April 2025

When the national and state Leagues asked us to host a “Light for Our Democracy” event with just five days’ notice, we didn’t blink. Instead, our team jumped in, and on March 4, hundreds gathered at the Texas Capitol for an evening of reflection, solidarity, and resolve. Big thanks to Grace Chimene, Debbi Voss, Joyce Jackson, and every volunteer who pulled off this powerful moment in record time. It was proof that even when time is short, our commitment to each other and to democracy runs deep.

Also in March, we began work on the Federal Judiciary Study, a national League effort to develop a position on judicial independence and ethics. It’s a big step in ensuring the League can speak with clarity and authority on all three branches of government.

We know what’s at stake in this moment. But we also know that activism isn’t only about resistance - it’s about joy, connection, and building the kind of future we want to live in.

As we look toward April, we’re leaning into joy. Our Raise Hell for Democracy fundraiser on April 2 has officially sold out, and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate with supporters over snacks, drinks, and a screening of Raise Hell: The Life and Times of Molly Ivins.

Friends & Family Spring Festival

Later in the month, we hope you’ll join us for something that’s quickly becoming a favorite tradition: our Friends & Family Spring Festival on April 26 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. It’s a chance to gather under the sun with the people we love, enjoy music and activities, and introduce future voters to what community and civic life can look like. This festival is free and open to all.

Beginning April 3 and continuing on Thursday evenings through May 15, the Rise for Freedom coalition will host a series of live, hybrid online training sessions designed for in-person groups nationwide. The goal of the training series is to bring people together, to grow and strengthen their local networks, and to get ready to mobilize to demand democracy in this new challenging environment. LWVUS is a partner in this series.

• April 3: How did we get here? An introduction to organizing under creeping autocracy (includes a mini-training by LWVUS ahead of the April 5 day of action)
• April 10: Building to a critical mass locally (outreach)
• April 17: How to talk to people you might disagree with
  
• April 24: Harnessing our power to end political violence and repression
• May 1: Mutual aid and structures for stronger local organizing
  
• May 8: De-escalation and strategic organizing skills
  
• May 15: Advanced strategic organizing skills

At the LWVUS 2024 Convention, delegates voted to proceed with a study on the federal judiciary. The study will be completed in time for a position to be announced at the LWVUS 2025 Council this June.

The goal of this study is to develop a LWV position on the Federal Judiciary as an essential component of US democracy. The study includes, but is not limited to, addressing concerns and clarifying judicial accountability, transparency, independence, and ethics. The scope of this study focuses on the US Supreme Court and the other Article III federal courts to allow for a thorough, modernized study and adoption of a LWVUS position that is appropriate for years to come.

With that in mind, LWVAA convened its Federal Judicial Study consensus meeting on March 15. Approximately thirty members attended, and we had a lively discussion on all twelve questions posed by the LWVUS.

On the evening of March 4, LWV Austin Area members held a candlelight celebration of democracy on the steps of the Texas State Capitol, joining others at similar “Light for Our Democracy” rallies across the state and the nation. LWVAA pulled this event together in record time; a good-sized crowd rallied, sang, chanted, and reveled in the power of community.

Austin Energy is discussing the potential of adding residential properties into its Solar Standard Offer Program. Information is included at this link along with a form to receive additional information. 

You should be receiving weekly “Action Alert” emails from LWVTX updating the status of bills at the Texas Legislature on issues important to the League. Our priority issues fall under four general categories: Voting Rights & Election Law, Public Education, Women’s Healthcare, and Water Resources & Conservation. 

The League is opposed to the following bills:

• HB3/SB2 (Vouchers/Educational Savings Accounts), which allocate taxpayer dollars from public schools to pay for private or charter schools
• SB16, which requires documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote
• HB817, which bans preferential voting. 

LWVTX is remaining neutral on SB31, which they call a “supposed fix or clarification” of the exceptions to Texas’ near total ban on abortions. Per LWVTX, the structure of the abortion ban with its reliance on private civil suits for enforcement is not addressed in these bills and remains the biggest threat to doctors treating medical emergencies during a pregnancy.

Action Alerts - National

On the national level, LWVUS is opposed to the SAVE Act (Safeguard American Voter Eligibility) introduced in Congress, which would require all citizens to provide a birth certificate, passport, or one of a few other citizenship documentations to register or re-register to vote. Voters in every state are already required to affirm or verify citizenship status when registering.