LWV Klamath County Posts

Redistricting in Oregon

Have you responded to the 2020 Census yet?

From the LWV Oregon website-

We the people – not politicians –
should draw voting maps

The League of Women Voters of Oregon believes in putting our best democracy foot forward. We know that we deserve the best possible government and we invest the energy to achieve it. Oregon led the fight for direct election of Senators to Congress, pioneered vote-by-mail and has one of the nation’s most engaged citizenry. Now we are reforming Oregon’s redistricting process. 

The League has joined the People Not Politicians campaign, a diverse coalition made up of all party affiliations, income levels, backgrounds, identities, and all corners of Oregon, to rally for equal, fair and transparent representation at the state and congressional level.

Oregon voters should be choosing their representatives-
representatives should not get to choose their voters.

The League supports redistricting reform that would make our system less susceptible to abuse and unrepresentative distortions. With an independent redistricting commission, we would take the process of redistricting out of the hands of partisan politicians and back into the hands of voters. To defend the principles of good government against potential gerrymandering, our proposal combines a multi-partisan independent commission with strong criteria and substantial public input. As we approach the 2020 census and the potential of adding a sixth congressional district to Oregon, we need to make sure district boundaries are fair. Biased political goals can manipulate this process and affect election outcomes at state and national levels.

redistricting resources:

(From February 23, 2020 Oregonian op ed) 


 Norman Turrill and Kate Titus Turrill is president of League of Women Voters of Oregon Advocacy Fund Governance Coordinator and past president of League of Women Voters. He chairs the People Not Politicians campaign committee. Titus is the executive director of Common Cause Oregon, a nonpartisan government watchdog organization.


This simple concept is the basis of our electoral system. It is embedded in the U.S. Constitution’s opening three words, “We the People.” And it is the principle behind a series of ballot initiatives that could reshape Oregon’s political future.
Under current Oregon law, state legislators redraw the boundaries of congressional and state legislative districts after each census to adjust for population changes. This once-in-a-decade system was designed to ensure that each district contains roughly the same number of people.  In the 2020 census, Oregon is projected to gain another U.S. congressional seat due to population growth, which means not only will we have a new district and a new electoral vote, but all five of our existing congressional district boundaries will radically change in shape and size. Not only are congressional districts redrawn, but so are the 90 state representative and state senate seats that make up Oregon’s Legislature. Every single Oregonian will be impacted – every single Oregonian should be represented. These significant changes make the need for a fairer process more important than ever.


Letting politicians draw their own voting maps is an inherent conflict of interest, like putting the fox in charge of the henhouse. Politicians in power shouldn’t be allowed to draw voting maps that benefit themselves, but that’s exactly what the process allows for now. We need to reform the process to create a fair system so that Oregon voters are choosing their politicians, instead of politicians choosing their voters. 


A diverse coalition, People Not Politicians, has united across party, identity and geographic lines to propose a fair and transparent redistricting system that puts everyday Oregonians in charge of drawing these districts. We are asking voters to support a series of measures proposed for the November ballot that would create an independent citizen redistricting commission to draw Oregon’s voting maps in 2021 and beyond. 


The independent citizen redistricting commission would be made up of ordinary Oregonians — four members of the state’s largest party, four of the second largest party, and four registered voters unaffiliated with either major party. No lobbyists or consultants, big dollar political donors, party officers or elected officials would be allowed to serve. 


The commission would draw district borders with respect to geographic and voter diversity, reflecting city, county or other natural boundaries, as well as language, racial or other communities of interest. Favoritism or discrimination against any political party or office holder is prohibited. Perhaps most importantly, the entire process would be completed with full transparency and public meetings held across the state, instead of behind closed doors in the Capitol.  This reform would put Oregon at the forefront of history. We are the latest voice in the chorus of activists across the United States calling for people, not politicians, to be the center of the redistricting process.


Oregon is known for its ballot initiative process which gives ordinary voters the ultimate say in the biggest issues facing our state. Likewise, our coalition of unexpected allies – which includes nonpartisan groups Common Cause and League of Women Voters, the Independent Party of Oregon, NAACP, the Taxpayer Association of Oregon and the Oregon Farm Bureau – wants to put people, not politicians, in charge of drawing our maps.


To be clear, this reform isn’t about taking power from one party and giving it to the other. The goal is to give Oregonians the opportunity for a fair, transparent process by which voting lines are drawn which will allow for more competitive primaries and general elections, for historically marginalized communities to be represented, and for elected officials to be held accountable to their voters. It’s about unrigging the electoral system and holding our officials accountable to the growing number of people who call Oregon home. 


Oregonians face a choice – to let politicians draw districts in a way that serve their own interests, or to reform Oregon’s redistricting process with a fair and transparent process to draw districts that represent all Oregonians.
After all, the Constitution does not begin with the words “We the Politicians.” In fair elections, voters pick their leaders, not the other way around. 

