Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy.
| | The Voter
The official newsletter of the
League of Women Voters of Piedmont, CA.
Vol. 37, Issue 12 | July 10, 2026
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July 2026 with the
LWV of Piedmont!
In this issue:
- A Message From Our President
- Voter Information
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Mark Your Calendars!
- Unite and Rise 8.5
- Civics in Action
- Reminder
- Weekly Virtual "Lunch with the League"
- Photos from our League's Activities
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A Message From Our President
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Dear LWV of Piedmont Members and Friends,
We hosted our June Annual Meeting in Piedmont and welcomed two new board members, Program Director Jennifer Giessler and Member at Large Allison Knapp. Attendees enjoyed a "fireside chat" with City Councilmember and LWV California (LWVC) Co-President, Lorrel Plimier and delicious refreshments thanks to our wonderful bakers and volunteers. Thank you to Linda McClain, Winifred Walters, Allison Knapp, and Jennifer Nixon for arriving early to set up for our meeting, Kathleen Quenneville (MC) and all the the members who attended.
From June 25th to June 28th, LWVP Board Secretary, Tanya Vawter and I attended the 57th Biennial LWV National Convention in Columbus, Ohio as delegates representing our League. LWVC Co-President and Piedmont City Council Member, Lorrel Plimier, also attended the convention along with 800+ others from around the country. We gathered to vote on LWV United States (LWVUS) bylaw amendments, the budget, priorities for the biennium, and incoming LWVUS Board of Directors. We enjoyed trainings, networking, presentations, and local activities. Please scroll to the bottom for photos and more information from the convention.
A small, but mighty, contingent of League members and friends walked in Piedmont's 4th of July Parade this past Saturday to celebrate "Independence Day the Piedmont Way". Thank you, Kathleen Quenneville, Lianne Campodonico, Lois Corrin, Allison Knapp, Steve and Tanya Vawter, Jim and Linda McClain, Nancy Beninati, Lorrel Plimier, and Jim Gardner for joining us. Also, we thank the tireless volunteer parade organizers, City of Piedmont and the Piedmont Recreation Department for hosting a wonderful parade. League, let's look forward to joining next year! Please scroll to the bottom to enjoy photos from the day.
Finally, join the League of Women Voters and our partners as we host nationwide days of civic action in honor of the anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Learn about, and consider participating in, local events we're supporting in the Mark Your Calendars section below!
In League, and on behalf of the Board,
Lisa Gardner
President, League of Women Voters of Piedmont
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Piedmonters can register to vote on the website of the California Secretary of State HERE or with Alameda County HERE . To find out what is going to be on your ballot, and check your registration, you can go to www.vote411.org .
As the general election primary election day--November 3, 2026--nears, these sources will have updated information about voting by mail and/or polling places near you.
| | | | VOLUNTEER WITH US
We are an all volunteer organization with "jobs" that range from once in a while tasks, like tabling for events or programming coordination, to full year positions.
We currently have these volunteer roles, which can be done with a friend, ready to be filled:
- VP of Membership
- Program Committee Member: Join a group of fun, passionate volunteers to make a difference in our community through curated events.
For more information, please contact Lisa Gardner today by email at Lgardner555@gmail.com or by phone 510-867-9221.
YOUTHS: We are registered to provide volunteer service hours. Students who would like to collaborate with the League of Women Voters for events, volunteerism, or to interview a Board Member, please send an email request to President, Lisa Gardner, AND include one parent or guardian in the email, at LWVPiedmont@gmail.com.
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LWV of California Events
Stay connected with other Leagues in California and their events HERE.
| | |  | | The League of Women Voters is a proud partner of the John Lewis inspired Good Trouble Lives On!
What is "Good Trouble Lives On?"
Six years after the passing of Congressman Lewis, we must continue the fight for voting rights with “Good Trouble Lives On Weekend of Action (GTLO).”
Coined by civil rights icon Congressman John Lewis, “Good Trouble” is the act of coming together to take peaceful, non-violent action to challenge injustice. The power of collective non-violent action resulted in the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and we must maintain that same collective action to fight for voting rights today.
This year’s weekend of action will honor the legacy of Congressman John Lewis and carry the torch of the civil rights movement by doing what Lewis loved most – organizing, educating, and taking action.
Why Now?
We’re witnessing a Jim-Crow era effort from politicians and their billionaire friends to restrict our freedoms and silence Black and Brown communities to consolidate their power.
