lee, Cecilia McKay, Jessica Rivera-Lucas, Diane Tasian, Ian Seamans, and Sandy Thornton. Your hard work, attention to detail, and unwavering dedication ensured that every aspect of the luncheon was flawlessly executed. Without your tireless efforts, this event would not have been possible.
We are also deeply grateful to the countless volunteers who generously gave their time and energy to ensure the smooth operation of the luncheon. Your commitment to our cause and willingness to lend a helping hand did not go unnoticed, and we are immensely grateful for your invaluable contributions.
A special thank you goes to our keynote speaker, the Honorable Barbara M. G. Lynn, whose insightful remarks served as a source of inspiration for us all. We are also grateful to our mistress of ceremonies, Sylvia Komatsu, for her grace, poise, and engaging presence throughout the event.
In the words of the late Honorable John Lewis, "Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the soul of America." Each of you has played a vital role in advancing our mission and ensuring that democracy thrives. Let us continue to stand together, advocate for change, and uphold the values of equality, justice, and democracy. Thank you once again for your unwavering support and dedication. Together, we will continue to make a difference and create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
With heartfelt gratitude,
League of Women Voters of Dallas Board and Staff | Photos from the Annual Luncheon
|  | | Left to right: Luncheon co-chair Laura V. Estrada, keynote speaker, the Honorable Barbara M. G. Lynn, and Luncheon co-chair Catherine Estrada. |  | | The Eleanor Sutherland Volunteer Awardee, the Honorable Cristal Retana Lule. | | |
 | | Left to right: Co-president Sandy Thornton, Making Democracy Work awardee, the Honorable Margaret S.C. Keliher, and co-president Libbie Terrell Lee. |  | | Co-President Sandy Thornton and Luncheon mistress of ceremonies Sylvia Komatsu. | | |
 | | Dallas County Elections Administrator Heider Garcia and Dallas County Elections Department staff. |  | | The Honorable Barbara M.G. Lynn speaking to the Luncheon. | | |
Thank You, Silent Auction Volunteers!
The League of Women Voters of Dallas Silent Auction moved to a different venue this year. Still, the vibe in the room came alive once again with animated conversation as attendees “shopped” the auction items.The auction contained over 140 items, including a sponsored dinner, a foody tour, Southwest Airline tickets, Mav’s items, African art, gift cards, folk art, designer scarves and purses, theme baskets, wine-related items, sky diving, suffragette items, event tickets, art, chocolate, jewelry, children’s items, 28 flower baskets and so much more.
It takes a team of volunteers to produce a successful silent auction. From the “ask” to displaying and arranging items to the checkout, all volunteers did their jobs with lots of energy and always smiled.
We are so happy to report that this year’s League of Women Voters of Dallas Silent Auction was a success. Sales of items brought over $10,500!
You have been a valued part of this, and the Auction Team is very grateful for your help this year!
Signed,
Becky Brakke: Silent Auction Manager
Cecilia McKay: Director of Event Planning
Madge Cruse: Treasurer
Sandy Thornton: Co-President | Looking For Board Members
Like many organizations we are seeking volunteers who want to work to make a difference. We are looking for individuals who want to be part of a working board of directors to set priorities and see projects to completion. Our board, like the rest of the League, is inclusive of all genders.
If you are interested in joining our board, please click here and fill out the questionnaire. Our Nominating Committee will receive the documents, and this will help us find willing and able candidates for our board. Not all board positions expire at the same time so the committee will retain information of individuals not elected in 2024 for future years. You may nominate yourself or someone else with their permission.
The deadline for nominations is March 15.
- The 2023-2024 Nominating Committee | Calendar
Click Events for the latest information
LWVD Events
Get Out the Vote Events - March 5, 11:00AM - 1:00PM at Dallas College Brookhaven and Mountain View campuses. Click here to volunteer.
Voter Registration Events - March 6, 11:00AM - 1:00PM at Dallas College Eastfield, El Centro, and North Lake campuses. Click here to volunteer.
Voter Registration Events - March 7 11:00AM - 1:00PM at Dallas College Cedar Valley and Richland campuses. Click here to volunteer.
Unit Meeting on Voter Rights and Civics Education - March 12 11:30AM - 1:00PM at the LWVD Office at 6060 N. Central Expwy. Click here to register.
Unit Meeting on Voter Rights and Civics Education - March 13 5:30PM - 7:00PM at Dr. Haryette Ehrhardt's residence. Click here to register.
Observer Corps
DISD Board of Trustees meet once a month on the fourth Thursday
Dallas City Council briefings are on the first and third Wednesday
Dallas City Council meets on the second and fourth Wednesday
Dallas County Commissioners Court meets on the first and third Tuesday
Want to learn more about Observer Corps, join the Observer Corps, or sign up to attend meetings? Click here. | Opportunities for Member Engagement
Opportunities to Donate
Click here to see opportunities to donate in various ways | Welcome to New Members
Coraline Dahlin
Donna Jordan
Denise Kirkman
Gay Willis
| Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy. | |
League of Women Voters of Dallas
6060 N. Central Expwy, Ste #500
Dallas, Texas 75206
(214) 688-4125
info@lwvdallas.org
lwvdallas.org
| |