- For an overview of LWVGB projects, goals and accomplishments, also see past issues of The Voter, LWVGB's newsletter.
- Visit this page to view the news archive for other years.
- See the LWVGB home page for the most recent news.
Party Primary Runoff Elections
TUESDAY, JULY 14
Check your registration status NOW
even if you think you are properly registered!
PRIMARY RUNOFF ELECTION DEADLINES
- Monday, June 29 - Voter registration deadline.
You can register or update your registration information online if you have a current, valid Alabama driver license. Or download a registration application for mailing, or get a registration application at the Registrar's Office, a local public library, DMV office, or many public assistance offices. - Thursday, July 9 - Last day for voter to make application for an absentee ballot.
IMPORTANT: If you need an absentee ballot, don't wait! Apply NOW! The Registrar's Office is expected to receive many applications during this time of COVID19. Apply a.s.a.p. to insure that you receive your ballot in time. Mail the application (or personally hand deliver) to your county's Absentee Election Manager. You must include a copy of your valid photo voter ID with your absentee ballot application. You must check one of the accepted reasons to vote absentee. If you think it is impossible or unreasonable to vote in person at your polling place (for example, if you fear that you may contract or spread COVID19 if you go to the polls in person on July 14), you may legally check this reason for requesting an absentee ballot: "I have a physical illness or infirmity which prevents my attendance at the polls. [ID Required]". This is considered a valid reason even if you are not ill at this time. - Monday, July 13 - Last day for voter to hand-deliver or postmark an absentee ballot.*
- TUESDAY, JULY 14 - ELECTION DAY!
Take valid photo voter ID to the polls. You cannot be denied the right to vote. You can vote a "provisional ballot" if your name is not on the roll or if you do not have valid photo voter ID or for any other reason. BUT in order for your vote to count, BE SURE you are at the right polling place for the residence at which you are registered to vote. You will have to report to the courthouse by Friday, July 17 with proof that your vote should count (for example, proof of residency or valid photo voter ID). To avoid this hassle, try your very best to vote a regular ballot rather than a provisional ballot.
Report an election issue by calling: - 1-866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683)
- 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA (en Español)
- 1-888-API-VOTE (Asian multilingual assistance)
- 1-844-YALLA-US (Arabic)
Other sources of Alabama election information:
- Vote411.org - The League's online voter guide, to register or update your registration, see who is on your ballot, see ballot measures (amendment proposals) on your ballot, find your polling place, check your registration status, and much more. It's your source for answers to all your election questions! (See the widget below!)
- Alabama Votes - Election information from the Secretary of State
- Alabama Electronic Fair Campaign Practices Act (FCPA) Reporting System - Follow the money! Campaign reports for candidates and PACs
NOTE: If you voted in a party primary on March 3rd, you may only vote in that same party's primary runoff on July 14. If you did not vote on March 3rd, you may vote in either party's runoff election. (FYI, in the General Election in November, you may vote for anyone in either party or write in your own choice of candidate, regardless of how or if you voted in the Party Primary Election or Party Primary Runoff Election.)
Tyone Williams, Sr. has passed.
We send our deepest sympathy to Tyrone's family. He will be greatly missed by his friends in the League.
Welcome, LWVGB Board and Nominating Committee
We are please to announce the following Board of Directors, newly-elected by the LWVGB membership. Thank you for your service to the League of Women Voters and to the citizens of Greater Birmingham.
- President: Leonette Slay (2020-2021)
- Vice President: Dana Ellis (2020-2021)
- Secretary: Jennifer Sanders (2020-2021)
- Treasurer: Leslie O'Neil (2020-2022)
- Nancy Sales (2019-2021)*
- Cindy Lowry (2020-2022)
- Brooke Adams (2020-2022)
- Jan Colson (2020-2022)
The following were elected to the Nominating Committee.
- Michael O'Donnell, Chair
- Jean Johnson
A third Nominating Committee member will be appointed by the LWVGB Board of Directors.
"You Matter! Be Counted!"
UPDATE
Dr. Carl F. Hill, Sr.,
LWVGB Social Justice Director
Rev. Perry Macon,
Census Partnership Specialist,
U.S. Department of Commerce
Thank you, Rev. Macon for a very informative "You Matter! Be Counted!" teleconference to discuss the 2020 Census and to Dr. Hill for guiding us in the meeting!
