THE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Elections are next month, which means many of your fellow Leaguers are busy with Voter Service activities this month. Many people vote absentee and will be getting their ballots mailed before our November Voter comes out. So in my column this month I want to talk about voting.
The League does not always take positions on Propositions because they frequently do not cover areas in which we've done our in-depth studies and come to consensus. This year seems to be an exception, as we have positions on several propositions, both State and County. As you read through this VOTER, you will see what those positions are.
Proposition 73 can seem good on the surface but it will send teens into the alleys again. Explanation? Read our VOTER article.
Confused about Proposition 76 (School Funding/ State Spending)? See our newsletter article.
Want more details about redistricting and why the League is not supporting Proposition 77? Read our VOTER article.
Why do we support Proposition 79 but oppose Prop 78? Read the details about the propositions.
Not computer literate? Your children or grandchildren, your friend, your neighbor-someone you know is and can help you. Which leads me to an excellent source for all kinds of information about voting: Smart Voter, an internet service of the League of Women Voters of California. Smart Voter provides information on all statewide elections, and more than 90% of California voters can also get access to local election coverage. We are included in that 90%.
Last year more than 5.5 million hits were made to Smart Voter, with voters leaving messages such as, "I would not have made it to the polls without your site," and "I would not have voted if I hadn't heard about Smart Voter." Bill Jones, our former Secretary of State, was quoted as saying, "Visit the League's Smart Voter website for a clear, objective presentation of ballot issues." Brad Clark, former Alameda County Registrar of Voters, said the Smart Voter web page has worked well in that county. "The information on your page has been accurate and up-to-date. We have received positive feedback from voters who use the page." Many election officials and members of the news media look to Smart Voter for information. Shouldn't you?
Finally, help get an informed vote out this year. Bring your friends to our October luncheon where we will be discussing our positions on the ballot propositions, including Rancho San Juan. Or share this Voter with them if they can't come. And be sure to tell everyone about www.SmartVoter.org.
See you at the meeting on the 12th!
--Marilyn Maxner, President
