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Welcome to the South Tonka League of Women Voters! We serve the communities of Deephaven, Excelsior, Greenwood, Minnetrista,
Shorewood, Tonka Bay and Woodland. All men and women 16 years or older are welcome to join or attend our events. LWV is a nonpartisan organization, promoting democratic ideals since 1919. Consider becoming a member today and having your voice heard! |
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Upcoming Events
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
April 25, 2018League Soup Supper & DiaglogueCheck your email for your Punchbowl Invite Join your fellow League members for a fun evening of learning and eating. Krista Barnes returned from a month in Nigeria and is presenting to our group her experiences and memories of her trip. |
Tell Congress to Pass Sensible Gun LawsCONTACT CONGRESS TODAY!Children should not have to fear being "hunted" in school! Students, parents and concerned Americans are marching in Washington D.C., and other cities across the country, to demand that their lives and safety become a priority and that we finally put an end the epidemic of mass school shootings. Across the country, the League of Women Voters is marching with them. The South Tonka League will be ensuring voter registration places to insure those speaking out are heard at the ballot box this year. We are marching for the lives of America’s children. We are marching to urge Congress to enact common-sense solutions to the gun violence plaguing our nation. A recent Quinnipiac poll found that support for background checks is almost universal with 97-percent of voters in favor of background checks on all gun purchasers. This is the highest level of support ever measured by the independent poll. Congress should move common-sense legislation forward that supports universal background checks, bans military-style semi-automatic assault weapons and high capacity magazines, and funds research and reporting on gun violence in America. Curbing gun violence is a critical matter of public safety, public health and public confidence. It is about protecting our children and our communities from the senseless tragedies that plague our society. Join the millions of students, parents and concerned Americans today and call on Congress to pass common-sense solutions to curb gun violence.Your action will add to the voices of those marching in Washington and around the country today. The League will keep fighting on Capitol Hill and in legislatures around the country to move reforms forward. Please add your voice and push Congress to act on these necessary reforms. If you are interested in joining our Gun Safety Advocacy Committee, please contact our League CONTACT US for more information. ADD YOUR VOICE ON THIS ISSUE TODAY! |
Annual Meeting of the League of Women Voters - South Tonka
May 12: 9:30-11:30
Check your email for Punchbowl Invites!!!
If you are interested in the League of Women Voters or any of our events,
Please CONTACT US for more information.
Gun Violence ActivisimRecently some in the Minnesota Legislature are proudly crowing about their successful efforts to stonewall any consideration of common sense measures that would reduce the epidemic of gun violence our children face. In the face of the Parkland FL tragedy, how can anyone remain silent for one more minute, much less have the vulgarity to proclaim the Congressional failure to act “good news?” How is this senseless slaughter any less a crisis than opioids, traffic safety or a hurricane?
The League of Women Voters Minnesota has a 99-year history of activism in Minnesota on issues affecting our families, education, health care and voting rights. Taking steps to curb this epidemic is not just a Second Amendment issue — it is a devastating national emergency. Gun violence is a family issue, as we’ve seen when domestic abuse becomes deadly and children are left without a mother. When children go to school in a climate of fear, how can we expect them to learn? Our children should not have to fear “being hunted” in their schools! Gun rights advocates cry that this is a mental health problem. They’re right, but what steps have they taken to keep guns from mentally ill people? The League of Women Voters Minnesota stands firm in its resolve that the Minnesota Legislature must act swiftly to restrict the sale, possession and use of firearms by:
Our organization also supports legislation that provides adequate and consistent funding for treatment of people with mental illness, including housing options and long- term care. The League of Women Voters will be present in St. Paul, Washington DC and across this country on March 24 at the March for our Lives in support of rational change on gun laws in this country. While lawmakers brag about blocking common sense legislation, young people are showing them and all of us what it truly means to lead. The League of Women Voters is proud to walk with them and will be there with election information and voter registration forms. We will also encourage all voters to do more than march; they must vote. Their voices will be heard on March 24 and in November elections. |
Gerrymandering Stopped in Pennsylvania
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LWV MN 2018 Legislative Agenda LWV Minnesota will be reigniting its volunteer Observer Corps and Lobby Corps this year. It will also be participating in several formal coalitions and informal partnerships to achieve success. The Minnesota Legislature reconvenes on February 20, 2018 Check out the Legislative Agenda: 2018 Legislative Agenda LWV South Tonka
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What is a Caucus?What is a caucus meeting?
