News / Articles

THE LEAGUE SPEAKS OUT

LWV strongly denounces President Trump’s false, outlandish, and indefensible claims related to the security of US elections. These false claims erode the foundations of self-government and sow suspicion among neighbors and communities, weakening the trust and shared commitment that make democratic life possible.

As the President continues to spread allegations that have been repeatedly debunked, LWV calls on leaders at every level to remember their constitutional duties and oaths of office, uphold their responsibility to our democracy, and speak truthfully about our elections. Voters are urged to show up in November in record numbers so there can be no doubt that Americans are committed to electing a government that serves all of us, not just some of us.

See the LWV statement here.

LWV Condemns Removal of Election Assistance Commissioners

Removing the commissioners of the US Election Assistance Commission (EAC) is a direct attack on the independence of our nation's election infrastructure. This extraordinary action strips the EAC of its bipartisan leadership at a time when election officials need support, stability, and protection from political pressure. This is not a routine personnel decision but a dangerous escalation in the effort to weaken the safeguards that protect free and fair elections in the November midterms.

The League of Women Voters stands with the election officials who protect our democracy and will continue to oppose any effort to undermine the integrity, independence, and public trust that free and fair elections require. Voters can learn more about how to support election officials in their communities at electionheroday.org.

Read the LWV statement here.

SCOTUS Decision On Birthright Citizenship Is a Win for Constitutional Democracy and a Warning

The Supreme Court ruled in Trump v Barbara to uphold birthright citizenship under the Fourteenth Amendment. The narrow 6-3 ruling is cause for alarm. While the Constitution prevailed, the closeness of the ruling shows how vulnerable even long-settled rights have become.

The Fourteenth Amendment is not a suggestion, it is a guarantee, and no president has the power to erase constitutional rights with the stroke of a pen. This ruling prevents a democratic crisis and reaffirms that no individual—not even the president—is above the Constitution.

"The Constitution didn’t change yesterday," LWV CEO Celina Stewart said. "The Court simply reminded the nation what the Constitution settled more than 150 years ago. Our job now is to make sure future generations never have to wonder whether those promises will remain settled. Even the strongest constitutional guarantees require vigilant defenders."

Read the LWV 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 Communications and Action Alerts.

STUDENT VOTER OUTREACH PROJECT

LWV SLOCO is excited to launch the Student Voter Outreach Project, a new initiative run by Kate McHugh. Kate is a former Communications Intern, now serving as Student Voter Outreach Coordinator. She’ll build an outreach program for Cal Poly and Cuesta students. The goal is to increase voter registration and turnout ahead of the November 2026 election.

In the coming months, the team will reach out to relevant community partners and expand in-person outreach. This includes boothing, canvassing, and presentations. The team will also build out digital outreach through social media and website content.

We’d love your help. Do you have community connections that could support this work? Want to schedule an informational meeting to learn more about the project? Are you a business owner or nonprofit interested in spreading the word?
Email Kate at studentvoteslo@lwvslo.org.

PREPARE FOR THE NOVEMBER ELECTION

How to prepare for the November 3 General Election

The Student Voter Outreach Project is aimed at students, but the information applies to all SLO County residents of voting age. Visit VOTE411 to register to vote or check your voter registration.Remember, if you’ve moved or changed your name since the last election, you’ll need to re-register to vote!

For vote-by-mail drop box locations, polling places, candidate information, and more, visit lwvslo.org/vote or follow us on Instagram @lwvslo.

VOLUNTEER WITH THE LEAGUE

It’s been a busy year so far but we have more activity ahead of us and we need your help to be successful. Sign up for one of the League volunteer opportunities below and help us empower voters and defend democracy!Other opportunities are available.
Email us at info@lwvslo.orgor check out our Volunteer page here.

Candidates Forums

In the lead up to each election, LWV SLOCO partners with other community groups to conduct candidates forums to give voters an opportunity to hear directly from candidates for public office. Volunteers serve as runners, sorters, timers and moderators. We provide training for all roles.
Contact candidateforums@lwvslo.org to find out more.