Oregon’s Vote by Mail: A Closer Look

Oregon is one of only five states which votes entirely by mail. Many people are already concerned with this issue during the 2020 general election cycle. This is because the current public health situation may prevent voting in person under some circumstances. Oregon has led the nation in the move to complete vote by mail for all elections. Let’s look at this in more detail.

Elections: the position of the LWV

We are all equal at the ballot box, but only if we vote. We engage millions of voters every year. Thus we ensure Americans have the information they need to participate in elections that determine our future.

Why it matters and what we are doing: LWV

Elections impact every aspect of our lives, and we all need to weigh in. Every year we host thousands of community events to mobilize and help voters participate. LWV also hosts hundreds of debates and forums nationwide for voters to hear directly from the candidates.

The idea of national vote-by-mail:

According to the National Conference of state Legislatures, five states currently conduct all elections entirely by mail: Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington and Utah. At least 21 other states have laws that allow certain smaller elections, such as school board contests, to be conducted by mail. For these elections, all registered voters receive a ballot in the mail. The voter marks the ballot, puts it in a secrecy envelope or sleeve and then into a separate mailing envelope, signs an affidavit on the exterior of the mailing envelope, and returns the package via mail or by dropping it off.

Vote by mail logoBallots are mailed out well ahead of Election Day, and thus voters have an “election period,” not just a single day, to vote. All-mail elections can be thought of as absentee voting for everyone. This system is also referred to as “vote by mail.” 

While “all-mail elections” means that every registered voter receives a ballot by mail, this does not preclude in-person voting opportunities on and/or before Election Day. For example, despite the fact that all registered voters in Colorado are mailed a ballot, voters can choose to cast a ballot at an in-person vote center during the early voting period or on Election Day (or drop off, or mail, their ballot back).

Generally, states begin with providing all-mail elections only in certain circumstances, and then add additional opportunities as citizens become familiar with procedures. Oregon’s vote-by-mail timeline includes four times that the legislature acted prior to the 1998 citizens’ vote that made Oregon the first all-mail election state.

Oregon vote by mail: how to

LWV Oregon: Our views on how vote by mail works here

Request a mail-in ballot

Oregon is VBM (vote by mail) so all ballots are mail-in. To replace a ballot, see (ballot help):
If your ballot arrives damaged, you make a mistake, spill something, lose your ballot, or for any other reason, contact your county elections office for a replacement ballot.

Observing the counting process

Oregon supports unparalleled transparency. Contact your county elections office to observe the election process.

Deadlines for receiving and postmarks for ballots?

In Oregon, by 8pm on election day: received in the mail, into dropboxes/drop sites, or delivered to the County Elections offices. Late arriving ballots are not counted. Campaigns and political parties call daily, using daily ballot return reports from elections, to get ballots in.

Counting Timelines

When do they start counting and when must counting be completed?

Ballot counting in Lane County, Oregon usually starts the Friday before election day. NO results are ever released before polling closes. Counting continues until completed on election day. That is not the same as election certification, determined by statute. For our May 19, 2020 primary, the election must be certified by June 18th. See our 2020 election calendar for state statute references.

Prepare to count-

How many people are needed, how are these people trained?

Experienced staff usually just needs a review, otherwise a day, half-day to train.

How are drop box locations determined?

See Oregon drop box locator. Drop site requirements are in statute.

What are the top 5 reasons people’s ballots are rejected?

Per our state Elections Director, 2 big reasons- ballot isn’t signed or signature doesn’t match.

How are voters notified if there is a “problem” with their ballot and what processes are in place to allow voters to remedy the “problem”?

If voters share contact info, county elections will call or email. However, this is now problematic since this is public information and voters don’t want the spam. The state could track with ballot tracker, but it needs to verify if it can notify voters for problems.

What are the key considerations when operating a vote by mail infrastructure to ensure all votes are counted?

  1. Voter Registration: publicize widely and remind often because if voters aren’t registered, they can’t vote. Our #MotorVoter through the DMV is not perfect. We haven’t yet addressed party registration online, currently a separate, easily overlooked postcard.
  2. Ballot Mailing Alerts: tell voters when ballots are being mailed, to contact their county elections’ offices if they haven’t gotten theirs.
  3. Track Your Ballot Encourage voters to sign up for ballot tracker, or whatever program may exist in their area, to track their ballots, from mailed, to received, to counted.
  4. Deadline pushing– Ballots must be received by deadlines, in Oregon by 8pm on election day-postmarks don’t help, and now, with pre-paid envelopes, our state Elections Director cautions that there will not be postmarks anyway.
  5. Secure Procedures There are manuals for thorough safety protocols to control location oversight, tracking, redundant staff review, always having political party inclusion in each team with everyone stopping together for meal or rest room breaks, etc.

