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The Voter 2/18/2026

Published on 2/23/2026

Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy.

The official newsletter of the League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County.

Vol 68 | Issue 2 | Date: Feb 18, 2026

In this issue:

THE LEAGUE SPEAKS OUT

The League of Women Voters Denounces House Passage of the Anti-Voter SAVE Act

LWVUS issued the following statement in response to the House vote on the SAVE America Act on February 11:

“The House passage of the SAVE America Act is a direct attack on the freedom to vote. Let’s be clear: the SAVE America Act, alongside the SAVE Act, Make Elections Great Again Act, and similar proposals, is part of a coordinated effort to make voting harder for eligible Americans. These bills are not about election security. They are about restricting access to the ballot and deciding who gets to participate in our democracy.”

See the full statement here.

LWVUS Condemns President Trump’s Call to “Nationalize” Elections

Following the call to “nationalize” elections, the League denounced President Trump and his efforts to use intimidation, chaos, and confusion to erode trust, normalize lies, and intimidate voters and election officials. “President Trump’s continued rhetoric is a calculated effort to dismantle the integrity of the electoral system as we know it. This is not political theater: it’s a direct threat to the very fiber of democracy itself.”

The League called on leaders to reject this rhetoric and ensure that elections remain free, fair, and secure from political interference. Congress has a responsibility to act to uphold the Constitution and ensure the integrity of elections.

See the full statement here.

League Denounces FBI Raid of Fulton County Elections Facility

The League of Women Voters of the United States, League of Women Voters of Georgia, and League of Women Voters of Atlanta-Fulton County said in a statement, “What we are witnessing is an egregious and unprecedented federal intervention into a certified election.” The Leagues affirmed that Georgia’s elections are secure and that the 2020 election results in Georgia are final.

“The League of Women Voters fully supports Fulton County election officials as they carry out lawful election administration and act within their authority to safeguard the integrity, security, and transparency of election operations in accordance with state and federal law.”

See the statement here.

Learn more about League Action and Speak Out with the League

You can find out more about action the League is taking to defend democracy, amplify the League’s voice, and increase our impact for change by responding to Action Alerts from LWVUS and LWVC. Sign up for LWV state and national Action Alerts to stay informed.

PROTEST SAFELY & LAWFULLY. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS.

You have the right to protest. Know your rights and protest safely and lawfully.

"Congress shall make no law . . . abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."First Amendment, Constitution of the United States

Escalating immigration enforcement activity in our communities has created fear and confusion for immigrants and non-immigrants alike. The need to protest this blatant disregard for the rule of law and the paramilitary nature of immigration enforcement activities is clear. But what can we do? What rights do we have as protesters? How can we protest safely and lawfully? How can we report abuses by immigration agents?

Here are a few resources to help navigate these turbulent times.

The League of Women Voters has prepared a toolkit with guidance on how to protest safely, lawfully, and in solidarity with others in your community. It outlines what League members can do and what they should not do when joining protests.
Civic Action Toolkit | League of Women Voters

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) reminds us that the First Amendment protects our right to record and document law enforcement and federal agents performing their duties in public. See their guidelines to learn best practices, know your rights, and learn how to stay safe while exercising them.
Recording and Documenting Police and Federal Agents | American Civil Liberties Union

The California Attorney Generals’ office is clear: federal agents do NOT have absolute immunity when carrying out immigration enforcement. They must abide by the law. To report misconduct by ICE, CBP, and other federal agents in California, go to this recently set up portal on the AG website.
Report Misconduct by Federal Agents to the California Attorney General

"Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the soul of America."John Lewis

SLOCOG "LOCAL ROADS FIRST" MEETINGS

SLOCOG Schedules Public Meetings on "Local Roads First" Spending Plan

The San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG) wants to put a measure on the ballot for November 2026 that would authorize a half-cent sales tax increase countywide dedicated to local transportation projects. SLOCOG says many other local jurisdictions already have similar sales taxes in place and are therefore able to improve more transportation infrastructure than SLO County can.