Listen to the audio recording of "You Count! Be Counted!". We apologize that the beginning of this discussion was not recorded. IN that segment, Rev. Macon shared the purpose and history of the U.S. Census and why the census is so important.
- By mail - Look for your mailed questionnaire
- By phone - Call 1-844-330-2020, or
- Online - Go to https://my2020census.gov/
The 2020 Census is a count of everyone living in the United States on April 1st, which this year is National Census Day. The Constitution of the United States of America mandates that we take a Census once every ten years. “Please respond when you receive your census questionnaire whether online, by phone, or mail,” said Reverend Perry Macon, Partnership Specialist with the U.S. Department of Commerce, as he addressed a community of persons during a 2020 Census Forum held on National Census Day via teleconference by The League of Women Voters of Greater Birmingham through its Social Justice Director, Dr. Carl F. Hill, Sr.
Why do we have a census? Why should we complete the census form? The Forum highlighted that an accurate count of the population determines how many seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives and informs decisions on funding for critical public services in our communities. Simply stated, completing a census helps shape our future. Reverend Perry Macon informed the group that, currently, only 31% of persons in Jefferson County have competed their census form.
The 2020 Census is open for self-response online at 2020Census.gov, over the phone by calling the number provided in your invitation, and by paper through the mail.
The League of Women Voters of Greater Birmingham, currently under the leadership of Atty. Ida Tyree- Hyche Hill, strongly encourages persons to be trusted voices in our communities by playing a vital role in raising awareness that the 2020 Census is easy, safe, and important. “Being counted, or taking a Census, has been a practice for centuries,” said President Tyree-Hyche Hill. “At the turn of the first century, the Roman Empire took a census; likely, for the same reason government continues to take a census: to shape many different aspects of every community, no matter the size, no matter the location.”
The United States Census 2020 encourages persons to use the Census ID from their invitation or provide their address when they respond. Then, please make sure your friends, family and social networks know about the importance of responding and encourage them to complete their census. Reverend Macon stated that “responding now will minimize the need for a census taker to follow up and visit your home later this year.”
Households that have not responded online or by phone will receive a paper questionnaire on or about April 8-16.
This event is now scheduled as a
TELECONFERENCE!
Share the "You Matter! Be Counted" Facebook event.
Print and distribute the "You Matter! Be Counted" flyer.
April 1 is National Census Day! What does an accurate Census count mean for Alabama citizens? Funding for hospitals and health clinics, fire departments, education, infrastructure, our representation in Congress, and more is riding on this. Learn more at the "You Matter! Be Counted!" public teleconference forum led by Dr. Carl Hill, Sr. and Forum Speaker Mr. Perry Macon, Dept. of Commerce, Census Bureau Partnership Specialist. Join us on April 1, 2020, 1:45 - 3:00 pm.
NOTE: The health and safety of our members and the public are of utmost importance. Due to COVID-19 concerns and the need for social distancing, this event has been CHANGED TO A TELECONFERENCE. *
Call (712) 770-4598
Access Code: 649434
#CountMeIn #GetOutTheCount
* This forum was previously scheduled as a live event to be held at Zion Star Missionary Baptist Church, 254 Third Ave. SW, Birmingham, AL 35211.
Thank you for voting, Alabama!
Save the date!
Party Primary RUNOFF Elections have been rescheduled for Tuesday, July 14.
Go here for unofficial state and county election results.
Register or update your voter registration information.
ELECTION CALENDAR - PRIMARY RUNOFF ELECTION — JULY 14, 2020
- June 29 - Voter registration deadline.
- July 9 - Last day for voter to make application for an absentee ballot.
- July 13 - Last day for voter to hand-deliver or postmark an absentee ballot.*
If you voted in a party primary on March 3rd, you may only vote in that same party's primary runoff on July 14. If you did not vote on March 3rd, you may vote in either party's runoff election. (FYI, in the General Election in November, you may vote for anyone in either party or write in your own choice of candidate, regardless of how or if you voted in the Party Primary Election or Party Primary Runoff Election.)
Voter Registration Volunteer Workshop
Thanks to all who turned out to our voter registration workshop at the Homewood Public Library on Feb. 27, 2020! About 20 learned how to help register citizens to vote and answer their election questions or voting rights restoration questions. It was free and open to the public. League membership not required.
We're doing this again on Monday, March 9 at the Law Offices of Travis Law, LLC, 1027 23rd Street South, Birmingham, AL 35205. Please RSVP to Nancy Sales, Voter Services Co-chair, at voter-registration@lwvgb.org or 205-613-6569 if you would like to attend.