Who are key allies for this issue? Do they include groups representing communities of color, the disability community, etc.?

ACLU, political parties, even though they do not work directly with LWV.

What research or data can you share to show that vote by mail has actually increased turnout, especially among underrepresented groups?

See The SoS Election Statistics page for general, primary, special election turnout and ballot return history since 2000. OR VBM statistics, a comprehensive history, up to 2006.

LWV oregon public education messaging on how to vote by mail

Is there any type of messages or methods that seemed effective when explaining to the general public on how to vote-by-mail?

Oregon started VBM in the early 1980s, gradually, for local special elections.

How did you measure its effectiveness?

During the implementation of all-mail elections in oregon, what were some of the challenges advocates for all-mail elections had to overcome?

Vote by mail, automatic voter registration, pre-paid ballot postage, pre-registration for younger voters, all have been opposed, sometimes invoking vulnerability to voter fraud. No one has been able to validate those concerns. From NPR, 2018, “If and when a bank gets robbed or a car gets stolen, we don’t stop using banks or cars. We enforce the laws we have in place.”

LWV Oregon Position: How should advocates for all-mail elections prepare for these challenges during the 2020 General Election?

Encourage elections offices to prepare ASAP:

  • Establish needs (quantity, cost, time, and materials’ availability), for paper, printing, processing and staffing/labor needs.
  • Equipment needs to be in place and compatible, with staff trained to use it.
  • We are concerned that our veteran pollworking crew, many older and notably vulnerable to COVID-19, may not be available.
  • Coordinate a publicity campaign with trustworthy branding, multi-faceted outreach to various communities and media, especially social media.
  • Include partners like the Dept of ED, youth groups, League, ACLU, disability and minority voters rights’ groups, Chambers of Commerce, City Clubs, etc.

Oregon has compiled election statistics from 1992-2018, for cost per ballot (received), and per voter with turnout.

Oregon vote by mail

100th Anniversary Celebration at the Ross Ragland Theater, February 9, 2020

A Wonderful Community Event!!

Over 160 people attended the community celebration at the Ross Ragland Theater on February 9th, 2020. LWV members wore period costumes, served wonderful cake, put on an interesting and varied show, promoted the League and its 100th anniversary.

Take a look at some of our pictures below. You will see:

  • Our special poster
  • Members in costumes
  • Three beautiful cakes
  • The lobby full of guests
  • Busy LWV members getting ready
  • Rehearsals! (Yes we did)
Ross Ragland February 9, 2020
LWV members together
LWV members together
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Oregon Legislative Update, March 2020

Here is a recap of current legislative affairs in the state of Oregon from the LWV Oregon:

CLIMATE CHANGE

Carbon Cap and Invest: The 2020 session ended three days early due to an impasse over the Republican walk-out. Republican legislators refused to return to work in Salem unless work was restricted to their preferred bills. 
Jordan Cove Energy Project (JCEP): The highest profile issue at this time continues to be how the members of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) will vote on the two major federal authorizations JCEP needs to move forward with their proposed project.
Our Children’s Trust: LWVUS jointly with LWVOR is submitting on March 12 a new amicus brief to support Our Children’s Trust’s (OCT) planned appeal to the full 9th Circuit Court.
Climate Emergency: The city of Portland has a published Draft of their ClimateEmergency Declaration. The deadline for input to Portland’s declaration is March 16. Four or five other Oregon jurisdictions have declared a climate crisis.


Read the full Climate Change report.

EDUCATION

Education Committee and Bills: In an abbreviated session, with an abrupt end, leaving without finishing the people’s business…only one minor education bill passed both chambers.


Read the full Education report.

GOVERNANCE

Campaign Finance: As we track the status of bills that were of interest to League positions, we observe that this is really a list of bills that did not pass because of the walkout of Republican legislators, no matter how important.
Public Records: Bill would make the Public Records Advocate independent.
Redistricting: Redistricting initiatives certified ballot titles appealed to Oregon Supreme Court.
Immigration: The League provided testimony on February 5 for HB 4121. This bill did not move from its policy committee, so it died in committee.
Resilience and Open Government: The ShakeAlerts system that we have covered had funding approved in the Way & Means Committee. However, it was still in consideration with many other bills lacking final chamber deliberations. No other resilience bills were funded and all are moot at this point.
Access: A look at the Oregon legislature and the 40/40 session.


Read the full Governance report.

