Saturday, June 27, 2020
Saturday, outgoing LWVUS board president Chris Carson called convention to order, and the first order of business for the second day of plenary was the Credentials Report. Elaine Apter, chair of the credentials committee, once again presented the credentials committee report indicating 1,267 delegates from 50 states and D.C. and the Virgin Islands were in attendance, in addition to eight national board members. The report was adopted.
Chris Carson presented the Report of the Previous Day’s Activities, which are summarized in this daily briefing.
Delegates and observers then heard from LWVUS CEO Virginia Kase, who spoke about the unforeseen challenges of 2020, our strategic framework for the new biennium, what it means to be nonpartisan in hyper-partisan times, and the way we talk about race in our country and especially in the League.
When democracy is attacked, we can’t stay neutral. We must stand in our positions and advocate for what is right and just.
- LWV CEO Virginia Kase
LWVUS Treasurer Jessica Lowe-Minor delivered the report of the Treasurer indicating that our financial health is strong, with more than six months of operating expenses in reserves. Elaine Wiant, chair of LWVUS Budget Committee, presented the Proposed LWVUS 2020-2022 Budget and Per Member Payment. Delegates discussed and voted to adopt the PMP rate of $32 for the 2020-2022 Biennium on 1,115 yay and 27 nay votes. Delegates also discussed and approved the proposed budget on 1,123 yay and 14 nay votes.
President Chris Carson recognized and gave thanks to a number of League members for their leadership: Elaine Wiant, for serving as Budget Chair, and Toni Larson, Anne Schenk, and Judy Duffy, for revising Impact on Issues.
LWVUS Vice-President Karen Nicholson presented the Proposed National Program for 2020-2022. Delegates debated and voted on the following Not-Recommended Program Item:
Motion #2020-157: On behalf of the League of Women Voters of Illinois, I move to adopt the abolition of the electoral college by Constitutional amendment as a LWVUS program item for the 2020-2022 biennium.
By a Point of Order and unanimous consent the words “action focus” were corrected to read “program item".
The motion PASSED on 681 yay, 458 nay votes, and will be added to the program
Then delegates discussed and voted on two concurrences:
Motion #2020-145: The League of New Mexico moves for the concurrence on the Transfer of Federal Public Land be adopted as submitted.
The motion PASSED on 885 yay, 207 nay votes
Motion #2020-141: On behalf of the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin and 23 other state Leagues, I move that the Voter Representation/Electoral Systems Concurrence as presented in the Workbook to support electoral systems at each level of government that encourage participation, are verifiable and auditable and enhance representation for all voters be adopted.
The motion PASSED on 1064 yay, 79 nay votes
Vice President Karen Nicholson moved for a vote on current positions and the proposed 2020-2022 Program.
Motion #2020-118: I move to retain all current LWVUS positions in the areas of representative government, international relations, natural resources and social policy.
The motion PASSED on 1157 yay, 25 nay votes
Motion #2020-119: I move to adopt the proposed LWVUS program for 2020-2022 as amended: Campaign for Making Democracy Work®: ensuring a free, fair and accessible electoral system for all eligible voters by focusing on Voting Rights, Improving Elections and advocacy for the National Popular Vote Compact, Campaign Finance/Money in Politics and Redistricting and to continue to work on urgent issues: Climate Change, the Equal Rights Amendment, Health Care, Gun Safety, and Immigration and the abolition of the electoral college.
The motion PASSED on 1139 yay, 30 nay votes
Moving to Resolutions, Suzanne Stassevitch, Chair of the Resolutions Committee, gave the committee’s report, recommending three proposals:
Motion #2020-150:I move reaffirming our commitment to Immigration reform, for efficient, expeditious immigrant entry into the United States. The League stands in solidarity with immigrants and our immigrant rights community partners. Congress must take immediate action to pass common sense, fair immigration policies that end the crisis at our borders, end the separation of families, ensure their health and safety, and provide a clear path to citizenship, including DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) young people.
Motion submitted by Rebecca Gladstone on behalf of LWV Oregon
The motion PASSED on 1,092 yay, 12 nay votes
Motion #2020-136: We Resolve First, That the League advocates against systemic racism in the justice system and, at a minimum, for preventing excessive force and brutality by law enforcement. We also call for prompt actions by all League members to advocate within every level of government to eradicate systemic racism, and the harm that it causes;
We Resolve Second, That the League help our elected officials and all Americans recognize these truths to be self-evident; that Black, Indigenous and all people of color (BIPOC) deserve equal protection under the law; and that we demand solutions for the terrible wrongs done, so that regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, disability, and gender identity or sexual orientation we may truly become a nation "indivisible, with liberty and justice for all".
