The League of Women Voters
of New Jersey

a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization whose purpose is to promote political responsibility
through informed and active participation in government

What's New at the LEAGUE?

News

LWVUS Convention 2010

League members from across the country came together June 11 - June 15 in Atlanta, Georgia for the 2010 LWVUS National Convention. It was an opportunity to share ideas, meet new friends, celebrate the League's 90th anniversary, and refresh our passion for the League of Women Voters. For daily action reports, plenary reports, and other convention materials click here.

Some of the New Jersey delegates with past LWVUS President, Susan Lederman (from NJ), seen here in the red jacket in the center of the photo.	LWVNJ President, Anne Maiese, assemblying the New Jersey delegates.
LWVNJ Director of Communications, Jesse Burns (with mic), participating in a panel on social media.	LWVNJ board member, Ed Gracely, leading a discussion on election transparency and voting machine integrity.
LWVNJ member, Doris Schapira, being honored for her long-time service as a UN observer.	Young professional League members gather together.

Alternative Energy for New Jersey Conference

On April 10, 2010 the League of Women Voters of New Jersey held a conference in Princeton to discuss different sources of alternative energy. Additionally, LWVNJ's Natural Resources Committee developed the Alternative Energy for New Jersey Project to educate and enlighten the public about alternative energy sources. You can read those reports and more about the conference here.

League member, Barbara Curtis (far right) reports on geothermal energy.	Conference attendees enjoying lunch.
Speakers Dr. Makhijani (left) and former Governor Florio (right) talking with Congressman Holt.	Moderator Marie Curtis taking questions for Governor Florio after his speech.

Understanding Health Care Reform: Costs, Coverage, and Care

Almost 100 people gathered at the New Jersey Hospital Conference Center in Princeton on September 12 to learn
about health care reform and participate in workshops on other League issues. The day was a huge success.

Speakers included (read their bios to find out more):

Andrew D. Hyman
David L. Knowlton
Elizabeth Ryan, Esq.
Wardell Sanders, Esq.

Handouts included:

About the Speakers
The League's Position on Health Care
League's Letter on Health Care Reform
Health Care: A Brief Glossary
8 Questions about Health Care Reform
Comparing the Health Care Plans
Additional resources provided by keynote speaker, Andrew Hyman

 

Board member Ruth Ann Mitchell and office manager Pat Thompson work the registration table.	Keynote speaker, Andrew Hyman addresses an engaged audience.
Jamie Harrison introduces the panelists.	League members enjoy a delicious lunch.
Board member Roberta Spray leads a workshop on fundraising.	Deborah Macmillan discusses the In-State Tuition Study.

Women's Equality Day

On August 26, Women's Equality Day, the League celebrated with a tour of our historic state office followed by a suffragist walk organized by the NJ Division on Women. It was a wonderful day and made us proud to be members of the League of Women Voters, such an important part of the women's suffrage movement.

Chatting over coffee at the state office	During the march, participants held signs with quotes from famous suffragists
Marching through Trenton to the State House	LWVNJ Executive Director, Anne Ruach Nicolas, reading from the Declaration of Sentiments on the State House steps

League of Women Voters of New Jersey State Convention

The League of Women Voters of New Jersey held our 58th biennial state convention, "Safeguarding Democracy", May 2 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in New Brunswick. Local League representatives and League supporters gathered to reconfirm our mission and shape the future direction of the League of Women Voters of New Jersey.

Preparing to check in over 90 registrants	League members enjoying breakfast

Thanks to the kind donations of many local Leagues, businesses, and the bids of convention attendees, the silent auction was a success!

In the morning, board members and the Executive Director gave informative reports.

League members who have registered voters stand during a report on voters service.

During the lunch ceremony, the keynote speaker, Deborah Jacobs, Executive Director of ACLU-NJ, discussed the decline of print media and it’s impact on democracy and outstanding Leagues and individuals were presented with awards.

Deborah Jacobs, luncheon keynote speaker.	Barbara Belasco, recipient of the "Distinguished Service Award" which honors one exceptional League member.

After lunch, delegates held caucuses to learn more about and debate issues to be voted on.

Towards the end of the day, board members were nominated, voted on, and elected.

Board Members: Back Row (from left) - Ruth Ann Mitchell, Kathleen Fetisoff, Ed Gracely, Anne Maiese, Roberta Spray -Front Row (from left) - Toni Zimmer, Dawn Clarke, Ann Saunders, Michelle Bobrow, Louise Murray - Not pictured - Vicki Ray, Nancy Hedinger

LWVNJ Hosts Press Conference to Announce Voter Deadlines for June Primary

League state headquarters in Trenton.	LWVNJ Executive Director, Anne Ruach Nicolas, encourages voters to become informed and participate.
Secretary of State, Nina Mitchell Wells, announces deadlines and offers registration forms and absentee ballot applications.	Public Advocate, Ronald Chen, speaks about the importance of voting.