NATURAL RESOURCES

Budgets: Many policy bills had budget requests. None passed due to the walkout. The five final budget bills also did not pass. League members will begin meeting with others in preparation for the 2021-23 biennium while hoping an agreement can be reached to consider those policy bills as well as the budget bills during a special session.
Air Quality: HB 4024, 4066, 4068, and SB 5702 did not pass, but the Dept. of Environmental Quality (DEQ) works year-round on behalf of Oregonians and League volunteers follow that work. With the Governor’s Executive Order 20-04, we will need volunteers to follow every agency.  
Forestry: The session essentially closed March 5th due to the Republican walkout with only three minor bills passed. None of the dozen wildfire and forestry bills were among them. League attended forestry meetings, including information on the Western Oregon State Forest Management Plan.
Coastal Issues: Meetings abound as work continues on coastal issues. The public is welcome to attend.
Energy: The Governor’s Executive Order 20-04 includes directions to the Public Utility Commission to work with utilities to move toward GHG reduction goals while considering the impact to vulnerable communities. They also need to evaluate the electric companies’ risk-based wildfire protection plans. The Dept. of Energy is to address energy efficiency standards. The Northwest Energy Coalition recognizes the League.
Land Use: League continues to be engaged in rulemaking on “middle housing”. The Dept. of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) Building Codes Division (BCD) and the Dept. of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) will be engaged in the Governor’s Executive Order 20-04.
Water: A segment of the Nehalem River is now officially a State Scenic Waterway. Drought has been declared for Klamath County as precipitation has been below-normal across the state. Work on a 100-year Water Vision for Oregon will continue.  
Toxics/Pesticides: Although HB 4109, banning chlorpyrifos, a neurotoxic pesticide, was another bill left on the table by the walkout, the Oregon Dept. of Agriculture will continue its Work Group with a meeting scheduled March 30.
Transportation: Comment on the STIP! Also, the Governor’s Executive Order 20-04 is directed to conduct a statewide transportation electrification infrastructure needs analysis and evaluate GHG emissions related to transportation projects. 


Read the full Natural Resources report.

REVENUE AND TAX REFORM

Opportunity Zones and more: While the 2020 session has ended, our work on revenue and tax issues continues year-round.


Read the full Revenue report.

SOCIAL POLICY

Human Services: Capital Construction and Full Ways and Means heard final bills requesting Funds, but many bills were waiting for Senate or House floor votes.
Healthcare: The walkout doomed the two dozen health care bills we were monitoring. SB 1535 B passed the House Rules Committee with a 4 yes to 3 absent vote.
Housing: The Legislative session ended with a number of lost opportunities intended to address Oregon’s housing crisis.


Read the full Social Policy report.

Updates on Jordan Cove/LNG Pipeline

As an official “Intervenor” in the on-going legal fights over the construction of the Pembina LNG pipeline, also known as the “Jordan Cove” pipeline, the LWV Klamath County regularly participates in various legal actions. These include filings at the federal and state level, testimony, letters, protests, and support of various parties fighting the pipeline.

Would you like to see what it looks like to build a natural gas pipeline? Have a look.

LWV Activities in 2019:

LWVOR: Jordan Cove Energy Project (JCEP)

Excerpted from recent LWVOR newsletter article. ‘Four Local Leagues of Women Voters from Coos Bay to Malin and LWVOR Call for State and Federal Agencies to Deny Permits to Jordan Cove Energy Project’, Shirley Weathers, LWVRV Climate Change Coordinator and Christine Moffitt, LWVCC Board.

“…the proposed Jordan Cove Energy Project (JCEP)…. consisting of a 530-acre liquefied natural gas storage and export facility known as the Jordan Cove LNG project on Coos Bay and a 230-mile 36” Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline…. Proponents see jobs (mostly temporary) and tax revenues as benefits…. Pembina spares no expense on high-dollar promotional efforts. Opponents, including the four local Leagues—Coos and Klamath Counties and Rogue and Umpqua Valley—and the LWVOR, see unacceptable negative impacts on the natural environment from air to water to aquatic and wildlife, as well as serious safety risks…. This joint action by the four local Leagues, taken in solidarity with other community members and organizations and Tribes, is a step in the long journey to stop this harmful project.…”

JCEP Related League Letters/Testimony

July 2019: Letter to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission: a technical comment on Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) — OPPOSE

February 2019: Letter to Oregon Department of State Lands: Public Comment on Jordan Cove Energy Project Removal-Fill Permit–DSL Application Number 60697 NWP-201741 – Oppose

August 2019: Letter to Governor Brown and Attorney General Rosenbaum: Allegations of law enforcement entities engaged in surveillance of citizens and groups opposing the Jordan Cove Energy Project

Here is a comprehensive list of all Oregon agencies involved in this JCEP project.