As part of its effort to inform the public about what this sales tax would do, SLOCOG has scheduled a series of local public meetings to hear about and respond to the final expenditure plan the sales tax increase would fund. These meetings begin February 24 in Arroyo Grande and continue through March for every incorporated city and the County. You can find more information about the scheduled meeting dates and the "Local Roads First" plan here.

NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION

Saturday Feb. 21 | 10 am - 11:30 am
On Zoom | Registration required

New Member Orientation

Whether you’re a new member or you’ve been a member for a while, the New Member Orientation is a great way to reconnect, learn more about us, and find out how you can get involved. Everyone is welcome. You don't need to be a member to attend this virtual event.

NORTH COUNTY MEMBER SOCIAL

Tuesday, Feb. 24 | 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm

North County Regional Social

Atascadero Chamber of Commerce
6907 El Camino Real, Atascadero

Join us for a relaxed afternoon of conversation, connection, and community networking. All are welcome — we hope to see you there!

COCKTAIL HOUR

Cocktails and Engaging Conversation.Join us!

📅 Date: Wednesday, February 25
🕘 Time: 6 pm - 7 pm
📍 Location: On Zoom

Our next cocktail hour of the year will be on February 25th at 6 pm. Bring your beverage of choice and join other LWV SLOCO members for an hour of casual social interaction.

Everyone is welcome - you don't need to be a League member to attend. Register hereor just drop in using the link on our event webpage here.

NO KINGS DAY - MARCH 28

SAVE THE DATE

The League of Women Voters is joining "No Kings" as a national partner on Saturday, March 28. Join others in the community and local League members as we peacefully and lawfully assemble to safeguard our democracy.More details about local events taking place on March 28 will follow as they become available.

LEAGUE FUNDRAISER AT SLO REP - APRIL 30

Join us on April 30 for a fundraising event: a pre-opening viewing of The Lifespan of a Fact at the SLO Rep Theatre. Doors will open at 6 p.m. for a social hour with wine and desserts, followed by the show at 7 p.m.Don't miss out - space is limited so buy your tickets before it's sold out!

Thursday, April 30, 6:00 p.m.

The Lifespan of a Fact

A whip-smart comedy of fact vs. fiction.

At the San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre

Social hour with wine and desserts precedes the play.

Tickets are $50 per person.

Buy your tickets here

This event is open to League members, non-members and guests.

LWV SLOCO PARTNERS WITH CAL POLY DEBATE TEAM - MARCH 7

Volunteers needed for “Community Voices-A Campus CommunityExchange”

At our Program Planning Meeting on January 31, participants reached consensus on our League’s priorities for the coming two years. High on the list were working with college groups to expand civic education and strengthening our partnerships and collaboration with local community organizations. At an upcoming event at Cal Poly we aim to do both.

On Saturday, March 7, the League of Women Voters will partner with the Cal Poly Debate Team to host the first annual “Community Voices-A Campus Community Exchange”. In a number of exercises aimed at helping participants get to know one another, League Volunteers will practice listening skills, share experiences, and explore issues of interest to both the campus and the community.

We have 15 committed volunteers but we need 10 more. League volunteers do not need debate experience nor will they be involved in any competitive debate situations. A light breakfast will be available along with lunch as the day will begin at 9 a.m. and end at 3 p.m.

This is an ideal opportunity for members to engage with students in a personal and rewarding way by sharing their life experiences. Students will incorporate what they learn from their conversations with our volunteers to bolster their arguments in the all-student debate in the afternoon.

If you are interested in participating in this exciting event contactJulie Rodewaldfor further information.

2026 PROGRAM PLANNING MEETING RECAP

The Program Planning Meeting on January 31 involved discussion of local and national program priorities and plans for the future. Forty-six League members and twelve guests met to review the status of our local program for 2025 – 2027 and discuss our input for the national program for 2026 – 2028.

