Meet Activist Sylvia Bernstein

LWVUS NPV Task Force profile: Sylvia Bernstein of Colorado



Please tell us a little about your role in your League. 

I’m fairly new to the LWV.  I came to the LWV through NPV. 

Why do you support NPV legislation? 

There are distortions in policy because of the winner-take-all of the Electoral College. Only votes in battle ground states are significant. 

What prompted you to focus your energy on passage of NPV?

Colorado was in a good political place for success in a reasonable amount of time. The work was primarily accomplished from November ‘18 to March ‘19 when the governor signed the NPV bill.  Unfortunately, a repeal was initiated using a ballot measure, something seldom used since the 1930’s.  The prospect is good that the repeal will fail, but there is necessary on-going work in support of the NPV.  

How are you (or have you been) educating your League members and community groups about NPV? 

There was a focus on educating legislators in November ’18 to March ‘19.  It was the fifth time NPV would be voted on in Colorado, and the situation was positive.  The issue had been kept alive by the LWV.  There were letters to the editor.  Pro-NPV people testified.  There were phone calls.  

Now, education is more statewide with town halls, webinars and newsletters. A state Senator is often a speaker.  

At this time, I have been hired to work as the Action Coordinator with Yes on National Popular Vote Campaign.  I mostly work with the grassroots; part of my role is LWV liaison, where Linda Sorauf is my partner working with LWV’s.  

 
What other groups support (or have supported) your League's effort to pass NPV? 

There were about 2 dozen supporting organizations.  Common Cause was a major co-worker with the LWV. 

What has been (or was) the greatest obstacle in your efforts to advance NPV? 

Education.  That’s why the LWV is so important.  The LWV leadership around the state is so smart and strategic in educating the people of Colorado. 

What have been the most effective arguments for passage of NPV legislation?

• Every vote should count equally, no matter where the voter lives. 

• The candidate with the most votes should win. 

• Every vote should be relevant. 

On a personal level, what has been the most gratifying aspect of your involvement with the NPV initiative? 

• Getting to know LWV leadership around the state; there is such talent in the LWV. 

• Getting to know people in other organizations. 

• Learning more about political campaigns.