LWV Activities in 2020:

Legislative Update, February, 2020:

Jordan Cove Energy Project (JCEP) (by Shirley Weathers, LWV Rogue Valley)

As a refresher, while a significant number of key specifics about the JCEP project suggest FERC could issue Denials for the pipeline and terminal as in 2016, most observers expect approvals conditioned on receipt of certain other federal and state authorizations (please see the last issue for a summary). Such an Approval Order could include a number of other issues, making it impossible to predict all of the results and next steps. We expect a flurry of filings of Requests for Rehearing—from landowners who will then be subject to eminent domain proceedings for 90-foot easements across their properties, but also from hundreds of other individual and organizational “intervenors” on the two dockets. For example, the 4 local Leagues (Coos, Klamath, Umpqua Valley and Rogue Valley) that have been jointly opposing the project since 2017 are ready to start drafting.

some Further Explanation

It is also important to note that the State of Oregon is standing firmly against one very real possibility the FERC order may bring: one or more attempts to override state authority. Congress gave states and certain Tribes authority to protect their air, water, and coastal regions. The state permits designed to allow them to do that require input on other important matters, as well. Governor Brown has consistently maintained that all involved state agencies will exercise their permitting authority diligently and in accordance with the law. We have seen throughout this process that they have done so, despite intense pressure from project proponents and mountains of work. The Governor declared in no uncertain terms last week that Oregon will consider all available options to resist unlawful federal attempts to preempt state authority.

Highlights of Recent Activities:

Here is the latest letter that LWV Klamath along with three other local leagues sent to Governor Brown.

Because the proposed Jordan Cove LNG and Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline project would directly affect the areas of the state covered by the League of Women Voters of Coos County, LWV of Umpqua Valley, LWV of Rogue Valley, and LWV of Klamath County, our Leagues oppose this project.  As Intervenors in the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission the process and discussion in this letter states some of our concerns regarding information provided to FERC by Jordon Cove Energy Project’s attorney following Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development’s objection to JCEP’s Costal Zone Management Act (CMZM) consistency certification and FERC’s February 20, 2020 decision delay.

Here is a recent article that explains in clear language some of the issues surrounding the Jordan Cover pipeline.

LWV Partners for 2020 Federal Census

What is the Census? (In Spanish) Why is it important?

People who live in Oregon could miss out on a lot if everyone is not counted in the Census. Oregon could lose out on the political representation it deserves. And people and communities could be denied money that they need for schools, community health care, jobs, and transportation.

In 2016, Oregon received more than $13 billion from federal spending programs guided by data derived from the 2010 Census. Oregon can’t afford to miss out!

2020 Census Timeline:

January through March—Education and Awareness:


● Census Bureau ad campaign goes live.
● Census Bureau begins enumeration in Remote Alaska in January 21.
● Stakeholders educate communities about the census and how they will be invited
to respond (educational events, town halls, census awareness promotional content
focusing on hard-to-count neighborhoods). Events will include a focus on
encouraging eligible households to respond during the self-response period.
● Stakeholders deploy and educate communities about their “Get out the Count” plan (e.g., where census kiosks will be, how you are supporting communities, and what they can expect from you).
● Stakeholder groups will have “census weeks of action” for specific communities.

Mid-March through April 30: Self-Response Operation: (PEAK CENSUS OUTREACH EFFORTS)


● Census Bureau ad campaign drives a “respond-to-the-census” message.
● Census Bureau mails or hand-delivers census materials to almost all households,
which will have an opportunity to respond online, by telephone, or using a paper
questionnaire. (See the operations section of this toolkit for more information.)
● April 1, 2020 is Census Day—a reference date for the enumeration.
● Census Bureau enumerates group living facilities and transitory locations.
● Stakeholder groups may be going door-to-door in your community.
● The Census Bureau’s ROAM map10 and the CUNY hard-to-count map11 will display
daily self-response rates by census tract.
● Stakeholders may provide devices or internet access to support people filling out
their census questionnaire.

Mid-May through July: Nonresponse Follow-Up (NRFU)/Census enumerators go
door-to-door:


● Census Bureau ad campaign drives “reminder, return your form” message
● Census Bureau enumerators going door to door.
● “Reminder” outreach to key hard-to-count neighborhoods.
● Census education about what enumerators look like and why they are going
door-to-door.

Potential Impact of Citizenship Question Controversy

The 2020 Census will not include a citizenship question. However, people in immigrant
households and communities may have heard about the Trump administration’s attempts to include a question about citizenship and legal status on the 2020 Census at the last minute. That effort was opposed by members of the Census Counts coalition and other groups who believed that such a question, especially in a climate of hostility toward immigrants, could discourage participation.


In June 2019, the Supreme Court stopped the Secretary of Commerce (who oversees the Census Bureau) from moving forward with the citizenship question, finding that the administration’s justification for asking the question was not credible.
This was a major victory, but some advocates worry that the controversy has already harmed the credibility of the 2020 Census, particularly in Latino, Asian, and other immigrant communities. The NALEO Education Fund’s ¡Hágase Contar! (Make Yourself Count!) Campaign is operating a toll-free bilingual hotline 877-EL-CENSO (877-352-3676) as part of its national effort to overcome the effort to suppress the count of Latinos.