Both the Republican and Democratic parties hold important neighborhood political meetings. People attend these meetings to discuss current issues and the party platform and, most importantly, to elect delegates to attend the county and state party conventions. Why is it important to attend my party caucus? Convention delegates, elected by their neighborhood caucus, play an important role because it is these delegates who will decide which candidates will be on the ballot in November. How can I get involved in my local caucus? You must attend your assigned caucus meeting in order to participate. Caucus locations are typically printed in the newspaper a few days before the meeting or you can visit the Secretary of State website. To find the location of your local caucus, please use the following link: MN Caucus Finder LWVST Media ClubPlease check back this Spring for more Media Club events!
PAST TOPICS AND LINKS:
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League News & Resources
- League of Women Voters - Program for Action. This document will outline the Minnesota League goals: Program for Action 2017-2019
- New Talking Points show on Southwest Light Rail Transit. LWVST member Kay Erickson interviews Met Council member Jennifer Munt (District 3) about the proposed Southwest LRT project.
- The LWV West Metro forum on Community Policing is now available for viewing on YouTube.
- The Brennan Center for Justice's most recent "Voting Laws Roundup 2017."
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LWV Upper Mississippi River Region ILO - Information
Unsafe water, hope for the future, advocacy needed!
At the UMRR's Annual Meeting we learned about widespread groundwater contamination in Wisconsin, and the ineffective environmental protections that allowed it to happen.
Programs that work to improve water quality and threats to these programs from loss of funding were also discussed.inspired.
You can read summaries of each talk and view videos of the presentations by clicking here.
Comment back to our blog - we need to get the dialog flowing and build our advocacy community!
Programs that work to improve water quality and threats to these programs from loss of funding were also discussed.inspired.
You can read summaries of each talk and view videos of the presentations by clicking here.
Comment back to our blog - we need to get the dialog flowing and build our advocacy community!
Watershed Game Leader Training
The Watershed Game is a great tool for teaching watershed literacy, and all Leagues that are members of the UMRR ILO are recommended to get a leader trained in facilitation. Thanks to a grant from One Mississippi, LWV is offering training in Rockford Illinois this summer - check it out here. |
Mark your Calendar The Annual Meeting of the LWV Upper Mississippi River Region ILO will be a Co-Meeting with the with LWV Lake Michigan ILO for a full day of water learning and networking. This meeting will be held on: June 27, 2018 with the in Chicago, in conjunction with the LWV US Annual Meeting. This will be a great opportunity to meet people who care about water from across the country! |
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2018 Minnesota Election CalendarPrecinct Caucus: February 6
Primary Election: August 14 General Election: November 6 Voting in 2018 for: U.S. Senate U.S. House MN House VOTING HOURS AND LOCATIONS Polls are open from 7:00 AM until 8:00 PM. MN Votes - For Secretary of State voter & election information. PRIVILEGES OF A REGISTERED VOTER May vote in National, State & Local Elections May hold elected and appointed public office May sign legal petitions May become a political party precinct delegate May decide the outcome of an election Voters may register at the polls on election day by presenting one of the following documents. WHO CAN VOTE? U.S. Citizens, 18 years of age and Have proof of residency
NEED TO RE-REGISTER TO VOTE Name or address change Have not voted for over four years Don't want to wait in line on Election Day? ABSENTEE BALLOTS Voters may vote early by absentee ballot, either in-person at your city administration office or by sending a ballot by mail. MN Absentee Ballot VOTE EARLY IN PERSON You can vote early in-person, starting 46 days before each election by going to your city administration office. Information on candidates and issues on your ballot: MY BALLOT FINDER For More Information: Contact your local city administration for local election information or the Secretary of State website for more information |
State League ResourcesLocal Leagues = Grass Roots PowerLWV Minnesota provides many resources for members and the Public to become updated and informed on the latest issues.
