Our monthly newsletter, The VOTER, provides information on League programs and events, and updates on our advocacy efforts, among other topics.
Lissa Staley, Communications Chair
Articles for the Voter are due the Friday after the monthly Board of Director’s meeting held on the second Tuesday of the month.
THE VOTER
OCTOBER 2024
Calendar of Events
October 1 | Noon | Marvin 101BC at Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library
Dr. Bob Beatty, Chair of the Political Science Department at Washburn University, provides updates on current politics in Kansas.
President’s Perspective
Mary Lou Davis, Chapter President
As we inch closer to the election with early voting in Shawnee County beginning on Monday, October 21, voters have a limited time to learn candidates’ qualifications and their positions on issues facing our county and state.
As noted in last month’s Voter newsletter, voter education is an integral focus for the League. Therefore, in conjunction with 10 non-partisan community organizations, the League will host 2 Meet and Greet candidate events this month.
Local Observer Reports
September Tuesday Topics Summary
Board Briefs
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The League will send postcards to 500 low-frequency voters. Are you interested in helping?
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League volunteers have provided voter education and registration services to more than 500 high school students in Shawnee County to-date, with more scheduled in the coming weeks.
Volunteer Spotlight: Carole Jordan
I’m a native Kansan, born in Russell (“Home of Bob Dole), and graduated from high school in Valley Falls. In between, I’ve lived in Topeka, Lawrence and Kansas City. I earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Kansas. That means I’m a big fan of pretty much anything KU, but especially basketball.
I had a 40-year career with the state of Kansas, retiring as director of the rural development division at the Department of Commerce. I also worked at the KU Medical Center, on the KU Campus, and for the Kansas Department of Agriculture.
Along the way I developed a great respect for teamwork and the benefits of working together in diverse teams. The Topeka-Shawnee County League of Women Voters gives me many opportunities to be part of a team. There’s nothing like working together to develop strong bonds and friendships. I’ve served on the board for four or five terms, and I served a term as president before Mary Lou took office.
One of my facts of life is that I worry. Election season, especially in the last decade, rachets up my worry level. But being a member of the League, having opportunities to volunteer and take action right here at home, has helped me alleviate that anxiety. I’m doing something. The League also makes sure I have worry buddies when I need them. It’s a great group with which to discuss concerns and take action. I’m so excited to meet the many new members of our league. I look forward to teaming up on League projects and volunteer opportunities.
In my non-League life, I love books, earrings, shoes and purses, among other things. The books perhaps are more beneficial! Our League started a book club during Covid, and we now meet at noon on the second Friday of the month at the Library. Next month we’ll be reading “Being Mortal” by Atul Gawande. I sometimes need a little push to read non-fiction, and our diverse group pushes me out of my mystery fiction comfort zone.
State League Action Alerts & Newsletter
Stay informed of State League of Women Voters articles & news.
