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Date: 2/24/2024
Subject: Friday Update, February 23
From: League of Women Voters of Dallas




February 23, 2024


Early Voting is Happening Now!
 
Early voting for the March 5 Democratic and Republican primary elections is happening now. Visit Vote411.org to create a personalized voter guide and sample ballot.
  • Early voting: Tuesday, February 20 - Friday, March 1
  • Last day vote by mail ballot application must be received by: Friday, February 23
  • Election Day: March 5
You can also view our election checklist here.
 
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. You may only participate in one party's selection process.

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

Candidate Forums
 
This spring, LWVD is co-sponsoring several candidate forums with the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce (NDCC) and others. Information about how to watch or attend the forums is below:
  • Texas HD 115 Democratic Primary Candidate Forum co-sponsored with NDCC. Click here to view the recording.
  • U.S. HD 32 Democratic Primary Candidate Forum co-sponsored with NDCC. Click here to view the recording.
  • Texas HD 70 Republican Primary Candidate Forum co-sponsored with NDCC. Click here to view the recording.
  • Texas HD 108 Democratic Primary Candidate Forum co-sponsored with NDCC. Click here to view the recording.
  • April 12, 12:00PM-1:00PM, Candidate Forum for DISD Trustee District 1 co-sponsored with NDCC. Save the date! More details coming soon.
A candidate forum is a live public meeting in which two or more of the candidates for office present their views in short individual speeches, and then answer questions from the audience.

The League of Women Voters never supports or opposes any political party or political candidate. Forums sponsored by the LWV, or in which the LWV participates, are nonpartisan and ensure that all participating candidates are treated fairly and equally.

LWVD Featured in Public Radio's Primary Primer
 
Our expert LWVD volunteer, Barbara Larkin was interviewed for the state-wide public radio show, The Texas Standard to discuss everything you need to know when voting in the primary election. Listen to the story or read the article here.

Student Pitch Competition
 
This year, the League of Women Voters of Dallas has joined forces with the Voter Impact Collective (VIC) to empower young voices in increasing voter turnout for individuals 18 to 29 through the Student Pitch Competition.
 
Teams of high school and college students will be paired with mentors from local non-partisan civic organizations to develop their ideas on how to get out the vote among the 18-29 demographics. They will then present their case to a panel of judges who will award cash prizes of $1,000, $500, and $250 to the three best ideas. LWVD is sponsoring a team as part of our commitment to the project.
 
If you would like to attend the event and watch the presentations live, it will take place on Thursday, February 29, 2024 from 6:00-8:00pm at the Dallas Entrepreneur Center Network's Redbird Innovation Center at 3560 W. Camp Wisdom Road, Suite 200, Dallas Tx. Click here to register!

Want to Vote by Mail?
 
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 March 5 Primary is February 23, 2024.  (But we advise you to get it there earlier so you can allow for potential delays by the mail.)   If you miss that deadline don’t forget we have two more elections this year – one in May and the General in November.
 
Please go to our website lwvdallas.org/Vote_By_Mail or the LWV Texas website https://lwvtexas.org/votebymail for basic information about Ballot by Mail and helpful videos. 
You can vote by mail in Texas if you are:
  • 65 years or older
  • Sick or disabled.
  • Out of the county 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
 Please note that the application forms are available in English and Spanish.  If you would like one in Vietnamese go to the Dallas County Elections website https://www.dallascountyvotes.org/absentee-voting/
 
Want to track your ballot?  Dallas County Elections has a wonderful tracker.  Find a link to it on their homepage: https://www.dallascountyvotes.org/

"Get Ready to Vote" Flyers Available Now
 
The 'It’s Not Too Early, Get Ready to Vote' flyers for the March Primary are ready to share. The flyers are in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese. Thank you to Dorit Suffness, Ryan Huynh, Jessica Rivera-Lucas, Norma Arratia and Edna Arratia for helping with this!  
Find a link to them on our homepage, here.

Looking for Director Nominations
 
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 

Join the 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 5, at 9 a.m.
An agenda for this meeting has not yet been released, but when it is, you can view it and watch the livestream here. Sign up to volunteer here.
 
Dallas City Council Meeting - Wednesday, February 28 at 9 a.m.
An agenda for this meeting has not yet been published, but when it is, you can view it and watch the livestream here. Sign up to volunteer here.
 
Dallas ISD Board Meeting - Thursday, March 7 at 11:30 a.m.
An agenda for this meeting has not yet been published, but when it is, you can view it and watch the livestream here. Sign up to volunteer here.
 
Questions? Email our Co-VP of Advocacy, Ashley Washington at advocacyvp@lwvdallas.org

LWVD Office

6060 N Central Expwy, Suite 500

Dallas, TX  75206

Phone: (214) 688-4125

Email: info@lwvdallas.org

www.LWVDallas.org