Take Action with LWV Minnesota Subscribe to Action Alerts here to know where Bills are in the Legislative Process. Subscribe to the Capitol Letter here, to keep up-to-date on Legislative Activity. Like - the LWV Minnesota’s Facebook page here. Join The Voter – Virtual Edition, to get updates from both State & Local Leagues The most respected and valuable way to get your Legislators Attention is to write them a personal letter. Sign up to receive any or all or the above emails: Subscribe Here MONEY IN MINNESOTA POLITICS
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LWV South Tonka Presents: Talking Points
Please enjoy these excellent videos hosted by current LWVST and former LWVMN president Kay Erickson. These videos are produced in partnership with the Lake Minnetonka Communications Commission (LMCC). If you have ideas for future broadcasts or would like to be involved in production, please contact us!
Southwest LRTLWV South Tonka member Kay Erickson interviews Metropolitan Council Member Jennifer Munt (District 3) on the proposed Southwest LRT project.
PROTECTING POLLINATORSThe LWV's Kay Erickson interviews Patricia Hauser, founder of Humming for Bees and Lex Horan, Organizer with Pesticide Action Network.
VOTING RIGHTS with Steve SimonKay interviews Secretary of State Steve Simon about voting in Minnesota, and talks with state League members about a new LWVMN project, "Your Vote, Your Voice," which focuses on past, present, and future voting rights
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WATER ISSUES with Gov. DaytonKay interviews Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton on his "Year of Water Action Initiative," and speaks with Gretchen Sabel, chair of the LWV UMRR ILO which focuses on issues affecting the upper Mississippi River region.
Met CouncilThe LWV's Kay Erickson and Karen Schaffer interview Metropolitan Council members Jennifer Munt (District 3) & Katie Rodriguez (District 1).
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League Issues, Actions & Resources
Voting RightsVoting Laws Roundup 2017Overall, at least 99 bills to restrict access to registration and voting have been introduced in 31 states. Thirty-Five such bills saw significant legislative action (meaning they have at least been approved at the committee level or beyond) in 17 states. Read the latest updates to the roundup compiled by The Brennan Center for Justice HERE.
"Your Vote Your Voice" LaunchThe LWV MN website "Your Vote Your Voice" is designed to be used as a resource for all to understand the past, present and future of voting rights.
The site houses a wealth of content exploring the long history of voting rights in the U.S. and invites students to help create ideas to improve participation. The goal is to encourage students to get active in local politics. The site is the result of a collaborative effort between LWV MN, many volunteers, and 11 partner organizations who helped contribute content. 
League Opposes
Election Assistance Commission Termination Act The League sent a memo to members of the U.S. House regarding HR 634, the Election Assistance Commission Termination Act. The Election Assistance Commission (EAC) is the only federal entity devoted exclusively to improving election administration on a bi-partisan basis. The League does not believe terminating the EAC is warranted and urges the Committee on House Administration not to report this legislation. Members of the LWVUS Lobby Corps will also be addressing this with select House offices. ImmigrationLeague Joins Amicus in Maslenjak v. United States
The League joined an amicus in Maslenjak v. United States. The case will be argued at the U.S. Supreme Court on April 26, 2017. The brief argues that the Sixth Circuit’s holding—that any knowing false statement or omission can be grounds for denaturalization and criminal prosecution—would have dire consequences for naturalized citizens, significantly discourage lawful immigrants from seeking citizenship, and undermine a cornerstone of American society and values. 
