 |  | LWVGTA Annual Meeting Report
On Wednesday May 28 the League of Women Voters Grand Traverse Area held their annual meeting. Fifty-six of 156 members registered to attend the annual meeting at the Hagerty Center. A delicious Mexican inspired buffet breakfast including fruit, build your own scrambled egg tortillas, sweet potato hash and churros was served.
Our featured speaker, Judy Karandjeff, LWVMI Vice President for Advocacy, informed us of how the League has identified and is addressing the many issues introduced by the current administration at both the National and State levels.
Recognition
Our many board members, past presidents, election heroes and volunteers were recognized for their contributions and service. This year the Making Democracy Work Awardee was The Crawford County Avalanche and the Houghton Lake Resorter for their steadfast commitment to community journalism and civic engagement. In October 2024, both publications inserted the League's nonpartisan Voter Guides into their print editions at no charge, helping to distribute more than 5,000 copies throughout Crawford and Roscommon counties and the surrounding communities. The Outstanding Service Award was presented to League Secretary and Communications Chair, Karen Baker.
2025 Annual Business Meeting
The business meeting included the minutes from the 2024 meeting and a Treasurer's Report. The Treasurer's report noted two changes to our accounting, the new dues process and separation of the Crawford County Unit financial information. We voted to approve the 2025-2026 proposed budget and approved the 2025-2026 Slate of Officers, and the proposed bylaw changes were approved as well. The support of the current LWVGTA positions were approved. Electronic versions of these reports were distributed 30 days before this meeting.
Officers
Co-Presidents – Charlotte Nisbet (term ends 2027), Charlene Krygier (term ends 2026)
Secretary – Jill Sterling (term ends 2027)
Treasurer - Ingrid Brophy (term ends 2026)
Board of Directors (elected)
Advocacy Co-Chairs – Margaret Goeman (term ends 2026), Valerie Kirn-Duensing (term ends 2027)
At Large Director – Marcia Koppa (term ends 2026)
Membership Chair - Laura Otwell (term ends 2026)
Natural Resource & Environment Chair - Ann Swaney (term ends 2026)
Observer Corps Chair - Reba Leiding (term ends 2026)
Voter Service Co-Chairs – Misty Sheehan (term ends 2027), Alice Schuman (term ends 2026)
Communications Chair – Karen Baker (term ends 2027)
Program Facilitation Committee – Eunice Crockett (term ends 2027)
Appointed Directors (non-voting board member, one-year term, appointed by the Board): Consultants: Mary Grover, Jane Watts, Jan Warren, Barb Berry, Donna Moore, Peg Townsend
Crawford County Unit Leader (board member, voting) – Christina Schlitt, appointed per LWVMI guidelines
Nominating Committee (elected for one-year term, not on the board of directors): Linda Mueller (co-chair,) Nancy Nordfjord (co-chair), Ginny Coulter, Robbin Stott.
| NEWS FROM THE LWV MICHIGAN STATE CONVENTION
The state biennial convention was the weekend of 16 May in Grand Rapids, MI, and boasts a record number of delegates at 167. LWVGTA had four delegates out of the eight that we were allowed based on membership numbers. The delegates were Karen Baker, Charlene Krygier, Charlotte Nisbet and Christina Schlitt. It was an educational and rewarding experience.
Highlights include a new board of officers and directors. The new co-presidents are Denise Hartsough Kalamazoo Area) and Lynne Kochmanski (Washtenaw County). You can see all of the fine folks listed on the LWVMI website 1 July 2025 when they officially take office.
The convention delegates voted to approve, by concurrence, a LWV Utah State position, Death wit Dignity. It will be titled M.A.I.D. That is Medical Aid In Dying.The position reads:
The League of Women Voters of Michigan believes that state laws should grant the option for a terminally ill person to request medical assistance from a relevant, licensed physician to end one's life. The League of Women Voters of Michigan believes such legislation should include safeguards against abuse for the dying and/or medical personnel.
