The March 5th primary is over, but we're already gearing up for two elections in May. Local, nonpartisan elections will be held on May 4, and those races that weren't decided in the March primary will go to a run-off election on May 28th.

The voter turnout for the March election was once again concerning and troubling. A tiny percentage of registered voters participated in choosing who should represent their party in November, while many relied on others to choose for them. These results make it clear that the problem isn't voter registration, it is voter participation.

The May 4 local election will elect ISD trustees, Dallas College trustees, and city council members in certain cities. Additionally, some cities will have bond issues on the ballot. These elections directly affect and impact our daily lives. The electorate must participate in a much more significant way! In other words, VOTE, VOTE, VOTE!

The elected officials and bonds decided in this election will effect issues like: what streets are repaired, how often your garbage is collected, the drafting of city budgets, whether parking requirements are changed, and what projects will receive capital funding. Many of these issues are often discussed and complained about, so it is time to embrace this opportunity and privilege to vote.

To get ready for the upcoming elections:

• Don't forget to vote! For the May 4 election, early voting is April 22-30 and the May 28 run-off has early voting from May 20-24. Create a reminder for yourself and put it on your calendar! To get texted LWV election reminders, text VOTERINFO to 80123.
  
• Read our Voters Guide at Vote411.org or pick up a paper copy at a location near you.
• Watch a candidate forum
• Find your polling locations at DallasCountyVotes.org

Want to go further than just voting? Make an impact by advocating for your community. Read about LWVD's positions on the issues here and in the dropdown under "Issues" on our website. Consider emailing our Vice-President of Advocacy, Ashley Washington at AdvocacyVP@LWVDallas.org to join a working committee on an issue you care about, or join another advocacy organization in your community.

Let’s show our local governments that we are informed and engaged by increasing the percentage of voters participating in these upcoming elections. Use your voice – VOTE!

In League,

Libbie Lee and Sandy Thornton

Co-Presidents – LWVD

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.

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
• Making Democracy Work Dinner fundraiser - Optional with additional fee

Every spring, we launch a review of our current revenue and expenses and prepare a budget for the next fiscal year beginning June 1. The budget is first presented to the Board and then to the membership at the annual meeting. Click here for an outline of the annual budgeting process. You may need to log in before viewing the document.

Our Budget Committee is appointed by the President and this year is comprised of Nia MacKay, PhD (chair), Miriam Foshay, Nancy Cooper, the Treasurer and the President, ex officio. Prior to convening the first meeting of the Budget Committee, the Treasurer polls the Board and members who regularly depend on funding by LWV Dallas. For example, VOTE411 and the Voters Guide is managed by Elizabeth Walley, a former board member. She along with many others are sent a copy of their expenses from the last 2 years and asked to give information used to compile the next Annual Budget.

Members who are not managing a committee are typically not asked to participate in the budget process. However, any Member is welcome to provide input on what should be included in the Annual Budget. The Annual Budget adopted at the 2023 Annual Meeting is on pages 10 and 11 of the 2023 Annual Meeting Workbook. Please feel free to reach out to the Treasurer with any questions or comments at treasurer@lwvdallas.org