Participants discussed local program priorities and achievements and provided guidance on how we should move forward in the coming year. There was strong support for continuing our program priorities - civic education and information literacy, housing and homelessness, environmental stewardship and climate resiliency, and immigration and civil rights.It was also that noted that we should continue to sponsor events that raise League visibility in the community like our Lunch with the League webinars. They encouraged the League to continue to connect and collaborate with other community organizations. As for recommended adjustments to local program priorities, they noted that attacks on civil liberties and fair elections make it imperative that we increase our focus on civic education and information literacy to engage voters for the 2026 primary and general elections as well as step up our advocacy on immigration and civil rights.

During the second session we discussed the proposed national program: Women Defend Democracy: Democracy Under Siege and agreed to recommend an alternative focus: Defending and Strengthening Democracy. This focus is inclusionary and focuses on reforming and strengthening, as well as defending, our Constitution and democratic institutions.

Members supported the six prongs of the proposed national program focus, which are voter rights, election protection, redistricting, individual rights, immigration, and the presidency. Immigration education and advocacy should focus on due process for all persons, including provisions for individuals already living in the country without legal permission to earn legal status. On the presidency, members want to see an emphasis on the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches, limitations on presidential power, and the fact that presidential power should be exercised within the framework of the Constitution. The use of Executive Orders to bypass Congress should be curtailed.

Next steps include reporting to the board at the February 19, 2026 board meeting so that board members can provide their comments and additions to the report. The consensus on the proposed national program will be shared with the board and sent to LWVUS for consideration as the national program is finalized.

UPCOMING EVENTS

LWV SLOCO provides information on upcoming community events that may be of interest to readers of the Voter. Inclusion on the list does not necessarily indicate LWV SLOCO endorsement of the event, or the opinions and actions of the sponsoring organization.

SLO Sierra Club: February Earth Action Hour

📅Date: Wednesday, Feb. 25
🕘 Time: 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
📍Location: Hosted in San Luis Obispo (RSVP for exact location)

🍿 Food: Potluck dinner, you're encouraged to bring food to share! Sierra Club will bring snacks.Please bring your own plate, silverware, napkins, and cups!

🚗 Parking: There is plenty of free parking
☎️ &💻 Please bring a cellphone & laptop if you are able!

Find more information and registerhere.

League of Women Voters of North Santa Barbara County Annual Fundraising Event
Shane: A Stranger - A Standoff - A Fight for What's Right

📅Date: Sunday, Feb. 22
🕘 Time: 12:00 pm
📍Location: PCPA Marion Theater Santa Maria

This isn't the Western you remember. Playwright Karen Zacarias has recast this beloved story to reflect the true character of the American frontier. The result is a thrilling, 90-minute theatrical experience featuring innovative choreography, original music, and a powerful story about family, belonging, and what it means to be a good man.

The cost is $65 per person and includes luncheon (food, wine, mimosas!) in the Presidential Board of Directors Room and, of course, your ticket to the play. Bring a guest or two, family and friends welcome.

Luncheon begins at 12:00 pm. Play begins at 1:30 pm.

Don't miss out on this fun afternoon. Emaillwvnsbc@gmail.comto reserve tickets.

Climate Solutions Now
Initiative for Climate Leadership and Resilience

📅Date:February 23-27

TICKETS and PROSPECTUS

This fifth annual all-virtual conference will include several talk tracks running in parallel on various themes related to climate change and sustainability.

Through over 290 presentations in a dozen different sectors, Climate Solutions Now has showcased the work being done by engineers and scientists, journalists and public relations workers, nonprofits, government agencies, entrepreneurs and established businesses. Our community of 3,000+ attendees from communities and campuses around California continues to elevate the energy, tenacity, and ingenuity of folks around the world working to solve the challenges of climate change.

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