The convention delegates also voted to have a committee do a restudy on the current Election Position, focusing on Primary Elections with consideration of the many alternative electoral systems. The newly elected Vice President of Program, Ellen Lafferty of Livingston County LWV, is convening a committee to restudy.
All current state positions were voted to retain as written.
Two budgets, one for 2025-26 and the other for 2026-27 were approved along with bylaw updates. Our LWVGTA business meeting follows the state format.
State Convention Awards
The LWV Michigan Convention gives each local League the opportunity to recognize members whose values, service and leadership that set them apart. The LWVGTA nominated the following members for awards. Even though some of our nominations were not selected as the recipient, we are very proud and thankful of the work they have given as volunteers in the League.
The Judy Karandjeff Advocacy Award honors a League member that has excelled in leading and/or taking action to carry out the League's mission of defending democracy. Nomination - Co-Chairs of the LWVGTA Advocacy Committee: Peg Townsend and Margaret Goeman.
Nancy Behring, president of the Manistee County League was the recipient of this award for her long-time contribution to local advocacy.
The Eva Packard Award Voter Services Award honors a League member whose leadership and energy in the field of voter services has provided citizens with necessary information and encouraged informed voters through League work at the state or local level. Nomination – The LWVGTA VOTE411.org Team. The team members include Becky Somsel, Carrie Olmsted and Marcia Koppa.
Carolyn Vertin, State Board Vote411 director, was the recipient of this award for her work to help local League directors, contributing to the production of the state printed voter guide and for ushering in the new Vote411 format.
A big congratulation to Christina Schlitt for being the recipient of the Belle Brotherton Award. This award honors an individual whose outstanding leadership and significant accomplishments have benefited the citizens of Michigan, inspired others and fostered greater public participation in the democratic process. We are very proud and honored to have the leadership of Christina.
The Belle Ringer Awards are a non-competitive award named after Florence Belle Brotherton, the first president of the League of Women Voters of Michigan. We submitted the following volunteers for the recognition of their outstanding performance: Ingrid Brophy for Financial Management, Donna Moore for Voter Services, Alice Schuman for Membership Transformation, and Ann Swaney for Natural Resources Advocacy.
|  |  | LWVGTA May 2025 Voter Article
From the Prez…
Submitted by CM Schlitt
LWVUS News:
Celina Stewart, LWV CEO Blog
Nonpartisanship During Election Cycles
When candidates are running for office, our nonpartisan remains clear: we do not endorse or oppose any candidate or political party.
Through our state and local voter guides and VOTE411.org, Leagues work tirelessly to solicit and gather answers from tens of thousands of candidates around critical community questions. For example, questions about voting rights, climate change, reproductive rights, climate and resource management, and a wide variety of topics help voters decide which candidate reflects their values and community needs…
We are Nonpartisan, Not Neutral
Remaining nonpartisan does not mean staying silent. When democracy itself is under threat, voter access is restricted, or misinformation spreads, the League has a responsibility to speak out clearly and forcefully. Our nonpartisan commitment means the League acts based on our policies and principles, not because of political parties.
We advocate for fundamental rights and freedoms regardless of which political party is in power or which officials are responsible. Focusing on our issues, not affiliations, strengthens our voice and credibility. We hold true to our mission without being beholden to any political agenda.
Why Nonpartisanship Matters
In times of division, maintaining our nonpartisan identity helps build trust across communities. It ensures that we remain a credible, reliable voice for voters — all voters. It positions the League to lead efforts that transcend political divides, focused on the American and moral ideals that unite us rather than the partisan battles that seek to divide us.
Nonpartisanship requires care, consideration, and balance, especially when political tensions are high. But it is essential. It is what makes the League’s work powerful, resilient, and enduring. And it will continue to guide us as we navigate the challenges ahead together. Read More Blog
Unite and Rise 8.5
What is Unite and Rise 8.5?