Motion Submitted by Evelyn Maddox on behalf of LWV of Missouri
The motion PASSED on 1094 yay, 32 nay votes
Motion #2020-122: I move that that the LWVUS calls for an immediate, wide-scale, mobilization by the United States, to restore, protect and fund an ecologically sustainable environment and climate, based on an interrelated approach that is environmentally sound, science based, just and equitable, dedicated to adequately addressing the scale and speed of the global climate change emergency.
Motion submitted by America Sherwood on behalf of Araphoe-Douglas County
The motion PASSED on 1,091 yay, 21 nay votes
LWVUS board member Julie Hussey announced the 2020 Convention Awards nominees and winners in four categories (bolded League names indicate the winner in each category):
- Building Equitable Partnerships
- LWV of Miami-Dade (FL)
- LWV of Milwaukee County (WI)
- LWV of Southern Monmouth County (NJ)
- LWV of South Dakota
- Storytelling
- LWV of Coastal Georgia (GA)
- LWV of Jo Daviess County (IL)
- LWV of New York City (NY)
- Strengthening Democracy – Local League
- LWV of Jefferson County (WV)
- LWV of Montclair Area (NJ)
- LWV of Oakland (CA)
- Strengthening Democracy – State League
- LWV of Nevada (NV)
- LWV of New York (NY)
- LWV of Virginia (VA)
Finally, Chris Carson recognized and gave thanks to the national staff for planning the Convention digitally due to COVID-19, former President Elizabeth MacNamara, former CEO Wylecia Wiggs-Harris, and current CEO Virginia Kase, and the outgoing 2018-2020 LWVUS Board of Directors and Nominating Committee.
In her final act as president, Chris Carson introduced the newly elected 2020-2022 LWVUS President, Dr. Deborah Turner. Dr. Turner introduced herself to the convention attendees and laid out her vision for the next biennium: making VOTE411 a household name, advancing our DEI work, and embracing inter-generational conversations.
We, as an organization, acknowledge our own difficult history with racism while we embrace our future, where DEI will become part of our DNA.
- LWVUS President, Dr. Deborah Turner
Dr. Deborah Turner closed out Convention 2020, introducing the 2020-2022 LWVUS Board of Directors and Nominating Committee, and welcomed everyone to join LWVUS in Denver, Colorado, for the next convention in 2022.
Friday, June 26, 2020
Convention kicked off with remarks from our outgoing LWVUS president, Chris Carson. Chris spoke to the historic moment we are all living through, the COVID-19 pandemic that required us to hold our convention digitally and the systemic racism deeply rooted in our culture. Chris highlighted our League work over the past biennium including our impact on more than 12.5 million voters; our redistricting fight at the Supreme Court and launching People Powered Fair Maps in the aftermath; and nearly $1 million in pass-thru grants to Leagues around the country.
LWVUS national board member Liz Bander delivered remarks honoring our native land and providing resources for delegates and observers to learn more about the native peoples in their jurisdictions around the country.
Presiding over Convention, Chris Carson announced to the delegation, news that the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 51, the Washington DC Admission Act. The League has advocated for D.C. statehood for decades and celebrate this bill which would establish Washington, D.C. as the 51st state.
Elaine Apter, chair of the credentials committee presented the credentials committee report indicating 1241 delegates from 50 states and D.C. were in attendance in addition to 8 national board members. The report was adopted by a vote of 1027 yay and 29 nay.
Toni Zimmer, LWVUS Secretary, presented the convention rules. An addition to the rules was offered to amend convention rule #2 to add the words “if able” to the rule “delegates will be readmitted to the plenary with capacity to vote if they unintentionally leave the plenary.” The Motion (2020-147) PASSED 753 yay, 244 opposed. The delegates adopted the rules as amended 1050 yay, 16 nay.
Toni Zimmer moved motion #2020-110 to adoption of order of business which the delegates adopted by unanimous consent
LWVUS Nominating Committee Chair Sue Smith delivered the report of the nominating committee and the recommended slate for the 2020-2022 biennium. The slate was elected by a vote 1100 yay, 19 nay. You can see the newly elected LWVUS board of Directors HERE.
During the first break, delegates and observers viewed a video featuring ‘The Perfect 36,’ a musical about the passing of the 19th Amendment as well as anniversary messages from very special guests including Judy Woodruff and multiple members of congress.
Delegates and Observers heard the Convention keynote address from CBS Evening News anchor and managing editor News Norah O’Donnell, who congratulated LWV on 100 years and spoke about the intersection of activism and journalism.
“One hundred years ago, we advanced equality for American women. On this historic anniversary, lets advance equality, period. We should not rest until there are more Black and Brown women in public office. We should not settle until a woman of color has an equal opportunity to cast her vote.”