This past year, politicians in Congress and in state legislatures have pushed anti-voter bills, and following the Supreme Court’s disastrous decision to gut the Voting Rights Act, state legislatures across the South are forcing through racist maps designed to stifle Black and Brown voting power, because they know, our country is strongest when voters show up, speak out, and exercise our power.
In the spirit of Congressman John Lewis, we must teach the public about what is happening, then reach out to our community members and preach about our movement across religions.
|  | | League of Women Voters Town Hall
Join the League of Women Voters August 8th in Berkeley to protect and expand The VRA, and to demand our elected officials stand up against the rising wave of segregation. Afterwards join us to call communities in California encouraging them to get involved and expand democracy. Lets work together to make democracy work for us.
Register for this event HERE.
Location:
UC Berkeley Student Union: Martin Luther King Jr. Building
2495 Bancroft Way
E. Paulsey Ballroom
Berkeley, CA 94720
MAP
| | |  | | The League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley is co-hosting a
Unite & Rise for Voting Rights Day of Action
with the
National Council of Negro Women Alameda Section,
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and
Omega Upsilon Omega Chapter
The August 9 LWVDV Day of Action commemorates the anniversary of the Voting Rights Act (VRA). If you are interested in learning about how the Supreme Court's Callais decision weakened Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, see this LWV article.
There will be a brief educational overview about the VRA and discussion about the current electoral challenges we face. Participants will also hear personal stories about how voting affects our lives and our communities, and have the opportunity to engage in Get Out the Vote activities.
The event will start at 3 pm in the Oak Room, on the second floor. Access the elevator from the main entrance (off the parking lot) or from the underground parking. We will move outside for Get Out the Vote activities.
Register for this event HERE or RSVP here: janet@lwvdv.org
LOCATION:
Walnut Creek Library, Oak Room (2nd floor)
1644 N Broadway
Walnut Creek California 94595
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WNBA Basketball: LWVC Night at Chase Center!
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Join the League at Center Court!
Monday, August 17, 2026 at 7:00pm
Chase Center, San Francisco
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The League of Women Voters of California invites you to a thrilling night of WNBA action as the Golden State Valkyries take on the Dallas Wings. Enjoy the game with fellow members, exclusive perks, and a chance to support the League!
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Game Day Details
Date: Monday, August 17, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Chase Center, 1 Warriors Wy, San Francisco, CA 94158
Happy Hour: Open to everyone from 5:00-6:30 PM at Splash Sports Bar (191 Warriors Way)
Exclusive League Benefits
- Courtside Access: Watch the teams warm up from the floor before the game time.
- Preferred Seating: Sit with the League in Sections, 216, 222-225, and 201-203.
- Game Highlights: Look for League messaging on the Jumbotron and scoreboard
Tickets are $100 (fees waived) and include a $50 tax-deductible donation to the LWV California.
NOTE: This game is projected to sell out! Secure your seats by July 16th, 2026 to lock in this special offer.
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How to Purchase:
- Visits the Valkyries Ticket Portal HERE.
- In "Filters", use the promo code: leagueofwomenvoters.
- Select your seat(s) in Section 216, 222-225, and 201-203.
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Please secure your tickets by July 16th!
Questions or need help securing your tickets? Contact us at lwvc@lwvc.org.
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In the September 1st, 2025 issue of The Voter, we explained the LWV-US Unite and Rise 8.5 movement. The goal is to motivate 8.5 million Americans to take nonviolent action in support of our democracy.
Continuing with a A People Powered Summer! JULY's Unite and Rise 8.5 theme is:
Volunteer and Leadership Activation, Voter Protection, and Mass Mobilization.
Our main focus this month will be to encourage our Piedmont League members and friends to register and show up for a nationwide Day of Action for Voter's Rights event near you. Grab a friend or family member, join us and volunteer with a group of people committed to defending democracy, empowering voters and building community!
Check out this short informative video about Unite and Rise 8.5 courtesy of the League of Women Voters of Austin Area and find ways to support Unite and Rise 8.5 in our community.
For more information, go to www.lwv.org/uniteandrise and commit to being a part of this vital initiative for democracy.
YOUTHS: We are registered to provide volunteer service hours.
Students who would like to collaborate with the League of Women Voters for events, volunteerism, or to interview a Board Member, please send an email request to President, Lisa Gardner, AND include one parent or guardian in the email, at LWVPiedmont@gmail.com. | | |  |  | | 2026 Civics in Action Awardee
Abigail Jacoby
Every year a graduating student is chosen as our Civics in Action Award recipient. This year are pleased to announce awardee, Abigail Jacoby.