Unite & Rise 8.5 aims to build a movement of 8.5 million individuals to unite and rise up against the anti-democratic actions of this administration. Launching in May 2025 and running until the 2026 midterm elections.
Why 8.5?
The number 8.5 million is the estimated number of voters it would take to bring about change through nonviolent protest. This is based on the following finding from the Carr-Ryan Center for Human Rights:
"Nonviolent protests are twice as likely to succeed as armed conflicts...and those engaging a threshold of 3.5% of the population have never failed to bring about change."
According to the University of Florida, approximately 245 million Americans were eligible to vote in the 2024 general election. According to the above research, if 3.5% of these eligible voters - 8,575,000 people - engage in nonviolent protests, we will bring about meaningful change.
Unite and Rise 8.5 Initiative
Unite & Rise 8.5 aims to build a movement of 8.5 million individuals to unite and rise up against the anti-democratic actions of this administration. The number 8.5 million is the estimated number of voters it would take to bring about change through nonviolent protest.
How Can You Make Change?
Much of the suggested actions suggested by LWV to take we are already doing:
- Protect democracy: Tell your Senators to oppose the anti-voter SAVE Act;
- Tell Congress not to gut crucial programs like Medicaid;
- Raise your voice about illegal deportations. Follow the LWVGTA advocacy committee suggested actions.
- "Turn Up the Heat" on elected officials: Connect directly with your representatives on the issues that matter via Town Halls and other opportunities
And unless otherwise directed by LWVUS or LWVMI, Reach out to our Senators and Representatives as their Constituents, not as an LWV Member. Often it is more impactful as a constituent than part of an organization-you are a VOTE they want!
Keep calling your Representatives and Senators frequently to voice your concerns.
Turn up the Heat on elected officials. Visit their local offices and Town Halls.
Participate in local rallies. Vote, Vote, Vote. Encourage young people to participate.
On the Michigan Scene
The HJR B requiring citizenship verification for state election was voted on in the MI House, passing along party line, but not making the 2/3 level required. The House leader has indicated they intend to try again.
There is a ballot initiative approved by the State Board of Canvasses (BSOC) that can start signature gathering now. LWVMI is urging you not to sign it and discourage others from doing so. It is intended for the 2026 General Election if they receive enough valid signatures. They have 6 months after they start to meet that goal. The following is the ballot summary approved by BSOC and sponsored by the Committee to Protect Voters Rights:
Constitutional amendment to: require individuals to verify United States citizenship during voter registration; require photo ID for in-person voters; allow voters without photo ID or citizenship verification to vote by presenting ID or verifying citizenship within 6 days after election ; provide free photo ID and proof of citizenship to hardship applicants; require driver's license, state-ID, partial social security numbers, or photo ID when applying for and voting by absentee ballot; require secretary of state to verify citizenship during voter registration, verify citizenship of registered voters, remove individuals from voter rolls that fail to verify citizenship, and report annually on citizenship verifications.
A second group, Americans for Citizen Voting-Michigan, is presenting their initiative to the BSOC for approval. It was not approved at the 16 May meeting due to errors, but will be brought again to the June meeting. This one is worse. This group is part of a national organization. The unapproved summary at this point is:
INITIATIVE PETITION AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION Constitutional Amendment to: provide that only US citizens vote in elections; require Secretary of State to review voter rolls to verify citizens and remove non-citizens using government records; require documentary citizenship proof for new registrations; require photo-ID copy, driver's license or partial social security number to vote absentee; prohibit counting ballots from voters without photo-ID or citizenship documents unless voters show documents within 6 days after election; provide free documents for voters with financial hardship paying for records, and registration alternatives where citizenship documents are inaccessible; and subject violators to civil and criminal enforcement.
More information on this ballot proposal will follow.
A Decline to Sign campaign will be developed and directed to us by LWVMI and their partner democracy organizations. More information on this activity will be shared when received. So far, no signature gatherers have been out yet.
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. And join rallies as a constituent if they are not LWV sanctioned.
