The Voter: August 2016
League: A Safe Haven from the Political Storm
by Sarah Skinner, VP Programming
Growing up, I was always told that politics weren’t considered a polite topic of conversation. And my experiences with political discussions seemed to support that. Every time people I knew talked about elections and politicians, they would get mad, and sometimes things would get downright ugly. So as an adult, I tended to avoid politics…completely. Simply put, I ignored politics altogether; I didn’t even vote. While it wasn’t the wisest decision, and certainly not the most responsible in terms of civic duty, I believed it was easier than dealing with all of the polarized conflicts of harsh words and hurt feelings.
And then I discovered the League of Women Voters.
To say that political conversations in the League are different is an understatement. In the League, political discussions are nice. Members are rational, polite, and considerate of each other’s perspectives. The League takes no “sides”; it studies, it researches. It looks only at the facts and respects them. In the League, talking about politics is safe.
The 2016 election cycle has already been a complete circus, and the show is nowhere near over. Many people who never paid much attention to politics before are now looking to get involved, but are finding the climate both uninviting and uninformative. Now, more than ever, people who want to be involved but are turned off by the constant negativity need a safe place to get their political bearings.
Each of us has an opportunity this year to demonstrate how the League approaches politics differently. We should take every chance to engage people in civil conversations, to invite people to our Programs. Now, more than ever, the League needs to be that safe haven for political conversation. All it requires is for us to continue being ourselves
Dates to Remember:
August 26 - 9:30 am Equal Means Equal FREE movie Danbarry Cinema
September 13 - 7:00 pm League Get-together Steiner’s Speakeasy
September 20 - 6:00 pm Election Mayhem Main Library Annex
September 27 National Voter Registration Day
October 1 – 3:00 pm Ghost Walk Exhibit Opening Northside Library (Exhibit runs through Oct. 31)
October 4 – 7:00 pm Candidates’ Night Ross County Service Center
November 8 Election Day - GO VOTE!
Dues are now DUE!
Each year we must pay the state our share for their updates and services. If this is paid on time we get a discount so we have more money to help our own community. Dues are still $55 per member and $27.50 for student membership. There are TWO ways to pay:
ONLINE Go to LWVchillicothe.org and click on ‘Members’ Sign in to or create a sign in for the Members area Click the ‘Pay Dues’ button (right-hand sidebar at the top)
By MAIL Make check payable to Chillicothe-Ross League of Women Voters Mail to our Vice President of Membership:
Cheryl Richards 4971 Mt. Tabor Road Chillicothe, OH 45601
Committee Reports
Voter Services Sharon Verhoff (Chair), Dawn Zarbakhsh and all League members.
With this being such an important election year here are some steps LEAGUE is taking to empower and encourage voters in 2016. Ohio Revised Code Section 3503.10 designates Ohio’s public libraries as voter registration sites, League members will help facilitate the education of the library staff on the do’s and don’ts of voter registration.
A seven week education/registration blitz Has been planned for late September and early October for all seven Ross County schools.
As a partner with National Registration Day we will be honoring, celebrating and participating on September 27th joining hundreds of events across the United States that have been planned.
We will be offering our annual Candidates Night on Tuesday, October 4th from 7:00 to 9:00 at the Ross County Service Center
Our League is collaborating with the Claremont County League to publish an online voter’s guide at www.vote411.org
We are in consistent communication with the Party Chairs and fall candidates to discuss challenges and provide improvements and feedback
Election information was provided for the Party Booths at the Ross County Fair.
The League keeps in monthly contact with key media outlets including the Chillicothe Gazette, WKKJ Radio (we have an upcoming interview for Candidates Night), and you can also find us on Facebook at Chillicothe Ross League of Women Voters
We use every opportunity to encourage others to Get Out and Vote including the upcoming “Equal means Equal” free movie and the September League Social.
Remember October 11th is the deadline for voter registration, and November 8th is the Presidential Election.
The Metropolitan Housing Authority is hosting Voter Registration events at all their MHA properties. However, they do need the help of all league members to get voters verified and registered.
Sept. 1: Lincoln Park 1:30 - 2:30
Sept. 8: Sherman Park 1:30 - 2:30
Sept. 15: Tiffin Towers 1:30 - 2:30
Sept. 17/18: Hirsch’s Fruit Farm Festival
Sept. 22: Worthington Manor 1:30 - 2:30
Sept. 24: Chili Fest
Other dates to remember:
Sept. 27: National Voter Registration Day
October: Registering students @ Ross County High Schools & OUC
Oct. 11: Deadline for registration
Oct. 12 – Early Voting begins
Nov. 7 - Early Voting ends at 2:00 PM
November 8 – Election Day
The League’s core purpose is Voter Service. If any League member would like to join us in any of these endeavors, please contact either Sharon or Dawn.
Ghost Walk Exhibit Dawn Zarbakhsh (Chair), Heather Hansford, Sarah Skinner, Margaret Planton
Ghost Walk may have vanished but the fond memories linger. During the entire month of October the League has an exhibit in the Myers room of the North side Library celebrating all nine years of this important community event. Featured are each of the themed years of history and mystery that all of us in League created. We are planning to collect the personal experiences of participants on a panel we are calling the Community board, please help us cover this in memories.
If you have a ghostly or an interesting story to supply please add it to our Facebook page or you can contact Sarah Skinner at wrensharpbeak@gmail.com or Dawn Zarbakhsh at 740-642-3366 or e-mail zarbakhsh@aol.com
A reception will be held on Saturday October 1st from 2-4 pm. Everyone that had anything to do in Ghostwalk is invited, please join us and tell your friends.
Upcoming Events
Equal Means Equal: FREE Movie Screening August 26, 9:30 am Danbarry Cinema This documentary film offers an unflinching look at how women are treated in the United States today. FREE tickets can be reserved through our website. The film will be followed by a panel discussion and free refreshments.
Meet the League: an Informal Gathering Sept. 13, 7:00 pm Steiner’s Speakeasy Bring a friend, grab a brew, and have some fun at this great opportunity to meet and chat with fellow League members in a relaxed atmosphere. Free snacks will be served, and drinks can be purchased.
Election Mayhem: Voter’s Survival Guide for 2016 Sept. 20, 6:00 pm Main Library Annex With all of the chaos of this year’s election cycle, new voters may be overwhelmed. This program offers insight into how to make an informed decision at the ballot box. Refreshments at 6:00 with a panel discussion at 7:00.
Candidates’ Night 2016 Oct. 4, 7:00 pm Ross County Service Center The Chillicothe-Ross League of Women Voter’s quintessential annual event, this year’s Candidates’ Night invites local, state, and national candidates to our public question and answer forum. Refreshments will be served.
