•• JULY 2026 ••
IN THIS SPECIAL ISSUE |
- President's Message
- Primary Voting Matters
- Committee Shorts
- New Members
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- Mail Ballots at Risk
- The Pledge We Make
- Tribute to Diana
- Key Election Dates
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- Heal Democracy
- Strengthen Democracy
- Member Reflections
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A WORD FROM OUR PRESIDENT
Why Democracy
Still Matters
Today I see democracy challenged. I see disinformation freely given with no regret. I see our nation intensely divided. And I see challenges to voters and voting from the State and Federal fronts. Sure, things change over time. But our basic rights as American citizens should not.
As I think back over the past 250 years, I know many sacrifices were made over time, by many valent leaders. I treasure those who stood up to tyranny and made life better for those who were marginalized. In America we have had the right to criticize government leaders without fear of retribution. We have been able to assemble peacefully and state our views. And no matter how difficult things were, we always knew there would be the light of day tomorrow.
I believe in the Declaration of Independence, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness". As we look ahead, I hope this statement of democracy will be upheld.
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Mail Ballots at Risk?
What You Should Know
Is our ability to vote by mail at risk in the future? The answer may be yes. Changing U.S. Postal Service (USPS) standards will slow some mail delivery beginning with the 2026 Primary. In addition, proposed federal election rules and pending legislation could create new obstacles for voting by mail in the November election.
READ MORE
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How We Can Heal Our Democracy
According to the World Economic Forum, the five most successful democracies in the world are Norway, Iceland, Sweden, New Zealand, and Denmark. The United States is not on the list! In fact, it wasn’t listed in the top 10! Global democracy Indicators that are considered include: the electoral process, government functioning, political participation, political culture, and civil liberties. Why do we not measure up? Is our democracy at risk? What can we as citizens do?
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Primary Voting Matters
In Florida, Primary Election Day is August 18, 2026.
In a representative democracy, your vote is your voice. It helps determine who represents you in local and state government and in the United States Congress.
Many elections are decided by only a handful of votes, particularly in August primaries, which historically have much lower turnout than general elections. As a result, voting in a primary can have a significant impact on the future of your community. Registering to vote and participating in primary elections is just as important as voting in November.
READ MORE |
The Pledge We Make
These thirty words spoken in countless meetings, recited in schools, government sessions and at our LWV meetings, deserve a closer look. What is the Pledge’s history and what does it really mean?
To continue to read about the elements of the Pledge and their history, click below:
READ MORE
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10 Ways to Strengthen Democracy
In challenging times, many people ask, "What can I do?" The good news is that democracy depends on ordinary citizens taking small, meaningful actions every day. Here are ten ways each of us can help strengthen our communities and our democracy:
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Click here for 10 ways to make your voice heard, improve our civic organizations,
and promote democracy!
READ MORE
| Committee Shorts
Voter Services
Several key summer events help educate voters. The LWVCC has been there to help!
Education Ambassadors
Two key issues to watch: 1) barring non-citizens from educational opportunities and 2) erosion of funding for education partners as a result of the proposed property tax cuts.
Gun Violence Prevention
Gun locks help reduce gun violence and harm. LWVCC provided hundreds to David
Lawrence Center and to others.
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A Tribute and Reflection
We extend a warm thanks to Diana Garcia for years of editing The Voter! She offers this reflection on her years with us:
"I’ve been editing The Voter since 2019, and now that I’m stepping down, I’ve been asked to describe what has kept me going in the role and what it meant for me. Put simply, my greatest satisfaction has come from contributing in a small way to LWV efforts to defend democracy and promote citizenship. Each month, I've had the pleasure of working with extraordinary LWVCC Presidents, committee chairs, and team coordinators who lead and educate our members. I’ll miss everyone but I do look forward to reading The Voter under its new management!
Diana
Stacy Vermylen will serve as the new editor of The Voter with help from the many writers on the Communications Committee!
| Member Reflections
about LWV and Democracy
League members share their personal thoughts about democracy, the League, and what we all can do to protect our democracy.
READ MORE
| We extend a warm welcome to these new members!
Dorrit Nelson Wilfred Nelson Michele Connors Debbie Doernberg
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P.O. Box 9883, Naples, FL 34101 | lwvcolliercounty.org
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