SLO Farmers’ Market

Join us for a few hours of civic engagement, community connection and voter outreach at one of SLO's showcase events. LWV SLOCO will be at Farmers’ Market in San Luis Obispo on Aug 6, Aug 27, Sept 3 and Sept 17 and we'd love your help. Sign up to assist in the LWV SLOCO booth here: SLO Farmers Market Booth.

VOTE411 Voter Information Website

Help voters be better informed when they VOTE! Assist the Voter Information Committee by calling candidates and encouraging them to enter their information on VOTE411, an election information website. Volunteer training, including a script, will be provided.
Contact Jacquie Canfield at voterinformation@lwvslo.org.

ECOSLO Annual SLO County Creeks to Coast Cleanup
Help clean up the coastline, inland creeks, lakes, and parks across the county on Saturday, September 19. Creeks to Coast Cleanup empowers community members in SLO County to come together to protect our waterways, communities, wildlife, and our neighbors. LWV SLOCO is a sponsor of this important event and forming teams to assist in this effort at one or more sites.

Contact Karen Venditti at naturalresources@lwvslo.org
To join a League team or sign up directly here.

LWV NATIONAL CONVENTION RECAP

LWV National Convention: Experiencing Democracy in Action

In June, Jacquie Canfield and Kim Gravell represented the League of Women Voters of SLO County as delegates to the 2026 League of Women Voters National Convention, “Women Unite and Rise.” More than 1,000 delegates from across the country, representing multiple generations, charted the League’s path forward for the next two years. The newly elected LWVUS officers, board, and staff are well positioned to lead Leagues at the state and local levels in executing the adopted 2026/2028 National Program, “Defending a Democracy Under Siege”.

The League of Women Voters will continue to focus on voting rights, individual rights, protecting elections, and redistricting. We will continue our advocacy for a fair immigration process and path to citizenship while expanding the scope to include assurance that all residents of the U.S. have access to essential services and legal and safety protections, regardless of immigration status or citizenship. Finally, League advocacy will work to ensure that presidential power remains within the constitutional framework of checks and balances.

The convention exemplified “democracy in action”, with diverse perspectives shared in thoughtful and “mostly” respectful dialogue driving toward collective decision-making. There was shared the recognition that the current state of constitutional crisis requires significant strength and a willingness to go beyond our current boundaries. A major message from the convention: While LWV has a robust history of activism, non-partisan education, and commitment to a strong democracy, our true strength lies in collaboration which must be diverse, include future leaders, and focus on longevity through equity. History informs us that when significant disruption and crises occur, visionary ideas arise and radical change happens. This is our opportunity to reset our path forward to a more inclusive and equitable future. And it starts now.

JACQUIE CANFIELD AWARDED SPECIAL RECOGNITION

SLO CITY WORKSHOP ON AUG 27

Your City, Your Voice: Giving Public Comment that Counts

A City of SLO Public Workshop
Thursday, August 27, 5:30 – 8 pm
SLO City Hall Council Chamber

The City of San Luis Obispo is holding a public workshop, “Your City, Your Voice,” on August 27 from 5:30 to 8 pm in the Council Chamber at SLO City Hall. This interactive, workshop session of The Belonging Project will help community members understand how to access public meeting information, practice giving public comment, stay informed, and feel more confident participating in local government. Workshop leaders will be City of San Luis Obispo Diversity Equity and Inclusion Manager Matt Pennon and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Admin Specialist Samantha Vethavanam.

The Belonging Project is an ongoing initiative led by the City of SLO’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in partnership with community organizations and local experts, created to help ensure our community is a place where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

Registration for this free event is not required but it is encouraged.

To find out more and to register, go to SLO City Belonging Project.

BLM PROPOSES LEASE OF CARRIZO PLAINS PARCELS

COMMUNITY CALENDAR AND MORE

Happening in our community! These events are shared as a resource for our readers and do not represent an endorsement by LWV SLOCO.

SLO Equity Podcast - Making Space for Every Story:diversityslo.org/sloequity

SLO Equity is an episodic podcast that dives into the origins of systemic racism, and unconscious bias in San Luis Obispo County. It tells the stories of the minorities affected by it as well as the stories of those people working to improve diversity, equity and inclusion in this predominantly white community. Presented by the Diversity Coalition of San Luis Obispo County.