THE LEAG UE OF WO MEN VO TERS OF EAST NASSAU www.lwvofeastnassau.org info@lwvofeastnassau.org At local, state and national levels the League works to influence public policy through education and advocacy. ELECTION DAY NOVEMBER 7, 2017 Oct. 13 - last day to postmark voter registration form or register in person at BOE Oct. 13 - last day to change party enrollment for 2018 primaries Oct. 31 - last day to postmark application for absentee ballot Nov. 6 - last day to apply in person for absentee ballot Nov. 6 - last day to postmark ballot for general election Nov. 7 - last day to deliver absentee ballot in person to BOE As a citizen (age 18 or older) you have the right and responsibility to vote in elections. Educate yourself on the candidates and issues. In this Issue p. 2 Carrie Chapman Catt p. 3 Mission Statement, Advocacy and Lobbying, League Suffragist Exhibit, Honoring the Fight for Women s Rights, Voting Laws Roundup p. 4 Policy on Candidate Events, Nat. Women s History Museum, NYS Museum, Suffrage Centennials.com, Women s Rights National Historical Park p. 5 & 6 Ads, Membership Form, Keeping Connected p. 7 DACA Reversal, Ohio Voter Purge, Ballot Proposals p. 8 Information and registration form for Post-Election Supper Local Candidate Forums KUDOS to Barbara Epstein and her team: Mimi Hirsch Lorraine Newman, Anne Ostling, Mary Price, Carol Rogoff, Lucille Safir and Peggy Stein. for their work registering voters on September 26 th, National Voter Registration Day. ---------------------------------- October 2017 October 11 th, 7:00 pm - Co-sponsored by LWV of East Nassau and East Meadow Library - at East Meadow Public Library Candidates for the 13 th and 15 th Nassau County Legislative Districts 13 th LD: Eileen M. Napolitano (D, WFP, I, WEP, REF), Thomas McKevitt (R, C) 15 th LD: Michael J. Sheridan (D, WFP, WEP, REF), John R. Ferretti, II (R, C, I, REF, TR) October 12 th, 6:45 pm Sponsored by the LWV of East Nassau at Syosset Public Library Candidates for the 16 th and 18 th Nassau County Legislative Districts 16 th LD: Arnold W. Drucker (D, WFP, WEP), Angel Cepeda (R, C, REF) 18 th LD: Joshua Lafazan (D, WFP, I, WEP, REF), Donald N. MacKenzie (R, C) October 24 th, 7:00 pm - Co-sponsored by LWV of East Nassau and Merrick Public Library - at Merrick Public Library Candidates for the 5 th and 19 th Nassau County Legislative Districts 5 th LD: Debra S. Mulé (D, WFP, I, WEP), Kathleen A. Spatz (R, C) 19 th LD: Jeffrey B. Gold (D, WFP, WEP), Steven D. Rhoads (R, C, I, REF, TR) The candidates indicated above have been invited to attend. If only one candidate for a position agrees to attend a League Candidate Forum, it cannot be held. This is very unfortunate, but it could be interpreted as partisanship, and that would not be permitted. League does its best to get all candidates to commit to attend. Party Abreviations: D Democrat, R = Republican, C = Conservative, I = Independence, WFP = Working Families, WEP = Women s Equality, REF = Reform, TR = Tax Revolt Wednesday, November 15, 2017, 7:30 pm LWVEN General Meeting East Meadow Library - 1886 Front Street, East Meadow Speaker: Rabbi Art Vernon Topic: The Courage of the Suffragists See the November VOTER for more information. Thursday, November 16, 2017, 6:00 pm - LWVNC Post Election Supper Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock 48 Shelter Rock Rd, Manhasset Speaker: Joye Brown Topic: Analysis of the Election See page 8 Send your reservation form now.
