Summer 2026 League Lookout - LWVNAZ News/Events Northern Arizona and Greater Verde Valley
| LWVNAZ Members and Supporters:
We have changed our newsletter to a quarterly format covering events for the next few months, supplementing this with periodic emails on specific events. We are providing information that the League is sponsoring as well as information about events that you might find of interest. Feel free to share this information with anyone you think would benefit from this information!
To get information about other league activities, see our website.
| Message from the Board
Hello fellow Leaguers,
Welcome to summer!
I hope you are keeping cool and haven't been affected by the Pocket fire.
It is now primary election time. I hope you have already completed and mailed your ballot. Once the primary is over, voter registration and information will ramp up in preparation for the general election in November. If you aren't currently involved in those efforts but would like to, send an email to lwvnaz@gmail.com.
Save the Date - Saturday, August 8, the League of Women Voters of Arizona will host Voices from Arizona, a statewide Day of Action commemorating the legacy of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. You can view more information below.
In League,
Kathy Henry
| | Track Your Ballot
If you are on the Active Early Voting List, you will have received your ballot already for the primary election. Hopefully, you have completed and sent your ballot.
You can track the status of your ballot by going to: https://my.arizona.vote/PortalList.aspx | | |  | Report from LWVUS Convention 2026
by Robyn Prud’homme-Bauer and Jan Anderson. LWVNAZ delegates
1,200 delegates (800 in person, 400 virtual) attended the League of Women Voters 2026 National Convention held in Columbus OH from June 25-28. Robyn was grateful to attend the convention in person and represent our local League – Northern Arizona while Jan Anderson attended the convention virtually. Arizona had 11 delegates attending in person representing all 5 local Leagues .
Leaguers came together to learn, collaborate, and prepare for the work ahead to strengthen our democracy. It was an exciting time to be with Leaguers from across the country as we elected our new national leadership and set priorities for the next 2 years.
We adopted several resolutions (with state proposing in parenthesis):
- Civil service positions based on merit not partisanship (LA)
- DC statehood (DC)
- National Popular Vote (NPV) in coordination with abolishing Electoral College (FL)
- Hold Congress accountable and use rule of law (IL)
- Surveillance technology eroding privacy and constitutional rights (CO)
- Human trafficking - educate and engage (MI)
- Religious separation of church and state (CO)
- Protecting the rights of immigrants (WA)
We adopted our Program for 2026-2028:
- Defending a Democracy Under Siege which will include Voting Rights, Protecting Elections, Redistricting, Immigration, Individual Rights, and the Presidency.
- Retaining All Current LWVUS positions in the areas of representative government, international relations, natural resources and social policy.
And passed these Bylaw changes:
- Member rights and responsibilities with respect and civility (to be added to local Bylaws)
- Emergency measures during convention
- Nominating Committee process for removal of a member
- Budget Committee - Align timing with biennial convention and Treasurer as chair
The following were not Passed by the Convention:
- Concurrent Resolution on Privatization of government services and fiduciary responsibilities
- Consensus Study of monetary system distribution leading to wealth inequality
- Bylaws for
Removal of reference to Associate members
Inter-League Organization (ILO)
Students exempt from dues
Highlights from Robyn:
- Outgoing National President Dianna Wynn in her speech to the delegates made a very powerful statement on the strength of the League of Women Voters as a grassroots organization:
“We are not built from the top down. We are built from the ground up. The League has always been rooted in community. In local leadership. In volunteers, who show up because they believe in something bigger than themselves. And I believe that we are only beginning to tap into the full potential of our grassroots power. And remember that change should not weaken our grassroots. But when done well, it will strengthen it.”
- Newly elected National President Sania Irwin stated in her speech to the delegates:
“The League has always met history with courage, conviction, and action. Today, we are called to be an unshakable, visible force for a just and inclusive democracy. Together, we will continue building a League that equips people to organize, advocate, educate, and lead so that power remains where it belongs: with the people.”
- Attended valuable workshops on The Alphabet Soup of Fundraising, How the League is Transforming to Build People Power, Conflict Resolution, Digital Media in 2026, Leadership Session Planning, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
- And I got to visit with several longtime League friends, made some new League friends, and hung out with a wonderful group of delegates from Arizona!
Jan noted two excellent presentations on
- Conflict deescalation by Dr. Emily Morehouse
- DEI by LWV staff
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Voices from Arizona Listening Circles: A Statewide Day of Action to Commemorate the Voting Rights Act
On Saturday, August 8, the League of Women Voters of Arizona will host Voices from Arizona, a statewide Day of Action commemorating the legacy of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
The League of Women Voters of Arizona has been selected by the League of Women Voters of the United States as one of only five signature locations nationwide to host this important event—a recognition of Arizona's leadership in advancing voting rights and civic engagement.
