League of Women Voters Erie County Chapter

Say No to House Bill 38

Dear League Friends The past months have shown us both the fragility and the resilience of our democracy. After a free and fair election, followed by our new president’s inauguration, we find hope and relief in knowing that our institutions have endured. Our democracy marches on, perhaps a bit worse for wear, but we are clear-eyed about the challenges and opportunities before us. During the Inauguration, National Youth Poet Laureate and Californian, Amanda Gorman, encapsula...ted both the pain and the optimism of this moment. In her words: Somehow we’ve weathered and witnessed a nation that isn’t broken but simply unfinished And yes we are far from polished far from pristine but that doesn’t mean we are striving to form a union that is perfect We are striving to forge a union with purpose To compose a country committed to all cultures, colors, characters and conditions of man The League of Women Voters is committed to empowering voters and defending democracy striving for a union that is more perfect. Leagues across the nation work with purpose. As we move forward, the focus will continue to be on redistricting, policies, and legislation in Pennsylvania while continuing the commitment toward equity-based policies that embrace and lift all cultures, colors, characters and conditions of man. If you are able, please consider a gift to the League of Women Voters Erie County Chapter. Thank you.

What You Can Do Combating Global Corruption Act of 2021 (S.14): Corruption perpetuates international instability by eroding trust in democratic processes, imperiling protections for human rights, and exacerbating inter- and intra-state conflicts. On January 22, Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Todd Young (R-IN) reintroduced legislation that would prioritize international corruption as a national security threat. If enacted, the Combating Global Corruption Act would require the... State Department to create a three-tiered ranking system by which to assess the level of corruption in foreign governments. The bill also articulates the minimum standards for combating corruption; empowers the Secretary of State to sanction foreign actors in tier 3 -- or most corrupt -- countries under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act; and designates anti-corruption points of contact for all U.S. embassies in countries identified as tier 2 or 3. Please call your Senators and ask them to sign on as cosponsors to S.14 and stand against the destabilizing global force of corruption. See more

HARRISBURG Rep. Jim Gregory (R-Blair) in December announced intentions to introduce a bill that would repeal the previous expansion of mail-in voting in Pennsylvania. Gregory circulated a co-sponsorship memo explaining his bill would undo the provisions in Act 77 of 2019, which opened mail-in voting to all Pennsylvanians. Under PA Act 77, voters do not need to cite a reason when requesting a ballot. Prior to Act 77, voters needed to give a reason like disability, unexpected... illness or last-minute absence to obtain an absentee ballot. Gregory wants to return to the earlier provisions that were in place before Act 77. As of this date, Representative Gregory has not brought forth a bill for consideration, but his office personnel confirms that he is working on one. If you would like to discuss this will Jim Gregory, he can be reached at (814) 695-2398. Voters voices should be heard.

Please subscribe to your State Senator's newsletter and the newsletter of your House Representative. The PA General Assembly will also be looking at PA Act 77. Do you have an opinion on this Voter Reformation law? Learn what the opinions of your state legislators are. As a voter make it your business to tell your representatives how you feel about their actions and proposed legislation.

We knew this would take time. We must make sure election officials are allowed to do their job. The voters will decide this election not the candidates or their parties. It’s CRITICAL now more than ever that we stand up and defend our democracy.

Answers to some commonly asked questions: https://apnews.com//what-happens-us-election-contested-fa1

Today's Voting Tips: You should be able to cast your ballot without fear or intimidation. If you feel threatened, contact Election Protection or call us: 1-888-870-VOTE (8683). Polling Also, if you are in line at 8 PM, stay in line, you are still allowed to have your vote counted. ... Ensuring an accurate count of the election will take time. Pennsylvania has had a record turnout. Vote counting is monitored, audited, and verified. The ballot counting process will take more time than normal also due to the pandemic in order to ensure election workers are safe and properly distanced. Please remember it is unlikely final results will be available on November 3. Democracy takes time. Patience is need from our citizens.

#100yearsofwomenvoting

Women...this is your second biggest moment in 100 years. All outstanding voters needed at the polls today.

Election Day is here, so pleasecelebrate American democracy,

Election Information for You Today.

https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=363228304911595&id=249655421622

Celebrate democracy! Every election, we get the chance to shape our democracy with our vote. Even through the stresses that 2020 has brought, the League encourages you to take a moment to celebrate our democracy. What a beautiful thing it is!

Tomorrow is Election Day. If you are registered to vote and have not yet done so....tomorrow is the day! Make a plan and head to the polls. Vote411.org

In the United States over one million ballots have already been cast and 47% of the electorate have already voted.In the United States over one million ballots have already been cast and 47% of the electorate have already voted.

A vote counted is voice heard.