Carrie Lane Chapman Catt Founder of the League of Women Voters Key coordinator of the woman suffrage movement and skillful political strategist, Carrie (Lane) Chapman Catt revitalized the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA) and played a leading role in its successful campaign to win voting rights for women. In 1920 she founded the League of Women Voters upon ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Carrie Clinton Lane was born on January 9, 1859, in Ripon, Wisconsin In 1880, she graduated from the Iowa Agricultural College and Model Farm in Ames (now Iowa State University) at the top of her class, having worked her way through school by washing dishes, working in the school library, and teaching. She was also the only woman in her graduating class. After college, she returned to Charles City to work as a law clerk and as a school teacher and a principal. In 1883, she became one of the first women in the nation appointed superintendent of schools. In February 1885, Lane married Leo Chapman, editor and publisher of the Mason City Republican Mr. Chapman died of typhoid fever the following year Arriving in San Francisco a few days after her husband's death, the young widow decided to remain in San Francisco, where she was employed by a newspaper during part of that time. In 1887, she returned to Charles City and joined the Iowa Woman Suffrage Association for which she worked as a professional writer and lecturer. After a short period of time, she became the group's recording secretary. From 1890 to 1892, she served as the Iowa association's state organizer. In June 1890, she married George Catt, a fellow Iowa Agricultural College alumnus. who encouraged her suffrage activity. Mrs. Catt also began work nationally for the National American Woman Suffrage Association, speaking in 1890 at its Washington, D.C. convention. In the following months, Catt's work, and her writing and speaking engagements, established her reputation as a leading suffragist. In 1892, she was asked by Susan B. Anthony to address Congress on the proposed suffrage amendment. In 1900, she succeeded Anthony as NAWSA president. From then on, her time was spent primarily in speechmaking, planning campaigns, organizing women, and gaining political experience. In 1902, Catt helped organize the International Woman Suffrage Alliance (IWSA), which eventually incorporated sympathetic associations in 32 nations. In 1904, she resigned her NAWSA presidency in order to care for her ailing husband. His death in October 1905, followed by the deaths of Susan B. Anthony (February 1906), Catt's younger brother William (September 1907) and her mother (December 1907) left Catt grief-stricken. Her doctor and friends encouraged her to travel abroad; as a result, she spent much of the following eight years as IWSA president promoting equal-suffrage rights worldwide. Catt returned to the United States in 1915 to resume the leadership of NAWSA, which had become badly divided under the leadership of Anna Howard Shaw. In 1916, at a NAWSA convention in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Catt unveiled her "Winning Plan" to campaign simultaneously for suffrage on both the state and federal levels, and to compromise for partial suffrage in the states resisting change. Under Catt's dynamic leadership, NAWSA won the backing of the U.S. House and Senate, as well as state support for the amendment's ratification. In 1917, New York passed a state woman suffrage referendum, and by 1918, President Woodrow Wilson was finally converted to the cause. On August 26, 1920, the Nineteenth Amendment officially became part of the United States Constitution. One hundred forty-four years after U.S. independence, all women in the United States were at last guaranteed the right to vote. Stepping down from the NAWSA presidency after its victory, Catt continued her work for equal suffrage, promoting education of the newly-enfranchised by founding the new League of Women Voters and serving as its honorary president for the rest of her life. In 1923, with Nettie Rogers Shuler, she published Woman Suffrage and Politic, The Inner Story of the Suffrage Movement. In her later years, Catt's interests broadened to include the causes of world peace and child labor. She founded the National Committee on the Cause and Cure of War in 1925, serving as its chair until 1932 and as honorary chair thereafter. She also supported the League of Nations and, later, the United Nations. (Source: The Library of Congress, Prof. Jane Cox of Iowa State University, and the National 19th Amendment Society.) 2
