State Rep. Geraldine Thompson Honored
with First “Warriors for Democracy” Award
The League of Women Voters of Orange County, Florida, has presented its first Warriors for Democracy Award to the Honorable Geraldine F. “Geri” Thompson of Windermere “for her courage and decisive action to defend our democracy and the rule of law,” as the award notes.
A veteran legislator who has served in both Florida’s Senate and House of Representatives, Thompson currently represents District 44 in the House. She received the award on April 22 from League Co-President Gloria Pickar and Judge Bob LeBlanc at the Orange County League’s annual meeting, which took place online during the Covid-19 pandemic.
In presenting her the award, the Orange County League honored Rep. Thompson for her actions in opposing the appointment of a justice to the Florida Supreme Court who did not meet the requirement of a minimum ten-year membership in the Florida Bar, as required by Florida law.
Standing up against the governor, the Judicial Nominating Commission, and her own caucus, Rep. Thompson filed a lawsuit asserting that the commission and the governor should have considered only fully qualified candidates. On September 11, 2020, the Florida Supreme Court ruled in her favor.
“Rep. Thompson’s brave action defended the public right to petition our government, the institutional integrity of the court, and the lawful authority of the state constitution,” Pickar noted, reading the text of the award at the meeting. “We are proud to honor her as a true League of Women Voters of Orange County Warrior for Democracy.”
The award takes its name from the Orange County League’s book about its 82-year history, “Warriors for Democracy,” by Ann Patton. Founded in 1939, the League is a non-partisan political organization that pursues its mission of empowering votes and defending democracy. It does not endorse or oppose political candidates or parties at any level of government.
To learn more about the League of Women Voters of Orange County, Florida, please visit lwvoc.org.
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.