The 2020 Census is right around the corner. The information it collects will have substantial and lasting impacts on the nation’s governance and economy. In particular, data derived from the decennial census are used by the federal and state governments to guide where public funds are allocated. A lot of funds. Census-derived data are used to annually distribute approximately $900 billion to states, counties, cities, and households.


To ensure that each community receives its fair share of federal funds, an accurate 2020 Census is necessary. So that communities across the U.S. can better understand how an accurate census affects their receipt of federal assistance funds, this brief describes the geographic allocation of five census-guided federal programs important to local communities.

Why it is critical to get the 2020 Census right:  

  • Getting an accurate count in the 2020 Census is critical to all communities within the United States.
  • Millions of people, including community groups, local officials, and businesses rely on the Census to provide accurate, comprehensive data about our nation that impacts us all:  
    • Census data is the basis for fair political representation, and this data is used to draw district lines reflective of the population.   
    • Community leaders use Census data to allocate resources, including public safety, planning and disaster response, education needs, hospitals, assistance for veterans, and transportation.
    • Business leaders use Census data to make investment decisions that boost economic growth.
  • We only get one chance every ten years to get this right. The Census must be done fairly and accurately.  

What is the League doing to ensure the most accurate count in the 2020 Census? 

  • The League has a three-phase plan around census: Education, Get-Out-The-Count, and Watchdog activities. 
  • In the months leading up to Census Day—April 1, 2020—Leagues around the country will be in communities sharing information and resources about how to participate and the importance of the U.S. Census.  
  • On Census Day, the League will work in coalition to help get everyone counted, are working in Complete Count Committees to share out information about low-reporting areas and communicate where additional support is needed.  
  • Once the Census count wraps up in the Summer of 2020, the League will remain in communities and will act as a watchdog for any issues from the ground.

LWV Hosts 2020 Primary Election Candidates’ Forum

EVENT CANCELLED. SEE ONLINE CONTENT HERE.

April 14, 2020. Klamath Falls library

One of the main functions of the LWV is to promote voter participation. Voters should be educated about candidates and issues.

Educating Voters

The LWV hosts hundreds of events and programs every year to educate voters about candidates in thousands of federal, state and local races, as well as distribute millions of educational materials about state and local elections. 

Why it matters

The leaders we elect make decisions that affect our daily lives. Elections are our chance to stand up for what matters most to us and to have an impact on the issues that affect us, our communities, our families and our future. 

What we’re doing

The LWV hosts hundreds of candidate debates and forums across the country each year and provide straightforward information about candidates and ballot issues. Through print and online resources, including VOTE411.org, we equip voters with essential information about the election process in each state, including polling place hours and locations, ballot information, early or absentee voting rules, voter registration deadlines, ID requirements and more. 

Candidates’ Forum in Klamath Falls

The League of Women Voters of Klamath County will hold a Candidates’ Night at the Klamath County Public Library on Tuesday, April 14 from 6 – 9 pm.  It is co-sponsored by the Library.  We would like all voters to participate, no matter your party affiliation.

Our organization is Non-Partisan.  This is not a debate.  It is an opportunity for Klamath County voters to hear all candidates who choose to participate, and allows them to answer written questions from you, our audience.

We will invite all 13 candidates, from all parties, for the Congressional seat in District 2, as well as local candidates in contested races (currently Sheriff and County Commissioners). We hope you will come to listen and ask questions.

Vote 411. Being Better Informed

Why it matters

Election rules differ state by state, and sometimes change from year to year. Using VOTE411.org, voters can confirm their polling location, check if ID is required, and see what their personal ballot will look like.  Confirming this information before heading to the polls saves voters time and helps voters make more informed decisions. 

What we’re doing

We have long been a trusted source of objective and nonpartisan election information. Since 2006, VOTE411.org has served tens of millions of voters. By entering one’s home address on VOTE411.org, voters can see ballot questions they will be voting on, compare candidate responses to League questions and much more! 

VOTE411.org

LWV/Harvard Public Program

Event cancelled due to health emergency

League of Women Voters and Harvard University partner to train local history teachers

COMMUNITY LEADERS, ELECTED OFFICIALS AND ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE INVITED

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF KLAMATH COUNTY and Klamath Community College is sponsoring a PUBLIC SEMINAR based on HARVARD UNIVERSITY’S CASE STUDY METHODOLOGY

COME AND LEARN FROM SPECIALLY TRAINED TEACHERS

TOPIC OF STUDY:

PRESIDENT MADISON, THE ‘FEDERAL NEGATIVE’ AND THE MAKING OF THE U.S. CONSTITUTION

HOSTED BY :

Klamath Union: Jonathan Chenjeri

Mazama High School: Kelly Patzke, Laura Estes

Lost River High School: Kjirsten Spark-Stahl

Paisley High School: Courtney Wertz

SATURDAY MAY 16, 2020, 2:00- 4:00 PM Klamath Community College, KLAMATH FALLS, OREGON