Our Mission Statement The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Voter education is one of the League s most important functions, and the League encourages all citizens to register and to cast an informed vote. The League does not support political parties or candidates, but does take stands on important issues after careful study and research. Membership in the League is open to all persons who are at least 16 years of age. Those under 16 can be associate members. The Difference Between Advocacy & Lobbying Many get confused about the difference between advocacy and lobbying. Since League is involved in both, hopefully, this will make it a bit clearer. Lobbying is about supporting or opposing specific legislation. Tips include having facts with you so they can be shared and taken back to convince other legislators to join in. The cost of these activities are usually covered by a League of Women Voters "general fund" (501c4 money). Advocacy includes educational opportunity to gain awareness around an issue. Activities can include forums on topics that the community cares about. Funding for this type of activity is typically covered by taxdeductible funds (501c3 money). Honoring the Fight for Women's Rights From the inception of the women s rights movement in Seneca Falls in 1848, New York has been a leader in advancing women s equality. To honor the centennial of women's suffrage, the state created a commission to plan and execute programs starting in 2017, which marks the 100th anniversary of women s suffrage in New York State, until 2020, a century after the ratification of the 19th Amendment. The commission s programs will celebrate the accomplishment of women s suffrage and the central role of New Yorkers in this milestone, while also helping shape the future to ensure a more just and equitable society for all. Check out the League s Suffragist Exhibit at the Levittown Library near the front desk! Voting Laws Roundup 2017 Source: Brennan Center, May 10, 2017 This year, legislators across the country have been trying to reshape state voting laws. Unfortunately, in several places it will be harder to vote. Five states have already enacted bills to cut back on voting access. More bills to expand access to voting were introduced this year than bills that would restrict voting access, but the legislation making the most substantial impact on voting access has been legislation limiting participation. Governors in Nebraska and Nevada vetoed bills that would expand voting access. At least 99 bills to restrict access to registration and voting were introduced in 31 states, and 35 have at least been approved at the committee level or beyond. After voter ID, making the voter registration process more burdensome is the most popular subject of bills to reduce voting access. Overall, 33 bills to make the voter registration process more burdensome were introduced in 22 states. Bills have been considered and approved by a legislative committee in Connecticut, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Texas, Virginia. On the other hand, at least 531 bills to enhance voting access were introduced in 45 states. One hundred fifty-six bills have been considered and approved by a legislative committee in 30 states. Fifteen state legislatures have passed bills to expand access to voting, but Governors have vetoed the most impactful of them. Eight states have enacted bills that will make voting and registration easier, seven states have not yet enacted legislation but have passed it through their state legislatures, and more than 100 bills to improve voting access have advanced through a committee. The 2 bills that would make the biggest impact on voting access, however, were vetoed. Automatic voter registration (AVR) remains a popular pro-voter reform that is being introduced in legislatures across the country, building on momentum from the last two years. AVR is a new reform that leverages existing technology to help get voters registered. It also changes our system from one in which voters must affirmatively register to vote to one in which they are registered unless they opt out. In 2015 and 2016, six states passed or implemented AVR. In addition to the 6 states that have already enacted legislation to make early, absentee, and military voting easier, 7 states have moved early voting legislation through a committee, and nineteen states have done the same with absentee voting legislation. Overall, 166 bills to improve early voting or absentee voting access were introduced in 35 states. Fifty-five bills to help restore the right to vote to persons with past criminal convictions have been introduced in 18 states, and bills have at least been approved by a committee in 17 states. 3