As the late Dr Deborah Turner, past president of the LWVUS, often said: "Let’s keep on keeping on."
In League,
Christina Schlitt, President |  |  | |
June 5, 2025
Promote the Vote is having a virtual presentation – Coffee With Clerks. What’s Working in Michigan Elections
Thursday June 5,2025 10am – 11:30am
Coffee with Clerks Registration
Join Promote the Vote and our network of voting-rights advocates as we chat with and learn from some of Michigan’s most dedicated public servants - our local clerks. We’ll be discussing what’s working well in Michigan’s elections and where there’s room for improvement.
June 9, 2025
Advocacy Committee Meeting - 10:30
See the event calendar on lwvgta.org for details.
OUR COMMITTEES - Get Involved! Be an Active Member
Now is the time to act. Elections are coming! August Primary and November General election.
Help the Voter Services Committee excite people to turn out and VOTE in our elections.
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.
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 .
NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
Your membership in The League of Women Voters supports the US and State League. The US League has been very active in pursuing lobbying, testifying, litigation and creating initiatives to Defend Our Democracy. Be informed on what the League is doing by reading the:
Watch the video from League CEO Celina Stewart on:
|  | 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. Make sure to renew your membership in a timely manner. You are needed!
You will find the online renewal process easy. Log in and renew your membership. You still are able to renew and join by check, though. Go to the LWVGTA MEMBERSHIP PAGE for complete instructions.
If you need help, Step-by-step written instructions are HERE or watch a Short Video.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!
| Morse, Margaret |
| Rodenberg, Michael |
| | SPOTLIGHT ON LWVGTA MEMBER
Reba Leiding - Reba chairs the Observer Corps committee. The Observer Corps is our eyes and ears on what is taking place in local government. I hope you read the committee reports to keep in the know. Join in and observe.
How many states have you lived in?
Reba - Four: Illinois, Ohio, New York, and Michigan.
How long have you lived in the Grand Traverse area?
Reba - About 12 years, plus 4 years in the 1990s.
Why did you join the LWV?
Reba - I was looking for a politically adjacent but non-partisan activist organization and found LWV was serious and well respected.
How long have you been a League member?
Reba - I’m not sure, maybe 5 years.
Favorite thing about the League.
Reba - The Observer Corps.
Surprising fun fact about yourself.
Reba - My home town, Havana, Illinois, has become known as a research location for invasive Asian carp. | | |  | Advocacy Committee Report
May 2025
Submitted by Co-Chair, Margaret Goeman
Discussion: The team agreed to continue using Zoom for their meetings, including those in June, July, and August. They also discussed the distribution of flyers with the Coordinated Entry Call Center for homelessness. The printing and distribution of red cards was discussed. These cards can be distributed to individuals and outline their rights during immigration checks. Upcoming discussions and actions may focus more on civil rights issues, particularly in relation to voting rights. The Grand Traverse septic inspection ordinance was moving along and is expected to be adopted in May.
Natural Resources and Environment - Ann Swaney
Great news about the Grand Traverse County Septic Ordinance. It was approved unanimously at the Board of Commissioners on Wednesday the 21st. It’s not the more rigorous version our Advocacy Committee recommended but it’s a great start. The new regulation, effective Jan. 1 2026, will require all properties within 300 feet of surface water to undergo an evaluation of any onsite water and sewage disposal systems at any time the property is transferred to a new owner. It was a real learning experience for those of us on the Environment Committee as we studied septic laws in nearby counties and learned how easily old, failing septic systems can filter nitrates and disease-causing pathogens into our inland lakes and rivers. Once we brought our conclusions to the Advocacy Committee, we were able to share our concerns in letters to the editor and testimony at public commission hearings. Hooray!
|  | | Observer Committee
April-May 2025
Submitted by Chair, Reba Leiding
Traverse City Commission - Cindy Stevens
Apr 21 - Several public comments opposed TIF’s draft policy enabling follow-up elections after an issue has been initially voted down. The Commission considered an amended ordinance allowing police to issue trespass warnings in city parks, but the motion failed. Commission heard a presentation from NW MI Coalition to End Homelessness, requesting a $500K line item from the City; no action taken.
Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners - Reba Leiding
April 23 - Ann Swaney read a LWV statement at the public hearing on the septic inspection ordinance with several other League members speaking in support. There was one opposing view from the public. A consultant presented the site plan and schematic design budget for Project Alpha (new 911/Emergency Operations Center and storage facility). May 7 - A new animal abuse ordinance was proposed after discussions on gaps in local law. A report was requested from Northern Lakes mental health CEO by June regarding the $12 million overspend. A Jail Steering Committee was formed; a representative from National Institute of Corrections will provide planning support for a new jail. BOC voted to purchase a new chiller for the Governmental Center at $482K. After a closed session, BOC announced they had reached a recommended settlement on the MacIntosh/Clous gun incident. May 21 - The BOC formally adopted a septic ordinance requiring inspections at time of transfer for properties 300 ft. from a body of water; it takes effect on Jan. 1, 2026. Numerous public comments from Norte staff were in support of Project Alpha: Norte received a large grant to renovate a Civic Ctr storage building, which hinges on the county moving to a new storage facility on LaFranier by 2026. Administration assured them there is adequate time. BOC voted to go ahead with design development of the Emergency Operations building, but discussion on the storage facility continued. Chairman Sieffert removed himself from the BATA Board and appointed Comm. Spence as replacement.
TCAPS School Board Meeting - Robbin Stott
May 12 - The new Innovation & Manufacturing Center has opened. TC West’s robotic team was highly successful, placing 32nd in the nation. The Board passed resolutions in support of the Northern Ed Services Operating Budget; recognizing 2024-5 retirees; and designating an electoral representative to NW Ed Services.
Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners Joint Study Session with City- Reba Leiding
May 14 - The County and City Commissions met to discuss the Facilities Master Plan for the shared Governmental Center. Administrator Alger suggested 3 paths: to explore renovation or modernization of the existing building; 2) limit to infrastructure repairs or replacement, or 3) plan for another building. The County and City’s respective building committees will plan next steps.
Traverse Area District Library Board - Margaret Goeman
May 15 - The Board discussed how much federal funding would be cut from libraries and how to deal with those cuts when they are certain. Along with other area librarians, Michelle Howard has met with both Betsy Coffia and Jack Bergman, both of whom indicated their support for libraries.
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 watch 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.
|  |
Natural Resources & Environment Committee - Ann Swaney
On May 12th most of the Environment Committee, plus many other leaguers who heard about it, showed up at Lay Park off Union Street for a tour of the under-construction Boardman / Ottoway River Fishpass. The tour was led by Leah Bagdon McCallum, Community Engagement Officer for the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. The Fishpass will soon replace the Union Street Dam. It will have the capability of enabling desirable fish such as lake sturgeon, lake trout, and eventually Grayling. to swim upstream to spawn, while blocking harmful invaders such as sea lamprey. The project will also include a research and education center in a revitalized city park.
We started the tour on the Union Street side of the block, walked along the riverbank to Cass Street where we could better view the construction, and then walked along the other side of the river back to Lay Park. We all learned a lot about this amazing construction, which is a pilot program funded by many government agencies. FishPass is supported by a group of local, tribal, federal, and state agencies, local non-government organizations (NGOs), and The City of Traverse City.
We plan on organizing another tour in a few months to view the progress but meanwhile here is a link to a live website of the construction site. Fishpass Cam
|  | Woulda-Coulda-Shoulda ~ Shel Silverstein
All the Woulda-Coulda-Shouldas
Layin' in the sun,
Talkin' 'bout the things
They woulda coulda shoulda done...
But those Woulda-Coulda-Shouldas
All ran away and hid
From one little Did.
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.
|
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/
|
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/
|
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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