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WaterUpper MIssissippi River Region ILOChapters of the League of Women Voters in Minnesota, Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin have formed an Inter League Organization (ILO) to work collaboratively to study the issues surrounding the Upper Mississippi River Region's water quality. The ILO was formed to increase the clout and efectiveness of the LWV's work on natural resources by:
See the LWV UMRR website for more information. League Opposes
Effort to Overturn Methane and Natural Gas Waste Rule The League joined a letter to members of Congress opposing efforts to overturn the Bureau of Land Management’s Methane and Natural Gas Waste Rule under the Congressional Review Act (CRA). The BLM rule is a common sense policy that requires the oil and gas industry to reduce venting, flaring and leaks on public and tribal lands by deploying methane mitigation technology. Putting a Price on Carbon
The Price on Carbon Steering Committee hosted a webinar, The Case for Pricing Carbon, featuring internationally renowned science historian Naomi Oreskes. Dr. Oreskes explained the economics of carbon pricing and fielded a range of questions from the webinar audience. A recording of the webinar, together with slides and handouts, is available on the Price on Carbon website HERE. Climate Change Lawsuit Breaks New Ground:
League Joins in Historic Effort On Thursday, November 8, a federal judge ruled that youth plaintiffs may proceed with their historic climate change lawsuit in the case of Juliana et al v. United States. The judge refused to dismiss their complaint asserting that, in causing climate change, the federal government has violated the youngest generation’s constitutional rights to life, liberty, and property and has failed to protect essential public trust resources. Read more HERE. Protecting Our Environment from Fracking
The League recently endorsed, and is encouraging members of Congress to cosponsor and support five pieces of legislation known as the “Frack Pack.” The Frack Pack bills will close loopholes in the Safe Drinking Water, Clean Water, Clean Air, and Resource Conservation and Recovery Acts while establishing mandatory testing of water resources to contain contamination. Read our most recent blog on our work to address the threats around fracking. Bees & Pollinators
LWVST supports the work of local non-profit Humming for Bees in their effort to educate others on the issues affecting our pollinators. Visit their website for more information and to see how you can create a Bee Safe Yard!
How Can You Support Bees?
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ACTION ALERTS
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Turning Point Suffragist Memorial Association
September 8, 2019 will mark the centennial for the State of Minnesota to ratify the so-called 'Anthony Amendment,' receiving approval from both the House and Senate on the first day of a special session on September 8, 1919. In 1920, the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution received approval from three-fifths of the states and the right to vote was extended to women.
Minnesota was the 15th state to ratify the Anthony Amendment
The Turning Point Suffragist Memorial Association (TPSMA) is building a national memorial to American suffragists – with a special focus on those imprisoned at Occoquan, VA, who endured harsh conditions and abuse to win voting rights for American women. The memorial will honor these brave women and provide awareness and education about how their courage, methods and commitment led to the passing of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution.
Our goal is to see a memorial built and fully operational by 2020, the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which will be built the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority’s Occoquan Regional Park. To learn more about the memorial: Turning Point Suffragist Memorial.
With your help, we will educate, inspire, and empower present and future generations about the struggle to gain voting rights for women. You can help by sharing our website with your members in your newsletter or on your website connect to our link, have a speaker on suffrage, read about suffrage history, or hold a local event.
As a member of the Turning Point Suffragist Memorial Association (TPSMA) National Board representing Minnesota, I believe you will agree, we owe these women the honor of a National Memorial. If you have questions or need additional information, please feel free to contact me.
Respectfully,
Tom Mortenson
TPSMA National Board Member
1252 Lake Avenue
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
internetmort@yahoo.com
P.S. My grandmother was a Suffragist in Wisconsin
Minnesota was the 15th state to ratify the Anthony Amendment
The Turning Point Suffragist Memorial Association (TPSMA) is building a national memorial to American suffragists – with a special focus on those imprisoned at Occoquan, VA, who endured harsh conditions and abuse to win voting rights for American women. The memorial will honor these brave women and provide awareness and education about how their courage, methods and commitment led to the passing of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution.
Our goal is to see a memorial built and fully operational by 2020, the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which will be built the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority’s Occoquan Regional Park. To learn more about the memorial: Turning Point Suffragist Memorial.
With your help, we will educate, inspire, and empower present and future generations about the struggle to gain voting rights for women. You can help by sharing our website with your members in your newsletter or on your website connect to our link, have a speaker on suffrage, read about suffrage history, or hold a local event.
As a member of the Turning Point Suffragist Memorial Association (TPSMA) National Board representing Minnesota, I believe you will agree, we owe these women the honor of a National Memorial. If you have questions or need additional information, please feel free to contact me.
Respectfully,
Tom Mortenson
TPSMA National Board Member
1252 Lake Avenue
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
internetmort@yahoo.com
P.S. My grandmother was a Suffragist in Wisconsin
LWV SOUTH TONKA MISSION STATEMENT:
LWV South Tonka is a welcoming, non-partisan, issue-oriented community organization that
advocates, educates and encourages informed and active participation in all levels of government.
advocates, educates and encourages informed and active participation in all levels of government.
Educate Advocate Reform
Like what you see? Consider becoming a member today and having your voice heard!