LWVNYS Policy on Candidate Events It is extremely important that all Leagues throughout New York state speak with one voice, have clear and consistent policies, and adhere to our nonpartisan policy. Therefore "open or empty" chair candidate meetings will not be allowed at any level of League for any elected position. Any League sponsored public event that invites a candidate for elected office will be considered a candidate meeting. A candidate meeting with only one candidate physically present is an "open or empty" chair candidate meeting. Any League holding a candidate meeting for a party primary for elected office, must offer to hold a candidate meeting for any party that has a primary for that elected office. This will ensure that the League is not perceived as supporting or opposing a party. ----------------------------------- National Women's History Museum The National Women's History Museum created an educational online resource center that highlights key aspects of how women won the right to vote. "Crusade for the Vote" examines the women's rights movement from the early Republic era through the passage of the 19th Amendment. It contains short articles on various aspects of the Suffrage Movement, biographies of key figures, guiding questions, lesson plans, and primary sources. To explore its suffrage resource center visit CrusadeForTheVote.org. Additional resources will be added to the site as we build to the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment. For additional information go to: www.nwhm.org. New York State Museum Exhibit "Votes for Women: Celebrating New York ís Suffrage Centennial" is a large-scale exhibition with a companion catalog opening at the New York State Museum in Albany on November 4, 2017 and running until May 13, 2018. The Museum also created a six-panel traveling exhibition based on the larger exhibition that will be at smaller venues around New York State. www. nysm.nysed.gov/exhibitions/votes-for-women ----------------------------------- SuffrageCentennials.com SuffrageCentennials.com is a website that highlights events, celebrations, trends and news about the women s suffrage movement and anniversary celebrations. Enjoy learning about American history, suffrage related events and interesting programs in states and nationally. SuffrageCentennials.com features a rich archive of news from the past five years. Follow with Twitter, Facebook, email and the quarterly newsletter. This site collaborates with other organizations including the National Women s History Project and the Inez Milholland Centennial campaign. ------------------------------ Women's Rights National Historical Park Women s Rights National Historical Park tells the story of the first Women s Rights Convention held in Seneca Falls, New York, on July 19-20, 1848. It is a story of struggles for civil rights, human rights, and equality - global struggles that continue today. Each July, the park hosts Convention Days, three days filled with exciting speakers, historical actors, and demonstrations to commemorate the New York State suffrage movement and the national centennial. The park was established in 1980 to preserve and interpret significant sites associated with the struggle for equal rights for women. (315-568-2772, www.nps.gov/wori) ACTIVE MEMBERS: The League depends upon the work of its members, even for short-term tasks. Please check any activities that interest you or abilities you can share with us. We appreciate your help. Areas of Interest: Judicial Health Membership Fundraising Environment Observer Corps Education Voter Service: Voter Registration Candidate Forums Voter Information Research Computer Skills: Graphics/Layout Databases Website Work Facebook Electronic Publicity Advocacy and Public Education: Public Speaking Lobbying Public Information/PR Other interests or skills: (Please describe) Please email this completed list to epsteinb1@gmail.com or call Barbara at 221-1948 to discuss. 4
Please patronize our advertisers. Their ads help to defray the cost of distribution and printing. Hirsch Electric FOR HOME AND SECURITY MIKE HIRSCH Licensed Master Electrician 84 Victor St. Plainview, N.Y. 516-822-5044 Since 1987 (516) 795-8325 590 B R O A D W A Y MASSAPEQUA, NY 11758 2017 100th Anniversary of Woman Suffrage in NYS TSG FINANCIAL INSURANCE FINANCIAL SERVICES BENEFITS (516) 783-0088 By Appointment Benjamin R. Chafitz bchafitz@tsgfin.com w w w. t s g f i n. c o m 516.336.5991 1325 Franklin Avenue Suite 540 Garden City, NY 11530 Dr. Barbara R. Rosinsky 1705 WANTAGH AVENUE WANTAGH, NEWYORK 11793 Cosmetic, Implants, Restorative Root Canal and Family Dentistry 2276 Merrick Avenue Merrick, NY 11566 Tel: 516-378-8600 stevenmlevydmd@gmail.com WWW.M E R R IC K D E N T IS T R Y.C O M Name: Membership/Contribution Form Yes, I want to support the LWV s work in citizen education and advocacy. membership dues $ 5 Individual Membership $80H ousehold Membership (2 or more) $30 (Full-time) Student Membership $75 Supporting Membership Tel: Address: Email Address: Areas of interest: Enclosed is my (our) check payable to LWV of East Nassau for contribution Please clip & send with your check to: Barbara Josepher LWVEN Treasurer 339 Cold Spring Road Syosset, NY 11791 Total: 5
