Read on to find the latest edition of the LWVGTA Voter Newsletter.
April-May 2025 |  | LWVGTA April-May 2025 Voter Article
From the Prez…
Submitted by CM Schlitt
What you need to know about the League of Women Voters actions to “Empower Voters and Defend Democracy”:
On April 17, 2025, President Dianna Wynn and CEO Celina Stewart took the serious step of declaring this current moment a constitutional crisis, and concurrently announced the Unite and Rise 8.5 initiative.
"The executive branch’s blatant disregard for an order by the judicial branch constitutes an attack on our democratic system. Therefore, we consider our country to be in a Constitutional Crisis." Quote from LWV CEO, Celina Stewart and LWV President, Dianna Wynn.
The League defines a Constitutional Crisis as:
When the executive, the legislative, or judiciary branches cannot or will not adequately protect the US Constitution, there are explicit attempts to dismantle a functional democracy within any of the three branches, or when any level of federal government takes action to destroy democratic institutions in a manner that intentionally or purposefully jeopardizes the US Constitution.
When these events occur, the constitution is deemed at the highest serious risk and warrants full-scale action to preserve and protect democratic institutions and civil society."
Since the Trump administration took office in January 2025, we’ve seen increased attacks on our democratic systems and a failure by Congress to intervene."
Following the statement, League members have been asked to join in a powerful League initiative Unite and Rise 8.5!
Check out the LWVUS Unite and Rise 8.5 Campaign for more information.
In addition, the LWV, along with other organizations, filed a lawsuit against the administration In the President’s Executive Order of March 25, 2025—"Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections" (the "Executive Order")—the President attempts to usurp the power to regulate federal elections from Congress, the States, and an independent agency to which Congress delegated certain limited responsibilities.
On 24 April 2025, a federal court judge issued a ruling in League of Women Voters et. al. v. Trump et. al. temporarily blocking the US Election Assistance Commission (EAC) from implementing a provision in the President’s executive order adding a requirement to show a passport or similar document proving citizenship when registering to vote via the federal form. While the case proceeds, this injunction preserves the status quo where would-be-voters already affirm under penalty of perjury that they are US citizens on the federal form.
"The League of Women Voters is heartened by this ruling, which is a major victory for voters across the country," said Marcia Johnson, chief counsel of the League of Women Voters of the United States. "While the fight is far from over, we're glad the court agreed that a President cannot ‘short-circuit’ Congress and unilaterally use an illegal executive order to obliterate the rights of millions of voters. " Read more at Federal Court Blocks Part of Executive Order.
On the Michigan scene, the Michigan House presented in session a vote on HJR B. It failed the 2/3 level to pass. You can read more:
Bridgemi.com michigan-proof-citizenship-question-fails
MichiganAdvance.com-House Republicans stumble on noncitizen voting effort
However, the effort to suppress voters has become a ballot proposal, needing about 450,000calid signatures to get on the November 2026 ballot. More information will follow as the LWVMI joins other democracy organizations to counter this effort.
Please continue to respond to Action Alerts from LWVUS and LWVMI. If you missed the emails, go to the respective websites and respond from there.
As the late Dr Deborah Turner, past president of the LWVUS, often said: "Let’s keep on keeping on."
In League,
Christina Schlitt, President |  | | Have You Signed Up for the Annual Meeting?
Wednesday May 28, 2025
Hagerty Center, 715 E. Front St., Traverse City
Agenda:
9:00-9:30 AM Check-in
9:30 - Noon
Southwest Breakfast Buffet
Awards/Member Recognition
Annual Business Meeting: Reports, Election of Board and Officers, Budget & Bylaw Changes
Speaker: Judy Karandjeff, LWV Michigan Vice President - Advocacy
Cost - $30
Mail in your reservation to:
(check to LWVGTA)
LWVGTA, P.O. Box 671, Traverse City, MI 49685
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May 12, 2025
Advocacy Committee Meeting - 10:30 via Zoom link on the LWVGTA calendar.
May 16 - 18, 2025
LWV Michigan State Convention
May 28, 2025
LWVGTA Annual Member Meeting - 9:00 - Noon
Hagerty Center, 715 E. Front St., Traverse City, MI 49686
Annual Meeting. Breakfast buffet, Awards/Member Recognition, Annual Business Meeting: Reports, Elections, Bylaws Approval.
Speaker LWV Michigan Vice President – Advocacy, Judy Karandjeff.
Check in 9:00, Breakfast starts at 9:30
Cost $30.00
RSVP and pay online using link on home page under "save the date" message; or pay by check to LWVGTA mailed to LWVGTA PO Box 671, TC, MI, 49685
OUR COMMITTEES - Get Involved! Be an Active Member
Read about our groups and areas to become Involved!
We are always looking to put your skills to work. Let us know if you have Fundraising, Legal, Financial, Publicity, Organizational, Environmental, Technology, or Smiling-Fun-Welcoming skills.
Have you been attending local protest rallies?
We would love to see any pictures of yourself and your signs!
Email photos to Newsletter@lwvgta.org
Get informed about what your Legislators have been working on.
It is very interesting to view the legislation that is being proposed and it's progress through the House and Senate.
