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| The Voter |
June 2026 |
| Empowering Voters and Defending Democracy for over 85 years | | President's Message
Jill Torbert, President
I thoroughly enjoyed being a Girl Scout as a young girl. I loved singing around the campfire, working on projects, learning new things and exploring with friends. There was the troop camaraderie, of course, but there was also a sense of accomplishment and purpose to our activities.
One song we always sang when we gathered in the evenings for a campfire was Make New Friends. As I meet new League members or build relationships with new community partners, I am often reminded of the lyrics.
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Take Action
Ban Partisan Gerrymandering
In August 2025, Texas enacted new Congressional district boundaries, which began a spate of redistricting efforts in other states. More recently, the US Supreme Court's ruling in Louisiana v. Callais is leading to increased gerrymandering around the country.
Government does not choose its voters; voters choose their government! U.S. House elections will take place in November 2026 and we must tell elected officials how best to represent us.
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Take Action
No More Money for ICE and CBP
After the Senate's continued work on its version of the reconciliation package to allocate billions of additional dollars to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), they were unable to pass the bill before recessing for Memorial Day.
There is now more time to demand that Congress stop funding attacks on historically marginalized communities and reject more funding for ICE and CBP.
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Community Education on Child Welfare
Lauren Bick, Program & Advocacy Committee
Educating citizens on issues impacting our community is an important part of the Program & Advocacy committee's work. On April 7th, LWVSA’s Speaker Series presented findings from the Program & Advocacy Committee’s research on child welfare. The presentation was followed by an engaging question-and-answer session with attendees.
To learn more about their findings, conclusions and the committee’s future directions READ MORE. |
League Prioritizes Focal Issues for 2026-27
Diann Andy, VP Emeritus, Program and Advocacy
Each year, LWVSA members approve program priorities for the following year. The Program and Advocacy Committee use these priorities to focus research and community education efforts; update program positions; and gather up-to-date facts to support local and state advocacy efforts. For FY 2026-27 the following priority issues were proposed and adopted at this year's LWVSA Annual Meeting:
- Voting & Elections
- Immigration Detention Centers
- Artificial Intelligence & Data Centers
READ MORE to learn what questions committee members seek to answer with their research and how you may join their Research and Advocacy efforts. | | |
Volunteer Training for Members
Alene Lindley, VP Community Outreach
If you're interested in learning how to reach out effectively to potential voters, please join League volunteers at an upcoming community outreach training session on June 3rd at 6:00 pm. Experienced LWVSA volunteers will explain how to set up events, engage with future voters and demonstrate what resources the League offers to voters.
Click HERE for more details and to register | | |  | | We Need YOU
Alene Lindley, VP Community Outreach
The League is a 100% volunteer supported organization. We're currently seeking help for voter registration events at our public libraries and for other upcoming events.
Please view LWVSA's Events calendar and sign up to help at a date and time convenient for you. |
Help Prepare Voters Guide for November Election
Molly Neck and Toni Romero, Voter Services and Voters Guide
LWVSA’s Voter Services committee plays an important role in empowering voters to participate in elections and make informed decisions. In preparation for the upcoming November election, Voter Services is looking for volunteers to help. The committee will host a virtual meeting on June 24 at 5:30 pm.
If you’re passionate about voter education and civic engagement, READ MORE to learn the specifics of this committee’s work and what talents they need on their team.
| | | | Member Spotlight
President Elect Katie Brown
In the summer of 2013, the military brought my family to San Antonio, and we fell in love with the community and decided to stay. I have been a “professional volunteer” for almost thirty years. I have done a little bit of everything in that time. Initially my volunteer activities focused on my children and their activities: faith formation, scouts, PTA, and band boosters.
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Conducting Business and Hosting Mayor Ortiz-Jones
On Saturday, May 16, the League of Women Voters San Antonio (LWVSA) convened their annual meeting. Led by President Jill Torbert, members conducted the League's annual business, including passage of the 2026-27 budget, election of new Board members and a presentation from Mayor Ortiz-Jones on such relevant topics as voting rights advocacy, public health concerns and the federal government's recent purchase of a warehouse to serve as an immigration facility. The League continues to practice responsible stewardship of its resources and to maintain a balanced budget, which has grown steadily along with its membership.
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Every Member and Membership Makes a Difference
President Elect Katie Brown
We started this League year with 221 members, and we are now 295 members strong! Our membership goal for this year is 350 members. You are our best ambassadors. Please help us reach our goal by inviting a friend to become a member. To hear about other awesome goals the League achieved this year READ MORE.
| | | | Public Meeting
Data Centers in Local Watershed
Are you curious about how data centers affect water quality and electricity usage? On June 25 at 1:00 pm, the Texas Water Resources Institute is holding a public meeting to help educate residents on resources and opportunities related to data centers. This expert-led panel discussion will include representatives from Medina County, the Edwards Aquifer Authority, Medina County water suppliers and the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance.
| | | People Power Summer
Good Trouble Lives On and LWV Day of Action
Summer may not have officially begun, but planning for the People Power Summer has! On Saturday, July 18, during the Good Trouble Lives On Weekend of Action, the League of Women Voters, together with many community partners, will celebrate the life of John Lewis by holding a teach-in on voting rights. This event will be followed with a day of action in August! No experience necessary, but a willingness to make a difference is! Watch for details in the July and August LWVSA announcements, newsletter, website and social media.
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Author Highlights Citizen Formation
Denise Gross, Development
Mark your calendar for LWVSA's fundraiser luncheon, Oct. 20, 2026. It will be an inspiring afternoon of community and conversation in support of the League’s work to empower voters and defend democracy.
Click HERE for sponsorship and ticket information. | | | The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization that does not support or oppose any political party or candidate.
LWV of the San Antonio Area • PO Box 12811 • San Antonio TX 78212 • 210-657-2206 | |