The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages 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. T 1975 HEMPSTEAD TURNPIKE, SUITE 202 EAST MEADOW, NEW YORK 11554 516-228-4960 FAX: 516-228-4963 M K HOMAS C EVITT MEMBER OF ASSEMBLY 17TH DISTRICT E-mail: mckevitt@assembly.state.ny.us 1 SCHOOL STREET, SUITE 303B GLEN COVE, NEW YORK 11542 (516) 676-0050 FAX: (516) 676-0071 546 LEGISLATIVE OFFICE BLDG. ALBANY, NEW YORK 12248 518-455-5341 FAX: 518-455-4346 M ICHAEL A. M ROOM 437 LEGISLATIVE OFFICE BUILDING ALBANY, NEW YORK 12248 TELEPHONE: 518-455-4684 FAX: 518-455-5477 NEW YO RK STATE ASSEM BLY CHARLES D. LAVINE MEMBER OF ASSEMBLY 13TH DISTRICT E-MAIL: LAVINEC@ASSEMBLY.STATE.NY.US ASSEMBLYMAN 15 THDISTRICT ONTESANO 111 LEVITTOWN PARKWAY HICKSVILLE, NY 11801 TELEPHONE: 516-937-3571 FAX: 516-937-3632 E-mail: montesanom@assembly.state.ny.us ROOM 441 LEGISLATIVEOFFICE BUILDING ALBANY, NEW YORK 12248 (518) 455-5456 FAX: (518) 455-5467 ELECTION DAY Your VOTE is Nov. 7 is Your will be VOICE open from All local polling places 6:00 am to 9:00 pm. Go to Vote411.org Election for information Day on is November your candidates. 7. N EW Y OR K STATE SEN ATE LEGISLATIVE OFFICE BUILDING ALBANY, NY 12247 (518) 455 2390 email: marcelli@senate.state.ny.us N EW Y OR K STATE SEN ATE LEGISLATIVE OFFICE BUILDING ROOM 513 ALBANY, NEW YORK 12247 (518) 455-2765 (518) 426-6925 SENATOR CARL L. MARCELLINO FIFTH SENATE DISTRICT E-MAIL: BROOKS@NYSENATE.GOV 250 TOWNSEND SQUARE OYSTER BAY, NY 11771 (516) 922-1811 FAX (516) 922-1154 8 TH SENATE DISTRICT SENATOR JOHN E. BROOKS DISTRICT OFFICE 5550 MERRICK ROAD, SUITE 205 MASSAPEQUA, NEW YORK 11758 TEL: (516) 882-0630 FAX: (516) 882-0636 We greatly appreciate the understanding of those who are running for office this year that we are unable to include their ads in this issue, due to the proximity of the election and our need to remain non-partisan regarding parties and candidates. LWVUS & LWVUS Education Fund 1730 M St. NW, Ste. 1000 Washington DC 20036 www.lwv.org lwv@lwv.org KEEPING CONNECTED LWV of Nassau County PO Box 221 Port Washington NY 11050 516-431-1628 www.lwvofnassaucounty.org info@lwvofnassaucounty.org LWVNYS & LWVNYS Education Foundation 62 Grand Street, Albany NY 12207 518-465-4162 www.lwvny.org lwvny@lwvny.org 6
LWVUS Statement on DACA Reversal 09/05/2017 by Sarah Courtney The Trump administration has announced its intention to reverse the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy, leaving the fate of 800,000 immigrants in jeopardy. League of Women Voters president Chris Carson issued the following statement: "This administration's decision to rescind the Dreamers program is shameful and does not serve national interest. As a country of immigrants, we are made stronger by our diversity. Yet time and time again, this administration has discriminated against immigrants and communities of color. Reversing the DACA policy will have a devastating impact on our economy. Ending this program will increase unemployment. Thousands of the Dreamers protected by DACA were brought to this country as babies and have no memories of their birth country. These individuals are paying taxes, contributing to Social Security and are Americans in everything but the name. The League of Women Voters is opposed to deportation of non-criminal undocumented immigrants and we urge congress to pass a clean DREAM Act to protect, not turn away, the 800,000 young people who were brought to the United States as children." --------------------------------------- LWVUS Statement on Ohio's Voter Purge Case 08/08/2017 by Caitlin Rulien Justice Department Flip Flops on Voting Rights in Ohio Purge Case League of Women Voters president Chris Carson issued the following statement in response to the latest Department of Justice brief filed in Husted v. A. Philip Randolph Institute, a pending Supreme Court case concerning Ohio s voter purge: By changing their position in the 2016 Ohio voter purge, the Justice Department is playing politics with our democracy and threatening the fundamental right to vote. We have seen this administration lay the ground-work to roll back voting rights, but the latest brief in the pending Supreme Court case takes a dangerous step further: disenfranchising eligible voters. At issue in the Ohio voter purging case are thousands of eligible voters who were properly registered, and did not lose their eligibility but were nonetheless kicked off the rolls. The League of Women Voters will continue to fight unlawful voter restrictions at all levels and encourage active participation in our great democracy. 