San Francisco November Election

The next election is nearly upon us! This November, San Francisco voters face a particularly exciting ballot:

• Mayoral Candidates: With about a month to go, the mayoral field is packed with serious contenders in the double digits. And what with the sitting mayor reneging on his pledge not to run for a full term, there has been no shortage of theatrics. Join us at 6pm on October 5 at UCSF Mission Bay for a candidate forum featuring some of the top contenders.
• Ranked Choice Voting: San Franciscans will for the first time vote for their top three picks to occupy the mayor's office. This system encourages voters to select the candidates they truly believe merit the job, sans worries about “wasting” a vote on a long-shot aspirant. And with a nice long ballot, it is truly anyone’s race.
• Initiatives: The initiatives under consideration this year are as wide-ranging and contentious as a follower of San Francisco politics might come to expect. Visit the LWVSF website for nonpartisan, straightforward education and guidance.

California League Study: Initiative and Referendum

The League of Women Voters of California has launched a study of the initiative and referendum processes in California. The eight Study Committee members, selected from local Leagues across the state, have lined out the scope of the study to consider:

• the League’s current position
• the history of the processes
• how the processes currently work in California
• how the processes have changed over time
• identification of critical issues
• ideas for change and reform
• creation of community education material for use by local Leagues.

The Study Committee will continue to share the progress of the Study as well as resources, so keep informed by visiting the study website and Facebook page.

Story Bank: Chandra Friese

I learned about the League at a young age. I always felt it was an organization to which I owed a lot, because it was founded by the women who were responsible for me having the right to vote. But it was electronic voting machines that provided the final impetus to get me to join.

Read more.

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League of Women Voters of San Francisco

Education Study: Consensus Meetings

The LWVUS has completed their part in the National Study on the “Role of the Federal Government in Public Education” and submitted their study background information and consensus questions for local Leagues of Women Voters to consider and come to agreement. The background materials are on the national website.

LWVSF will be holding 3 consensus meetings in San Francisco:

• Monday, October 17 and Wednesday, October 19 - lunchtime series spread over two days
• Saturday, October 22 - morning time to be announced
• Wednesday, November 16 - evening time to be announced

We anticipate the meetings will last approximately two hours: the first hour will consist of viewing a PowerPoint produced by the national office and additional education as needed; the second section will be a series of “dot democracy” vote to see which questions need additional discussion, discussion and hopefully consensus.

It is important both to have a large numbers to participate. Please join us! RSVP by calling the LWVSF office or emailing us.

Upcoming Events

Sheriff Candidate Forum

WHEN: Tuesday, October 4, 2011, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: The Koret Auditorium, Main Branch San Francisco Public Library

WHY: Sheriff candidates will answer questions from the audience about their plans if elected Sheriff of San Francisco. This forum is sponsored In collaboration with the Junior League of San Francisco.

Mayoral Candidate Forum

WHEN: Wednesday, October 5, 2011, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

WHERE: Robertson Auditorium, UCSF Mission Bay, 1675 Owens Street, San Francisco

WHY: Cheryl Jennings of ABC-7 will moderate this event and mayoral candidates will answer questions from journalists and from the audience about their plans if elected Mayor of San Francisco. This forum is sponsored in collaboration with UCSF.

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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.

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San Francisco, CA 94104

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