FREE OF CHARGE

MAXIMUM ATTENDANCE: 100

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: APRIL 1, 2020*

RSVP: admin@lwvklamath.org

*Note all participants must provide a valid email address to receive study materials one month before the seminar. Participants are expected to read the materials provided and be prepared to engage with fellow attendees under the direction of the teacher leaders, using Harvard’s case study method.

background and press release

In August of 2019, the League of Women Voters of Oregon sent 13 Oregon high school history and government teachers to a three-day training course at Harvard University as part of a nation-wide curriculum development program. 5 of the Oregon teachers came from the Klamath Basin region: one from Klamath Union HS, two from Mazama HS, one from Lost River HS, and one from Paisley HS. These five teachers are currently using their new materials based on historical case studies in their classes and find it challenging and invigorating for their students. In May, 2020 these five teachers will offer a public forum using their new teaching methods so the community can experience the lessons of President Madison’ tenure as they apply to our country today.

Harvard University’s Business School developed their case method project to bring this professional development opportunity to high school teachers across the U.S. Their aim is to deepen students’ understanding of American democracy. Based on the highly successful experience of Harvard Business School and other graduate and professional programs that use case-based teaching, they believe this method can be employed to strengthen high school education, ensuring a more exciting, relevant, and effective experience for students and teachers, especially for students in history and democracy classes. Harvard University believes it presents a unique opportunity to help reverse the broad decline in civic education – and civic engagement – in the United States. Each case study explores a key decision point in the history of American democracy.

This year for the first time, Oregon participated by sending 13 teachers from across the state. Now the public in the Klamath Basin will be able to benefit from the teachers’ new skills by sitting in a two-hour actual study session, where they prepare by reading the study materials and then sit with others to discuss it under the teachers’ direction, much like their students did in their classes this year. This will be a one-time unique opportunity for community education directly from Harvard University, sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Klamath County and Klamath Community College.

Report on Study of Immigration and Justice Issues in Klamath County

From 2017-2019 the League of Women Voters of Klamath County engaged in a study of local issues surrounding immigration and criminal justice in Klamath County. A number of sources were interviewed, and a complete report has now been prepared. Here is its introduction:

In January 2017, LWVKC Board discussed immigration issues, especially regarding DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) people, as a result of national news.

In September, 2017, they again addressed the question of DACA recipients in Klamath County, based on a meeting with the ROP (Rural Organizing Project), in which the question was raised about how to help local Latinx migrants. Attendees at that meeting

a) sought to find out about ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) work in Klamath County,

b) wanted to hold local law enforcement accountable for sanctuary state behavior, and

c) wanted to make sure that policies were in place that would respect the constitutional rights of all migrants.

The LWVKC Board took this issue as a study focus in May, 2018, because there were new concerns regarding the well being of the Klamath County Latinx. The study proceeded based on the LWV US position on immigration, which states “Immigration policies should promote reunification of immediate families; meet economic, business and employment needs; and be responsive to those facing political persecution or humanitarian crises”.

Over the next 15 months, various Board members interviewed eight members of the local law enforcement system and others involved in affairs of the Latinx community in Klamath County. As it became apparent that there was no local need for immediate help for DACA recipients, the focus of inquiry shifted from DACA recipients to a broader look at how the justice and immigration system for both adults and juveniles plays out in the Latinx community and the community at large in Klamath County.

Here is the conclusion:

General Conclusions

All informants discussed the difficulty in managing crime, punishment, drug abuse, and mental health issues and indicated that the Latinx population in particular is more difficult to manage based on lack of English skills. All parties stressed that immigration status in not a factor in the way agencies interact with the public or their charges, despite the fact that some in the Latinx community perceive otherwise.

Everyone pointed to a lack of adequate funding and manpower in their agencies, a common complaint. They sounded genuine in their desire to improve the justice system from their agency’s perspective. It is clear that these various agencies partner together very well to use available resources.

Read the complete report HERE.

Read the Herald and News summary article HERE.

Update on “Juliana vs. US” climate lawsuit

The League of Women Voters supports the Environment

As citizens of the world we must protect our planet from the physical, economic and public health effects of climate change while also providing pathways to economic prosperity.

Why it matters

The preservation of the physical, chemical and biological integrity of the earth’s ecosystem is essential for maximum protection of public health and the environment. The interrelationships of air, water and land resources should be recognized in designing environmental safeguards. The federal government should have the major role in setting standards for environmental protection and pollution control.

What we’re doing

Since the 1960s, we have been at the forefront of efforts to protect air, land and water resources. Our approach to environmental protection and pollution control is one of problem solving. The League’s environmental goals aim to prevent ecological degradation, and to reduce and control pollutants before they go down the sewer, up the chimney or into the landfill. We support vigorous enforcement mechanisms, including sanctions for states and localities that do not comply with federal standards as well as substantial fines for noncompliance.

