Board Spotlight: Ed Cabrera, Director of Voter Service
For Ed Cabrera, civic engagement has always been more than an abstract concept—it was part of his daily lesson plan. A high school educator for four decades, Ed spent the last chapter of his career teaching 12th-grade political science, encouraging students to understand how government works and why their participation matters. Now, as Director of Voter Service for the League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County, Ed brings that same passion to his work supporting democracy.
Drawn to a Nonpartisan Mission
Ed first joined the League seven years ago, attracted by its commitment to nonpartisan civic engagement. “The League’s reputation for impartiality really stood out to me,” he says. That trust in the organization’s integrity continues to shape his approach on the board, where he especially enjoys collaborating with “dynamic personalities.”
Building a Life on the Central Coast
Ed began his teaching career at Perris High School in Southern California, after growing up in the small town of Gonzales in the Salinas Valley. When the opportunity arose to move closer to his aging parents in Santa Margarita, he relocated to the Central Coast and joined the faculty at Atascadero High School. There, he spent 33 years as a teacher, coach, mentor, and advisor. His long career in education continues to inform and inspire his work with the League.
Moments That Matter
One of Ed’s proudest League moments took place at Paso Robles High, where a group of high school students, inspired by a League-sponsored candidate forum, organized their own. “They took complete ownership,” he recalls. “They planned, coordinated, and ran the entire event—just for their fellow students. It was incredible to witness their leadership and initiative.”
Looking Ahead: Reviving the Speaker’s Bureau
Ed is particularly excited about expanding civic education by bringing back the League’s Speaker’s Bureau. “We decided to make the effort to increase civic education in our community,” he says. “Because of this commitment, we shall be bringing back our speaker’s bureau. Our community will be better informed and we should be able to take advantage [of] the broad spectrum of talent that we have in our membership to volunteer their knowledge of how government works.”
A Voice for Democracy—and the National Anthem
Beyond his civic and professional contributions, Ed is known for stepping up when needed—like the times he’s filled in to sing the national anthem at athletic events when the scheduled performers didn’t show. If he could invite a historical figure to a League meeting, his choice would depend on his mood: Cleisthenes, the ancient Greek often called the father of democracy, or comedian George Carlin, whose sharp wit offered thoughtful and entertaining social commentary.
A Lasting Commitment
Through his leadership in voter services and civic outreach, Ed Cabrera exemplifies the League’s mission: empowering voters and defending democracy. Whether mentoring students or mobilizing speakers, Ed remains committed to building a better-informed electorate, one conversation at a time.