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LWV Defends Voting Rights
 The League of Women Voters of California is one of the petitioners in a lawsuit just filed against the California Secretary of State. The suit seeks to clarify that people convicted of certain low-level, nonviolent felonies are entitled to vote. Under "realignment" legislation passed in 2011, these people no longer serve terms in state prison, but instead are sentenced to county jail and/or subject to community supervision. Represented by the ACLU and other civil rights attorneys, we ask that the suit be expedited so that these individuals will be able to vote this year. For more information, read the press release. Read stories from the Washington Post, San Francisco Chronicle, and others on the LWVC Facebook page.
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Privatization Study
 The national League is running a study to identify those parameters and policy issues to be considered in connection with proposals to transfer federal, state or local government services, assets and/or functions to the private sector. It will review the stated goals and the community impact of such transfers, and identify strategies to ensure transparency, accountability, and preservation of the common good.
Study Groups:
The League of Women Voters of San Francisco is holding meetings on Sundays in March to discuss issues raised by the Privatization Study. It’s not too late to get involved in the conversation! On Sunday, March 18th, League members will consider which components are critical to the success of privatization, and if and how it should be regulated by government. The final meeting, on March 25th, will answer any pending questions and plan the presentation of the Study material in the upcoming consensus meetings.
Educate Yourself!
It is imperative that League members educate themselves for participation in the Study Group discussions as well as the pending consensus meetings. There is a wealth of material online for this purpose! Visit our website for a glossary, historical background, a survey of state laws, an overview of the evolution of the privatization debate in public policy, an introduction to the consensus questions, and much more!
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Redistricting Update
 Advocates of open government across the state celebrated recently as the first ever redistricting process to be decided by members of the public drew to a close. The League of Women Voters of California is among a group of organizations that has been monitoring the redistricting process closely since its inception in 2009, and has participated in the development of regulations for the Commissioner selection process and has worked with the Bureau of State Audits. Throughout this time, the League has been an outspoken supporter of the transparency and fairness shown in the processes undertaken. The Citizens Redistricting Commission released its newly drawn maps in late 2011.
The League is now proud to report that the recent federal court challenge to the work of the Commission has been dismissed with prejudice, or finality, ensuring that the vital and arduous work of the committee will be implemented. Thoughts will now turn to the lessons learnt from the process and how it could possibly be applied in other states. Check out the new maps.
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Story Bank: Bianca Velishek
 What makes me feel most proud of the League is its honesty. I've been very involved with the community in accomplishing this, and I look forward to more closely working with the League of Women Voters, as a leader, and advocate, to help bring change for the better, and to help make the lives of our citizens better, and reflective of THEIR needs and voices. I also love collaborating with our members. There is strength-in-numbers, and by setting the example for other groups, the importance of collaborating is what is important to me... we all have seen how important it is to "collaborate together", instead of "fighting against". Read more.
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June Election: Candidates
 This year, following the requirements of Proposition 14 passed in 2010, there will be a significant change on the format of the primary ballot for candidates. Each and every voter will receive a ballot listing candidates from ALL parties for most positions, with the exception of the candidates for President and for the political party central committees. In other words, each voter, regardless if he or she is registered as a Republican, Democrat, or other, will receive a ballot which lists all of the candidates from all parties for the offices of U.S. Senator, U.S. Representative in Congress, and for the State Senate and Assembly as well as the Superior Court judges. However, voters will see only the candidates associated with their registered political party for the office of President and Party Central Committees. Does this have you confused? Stay tuned for more details on the upcoming election.
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 Upcoming Events
Vote by Mail Consensus Meetings
Wednesday, April 4, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: LWVSF Office, 582 Market St, Suite 615, San Francisco
Saturday April 7, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: RSVP to lwvsf@lwvsf.org for address
Review Vote by Mail educational material, join the discussion and help LWVSF come to consensus on this important voting issue.
May 17, 2012, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
LWSF Wine and Cheese Spring Membership Event
Location: RSVP to lwvsf@lwvsf.org for address
Join the San Francisco League for networking and socialization and get a sneak peak at the upcoming election season.
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Copyright© 2003-2012 League of Women Voters of San Francisco, All rights reserved.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, multi-issue organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government. The League works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
Sent by:
League of Women Voters of San Francisco
582 Market Street Suite 615
San Francisco, CA 94104
415-989-VOTE
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