The League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County is launching a new nonpartisan digital voter-engagement initiative to help more people access clear, accurate voting information. The initiative includes a webpage with essential election/voting information, a social media campaign, and a toolkit for use by area businesses and organizations to help them provide this information through their typical outreach channels to employees, customers, etc. The initiative's outreach team is contacting more than 200 area businesses and other community organizations so they can amplify the League's Get-Out-The-Vote messaging.

This work is especially important as voters face increased confusion about registration, mail voting, polling places, election deadlines, and their rights at the polls. LWVMC is expanding its digital outreach so that trusted election information reaches more voters.

Share MKEVote.com

MKEVote.com is the League’s new, easy-to-use online starting point for Milwaukee County voter information. Check it out! The website, designed by an ad agency for this project, has a separate URL so the agency can track engagement. 

Visitors can find practical resources on:

• · Registering to vote
• · Election dates and deadlines
• · Voting by mail, early voting, and Election Day voting
• · Finding polling locations
• · Understanding voting rights and the voting process
• · Why civic participation matters

What You Need to Know: Damaging Consequences of the Anti-Equity Constitutional Amendment Webinar

Date & Time: Sep 8, 2026 06:30 PM  (Central Time)

Join LWVWI and a panel of guest speakers to learn more about the anti-equity constitutional amendment appearing on the ballot in November. Wisconsin voters will see a constitutional amendment on the November 3, 2026 ballot that could have significant impacts on public education, employment, contracting, and government programs across the state. While the ballot language references discrimination and preferential treatment, the proposed amendment would also limit the use of certain equity-focused policies and programs. 

Before you vote, take time to understand what's on your ballot and how this amendment could affect Wisconsin communities.

Current speakers include:

Rachel Snyder - Law Forward, Policy Counsel

Suzanne Eckes - UW Madison

Susan S. Engeleiter Professor of Education Law, Policy, and Practice

Kadijha Marquardt-Davis - Strategic Health Policy Leader, civic leader and consultant with more than eight years of experience working at the intersection of public policy, health equity, civic engagement, and institutional change.

my.lwv.org/wisconsin/constitutional-corner

Register here.

Feds Launch Vote Fraud Investigation in WI 

Reporting by Urban Milwaukee, citing CNN, says the federal government will launch investigations in WI and other states, alleging voter fraud. LWVWI Communications Manager Sinceree Dixon said the timing was concerning, and commented, "We feel like they were intentionally doing this ahead of the midterms to stir more controversy, to continue to try to control the narrative and stoke fear and division in people about election fraud,” Dixon said. “It’s really a waste of our tax dollars, a waste of resources to be looking into something that is a complete non-issue.” Read full article at link below.

Source: Urban Milwaukee article

Quarterly Speakers Bureau Meeting

We will discuss best practices for LWVMC speakers and the three referendums on the ballot in November. We will focus on the anti-equity Constitutional Amendment that will be on the ballot. Attendees will leave the meeting confident about presenting in the community about the referendums which, if passed, become Amendments to the Wisconsin State Constitution. We will also discuss Vote411, which is a resource for voters to learn about candidates.

Presenters on the Speakers Bureau roster are encouraged to attend; all LWVMC members are welcome to attend!       REGISTER NOW

Over 400 volunteers are needed between now and the November 3rd election day.

Our voter services registration teams have a long list of events that need volunteers between now and the November 3rd Election Day.

The highest priority is our new Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) program. This new effort will be led by Jim Engle, a League member but also the head of the Milwaukee Voter Project, an organization that has expertise in running a voter registration program at three DMVs. By combining Jim’s experience with our league's great voter services volunteer program we will be able to reach even more voters. The DMV is a great place to meet potential voters, new residents and new drivers. Voter registration drives at the DMV have been highly successful for both the public and the volunteers.

There are 2 slots available at the DMV locations: Lead (experienced voter registration volunteer) and Shadow (new or less experienced). Need to complete Voter Registration training? Watch this video before volunteering.

Please step up and do your part. Click here to find the volunteer opportunity that works for you. You can also volunteer for other registration events on the same page.

We are a grassroots organization and our work is done by our amazing volunteer members. Helping citizens to get registered to vote and educating them on where and how to vote is critical to our Democracy now more than ever. We hope to see you out there!

Questions?

