Prepare to be a Voter!
The May 4 municipal election is approaching quickly! Early voting starts April 22 and ends April 30. This municipal election will include races for city council, school district trustees, and Dallas College trustees. Voters in some cities will also vote on bond referendums, charter amendments, and other municipal races.
Prepare to be a voter!
| How to Vote by Mail for the May 4 Election
In Texas you must apply to vote by mail every year. Dallas County Elections Department can receive applications beginning on January 1. The deadline to apply for the May 4 election is April 23. But we advise that you send it in early to allow for potential delays by mail. If you miss that deadline, don't forget that we have the November general election coming up!
You can vote by mail in Texas if you are:
- 65 years or older
- Sick or disabled
- Out of the country during early voting and Election Day
- Expecting to give birth within three weeks before or after Election Day
- In jail but otherwise eligible to vote
Want to track your Ballot by Mail? Click here to use the Texas Secretary of State's Ballot by Mail Tracker.
Want a video explanation of the Ballot by Mail process? Watch these LWVTX videos.
| Candidate Forums
The May 4 municipal election is coming up soon! In preparation, LWVD is co-sponsoring several forums with the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce. Recordings of the events will be posted on the NDCC Facebook page after the event. Information about how to watch or attend the forums is below:
A candidate forum is a public meeting in which two or more of the candidates for office present their views in short individual speeches in response to moderator questions.
The League of Women Voters never supports or opposes any political party or political candidate. Forums sponsored by LWVD, or in which LWVD participates are nonpartisan and ensure that all participating candidates are treated fairly and equally. | LWV Texas Convention Coming to Dallas!
We invite League members to the biennial state convention, which will be hosted in Dallas from Friday, April 19 through Sunday, April 21. The convention will take place at the Embassy Suites Dallas Park Central near the intersection of U.S. 75 and I-635. Click here to view more information and get your tickets. The early bird discount rate ends on March 22, so don't wait!
A limited number of subsidized tickets are available for members who would be financially burdened by the ticket price. If you would like a subsidized ticket, email President@LWVDallas.org.
State conventions are held on even-numbered years, typically rotating between the major Texas cities. Every local League chooses delegates to attend the meeting and vote on the state's program, officers and directors, nominating committee, budget, and any other business that needs to be voted on by representatives of the local Leagues. Any League member can attend, but only delegates can vote on League business.
This year, the state convention will consist of:
- Workshops related to the League's Voter Services, Advocacy, and management
- A plenary session where League business will be voted on
- A silent auction
- Two lunches - One optional for an additional fee
- Reader's Theatre Presentation: Press on My Sisters! The ERA, Then and Now
- The Women Power the Voter Dinner fundraiser - Optional with additional fee
Workshop information and the Convention Workbook will be uploaded to this LWVTX webpage in the coming days.
There will also be three Convention Preparation Webinars!
- What Happens at the LWVTX Convention? - March 28, 2024 at 7:00pm - This meeting will go over what to expect at Convention and review procedures for how to make motions and vote in the plenary session.
- Proposed Program Caucus - April 2, 2024 at 7:00pm - This meeting is for Convention delegates to ask questions about the proposed program and recommendations to be voted on.
- Proposed Budget !&A - April 9, 2024 at 7:00pm - At this meeting the LWVTX budget will be presented and members' budget related questions will be answered.
Click here to view the descriptions for all three webinars and to register.
We're hoping for a big Dallas League turnout at this year's convention! See you there! | Board Nominations
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.
| Urge Your Senators to Support the JLVRAA
The Senate just reintroduced S4, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (JLVRAA), which will protect voters against discrimination by fully restoring and modernizing the Voting Rights Act (VRA).
The JLVRAA will ensure renewed oversight, accountability, and justice in our democracy so all voters can exercise their right to vote.
The VRA was landmark civil rights legislation. It fought back against racially discriminatory barriers that prevented Black voters from exercising their right to vote. The VRA remains necessary to this day to prevent voter discrimination for all of us, no matter what language we speak, the color of our skin, or the zip code we live in. In the decades since it was passed into law, the VRA has been reauthorized every time with bipartisan support and signed by Presidents of both political parties.
Ever since the Supreme Court decision in Shelby County v. Holder that gutted the VRA, discriminatory voting laws have passed across the country. We must restore and strengthen the VRA by passing the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, vital legislation that is needed to fully restore and modernize the VRA and ensure that discriminatory voting policies are stopped in their tracks.
We must ensure that every voter is treated fairly at the ballot box and everyone can exercise their freedom to vote. We cannot stand for a democracy that enables regressive and dangerous attacks on the right to cast one’s ballot, which disproportionately impact voters of color.At this critical moment in our nation’s history, we need the JLVRAA!
| Observer Corps
Observers attend meetings to learn about issues and take notes for the community. They keep residents informed while holding officials accountable. Whether you attend in person or virtually, any member can participate. Visit the Observer Corps webpage for more information and resources, including the report form.
Upcoming Meetings:
Dallas County Commissioners Court - Tuesday, March 19, at 9 a.m.
Dallas City Council Meeting - Wednesday, March 13 at 9 a.m.
Dallas ISD Board Meeting - Thursday, March 21 at 6 p.m.
| Calendar
Click Events for the latest information
Unit Meeting on Voter Rights and Civics Education - March 13 5:30PM - 7:00PM at Dr. Harryette Ehrhardt's residence in Oak Lawn. Click here to register.
Unit Meeting on Voter Rights and Civics Education - March 14 11:30AM - 1:00PM at La Hacienda Restaurant in Far North Dallas. Click here to register.
| 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
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