2017 Ballot Proposals When you get your ballot on November 7 th, you will find, on the reverse side of the ballot, three proposals. Enclosed with this bulletin is the LWVNYS Voters Guide, Part II, which, along with other important information, explains the background of each of these proposals. Below, you will find the wording of each proposal, as it will appear on your ballot. Part I, which deals with general election information, accompanied the last bulletin. (A separate mailing was made for Part I, for those who receive the bulletin by email, and another will be made for Part II.) Though the two brochures look alike, the content is very different. Be sure to read Part II before Election Day. Proposal 1: Shall there be a convention to revise the Constitution and amend the same? (Please keep in mind that this refers to a state Constitutional Convention, not a national one. If voters approve a convention, delegates would be elected in 2018, with the convention held the next year, and any changes to the constitution recommended by the convention put on the ballot for citizen approval the following year.) Proposal 2: Allowing the Complete or Partial Forfeiture of a Public Officer s Pension if He or She is Convicted of a Certain Type of Felony The proposed amendment to section 7 of Article 2 of the State Constitution would allow a court to reduce or revoke the pension of a public officer who is convicted of a felony that has a direct and actual relationship to the performance of the public officer s duties. Shall the proposal be approved? Proposal 3: Authorizing the Use of Forest Land for Specified Purposes The proposed amendment will create a land account with up to 250 acres of forest preserve land eligible for use by towns, villages and counties that have no viable alternative to using forest preserve land to address specific public health and safety concerns; as a substitute for the land removed from the forest preserve, another 250 acres of land will be added to the forest preserve, subject to legislative approval. The proposed amendment also will allow bicycle trails and certain public utility lines to be located within the width of specified highways that cross the forest preserve while minimizing removal of trees and vegetation. Shall the proposed amendment be approved? Special thanks to Peggy Stein and Mary Price for their incredible job setting up LWV East Nassau s Suffragist Display at the Levittown Library. And thanks also to all who contributed ideas and materials for the display. It will be there through October. Don t miss it!! 7
THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF NASSAU COUNTY Join us and co-sponsor UUCSR s Women s Group for our POST-ELECTION SUPPER Thursday, November 16th, 2017 We will enjoy a light meal and a lively discussion With Commentary on the Election Results by Joye Brown noted Newsday columnist Ms. Brown has been a columnist for Newsday since 2006. She joined the newspaper in 1983 and has worked as a reporter, an editor, newsroom administrator and editorial writer. Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock 48 Shelter Rock Road, Manhasset, NY 11030 Exit 27 North on Northern State Pkwy. Drive north on Shelter Rock Road approximately one and a half miles. UU Congregation is on left. If you reach Northern Blvd., you ve gone too far. $20.00 per person Doors Open at 6:30 pm Buffet Supper at 7:00 pm For further information call 516 431-1628 or contact us at info@lwvofnassaucounty.org Please complete the reservation form below and mail no later than Wednesday Nov. 8, 2017 to LWV of Nassau County, PO Box 221, Port Washington, NY 11050 516-431-1628 Please reserve place(s) for the Post-Election Event @ $20.00 on Thursday, November 16, 2017. Enclosed is my check in the amount of $ payable to LWVNYS Education Foundation. NAME: ADDRESS: E-Mail PHONE: LOCAL LEAGUE I regret I cannot attend. Enclosed is my contribution of $ to the LWVNYS Education Foundation. The League of Women Voters of East Nassau www.lwvofeastnassau.org, info@lwvofeastnassau.org Management Team: Barbara Epstein, Barbara Josepher, Norma Schaeffer, Peggy Stein Editor: Paula Blum, paulablum@hotmail.com Circulation: Mary Price Advertising: Marie Johnson If you have not already done so, please send your membership dues today! You can use the membership form on page 5. League is depending on you! 8