Contact VP of Voter Services Candice Owley at c.owley@lwvmilwaukee.org

Eating Ice Cream and Registering to Vote:  What Could Be Cooler?

Ben and Jerry’s is partnering with LWV to hold a voter registration event. 

When: September 19th, 12pm--3pm

Where: 203 North Broadway in Milwaukee’s Third Ward

We are looking for volunteers to staff our table and help people register to vote. We will also educate the public on the dates of the coming election, how to get an absentee ballot, where to find Drop Boxes and promote the in-person early voting system which begins October 20, 2026. If you are interested, click on this link to go to the volunteer sign up page and see not only the Ben and Jerry’s event but other voter registration events. 

Justice Protasiewicz Speaks at Women’s Equality Day Event

More than 100 members and friends filled the large conference room at the August 29th Women’s Equality Day event, featuring Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Janet Protasiewicz. Most attendees were members of LWVMC or other area women’s organizations.  

LWVMC member Susan Johnson commented, “What an insightful discussion! Plus, it was a wonderful opportunity to meet additional members new to me, and see in person, members more familiar to me via Zoom. The entire program was professional and fun. Now, that's a great combination!”

For those who’d like to learn more about the ongoing struggle for voting rights after the 19th Amendment was passed, PBS’ American Experience  has several worthwhile resources.

September 10th Town Hall Hosted by Wisconsin’s Living Wage Coalition

Wisconsin’s Living Wage Coalition, which is fighting to restore our state’s longstanding tradition of worker power and raise Wisconsin’s minimum wage to $20, is hosting a Town Hall meeting in St. Francis on Thursday, September 10th at 6:00pm. The event features State Rep. Chris Sinicki and other special guests. LWVMC members and friends are invited to attend to show solidarity with this crucial labor movement. Here are the details:  REGISTER

Understanding Through a Good Book

Sometimes the best way to understand someone whose life is different from our own is through a good book.

These columns have focused on providing information about LGBTQI+ lives and issues. This week let’s learn a little differently—through stories that educate while also being enjoyable to read.

Becoming Nicole by Amy Ellis Nutt, follows Nicole Maines and her family as they come to understand what it means for Nicole to be transgender. Ultimately, it is a story about understanding, acceptance, and a family learning to see and support their child for who she is.

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz, is a beautifully written coming-of-age novel about two teenage boys discovering friendship, love, and themselves. It is as much about growing up and finding the courage to know yourself as it is about sexual identity.

The Family Book by Todd Parr, is a colorful book for young children that celebrates the many ways a family can look. Some families have one parent, some have two moms or two dads, some are adoptive, and families come in different sizes and configurations. It offers parents and grandparents a natural way to talk with children about families that may look different from their own.

For something lighter for adults, The Guncle, by Steven Rowley, is funny, warm fiction about a gay man unexpectedly caring for his young niece and nephew. It is less a book about being gay than a story about love, grief, children, and the unexpected ways we become a family.

Sometimes education can simply mean seeing the world through someone else’s story—and enjoying the journey.

To stay informed about legislation affecting the LGBTQ+ community and track advocacy efforts, visit Fair Wisconsin’s Bills to Watch page:
fairwisconsin.com/bills-to-watch

To identify and contact your state legislators and relevant committee members, use MyVote Wisconsin: myvote.wi.gov

Speaking up matters.

LGBTQI+ ... All Letters Matter!

Since October 2025, members of the League Immigration Advocacy Committee have visited over 170 businesses in Latino neighborhoods, providing information for them and their customers about their rights as well as protective signage should ICE agents enter their businesses. During those visits we have had many insightful conversations which will be sharing with you:  

We met a businesswoman who had moved to the United States about 30 years ago. Her first child was born on a visit back to her native country of Mexico. She is now a citizen, and her son has had legal residency in this country for many years. 

Recently her son traveled out of the country. On his return home he was detained even though he had legal documents and no criminal history. ICE transferred him out-of-state and his mother had to hire a lawyer to find him and fight to get him released. Many months and $20,000 later she was able to get her son released from ICE custody. He described the conditions in the detention center as horrible but said at least he had family to help him. Many others had no one. His mother said he’d changed since his detention. He suffers from severe depression and rarely leaves his home. 

Interested in supporting the Wisconsin immigrant community in an impactful way from home?

