
LWV Acts on Challenges to Democracy
LWV CALLS ON CONGRESS TO ACT. “The League of Women Voters of the United States along with our state affiliates in 50 states and the District of Columbia, write to express our strong concern about Congress’s abdication of its duty and authority under Article I of the US Constitution. We urge you to exercise your authority to protect the rule of law, defend the Constitution, and end the overreach by the executive branch of government, which is surely leading to harm for millions of Americans. We demand that you honor your oaths and protect your constituents.”
The League of Women Voters of the United States, along with all 51 state Leagues, issued a LETTER TO CONGRESS on February 14 URGING THEM TO EXERCISE THIR AUTHORITY. Read the complete letter here and the press release here.
PROTEST OPPORTUNITY: ECONOMIC BLACKOUT, FEB. 28TH
LWVUS offers a protest opportunity to join the national economic blackout on Friday, February 28. View this article to learn more. Don’t buy anything that day unless it is from a small business. Spread the word!
LWV annual membership renewal system changes start February 3rd
Beginning February 3, most members will join and renew their annual dues through a centralized online form. For a summary of the new process, please read New membership System FAQs 2/25
ALL MEMBERS SHOULD ACTIVATE THEIR MEMBERSHIP PORTAL IN FEBRUARY. LWVUS will send you an email (membership@lwv.org) the week of February 3rd. The email contains a unique link, just for you. Lou Bouley has already entered your membership profile. Review it, make changes if needed. This will create your unique link to the portal.
First open the Join/Renew/Portal button in top menu to see complete directions, including a video with step-by-step actions. Directions include joining and renewing annual membership dues. Click on red Join/Renew button on the right to go to the national portal.
Don’t want to use the LWVUS portal? You can pay dues or join offline – print the membership form on the Northampton Area LWV website. Click on the Join/Renew/Portal button in top menu for directions for writing check and mailing address.
REVISE CHAPTER 70 FUNDING FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Contact your legislators
Write to your Representative and Senator about the critical need to revise Chapter 70 Funding. Northampton, Amherst, Holyoke school systems can’t balance their budgets for 2026, and are considering cutting teachers and programs because of insufficient Ch.70 Funds.
LWVMA Where We Stand, p 39 calls for adjustment of the state’s education funding formula (the foundation budget formula) to meet changing needs and to cover costs, including those associated with mandated programs (2017)
Excellent slide show Overview of Chapter 70 Funding for Education by the Mass Municipal Association.
Broadside Bookstore, Northampton – great source of books for defending democracy, diversity, equity, and inclusion
“We are here for you today and always. We hope our little store can be a source of comfort and a site of knowledge and power.” Broadside Bookstore Facebook, Jan. 20,2025
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion League Policy
The Northampton Area League is fully committed to ensure compliance – in principle and in practice – with LWVUS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy.
1/21/2024 LWV DEI Policy: Discrimination or harassment of any kind will not be accepted within the League, including but not limited to race, socio-economic status, age, ability status, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, or marital status. The League is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and belonging for all people. The League is an organization that respects and values the richness of our community and our members. The collective sum of our individual differences and life experiences represents not only our culture, but our reputation and the organization’s mission and achievements as well.
Historical Posters and Photos are now in the 100th Anniversary Folder
In the first 17 days of the Trump administration, we’ve witnessed nothing short of the weaponization of government against Americans. Read LWV CEO Celina Stewart’s full statement in response to actions taken by the new administration and the impact on voters, “As an organization committed to empowering voters and defending democracy, the League is outraged by the current administration’s actions against the American people. We are equally concerned about the inaction of our elected officials in Congress to exercise their constitutional authority and put a stop to this attack on democratic institutions, Americans, and the rule of law. “

On February 5, 2025, LWUS sent a letter to the Chairs of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CACAP), the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), “requesting a meeting with you to discuss how we might work together to protect and preserve federal voting rights laws, including the Voting Rights Act, during the 119thCongress.” Partners on the letter included The League of Women Voters of the United States®, Southern Poverty Law Center, American Association of People with Disabilities, Asian Pacific Islander American VOTE, National Council of Jewish Women, and National Organization for Women.
LWV Study of the Federal Judiciary
All League advocacy (local, state, and national) is based on league positions. We cannot advocate for federal judiciary issues until this study has been completed and a position created. The study’s purpose includes addressing concerns and clarifying judicial accountability, transparency, independence, and ethics.
TIMELINE FOR STUDY
Feb. 4 Town Hall on the Federal Judiciary. View this excellent discussion highlighting the main issues in easily understood, layman’s language.
Feb. 7 RESOURCES FOR INDIVIDUALIZED STUDY (Study Guide, Questions for consideration, and Policy Briefs) In the past, we held in-person meetings and discussed the study questions together. This year we ask members to explore the issues on their own. Members will consider the questions and do as much self – directed research as desired in preparation for a consensus meeting in March.
Feb 10 Board meeting – make arrangements for a March consensus meeting – zoom or in-person. Notification will be sent to members.
March Consensus meeting on federal judiciary study questions. Had no time to do any reading? No problem. Come and join the discussion.
April 14 Deadline to submit consensus Qs to LWUS. One person from our League will submit answers to LWUS study committee.

Rep. Sabadosa, other pols again co-sponsor ‘Medicare for All’ bill
Rep. Sabadosa, other pols again co-sponsor ‘Medicare for All’ bill, Hampshire Gazette, 2/3/2025
LWV co-sponsored book event at Odyssey Bookstore Oct. 7

Joshua Douglas introduced his new book, The Court v. The Voters: The Troubling Story of How The Supreme Court Has Undermined Voting Rights. The book gives an urgent and gripping look at the erosion of voting rights and its implications for democracy, told through the stories of 9 Supreme Court decisions –and the next looming case. RECOMMENDED READING for a greater understanding of the Supreme Court’s role in curbing voting rights, and how we can reverse course towards improving voters rights.
Join the campaign to eliminate the Electoral College
The Electoral College is a racist relic designed to take power from the people. It’s time to abolish the EC and move towards an electoral system by the people and for the people. Be part of the movement: lwv.org/onepersononevote
Click to watch Northampton LWV member, Chris Flory, discuss Medicare for All in MA.