The League of Women Voters Louisville works to Get Out the Vote

The League of Women Voters Louisville is working with all its partners to Get Out the Vote and to educate voters about the coming elections.  Only 15% of eligible voters in Jefferson County went to the polls in May.  Only about 60% of eligible voters vote in presidential elections and the national participation rate is one of the lowest of the industrialized democracies in the world.  The League is proud to partner with KFTC to register voters and encourage participation.

Our September education forum was entitled Your Voice is Your Vote:  Why Every Vote Matters.   Panelists included Secretary of State Michael Adams, Ashley Tinius and Maryellen Allen from the Jefferson County Clerk’s office, Sylvia Goodman from Kentucky Public Media and Eleanor McCrary from the Courier Journal. They provided information about voting, dispelled myths, and encouraged all to vote.  On Tuesday, October 22, in partnership with the Courier Journal, the League will host a discussion of the Amendment 2 ballot proposal at the Main Library at 6 pm.  

The League is hosting and partnering with other organizations to hold forums for the candidates in various local and state races, including those running for the school board.  They list of forums can be found on our website www.lwvlouisvilleky.org. However, several candidates have chosen not to participate on a candidate forum, so forums will not be held for every office on the ballot.  

The League has held numerous voter registrations events including participating in the recent naturalization ceremony in conjunction with Worldfest and registering eligible students at Louisville high schools and colleges. It is also participating in Freedom Summer at Simmons College.

During this election season, Leagues across the state will be text banking and canvassing to get out the vote.  You can find these events and register at https://www.mobilize.us/lwvky/

Restoring voting rights to people who had been convicted of a felony and served their time is one of the many voting rights issues we address and partner with KFTC.   The League’s educational outreach work focuses on 1) helping persons who have been convicted of a felony be able to have their voting rights restored in accordance with Executive Order 2019-003, and 2) passage of a bill to allow Kentuckians to vote on changing the Kentucky Constitution to provide automatic restoration of voting rights.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization working to protect and expand voting rights and ensure everyone is represented in our democracy. We empower voters and defend democracy through advocacy, education, and litigation, at the local, state, and national levels. For more information visit our website at www.lwvlouisvilleky.org or attend the Education Forum on October 22 at the Main Library beginning at 6.

Sandra Renner

League of Women Voters Louisville