Please consider joining the LWVWI Legislative Committee under the Immigration portfolio. The LWVWI Legislative Committee meets every other week when the legislature is in session and once a month when it's on recess. There are portfolios in many other areas too (education, reproductive rights and more.) The portfolio groups work together to review items in the legislature and bring to a vote whether the LWVWI will render any public support or opposition to a bill. The portfolios can also recommend a call to action. There is training and it's a very well-organized committee. If you'd like to join the Immigration Portfolio (currently only one member) we could set up some time to talk over what's needed and how we can contribute to this important work together.  Interested?  Let’s arrange to talk. Rachel Haos, rachel.cocos@gmail.com

Sept 18, Your Voice is needed!  Comment Deadline on We Energies proposed 14% Rate hikes for 2027-28.  Submit Here >>

Please see the link for League positions related to energy and related impacts. 

Please see the link for League positions related to the environment, including air pollution.

Please see the link and scroll down for LWVWI Toolkit on Data Centers.

Healthy Climate Wisconsin calculates the proposed July 2027 & July 2028 increases along with those approved in 2022 & 2024 would result in a jump in energy costs of about 50% from 2022 to 2028 with recent requests significantly due to energy demands of hyperscale data centers. 

The New York Times editorial board tracks 12 markers of democratic erosion 

In an August 20th article, The New York Times editorial board has updated their tracking of 12 “categories of democratic erosion in the United States, based on historical patterns and interviews with experts. Our index places the United States on a scale of 0 to 10 for each category. Zero represents the United States before (the administration) began its second term — not perfect, surely, but still a strong democracy. Ten represents the condition in a true autocracy, such as China, Iran and Russia. Based on the President’s statements and actions about the 2026 midterms, we are moving our assessment of one of the categories — manipulating the law to stay in power— up one notch, to Level 3”. The other 11 markers of democratic erosion can be found HERE.

Lessons From Hungary: What Can We Learn from the Erosion of their Democracy and Recent Hopeful Election?

Randolph Miller, Ph.D.

Modern European History

Sunday, October 18, 1:00-3:00

Summit Place, 6737 W Washington St., 1st floor large meeting room, follow signs

1:00-1:30 sign-in, mingle, refreshments

1:30-2:30 presentation

2:30-3:00 action opportunities 

During his terms as Hungarian prime minister, Viktor Orban moved his once liberal party to the far right and finally to an authoritarian regime. This transition is considered the contemporary model for such transformations around the world including in the United States. The parallels will be familiar to the audience. However, Orban’s popularity peaked in 2022 and ended in electoral defeat by Peter Magyar in 2026. Sweeping reforms have followed.

· How did Viktor Orban seize and retain control of Hungary?

· What are the parallels to our recent history?

· How did Peter Magyar defeat Viktor Orban?

· What lessons can we learn from Hungary to prevent authoritarianism in our country?

Upcoming Peaceful Protests 

Vote for Decency Demonstration

Saturday, September 12 from 1:30 - 3:00

321 Wisconsin Ave. (sidewalk in front of Cutler Park / Library) Waukesha

History Shows Us that Protests Matter

Why do protests matter?

Visible resistance is essential so the government and its supporters see the number of citizens who don’t agree with their actions. Nonviolent visible protest activity encourages those sitting on the sidelines to join in. Here is the link to the listing of ongoing weekly protests: Protest Rallies

What is a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)?

A Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) is a direct transfer of funds from your IRA (Individual Retirement Account) to a qualified charity.

Who can make a QCD?

You must be at least 70½ years old on the day of the distribution.

Is the League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County a qualified charity for a QCD?

Yes, the League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County is a qualified charity because it is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.  

Consult your financial advisor for more details about QCD.   

Changing Hearts & Minds on Planned Parenthood

Tuesday, September 15, 5:30-7:30 pm

Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin is hosting a webinar on September 15th to give people helpful tools to have meaningful conversations about reproductive health care or other issues that matter to you. 

Register here.

This fall, WISDOM is offering its Power of Community Organizing (POCO) training — a FREE, five-week virtual training series designed to give community members, leaders, and organizers practical tools to strengthen their organizing skills. More info and registration here. 

Is Your Member Profile Up-to-Date?

The Member Portal of our website has resources (including a member directory) just for members. Please login to the website, click Member Resources in the top menu, go to your Member Profile and complete/update your Additional Member Data and Interests (found under Website Functions). Contact roster@lwvmilwaukee.org with questions. Thank you!