Press Release January 17, 2020: Our Children’s Trust

Decision of Divided Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Finds Primarily for Juliana Plaintiffs, but Holds Federal Judiciary Can Do Nothing to Stop the U.S. Government in Causing Climate Change and Harming Children


The Juliana 21 Continue to Fight for Justice in the Biggest Climate Lawsuit in America


Eugene, Oregon – Today, a divided panel of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals “reluctantly” concluded that the youth plaintiffs’ case in Juliana v. United States must be made to the Congress, the President, or to the electorate at large. The decision finds federal courts cannot provide the youth with a remedy for their climate change injuries. In her dissent, District Judge Josephine L. Staton wrote that the youth
plaintiffs brought suit to enforce the most basic structural principal embedded in our system of liberty: the Constitution does not condone the Nation’s willful destruction.

Judge Staton would hold that the youth plaintiffs have standing to challenge the government’s conduct, have articulated claims under the Constitution, and have presented sufficient evidence to press those claims at trial. Counsel for the youth
plaintiffs vowed to ask the full Ninth Circuit to review the determination that federal courts can do nothing to address an admitted constitutional violation.


Julia Olson , executive director and chief legal counsel of Our Children’s Trust and co-counsel for the youth plaintiffs, commented: “The Juliana case is far from over. The Youth Plaintiffs will be asking the full court of the Ninth Circuit to review this decision and its catastrophic implications for our constitutional democracy. The Court recognized that climate change is exponentially increasing and that the federal government has long known that its actions substantially contribute to the climate crisis. Yet two of the judges on the Panel refused to set the standard for redressing the constitutional violation, to protect our Nation’s children. The standard is a question of science that should be determined at trial. The majority opinion ignores the fact that we have yet to go to trial on the issue of redressability.”


There were numerous points in which the majority opinion of Ninth Circuit Judge Andrew Hurwitz found in favor of the youth plaintiffs, including: the evidence showed climate change was occurring at an increasingly rapid pace; copious expert evidence established that the unprecedented rise in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels stemmed from fossil fuel combustion and will wreak havoc on the Earth’s climate if unchecked; the record conclusively established that the federal government has long understood the risks of fossil fuel use and increasing carbon dioxide emissions; and the record established that the government’s contribution to climate change was not simply a result of inaction.


The opinion also recognized that the youth plaintiffs had suffered concrete and particularized injuries from climate change. The panel held the district court properly found the youth plaintiffs met the Article III causation requirement because there was at least a genuine factual dispute as to whether a host of federal policies were a “substantial factor” in causing the plaintiffs’ injuries.


Yet, two of the three judges held the youth plaintiffs’ claimed injuries were not redressable by an Article III court. Specifically, the majority held it was beyond the power of federal courts to order, design, supervise, or implement the youth plaintiffs’ requested remedial plan where any effective plan would necessarily require a host of complex policy decisions entrusted to the executive and legislative branches.
In short, the majority ruled the remedies the youth plaintiffs have requested must be implemented by Congress or the President, not the courts.


Philip Gregory , with Gregory Law Group of Redwood City, California and co-counsel for the youth plaintiffs, stated: “Despite finding the government was actively contributing to climate change, and despite the fact the court found these youth plaintiffs submitted evidence of concrete and particularized injuries, and despite the fact that the youth plaintiffs presented sufficient evidence to show federal policies
were a substantial factor in causing plaintiffs’ constitutional injuries, a majority of the panel concluded there was nothing federal courts could do to address these constitutional violations.

We strongly disagree with this conclusion and will take this determination to the full Ninth Circuit.” Kelsey Juliana , the 23-year-old named plaintiff in Juliana and resident of Eugene, Oregon, said: “ THIS ISN’T OVER. Prepare for a petition for review en banc to the 9th circuit as we refuse to do anything but move forward and ultimately win. Courts do have an obligation to address issues of constitutional, existential crisis, like climate change.


Levi Draheim , 12-year-old plaintiff from Satellite Beach, Florida, commented: “We will continue this case because only the courts can help us. We brought this lawsuit to secure our liberties and protect our lives and our homes. Much like the civil rights cases, we firmly believe the courts can vindicate our constitutional rights and we will not stop until we get a decision that says so.”


Juliana v. United States is not about the government’s failure to act on climate. Instead, these young plaintiffs between the ages of 12 and 23, assert that the U.S. government, through its affirmative actions in creating a national energy system that causes climate change, is depriving them of their constitutional rights to life, liberty, and property, and has failed to protect essential public trust resources. The case is
one of many related legal actions brought by youth in several states and countries, all supported by Our Children’s Trust, and all seeking science-based action by governments to stabilize the climate system.