Each of the five locations will focus on the voting experiences of different communities:
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San Francisco – Asian American, Pacific Islander, and LGBTQ+ communities
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Detroit – Northern Black communities
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Atlanta – Southern Black communities
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Philadelphia – The birthplace of American democracy and voting rights
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Phoenix – Native American and Latino communities
Arizona's event is unique. Through a Phoenix anchor event, satellite gatherings hosted by local Leagues, and a statewide livestream, we will bring together Tribal leaders, Latino leaders, community members, youth leaders, educators, election officials, faith leaders, advocates, and other trusted voices to share their lived experiences with voting, civic participation, and access to trusted election information.
Rather than speaking about communities, Voices from Arizona is designed to create space for communities to speak for themselves. Through two statewide Listening Circles, participants will identify barriers to civic participation, share ideas for strengthening our democracy, and help shape future voting rights efforts.
The conversations will not end on August 8. The stories, experiences, and recommendations gathered during the Listening Circles will help inform the League's future voter education, civic engagement, and voting rights advocacy at both the state and national levels. Arizona's findings will also become part of a broader national effort to commemorate the Voting Rights Act and strengthen voting rights for future generations.
Join the Conversation Live
Whether you're able to attend in person or not, League members and supporters from across Arizona are invited to participate by watching the event live on the League of Women Voters of Arizona YouTube Channel (@LWVAZ3069).
Livestream Schedule
10:00 a.m. – Latino Voices Listening Circle
https://bit.ly/4vuN0UO
1:30 p.m. – Native Voices Listening Circle
https://bit.ly/4vB9Udq
Watch the conversations. Listen to the stories. Ask questions. Be part of the change. | Candidates Forums – Primary Election Report
Robyn Prud’homme-Bauer, Candidate Forum Coordinator
LWV Northern Arizona hosted 6 candidates forums in Sedona, Cottonwood, Camp Verde and Jerome for candidates running for mayor and city/town councils. A huge THANK YOU to League members who helped make them a success:
- Moderators: Mary Chicoine, Kevin Cook and Gail Digate
- Timekeepers/Helpers: Marie Helt, Ann Holland, Kathy Davis, and Maryann Kenney
- Voter Registration: Nancy Ruby, Christy DeCharme, Vicky Biscay, Louise Clara, and Babe Gerstner
We had over 300 people attend the forums and over 800 views on YouTube Channels and Facebook. All the forums were taped for viewing on LWVNAZ YouTube Channel:
Sedona Mayor and City Council Candidates Forum
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlSf00jBmM0&t=161s
Cottonwood City Council Candidates Forum
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pq3s9So2SAM&t=96s
Camp Verde Mayor and Town Council Candidates Forum
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IvruTeidyk
Jerome Town Council Candidates Forum
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SAergNKmYU&t=39s
Additional voter information on local, state, and national candidates is available through the League of Women Voters’ election resource, VOTE411.
For more information about the candidate forums or the League of Women Voters of Northern Arizona, contact lwvnaz@gmail.com, visit lwvnaz.org, or follow LWVNAZ on Facebook@lwvnaz.
| | VOTER REGISTRATION
GET READY FOR 2026 – IMPORTANT DATES AND DEADLINES
State Primary Election – July 21, 2026 (including many local elections)
Voter Registration Deadline –
June 22, 2026
General Election – November 3, 2026 (including State Offices and All Congressional Districts)
Voter Registration Deadline – October 5, 2026 | | |
The Voter Registration Team has been busy organizing and conducting voter registration drives in advance of the 2026 Primary and General Elections. Volunteers have set up monthly voter registration tables throughout the Verde Valley and Flagstaff.
LWVNAZ Voter Registration Team Prepares for Elections 2026
LWVNAZ Voter Registration Team continues monthly voter registration activities in preparation for the 2026 mid-term elections. The team is organized by communities and schedules regular tabling events at libraries, farmers’ markets, schools, Yavapai College, senior centers, and selected churches and retail stores.
If you are interested in contributing to this effort, please contact the team leader in your respective community or email Gail Digate for more information (ggdigate@gmail.com).
Camp Verde
Kathy Davis (kdavis1247@gmail.com) or Kathy Henry (kshenry56@gmail.com)
Clarkdale
Janet Kissinger (janetkissinger@gmail.com)
Cottonwood/Jerome
Babe Gerstner (babegerstner@yahoo.com)
Flagstaff
Mary Grove (mfgrove@hotmail.com) or Sue Strobel (strobelsue@gmail.com)
Sedona
Nancy Ruby (nancyruby@gmail.com)
Village of Oak Creek
Rose O’Donnell (odonnellrose@yahoo.com) or Maryann Kenney (mckenney007@gmail.com)
Yavapai College and High Schools/Churches
Gail Digate (ggdigate@gmail.com)
The LWVNAZ Voter Registration Team has scheduled meetings for the year as follows:
September 24, 2026 (10:00 – 11:00 AM) Zoom
December 3, 2026 (10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon) In Person - Location TBA
Important Dates
STATE PRIMARY ELECTION 2026 (including many local elections)
Voter Registration Deadline: June 22
Early Voting Begins:June 24
Request Ballot by Mail Deadline: July 10
Primary Election – July 21
GENERAL ELECTION
Voter Registration Deadline: October 5
Early Voting Begins: October 7
Request Ballot by Mail Deadline: October 23
General Election: November 3
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The Political Book Club meets at 3:00 pm MST on the last Monday of the month with the exception of December.
In May, the members of the Political Book Club read Nobel Peace Prize Winner Maria Ressa’s book, "How to Stand Up to a Dictator: A Nobel Laureate’s Fight Against Authoritarianism". The book is part memoir and part a political manifesto against social media algorithms and the real-world consequences of systemic online disinformation.
The book for our June discussion was "Separation of Church and Hate: A Sane Person’s Guide to Taking Back the
Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists, and Flock-Fleecing Frauds" by John Fugelsang. A comedian and broadcaster, John Fugelsang has written an irreverent, but biblically correct, takedown of far-right Christan hatred. He offers practical tips on how to debate your loved one, coworker, or neighbor on the issues that divide us using the Bible they claim to follow.
Future titles are the following:
July- The Haves and Have-Yachts by Evan Osnos
August – Gen Z 360: Preparing for the Inevitable Change in Culture, Work, and Commerce, by Hana Ben-Shabat.
September - One Day Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This by Omar El Akkad
October - A Different Kind of Power by Jacinda Ardern
November - Paper Girl by Beth Macy
January 2027 - An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States by Shaun Taylor-Corbett, Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, et al.
The only requirement to join us is to have read the book. We are still meeting via Zoom. If you would like to join the group, contact ann.holland99@gmail.com to obtain the Zoom link for the meeting.
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Make Your Voice Count!
Join the Board of Directors of the League of Women Voters of Northern Arizona. Serving on our board is your opportunity to bring fresh ideas, new perspectives, make a tangible impact and help defend democracy.
Be part of our nonpartisan, activist, grassroots organization → Contact Robyn at lwvnaz@gmail.com | | | The University of AZ Water Resources Center has published Fact Sheets for projects outside of Active Management Areas. They offer water saving strategies for rural communities.
Water Neutral Development.
Some communities in Prescott are considering amending their Town Codes to require water neutral development. This entails not using more water in an area before it was built or established or not removing more water than it replaces.
City planners must ensure that all new developments that takes place is water neutral so as not to worsen any impacts that might be occurring.
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VOTE411 is live for the July Election
Spread the word!!
| | | Thanks to the hard work and dedication of an amazing group of League members, the VOTE411.org guide has been published! The participating candidates have been notified. We also contacted the non-participants, letting them know the guide has been published and reminding them that they still have time to respond.
Visit VOTE411, enter your address, and access your personalized, nonpartisan voter guide.
VOTE411 includes:
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Candidates' responses to League-developed questions for Federal, state, county, and local races
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Bio questions, including public policy positions, endorsements, social media tags, and education
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Information on when, where, and how to vote
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Key election dates and deadlines
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Voter registration links and other helpful resources
Candidates can continue submitting responses, so check back regularly for updates.
We invited all candidates—including incumbents and unopposed candidates—to participate. (Write-in candidates are not included because they do not appear on Arizona ballots.) Some county or city races aren't included in the guide because we can only include races where we have accurate, verifiable contact information for every candidate running. In addition, many candidates in partisan races are unopposed in the primaries and choose not to participate until the general election
More help is always welcome!! If you would like to help prepare Vote411 for the upcoming November Election, please reach out to lwvazadvocacy@gmail.com
| LWVNAZ MEMBERS REACH OUT TO GEN Z
A strategic priority of LWVAZ for the next several years is reaching out and engaging young voters in the work of the League of Women Voters.
We recognize that a critical component of successfully reaching out to and engaging young voters is the development of positive and mutually beneficial relationships between mentors and students.
As “experienced” voters, we have much to share with young people as they, in turn, help us gain new knowledge and insights into what is important to their generation. Undoubtedly, the act of listening to each other is integral to the success of this important League initiative.
Entitled LWVNAZ Young Voters Engagement Project, students participating in the project at Mingus Union High School (Cottonwood) and Flagstaff Arts and Leadership Academy completed voter registration training and are preparing to lead campus wide voter registration drives at their respective schools during April.
Students also are learning about how to use and contribute to Vote 411 and strategies for preparing for local candidate forums.
LWVNAZ received a grant in the amount of $1000 from LWVUS to support this project to reach out to and engage young voters. The project is a partnership with Rural Organizing Initiative (Rural Voices, Rural Voters). Local league members serving as mentors to young voters include Robyn Prud’homme Bauer, Gail A. Digate, Angela LeFevre, Lani Nallira-Frahm, Francesca Martin, Rose O’Donnell, and Llama Habern (ROI).
If you are interested in learning more about serving as a mentor to young voters in 2026-2027 school year, please contact Robyn Prud’homme Bauer (rcpbauer@gmail.com) or Gail A. Digate (ggdigate@gmail.com).
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