Give it a try, it might surprise you.
Michigan Legislature? Search the status of Bills HERE .
MI LEAGUE NEWS
Michigan HJR-B, Proof of Citizenship bill, failed to receive the 2/3 majority vote to pass in the House. This is not the end of this voter suppression proposal. The group “Committee to Protect Voter Rights” has successfully obtained a ballot proposal. There will be petition drives to gain enough votes to place this on the November ballot as a proposed constitutional amendment. Michigan voters are already required to affirm or verify their citizenship status when registering. It is illegal for non-citizens to vote in elections. Election officials have systems to verify an individual voter's eligibility and ensure that voter rolls are accurate. This proposal is vague in its language and will create obstacles for voter registration and more work for our election officials. Help spread the truth about this petition proposal.
|  | UPCOMING CHANGES FOR JOINING AND RENEWING MEMBERSHIPS
Has your LWVGTA membership expired? Many memberships will expire June 30, 2025. About a month before your renew date, you will receive an email reminding you to renew on the portal. You will find the online renewal process easy. You still are able to renew and join by check, though. Go to the LWVGTA MEMBERSHIP PAGE.
If you need help Step-by-step written instructions are HERE or watch a Short Video.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!
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Huschke,Lisa
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Kairys-Courech,Susan
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Tebo,Julie
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White,Carole
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|  | Advocacy Committee Report
April 2025
Submitted by Co-Chair, Margaret Goeman
Natural Resources Initiatives: The committee is working on connecting with the Girl Scouts and organizing a poster contest for Endangered Species Day in May. They will also address septic issues at the public meeting on April 23, urging advocacy members to attend for support. A Fish Pass tour is scheduled for May 12 at 2pm.
Voter Services Update: Upcoming local elections May 6, will not feature early voting. The SAVE act has passed the U.S. House and will now go to the Senate. The Michigan version of the SAVE Act, HJR-B is unlikely to pass and a ballot proposal is being prepared in its place. The group is seeking a leader for the youth engagement group. Christina noted that the structure for the youth engagement group is in place, so a new leader would not need to reinvent the wheel.
Immigration: The support/oppose form advocating for the local migrant population was approved by the Board. This will enable the GTA League to advocate for the migrant community and the communities affected by their removal. At the present time, governmental authorities are deporting long-standing migrant members of our community, harassing and arresting them, though they have committed no crime. Children are afraid to go to school, and teachers are afraid to provide education without fear. Farmers fear the loss of the migrant workers who are essential to the successful harvest of their crops.
Homeless issues: The fliers informing the public about the hotline number are ready to print. The group brainstormed a list of places to display them and will ask for volunteers to separate the tear-off tabs containing the central call center number and the share the distribution jobs.
Federal Judiciary Study Meeting Overview - Christina reported the deadline for consensus meetings has passed. Now the committee will compile the responses and develop a position, and the National Board will approve it at council.
Discussion - A group sponsoring ranked choice voting is attempting a ballot proposal for this issue. The National League has a position on ranked choice voting but the Michigan League does not. A program featuring this issue would need to include a pro and con view. This would then be an educational program, not an advocacy one. This may be a topic for a Fall program. Switching to in-person meetings was discussed.
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Voter Services Committee Report
April/May 2025
Submitted by C. Schlitt
Many jurisdictions have local elections on May 6. Here are some key dates to remember as we approach Election Day.
- April 21: Last day to register to vote online or by mail to vote in the May 6 Election. (Starting April 22, you’ll need to register in person at your city or township clerk’s office with proof of residency.)
- April 22: For most voters*, this is the last day recommended to return your ballot by mail to avoid postal delays. (Starting April 23, it is recommended returning your ballot in person to your city or township clerk’s office or to a secure drop box in your community.)
- May 4: Last day that communities may offer in-person early voting.
- May 5 at 4 p.m. : Deadline to vote in person, with an absentee ballot, at your city or township clerk’s office if you’re registered to vote where you live. (After today at 4 p.m., you must vote at your polling place on Election Day.)
- May 6: Election Day! Polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time. If you need to register to vote, you can register and then vote at your city or township clerk’s office until 8 p.m.
*If you’re serving in the military or living overseas, your ballot must be postmarked by Election Day (May 6) and received by May 12 to count.
Board of Canvassers Observation - May 6 Election
There is a modified version of our Board of Canvassers post-election observation program for this relatively small election. We expect the canvass in almost all counties to last only one day. Please let Alice Schuman know if you can be an observer.
|  | | Observer Committee
March-April 2025
Submitted by Chair, Reba Leiding
Crawford County Board Meeting - Marcia Koppa
Mar 27 - Commissioners heard about potential Federal fiscal cuts that could affect local libraries, Camp Grayling, Camp Shawano (youth inmates will move to Macomb County) and State Emergency Relief payments. Board also heard from Beaver Creek Twp officials about the township's accounting problems.
Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners - Reba Leiding
Apr 2 - The BOC moved to form a steering committee to oversee planning for a new jail. The committee, not yet named, will be large, including members of law enforcement and drug treatment community, as well as commissioners. Public commenters and commissioners emphasized that a treatment program must be a part of building planning. Antrim County will separate from the 86th District Court pending required legislation, forming a new 99th District. Judge Coomey and others noted this will increase costs and may cause staff layoffs, but should speed up court dockets. Parks & Recreation Director John Chase presented a detailed master plan for Camp Greilick Park; it was noted that so far, donations to support the park’s endowment haven’t materialized. Apr 16 -The BOC approved an ethics policy for both staff and elected officials. For commissioners, a chair-appointed panel will review ethics complaints. By law, elected officials cannot be removed, only voted out. The BOC also approved the termination of a shared regional 911 system. It had been in use for several years, but some participants have dropped out. A request for replacement will be in the 2026 budget. The BOC contracted with Benzie/Leelanau Health Dept. to provide $95,500 for the ongoing Community Connections program.
Traverse City Commission - Cindy Stevens
Apr 7 - Following a public hearing, the Commission passed a Special Land Use Permit for a year-round Safe Harbor shelter. Police Chief Richmond reported that City police will begin No Camping enforcement in the Pines, although no date was discussed. People in The Pines were notified the ban is coming and advised of some options. The Commission approved a PILOT arrangement for a mixed-use building with 80% of units to remain as low-cost housing for at least 30 years. A long discussion ensued on allowing zoning of 4 dwellings per lot in R-2 areas, but no action was taken.
Grayling Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) - Ann Swaney
Apr 8 - Discussion revolved around the progress of hookups to the Grayling Municipal water system throughout the various PFAS polluted areas. Municipal water availability will be expanded into property areas around Camp Grayling regardless of the PFAS levels in their well water. Open House events provided residents a chance to ask questions about the status of the current project. Meanwhile, crews are working on design of the project before trees leaf out, with construction in some areas beginning soon, and will continue through 2025-27. Throughout the project, water quality will continue to be tested in various areas, including the municipal water supply. The project is funded by EGLE grants.
TCAPS School Board Meeting - Robbin Stott
Apr 14 - The board will be making decisions on several renovation projects, including Central Grade School. Student absences have decreased, and GPA levels are increasing. The board decided on an accelerated open application process for the board vacancy due to Holly Bird’s death, with application review and vote at the April 28 study session.
Hi, Leaguers! We are looking for additional observers for the Observer Corps. Do you have a local government group that you like to keep tabs on? Or feel you should keep tables on? We could use replacement observers for the NMC Board and the Benzie Board of Commissioners. Other areas to cover are Antrim or Kalkaska’s County Boards, Garfield Twp., GT Parks and Recreation, or the Airport Authority. If you are interested, please contact Reba Leiding leidingr@gmail.com for more information.
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Natural Resources & Environment Committee - Ann Swaney
A major activity for our committee this coming month is a tour of the downtown Traverse City FishPass. The FishPass will replace the deteriorating Union Street Dam with a new, complete barrier to all fish that will have the ability to sort and selectively pass desirable fishes while blocking harmful invaders like sea lamprey. We will get to see how it is progressing. Laura Otwell & Carrie Olmsted took the lead on this and we now have a tour set up for May 12th. We have a full tour group!
On Wed, April 23rd, most of our committee attended the Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners meeting to show our support for the proposed Septic Code Regulation for Grand Traverse County.
On April 8th Ann Swaney attended a zoom meeting, observing the Grayling Restoration Advisory Board for the Camp Grayling PFAS situation. Good news on that front is the Township had enough property owners sign an agreement to connect to the Grayling Municipal Water System that they’re able to proceed with the construction of extensions to the current system.
Additional Natural Resources & Environment Information
♻️ Are you confused about what you can Recycle?
Microplastics Information
YouTube Video of LWVGTA program - Dealing with Microplastics in Our Environment.
| Don't Complain, Just Do It!
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Get Beezy and Take some action!
Contact your Representatives and Senators and demand Action.
Don't bee afraid or think that your Congressperson already knows what to do. Your phone message, email or letter are important to them for tracking statistics from their constituents - positive or negative. Remember that you are speaking as an individual unless utilizing the LWV Action pages.
Ways to contact your Senators & Representative to demand action.
US Capital switchboard – 202-224-3121 operator will connect you directly to the office you request.
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US Senator Gary Peters
Traverse City Office
109 E. Front Street Suite 215B
Traverse City, MI 49684
Phone: (231) 947-7773
https://www.peters.senate.gov/
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US Senator Elissa Slotkin
Traverse City Office
3335 South Airport Road West Suite 6B
Traverse City, MI 49684
P# 231-929-1031
https://www.slotkin.senate.gov/
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US Representative Jack Bergman
Traverse City Office
1396 Douglas Drive, Suite 22B
Traverse City, MI 49696
(231) 944-7633
https://bergman.house.gov/
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"To reach a port we must sail, sometimes with the wind, and sometimes against it. But we must not drift or lie at anchor." ~ Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.
| League of Women Voters Grand Traverse Area
Serving the people of Antrim, Benzie, Crawford, Grand Traverse and Kalkaska Counties
PO Box 671, Traverse City, MI 49685
Voicemail: (231) 714- 9763
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