Here is a message from Abigail: "Hi, I'm Abigail Jacoby, a Piedmont High School Class of 2026 graduate. Throughout high school, I've engaged with civic issues through the YMCA Youth & Government program, California Girls State, community advocacy, and some volunteer work with the League of Women Voters as part of the YOUTH DECIDE program. I served as president of Piedmont High School's Gender and Sexuality Alliance and worked with my principal as chair of the School Site Council to help represent student voices in school decision-making. Some of my interests include public service, government, and law. More recreationally, I enjoy water polo, reading, spending time with friends and family, and slowly learning guitar. I am excited to follow a path of civic engagement into college at the United States Naval Academy. I am grateful for the opportunities I've had to become involved in civic engagement through high school, and I look forward to continuing a path of public service in the years ahead.”
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Join or Renew Your LWVP Membership!
Continue your commitment to empowering voters and defending democracy by joining or renewing your membership with the League. The new system, through LWVUS, allows you to pay what you want (with a minimum of $20), and to set up auto-renewal. Membership lasts for one year after joining or renewal (on a rolling basis). To renew, please click HERE.
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Weekly Virtual “Lunch with the League”
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Join us for a weekly virtual lunch date with LWV of Piedmont, President Lisa Gardner. Come learn about our plans, discover opportunities to get involved, share your ideas for events, activities, or projects, or chat local, state, national or global politics!
Registration is required.
Drop in for a bit or stay for the whole hour. Tuesdays, 12-1pm. Zoom registration HERE
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Photos From Our League's Activities
| June 2026 Annual Meeting
We welcomed two new board members, Program Director Jennifer Giessler and Member at Large Allison Knapp, hosted a "fireside chat" with City Councilmember and LWVC Co-President, Lorrel Plimier, and enjoyed delicious refreshments thanks to our wonderful bakers and volunteers.
Thank you to Linda McClain, Winifred Walters, Allison Knapp, and Jennifer Nixon for arriving early to set up for our meeting, Kathleen Quenneville (MC) and all the the members who attended.
|  | A Fireside Chat with Our Leadership
LWVC Co-President and Piedmont City Councilmember Lorrel Plimier (left) and LWV Piedmont President, Lisa Gardner shared a "fireside chat" with members. |
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We welcomed Jennifer Giessler as our New Program Director
As a Hospitality and Volunteer Coordinator, Jennifer brings a lifelong passion for community building and meaningful connection. She previously worked in the Recreation & Parks field, developing programs for all ages, from preschoolers to seniors. Her experiences living in diverse communities and connecting with people from many walks of life have shaped her belief that everyone wants to feel respected, heard, and safe. Jennifer is excited to use her programming and event-planning background to create engaging opportunities that educate, inspire, and foster connection among members and the broader community.
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We welcomed Allison Knapp as a New Member at Large
A graduate of the University of Oregon, Allison (above right) works in education for Tech & Learning Magazine as an Account Director. Passionate about democracy, she joined the league last year and jumped right in to table for the Piedmont Adult Recreation Expo, volunteered for our No Kings event as a Peacekeeper and walked in this year's 4th of July parade with us!
Thank you for joining us, Jennifer and Allison!
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League of Women Voters of the United States
2026 National Convention
LWVP Board Secretary, Tanya Vawter and President Lisa Gardner attended the 57th Biennial LWV National Convention in Columbus, Ohio as delegates representing our League. LWVC Co-President and Piedmont City Council Member, Lorrel Plimier, also attended the convention along with 800+ others from around the country.
Photo above: LWV of California Delegates gather between plenary sessions.
To see more photos from LWVUS Flickr account, please go HERE.
|  | Lovely Leaguers! |
 | The Voter Girl Project! |
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 | Reimagine Democracy!
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 | Life of the Party!
LWV Arkansas |
 | LWV California Delegates!
LWVC Co-President, Lorrel Plimier and
LWV Piedmont Delegates, Lisa Gardner (President) and Tanya Vawter (Secretary) at your service! |
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 | Caffeine and Democracy?
Yes, please!
LWV Ohio's Coffee |
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 | | Criss-Cross Apple Sauce!
Who needs chairs when we can STAND or GET DOWN to
Photo credit to Rae Holloway-Collins of Purple Star Photography.
|  | A Favorite Slide!
From a presentation about reaching younger voters. | | |
| The LWV Piedmont Joined the 4th of July Parade
"Independence Day the Piedmont Way"
League, let's look forward to joining next year! |  | Member at Large
Lois Corrin |
 | Defending Democracy! |
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 | We keep on marching forward... |
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We're social. Connect with us!
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