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Date: 5/3/2026
Subject: LWVOC-Leaguer Updates
From: Lisa K Adkins



We just witnessed a shocking one-two punch. The Supreme Court just struck down the most critical measure, Section 2, of the Voting Rights Act. In addition, an illegal redrawing of Florida’s congressional maps was just passed by our state legislature. Across Florida, new voting rules and restrictions, mis and disinformation, and ongoing efforts that undermine confidence in elections make it harder for so many to participate.
 
May's Hot Topics had already been set before last week's upheaval; we're fortunate to have a knowledgeable and experienced panel to help us understand HOW it occurred and a path forward for all voters.
 
 
The moderator is Bill Cowles, former Orange County elections supervisor. Panelists include Karen Castor Dentel, the current Orange County elections supervisor and Ricardo Negrón-Almodóvar, Florida senior campaign manager for All Voting is Local as well as Aubrey Jewett, professor and professor and administrator at the University of Central Florida.
 
 Among the issues to be discussed at Hot Topics:
  • What obstacles to voting the new ID law will create.
  • How restrictions on signature gathering have affected citizens’ efforts to change the state’s constitution.
  • The results of the redistricting special session.
  • How dark money affects redistricting efforts.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to us on May 15th when we turn 87 years old!  And we have the PERFECT idea for a gift....
 
Every dollar you give DOUBLES the power of our actions to:

· Register, inform and mobilize voters for the upcoming elections

· Provide nonpartisan voter information that people trust through VOTE411.org, our Speakers Bureau, Hot Topics, and candidate forums and

· Advocate in Tallahassee for fair and accessible elections.

This work matters now more than ever. And right now, your gift goes twice as far. A generous donor has offered a $25,000 Match, doubling every contribution.

Please make a gift today to double your impact and help protect the freedom to vote!

Could the timing be any more perfect? As we continue the fight to defend democracy, this is a great opportunity to remind us WHY we do what we do! Let's support our local chanteuses as they inspire us to STAND TALL...yet again.
 
50% off discount code: SEASONFIVE (note that it's one word)
*Activate the discount BEFORE tickets are selected in the “promo code” field on the ticketing page
 
Presented by ORLANDO SINGS, Harmonia’s STAND TALL traces the journey of the women’s suffrage movement from first calls for justice to the ongoing spirit of empowerment—beginning with Alexandra Olsavsky’s What Happens When a Woman? and closing with Rosephanye Powell’s rousing Still I Rise.

The heart of the program is Andrea Ramsey’s groundbreaking Suffrage Cantata, a five-movement choral-oratorio for SSA chorus, soloists, piano, string quartet, narration, and percussion. Written after extensive research, Ramsey interweaves original music with historical speeches, letters, banners, and songs of influential figures such as Susan B. Anthony, Ida B. Wells, Sojourner Truth, and Mary Church Terrell.

 JULY 11-12, Council of Leaders
2026 Council will feature three different training tracks and networking focused on:
Election Protection
Bringing Floridians Together
Local League Best Practices
 
*Those of us in the Orange and Seminole County Leagues won't need a place to stay for LWVFL Council in July but those coming from around the state will. If you can offer housing to someone attending the Council, please click HERE to fill out a "hospitality form." We will do our best to match you as Central Florida welcomes the state!