Alternative Energy Forum Draws Large Crowd!

• New Jersey State Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula, District 17
• Lance Miller, Chief of Policy and Planning, New Jersey Board of Public Utilities
• Mike Winka, Director, New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, Office of Clean Energy - View Mike Winka's presentation
• Bill Walsh, Director, State Public Affairs, State Governmental Issues Department of Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG)
• Susan Coan, Senior Strategic Planning Manager, Atlantic City Electric
• Tom Donadio, Program Manager, Jersey Central Power & Light
• Jane Quin, Director of Customer Energy Services, Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc.

In addition to the speakers, the League of Women Voters of New Jersey Natural Resources Committee introduced the "Alternative Energy for New Jersey Project" and provided information for local leagues and individuals to get involved. Read the outline of the project and sign up to participate!

Coming soon, a transcript and video of this event. Make sure to check back! Many thanks to the sponsors of this event, PSEG, Atlantic City Electric, Rockland Electric Company, Jersey Central Power & Light, and Josh and Judy Weston.

Assemblyman Chivukula addresses a packed room.	Mike Winka and Lance Miller take questions from the audience.

LWVNJ Receives the 2008 Rutgers Award for Public Service to New Jersey

The League of Women Voters of New Jersey was awarded with the 2008 Rutgers Award for Public Service to New Jersey. The League was granted the award through a unanimous vote on behalf of Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. The League is the first organization to receive the annual award, usually reserved for individuals. The award honors those that perform a vital public service to the residents of New Jersey. Read the full press release.

Jeannine F. LaRue, Rutgers VP for Public Affairs presents the award to Anne Ruach Nicolas, LWVNJ Executive Director

Voter Protection Project: November General Election

The League state office in Trenton was packed Election Day with trained volunteers staffing the VOTEline, 1-800-792-VOTE. Our mission: to help the estimated 1,000 voters who called that day and to record official voter complaints.

League member Sandy Matsen helps a voter understand the ballot questions.	With League phone lines full, LWVNJ staff member Pat Thompson uses her cell phone to contact county election officials.

Over 40,000 palm cards with the League's voter hotline number and a Voters' Bill of Rights were distributed throughout the state.

Palm Card (English)

Palm Card (Spanish)

As part of the joint LWVNJ and ACLU-NJ Voter Protection Project, volunteers were positioned across the state including lawyers in courthouses, poll monitors outside of polling sites, and hotline intake people (some pictured below) in the League's state office. A big thank you to over 200 volunteers that were willing to be trained and work so hard on Election Day as advocates for New Jersey voters.

Volunteer Elizabeth Silverman prepares to record an official voter complaint.	Volunteer Jim Ohls looks up a polling place and directions for a voter.
LWVNJ member and volunteer Michelle Sternfeld marks a tally sheet of voters she has assisted.	Volunteer Kip Cherry listens to a voter ask about provisional ballots.

The League and the ACLU will use the information gathered from voters on Election Day to compile a report and recommendations for reform. This report will be reviewed by the New Jersey Secretary of State and New Jersey election officials. The League and ACLU will work with these offices to continue to perfect New Jersey elections.

In addition to the work on Election Day, the League also hosted a press conference with Governor Corzine, Secretary of State Wells, and Public Advocate Chen at the state office in Trenton on November 3, to help prepare voters before they headed to the polls. Television stations such as NJN, ABC, Fox and MY9, as well as many state newspapers were in attendence.

LWVNJ Executive Director, Anne Ruach Nicolas welcomes everyone to the League state office.	Outside of LWVNJ state headquarters in Trenton.
Governor Jon S. Corzine urges New Jersey residents to vote.	NJ Secretary of State, Nina Mitchell Wells offers voters advice about avoiding long lines.
New Jersey Public Advocate, Ronald Chen talks about how important one vote can be.	A shared laugh breaks the stress of working very long hours to safegaurd New Jersey elections.

Past Voter Protection Efforts

LWVNJ Fall Workshops, "It's All About Voting", A Hit!

Over 70 people came out to Rutgers University on Saturday, September 13th for a day of learning and exploring voting in New Jersey.

A full house listens intently to the speakers.	Moderator, Sandy Matsen, Introduces Robert Giles, Director of NJ Division of Elections.
New Jersey Division of Elections Director, Robert Giles, addresses the audience.	New Jersey Assemblywoman Linda Greenstein addresses the audience.
Sussex County Election Officials demonstrate voting machines.	LWVNJ President, Anne Maiese, conducts a workshop on League membership.

Camden County LWV Wins Award

  © 1997-2005   League of Women Voters of New Jersey. All rights reserved.
View our privacy policy, and contact our webmaster with any questions about this site.