The LWVUS holds a convention every two years to conduct its business. This year the convention was held June 26-28 in Columbus, OH. Each State and Local League sends voting delegates to the Convention based on its number of members. LWVTSC was represented this year by Cindy Lash, Mary Galligan and Allan Foster. Our delegates attended virtuallyvia Zoom.
At the start of the 2026 Convention, delegates adopted a new LWV national program for 2026-2028. The program is the education and advocacy platform that the LWV adopts to guide activities during the biennium to move its mission forward. The new program is titled “Defending Democracy Under Siege,” and is focused on:
- Voting Rights: Ensuring that every eligible voter has equitable access to register, vote, and have their ballot counted fairly and accurately.
- Protecting Elections: Protecting and empowering voters to ensure that our elections are fair, accessible, and representative of all Americans.
- Redistricting: Ensuring fair and equitable representation for all residents through transparent and accountable redistricting processes and protection of the US Census.
- Immigration: Advocating for a fair immigration process and a path to citizenship. Standing up for immigrant communities to ensure they receive fair treatment under the law and encouraging new citizens’ participation in our democracy.
- Individual Rights: Protecting and defending the rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and preventing attacks that undermine those fundamental freedoms.
- The Presidency: Working to guarantee that presidential power is exercised within the constitutional framework of a dynamic balance between the three branches of government (checks and balances). Supporting the Abolition of the Electoral College, including the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact.
In addition, delegates voted to retain all current LWVUS positions in the areas of representative government, international relations, natural resources, and social policy.
Convention Actions
Election of 2026–2028 LWVUS Board of Directors, Officers, as well as the next Nominating Committee
The new President of the LWVUS Board is Dr. Sania Irwin. Dr Irwin has been a member of the LWVUS board and the LWV Education Fund Board and has a long history as a technology executive, and a community leader in Illinois. In her acceptance speech, Dr. Irwin said “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.”
Resolutions Adopted
Be it resolved the LWV:
- 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.
- Strongly supports legislation that will establish statehood for the people of the District of Columbia.
- Reaffirms the LWV declaration of a constitutional crisis, as well as efforts to hold Congress accountable for protecting the rule of law, defending the Constitution, and ending executive overreach.
- Continues to support members advocating for the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact as an acceptable interim solution until the Electoral College is replaced by the direct election of the president.
- Is deeply concerned that laws, ordinances, and policies regarding surveillance technologies 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.
Bylaws Amendments Adopted
The Convention adopted the following amendments to the League’s bylaws:
- Member Rights and Responsibilities Policy (new bylaw) – League members and leaders shall comply with the rights and responsibilities policy and shall participate in accordance with League governance standards. The League expects that members will treat others with respect and civility when participating in all League activities. Note: This language must be incorporated in the bylaws of local leagues.
- Emergency Powers (new bylaw) – In the event of an emergency that prevents convention delegates from readily assembling…the Board of Directors may declare an emergency and temporarily assume all power and authority reserved to convention delegates and the membership. Actions taken must be reported to the membership. Emergency powers shall only be effective during the identified emergency. (The By-Laws Committee explained that this was needed to protect the League in case of a catastrophic event such as a weather or health emergency, as well as other types of emergencies such as government-declared emergencies.)
- Nominating Committee (addition to existing bylaw) – a member of the nominating committee who fails to fulfill their duties and responsibilities may be removed by a majority vote of the committee, after due process.
- Budget Committee (addition to existing bylaw) – The treasurer may serve as chair of the Budget Committee. The biennial budget shall be presented for adoption at the Convention.
Position Concurrences
- LWV concurs with LWV Washington State position on Protecting the Rights of Immigrants
Summary: The League of Women Voters believes that all residents, regardless of immigration status or citizenship, should be treated with dignity and respect. This means that residents, regardless of immigration status or citizenship, should have access to essential state-funded services, have the opportunity to avail themselves of legal representation in court and immigration proceedings, and have the opportunity to live and work in safety. The League encourages all elected officials and government leaders to take action to ensure these fundamental rights. It also means that political leaders have an obligation to condemn xenophobia, discrimination, and anti-immigrant rhetoric.
- LWV concurs with the LWV of Colorado religious freedom position
Summary: The League of Women Voters of Colorado stands for the separation of church and state and religious freedom founded upon individual conscience, free of social or political influence by any state or religious body; these fundamental civil rights are threatened by religious nationalism.
LWVUS Budget
The convention adopted the 2027-2028 budget submitted by the Board. Here’s the approved budget:
Note: the budget above is the LWVUS budget that must be approved by delegates at the convention and represents the 501(c)(4) portion of the League. The LWV’s work is supported both by the convention-approved budget and the budget of the LWV Education Fund (LWVEF) which is a 501(c)(3) organization. The LWVEF Board approves the Education Fund annual budget in April. The combined budgets are based on projected revenues of about $27 million and $31.7 million in FYs 2027 and 2028 respectively.
