HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 14 Correspondence Springfields Compete for Higher Voter TurnoutFrom:Linda Lynch
To:RIPKA Amy (AJ)
Subject:Fwd: Springfields Compete for Higher Voter Turnout
Date:Thursday, October 04, 2018 10:25:03 AM
Dear Mayor Lundberg and City Councilors:
The League of Women Voters of Lane County has entered into a friendly contest with other
Leagues that include cities named Springfield to determine which might increase voter turnoutthe most in this year's election. You will see the details in the following news release about
that challenge. You might also see posters in City Hall and around town. We believe anydevice that might encourage more people to return ballots is a good idea.
The deadline to register or re-register to vote is October 16. People who have changed their
name or their address need to re-register. Ballots will be mailed beginning October 17.
Thank you for encouraging everyone you encounter to make their voice heard by voting!
Linda Lynch, PresidentLeague of Women Voters of Lane County
League of Women Voters of Lane County
News Release
Oct. 4, 2018Contact:
Linda Lynch, president, League of Women Voters of Lane County, 541-954-8607 orlindalynch28@gmail.com
Darla McVay, chair, LWVLC Voter Service, 503-910-9086,LWVLC.voterservice@gmail.comSpringfield Leagues compete
to turn out voters for Nov. 6 election
The League of Women Voters of Lane County is betting a pound of roasted and salted filberts thatSpringfield, Oregon will have a greater increase in the percentage of voters who cast ballots in the
2018 midterm election than three other Springfields, compared to the same region in the 2014
midterm elections. The competition is part of the LWV’s goal to help every registered voterunderstand how important their vote is to the democratic process and how it helps determine policiesthat will affect their community.
The League that increases voter turnout by the greatest percentage from the 2014 midterm election
will be named the “Springfield Votes! Champion.” In the 2014 midterm elections Springfield, OR,had 29,637 registered voters and 19,600 votes were cast, for a 66.13% voter turnout.“We are excited to be involved in this friendly, but important competition with our sister Leagues
from across the country,” said Linda Lynch, president of the League of Women Voters of Lane
County. LWVLC is representing Springfield, Oregon in the competition. “Citizens who take the timeto vote are the guiding hands for issues that include healthcare, education, infrastructure, taxes, andmany other public policies that impact all of us,” said Lynch.
Each of the four competing Leagues is waging a gift that is symbolic of their region. For Springfield,
Oregon, that will be a pound of Filberts (also known as Hazelnuts). The other Springfields
participating in the competition are Illinois, Missouri and Kansas.
According to a Pew Research Center analysis, tens of millions of registered voters did not cast a ballot in the
2016 presidential election. The most common reason cited was dislike of the candidates or campaign issues. Other
reasons included the belief their vote wouldn’t make a difference, being too busy or out of town on Election Day.The League of Women Voters envisions a democracy where every person has the desire, right,knowledge and confidence to participate.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization thatencourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding
of major public policy issues,and influences public policy through education and advocacy.