LUNCHEON & PROGRAM
The moderator is Sandi Vidal, vice president of community strategies and initiatives for Central Florida Foundation. Panelists include attorney Nick Shannin, general counsel for the Orange County Supervisor of Elections office; Laudi Campo, Florida state director of the Hispanic Federation, and Brad Ashwell, Florida state director of All Voting Is Local.
For nearly two years, we’ve heard about potential plans to disrupt the Nov. 3 midterm elections. These threats are serious, and they have raised real anxiety among voters. Two-thirds of U.S. adults expressed concern in a July Gallup poll about political pressure on elections — ranging from mishandled ballots to voter intimidation at polling places.
This Hot Topics program will tackle those concerns head-on — exploring the scenarios that keep many of us awake at night while also highlighting the national work underway to safeguard the vote.
More than 300 organizations, including the League of Women Voters, are part of a national Election Protection network dedicated to ensuring that every eligible voter will be able to cast a ballot and that ballot will be counted. It’s the largest nonpartisan voter protection program in the country, and they’re actively seeking volunteers for different roles. We’ll also look at the possibility of record turnout and voter-driven change — a moment when people of all parties stand together for what they believe in.
At its core, this Hot Topics is about resolve — empowering voters, defending democracy and moving forward without fear or hesitation. This election may be a test, but the League of Women Voters has been tested before — and we’ve overcome challenges.
Doors open at 10:30 a.m. at the Winter Park Events Center for a buffet lunch. The discussion starts at 11:45 a.m. at 1050 W. Morse Blvd. in Winter Park and ends at 1 p.m. Tickets are $30 for League members, $37 non-members.
Hot Topics is streamed live on the League’s Facebook page Facebook and an edited version will be available on the League’s YouTube channel, League of Women Voters Orange County - YouTube.
Visionary sponsors: Phil and Jennifer Anderson
Silver sponsors:
Lyn and David Berelsman
Jenny Green Chan and Ella Chan
Emerson R. Thompson, Jr.
Voting Voices — Caroline Emmons-Shramm, Michele Levy, and Laurie and Richard Wack
The Kindred Three--Joan Erwin, Sue Foreman, Lee Rambeau
Friends of the League--Hon. Fred Lauten & Shelley Lauten, Hon. Bob LeBlanc & Joanie Schuler LeBlanc, Dr. Gloria Pickar
Bronze sponsors: Alex and Hon. Cynthia Mackinnon
The League of Women Voters of Orange County, Florida, is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy