The League shall not support or oppose any political party or any candidate.

Report from LWVUS Convention 2026

Robyn Prud’homme-Bauer. LWVNAZ delegate

​

1,200 delegates (800 in person, 400 virtual) attended in the League of Women Voters 2026 National Convention held in Columbus OH from June 25-28. I was grateful to attend the convention in person and represent our local League – Northern Arizona and Jan Anderson attended the convention virtually. Arizona had 11 delegates representing all 5 local Leagues attending in person. Here is a picture of all of us with LWVUS Nominating Chair, Pinny Sheoran.

​

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:

• Be it resolved that the League reaffirms its commitment to the value of nonpartisan civil service to democracy and good governance as both a matter of Equality of Opportunity for civil service workers and to ensure Representative Government that is nonpartisan, meritocratic, and democratic, to serve the public good.
• Be it resolved that the League of Women Voters of the United States strongly supports legislation that will establish statehood for the people of the District of Columbia.
• Be it resolved that the League of Women Voters, in a public and visible manner through national mobilization, reaffirm its declaration of a constitutional crisis as well as its efforts to hold Congress accountable for protecting the rule of law, defending the Constitution, and ending executive overreach.
• Be It Resolved that LWVUS continues to support members advocating for the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, in coordination with members advocating for the Electoral College abolishment, to educate other members and the public about the value of the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact as an acceptable interim solution until the Electoral College is replaced by the direct election of the president.
• Be it resolved that the League of Women Voters recognizes that, while surveillance technologies can dramatically expand law enforcement capabilities, their widespread and increasing use across the US can also dramatically accelerate the erosion of privacy and constitutional rights. The League is, therefore, deeply concerned that laws, ordinances, and policies are not keeping pace to ensure appropriate oversight, transparency, and sufficient accountability are in place to govern how these systems and collected data are used. 
• Be it resolved that the LWVUS, consistent with its position opposing all forms of human trafficking, affirms that human trafficking is a violation of human dignity.

​

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.
• Concurrence with LWV Washington State, Protecting the Rights of Immigrants position–in-brief.
• Concurrence on the LWV Colorado religious freedom position.

​

Here are some of my highlights:

• 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!

Report from Jan Anderson

2026 Biennial LWV Convention

Defending Democracy Under Siege

​

• 6 prongs - Voting, election protection, redistricting, immigration, individual rights, presidential election (NPV)

• ​Concurrent Resolutions passed - (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)

​

• Concurrent Resolutions not passed -

           Privatization of government services and fiduciary responsibilities

​

• Consensus Study not passed -

           Study of monetary system distribution leading to wealth inequality

​

• Bylaws passed -

           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

​

• Bylaws not passed -

           Removal of reference to Associate members

           Inter-League Organization (ILO)

           Students exempt from dues

​

• There were two excellent presentations -

           Conflict deescalation by Dr. Emily Morehouse

           DEI by LWV staff

​

​

​

​

​

​

League of Women Voters of Northern Arizona

2026 Primary Election Candidates Forums for the Verde Valley

The League of Women Voters of Northern Arizona (LWVNAZ) hosted a series of candidates’ forums this June for voters in Verde Valley communities ahead of local city and town elections. The public is invited to watch the recordings to learn about the candidates.

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.

The League of Women Voters of Northern Arizona is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government and works to increase understanding of public policy issues through education and advocacy.

Statement from the League of Women Voters on Federal Immigration Enforcement and the Erosion of Constitutional Rights

The League of Women Voters condemns the escalating actions by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that put people at risk, deny individuals their constitutional rights, and undermine the democratic values meant to protect us all. 

“We are horrified by federal immigration enforcement operations that deliberately infringe upon First Amendment rights to assemble and dissent. The use of intimidation, surveillance, and deadly force against lawful protestors is not public safety—it is repression. The use of lethal force against people exercising their constitutional rights is unacceptable and must be fully investigated. These fatalities, followed by false narratives designed to obscure the truth and impede oversight, represent a historic abuse of power we’ve never seen as a country. Democracy cannot endure when its government uses violence to silence dissent and evade accountability. 

“The League of Women Voters will continue to organize, speak out, and act to ensure no agency is above the law. We call on Congress to investigate these actions and require accountability measures on the Department of Homeland Security. ICE and other federal immigration officials must cooperate with the appropriate level of law enforcement when civilians are hurt or killed and face accountability when they fail to comply. The League will continue to mount a unified response that defends constitutional rights, protects civic participation, and demands accountability for abuses of power. 

“We will continue our partnership with LULAC, Common Cause, and additional partners to hold ICE accountable and amplify our concerns on its lack of transparency, accountability, and constitutional compliance. 

“The League of Women Voters reaffirms that the rights outlined in the Constitution belong to all people, without exception. We will not accept policies or practices that suppress civic participation, weaponize enforcement, or undermine fundamental rights and human dignity.” 

Tell Congress That Federal Immigration Enforcement Has Gone Too Far

This weekend, the nation watched in horror as another civilian was beaten and killed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in broad daylight, surrounded by bystanders. Our communities — in Minnesota and beyond — are reeling from the irreparable harm and trauma that federal immigration enforcement efforts have caused. The Administration continues to scale up its overreach, intimidation, and suppression. Congress has the authority and responsibility to take vital action immediately.

This week, the Senate will be voting on House-passed spending legislation ahead of the January 30th deadline to keep the government fully funded. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) appropriations bill includes additional funding for ICE and Border Patrol but does not impose sufficient DHS oversight and accountability measures. Further, the expansion of federal immigration enforcement efforts has proliferated and revealed the abuses that ICE is inflicting on civilians.

Congress has the authority to conduct investigations, a crucial role in maintaining checks and balances, and a vital role in protecting its constituents. We need you to stand with the League to demand that:

• Senators reject additional funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), or immigration detention, and impose additional agency guardrails and accountability measures;
• Congress investigates ICE, CBP, and the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS's) use of force; and
• Congress takes steps to protect the constitutional rights of civilians to peacefully protest and assemble without having their lives threatened or taken.



While people have proven to be incredibly strong and powerful, mobilizing in tens of thousands with protests, walkouts, boycotts, community support efforts, and more, we must continue to act. Now is the time for the voice of the people to rise up and hold our elected leaders in Congress and the White House accountable for their actions or lack thereof. We must condemn government violence and demand oversight and accountability. The safety of our communities and the future of our democracy depend on it.

LWV Northern Arizona Action Corner

STATE ACTION: LWV Arizona ADVOCACY

The LWV of Arizona needs Advocacy champions. Put your talent and passion to work by participating in a broad range of advocacy activities. You choose your level of commitment. Every action matters and your involvement makes us powerful and effective. 

·        Commenting on bills in the legislature that are LWVAZ priorities

·        Join an Issue Team

·        Become a League volunteer lobbyist

·        Fight mis and disinformation by volunteering to work on League podcasts

Use the LWV Arizona one-stop signup to participate in these advocacy activities.

Also take a look at 5calls.org.  – it is an easy way for you to make a political impact.

And lastly, Download  the League In Action app and join a network of Leagues across the country taking action to empower voters and defend our democracy.

 State Advocacy

The League is a nonpartisan political organization. That means we never support or oppose candidates or political parties. We do study, take positions and then advocate for our priorities. At the state level this year our priorities for Advocacy, as chosen by our members and approved by the state board are:

• Voting Rights
• Women’s Rights
• Education
• Climate
• Gun Safety
• Criminal Justice
• Ranked Choice Voting

Legislative Analysis Team – monitors AZ state legislation in these priority areas, studies the impact of bills, prepares testimony for our lobbyists and alerts members who may wish to contact their legislator, or express a position using the AZ Legislature Request to Speak System

​

Volunteer Lobby Core – members are trained and registered as League lobbyists. They attend Legislative committee meetings and testify on our behalf. Multiple volunteers are especially important when there are several committee meetings on a single day. Funds are available for transportation and parking for members outside of Metro Phoenix.

​

Advocacy Newsletter – generally sent weekly to subscribers during the Legislative season. Informs members of critical bills and suggests oppose or support with talking points. Sign up at lwvazadvocacy@gmail.com

​

Request to Speak (RTS) – this is a wonderful, unique feature of the AZ Legislature. Any member registered on the site can express support or opposition to a bill before a committee hearing, as well as leave comments – which legislators do read! This is an easy and important way to become involved. Training is offered and we will help you register for the system. If you haven’t done this before – this is the year!

​