- Norah O'Donnell, CBS Evening News
LWVUS board member and Bylaws Committee chair Melissa Currence delivered the Bylaws Process presentation. For full text of bylaws amendment proposals, visit https://www.lwv.org/ProposedBylaws. Convention delegates debated and voted on the following proposed bylaws amendments (a two-thirds majority vote was required for adoption of each bylaws proposal):
Bylaws amendment proposal #1 (Motion 2020-113)
The motion PASSED on 750 yay, 37 nay votes
The following motion to amend Bylaws proposal #1 (2020-144) was considered:
Amend the proposed amendment in Bylaws Article 2, Sec. 2
By striking the words "ensure compliance -" insert the words "diversity, equity, and inclusion" and strike the words "- with LWVUS' Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy".
So that the bylaws amendment will read
"2. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Policy. The League is fully committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in principle and in practice."
This motion FAILED on 372 yay, 689 nay votes
Bylaws amendment proposal #2 (Motion 2020-124)
The motion PASSED on 989 yay, 101 nay votes
Bylaws amendment proposal #3 (Motion 2020-135)
The motion FAILED on 643 yay, 369 nay votes
Bylaws amendment proposal #4 (Motion 2020-115)
The motion PASSED on 1031 yay, 22 nay votes
Bylaws amendment proposal #5 (Motion 2020-117)
The motion PASSED on 1000 yay, 66 nay votes
Following the bylaws votes, LWVUS staff delivered a presentation on the biennium impact report.
Karen Nicholson delivered the Program Planning Report with the board recommendation for LWVUS to continue the Campaign for Making Democracy Work® without modification.
Motion 2020-118: I move to retain all current LWVUS positions in the areas of representative government, international relations, natural resources and social policy.
Motion 2020-119: I move to adopt the proposed LWVUS program for 2020-2022: Campaign for Making Democracy Work®: ensuring a free, fair and accessible electoral system for all eligible voters by focusing on Voting Rights, Improving Elections and advocacy for the National Popular Vote Compact, Campaign Finance/Money in Politics and Redistricting and to continue to work on urgent issues: Climate Change, the Equal Rights Amendment, Health Care, Gun Safety, and Immigration.
Following the Program Planning Report, the convention delegates heard motions to adopt concurrences. Motions put forth were as follows (these will be voted on during Saturday plenary):
Motion 2020-141: On behalf of the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin and 23 other state Leagues, I move that the Voter Representation/Electoral Systems Concurrence as presented in the Workbook to support electoral systems at each level of government that encourage participation, are verifiable and auditable and enhance representation for all voters be adopted.
Motion 2020-145: The League of New Mexico moves for the concurrence on the Transfer of Federal Public Land be adopted as submitted.
There were two not-recommended motions put forward for consideration:
Motion 2020-146: The LWV of Illinois moves to move the abolition of the electoral college by Constitutional amendment from the non-recommended program list to the floor of the convention for consideration as a LWVUS action focus for the 2020-2022 biennium.
This motion passed and will be voted for adoption on Saturday.
Motion 2020-127: I move that the LWVUS endorse and engage in the action for the Equal Rights Amendment, “Walk The Talk: U.S. Congress Remove The Deadline On The E.R.A.” by facilitating the activation of all state and local League chapters to participate in calling on the U.S. Senate Chamber to remove the deadline for the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment.
President ruled Motion 2020-127 out of order and recommended the delegate re-enter it as a resolution.
Following the presentation of motions, delegates the Board proposed program motions and concurrences to be voted on tomorrow.
Chris Carson recessed Friday plenary.
Thursday, June 25, 2020
Our pre-Convention day kicked off with a virtual Lobby Day to restore the Voting Rights Act. Seven years ago, to the day, the Supreme Court rolled back provisions of the Voting Rights Act. So, on the eve of Convention, League members and allies made calls and engaged on social media, calling on Congress to #RestoreTheVote by passing the Voting Rights Advancing Act. #LWVLobbyDay had 175 posts on Twitter, earning more than 1,500 engagements (likes, shares, clicks, etc.) and 82,700 impressions. And our members and engagers sent over 2,000 letters to the Senate in support of the VRAA! Congrats on a very successful digital lobby day!
LWVUS president Chris Carson delivered welcome remarks for delegates attending a pre-Convention training over Zoom. Our Convention Parliamentarian, Barbara Rosi, walked through the procedures and logistics of Convention in a virtual space.
As a grand finale to our pre-Convention kickoff, LWV CEO Virginia Kase moderated a panel of voting rights experts to discuss how we can expand the vote and make our democracy representative of all. The conversation, which was also streamed on Facebook live, included D.C Mayor Muriel Bowser, Valerie Jarrett of When We All Vote, Allison Riggs of the Southern Coalition for Social Justice, and Alejandra Castillo of YWCA USA. In addition to the over 1,000 delegates watching over Zoom, our Facebook livestream garnered over 5,000 views!
Congress won't get things done unless you demand they get it done. Call them out and use your voice to demand justice and change.
- Valarie Jarrett, When We All Vote