Need voter registration help now? Try our "Voter Registration Resources and Tools".
LWVGB Voter Registration
We are hosting this voter registration with Communication Workers of America and others at the
Poor People's Campaign Moral March
Monday March 2, 2020, 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Linn Park
710 20th Street, North
Birmingham, AL 35203
To volunteer contact Nancy Sales, Voter Services Co-chair, at voter-registration@lwvgb.org or 205-613-6569
League of Women Voters Centennial Anniversary and National Day of Service
As we look to a vibrant future on the threshold of our next 100 years, the League is excited that dedicated members in our community continue to steadily attract significant numbers of activists who share the League’s commitment to Making Democracy Work. We pledge as always to empower voters and defend democracy. We invite you to join us in this effort.
See below for some of the events we have planned and stay tuned for more celebration events!
Girls ROCK the Vote!
On Saturday, January 25, 2020, many young women and girls came to "Girls ROCK the Vote!" at the Vulcan Park and Museum, 1701 Valley View Dr, Birmingham, AL 35209 to tour the "Right or Privilege? Alabama Women and the Vote" exhibit and to learn about women's suffrage movement in Alabama!
These young ladies are getting engaged in democracy at an early age. When they reach 18 they will be ready to vote! LWVGB was proud to co-sponsor this celebration of the Women's Suffrage movement along with National Coalition of 100 Black Women Birmingham Metro Chapter, and Girl Scouts Service Unit 270!
GIRLS, YOU ROCK!!
See all the photos!
Holiday Luncheon
UPDATE:
On December 6, 2019, the LWVGB held its annual Holiday Luncheon. In addition to renewing friendships and making new acquaintances, League members and guests were privileged to hear from guest speaker Dr. Valerie Burnes, Associate Professor of History at the University of West Alabama. Dr. Burnes spoke on "The Fight for Women's Suffrage in Alabama." This historic struggle is most relevant as we approach the centennial year of both the founding of the League of Women Voters (Feb. 14, 1920) and the ratification of the 19th Amendment (Aug. 18, 1920). Her address focused on the tireless work of these notable Alabama women:
• Emera Frances Griffin (1890-1905, from Wetumpka, AL)
• Adella Hunt Logan (1863-1915, from Tuskegee, AL)
• Pattie Ruffner Jacobs (1875-1935, from Birmingham, AL)
• Hattie Hooker Wilkins (1875-1949, from Selma, AL)
We thank Dr. Burnes for a very informative and entertaining presentation as she brought these women and the struggle of their times to life. The luncheon was held at Rojo Restaurant at 2921 Highland Ave South, Birmingham, AL 35205.
See video of Dr. Burnes's presentation at
https://bit.ly/2RBKCMy
See photos at
https://bit.ly/2RuZPPK
Annual LWVGB
Holiday Luncheon
11:30 AM to 1:00 PM
Buffet at Rojo Restaurant
2921 Highland Ave S
Birmingham, AL 35205
"The Fight for Women's Suffrage in Alabama"
Presented by Guest Speaker
Dr. Valerie Burnes,
Associate Professor of History,
University of West Alabama
(Read about Dr. Burnes.)
Due to space limitations, at this time the Holiday Luncheon is reserved for LWVGB members and their guests only. Not a member? If you are at least 16 years old, we welcome your membership. Join the League today! (Check our calendar often for other LWVGB events. Most are open to the public.)
Reservation deadline for this event is November 29th.
Make your reservation soon!
Earn While You Learn: Transformative Pathways to a Career
UPDATE: Thanks to all who turned out for this program! Did you miss it? The video is now available on YouTube.
See the Facebook Event. Invite friends, too!
Get a flyer to share in your community.
Lawson State Community College *
3060 Wilson Road, SW
Birmingham, AL 35221
Learn about these apprenticeship programs:
- Community College Career and Technical Apprenticeship Programs
Presented by Natalie English, Director of the Career and Technical Education Alabama Community College System - Apprenticeship Programs Registered with the U.S. Department of Labor
Presented by Craig Francis and Jacob Epperson, Representatives of the Central Alabama Building Trades
This program is free and open to the public.
* In the Thelma Caitlin Auditorium located in the campus library on the West Campus across from the baseball field. (See Building D, Number 6 on this map.) A sign inside the front doors of the library will direct you to the auditorium.
Thank you, LWVGB Members, guests, and all citizens for attending "The State of Recycling in Birmingham, Alabama"
This program was live-streamed on Facebook and is available for viewing here or on YouTube here.
See the Facebook event.
Download the flyer.
On Tuesday, October 8, 2019, 6:30 - 8:00 PM, LWVGB members and friends discussed "The State of Recycling in Birmingham, Alabama" with Leigh Shaffer. Shaffer is Sales Manager of Birmingham Recycling and Recovery and on the Alabama Recycling Coalition Board of Directors. Birmingham Recycling and Recovery (BRR) is a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) where residential and commercial recycling is dumped, separated, baled, and shipped to regional markets who use recycled commodities as feedstock for their products. Leigh’s job includes customer service, sales, logistics, education and outreach, and bookkeeping.
This meeting was held at the Homewood Public Library, 1721 Oxmoor Road, Homewood, AL 35209. We thank the Homewood Public Library for providing this outstanding site and for serving as co-host of the event. The meeting, free and open to the public, was well attended by members and guests who were interested in learning about the status of recycling in our community and its impact on the environment.
The Fight for Gender Equality
In 2020, we will celebrate the centennial of #womenssuffrage and the founding of the League of Women Voters. That has not meant gender equality for all. In case you missed it, see this article, "7 Women of Color Who Fought for Gender Equality" published by the AAUW. It shares the struggles of women who led (and some who continue to lead) this fight.
Thank you for attending the LWVGB's Annual Membership Celebration!
We enjoyed seeing League friends and welcoming so many new friends! We'll post photos soon. Thank you again to Jayme Rotch and City Club Birmingham for your warm hospitality and offer of Club membership to our members!
Special Invitation for all members of the
League of Women Voters of Greater Birmingham
LWVGB Member’s Cocktail Reception and Meet and Greet
Hosted by The City Club Birmingham and
The Greater Birmingham League of Women Voters
Please make your reservation by Monday, Sept. 9. See details below.
City Club Birmingham
(atop Regions-Harbert Plaza Building, 31st floor)
1901 6th Avenue North
Birmingham, AL 35203
Thursday, September 12
5:30pm-7:00pm
Complimentary Parking is available in the
Regions-Harbert Plaza Parking Garage.
LWVGB Members, bring your friends to City Club Birmingham on September 12, and let's celebrate our league accomplishments over cocktails and hors d'oeuvres! This very popular annual event is the perfect time and place to introduce your friends to the League of Women Voters. City Club Birmingham is hosting the LWVGB once again. Who will you invite?
As a bonus, City Club Birmingham is offering a fantastic club membership special to our members. The City Club Birmingham Board of Governors has approved a special invitation to join the Club for all members of the Greater Birmingham League of Women Voters. With this preferred invitation, The Board has approved a full waiver of the Club’s current $500.00 Initiation Fee. These preferred memberships are limited and are being made available to you through September 12, 2019! Upon joining, The City Club will like to provide you with a “warm welcome,” FREE DUES for ONE MONTH! To learn more about this invitation, or visit The City Club please contact Jayme E. Rotch at 205.252.0088 or jayme.rotch@clubcorp.com.
Come to the top of the Magic City and enjoy networking while experiencing Birmingham’s Best Kept Secret! Please RSVP by Monday, September 9 to jayme.rotch@clubcorp.com or 205.252.0088 ext. 2437!
Note: Although this is a free, private event for LWVGB members and their guests, anyone age 16 or older, man or woman, is welcomed to join the LWVGB and attend. Join today at https://lwvgb.org/about/join/ If you would like to attend this event to learn more about LWVGB and possibly join later, send email to admin@lwvgb.org and let us know of your interest. Hope to see you on Sept. 12th at City Club Birmingham!
Rural Health: At Risk in Alabama
Many thanks to Curtis James, former president and CEO of St. Vincent's Hospital in Birmingham, for informing the public and our members about the health crisis for hospitals and citizens in rural Alabama. Thanks also to the great staff at Daniel Payne Community Plaza for facilitating this meeting. We will soon share his slideshow presentation. The recorded live-stream video of Mr. James's presentation on August 20, 2019 is now available for viewing on YouTube. We look forward to the opening soon of his new Thomasville Hospital. We congratulate Mr. James and his wife and partner Jolene James, in the near completion of this hospital offering much needed health services to Clarke Co. and southwest Alabama.
