Date: 6/18/2026
Subject: The Weekly VOTER, June 18, 2026 - LWV of the Austin Area
From: LWV of the Austin Area

June 18, 2026

Welcome to LWVAA's Weekly VOTER

The Weekly VOTER is here to make sure everyone stays in the know about opportunities to empower voters and defend democracy in our community. Like what you see? Please share with your friends!

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Two things to do to support democracy this week

🎒🚌 Watch Representative Donna Howard's video on A Brief History of Texas Public School Finance. Learn more from AXIOS - "A takeover would mean governance of schools would move out of the control of a locally elected board of trustees." Austin public schools face reckoning as state takeover looms by Asher Price.
✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿 Learn about the The First Juneteenth; Black Churches, Reconstruction Politics, and the Houston Origins of the June 19 Celebrations by W. Caleb McDaniel, Journal of Texas History. Make your plans to attend a Juneteenth event (see below).

✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿 Attend a Juneteenth event!

June 19: Juneteenth, also known as "Freedom Day" or "Emancipation Day," commemorates the announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas. Join the Central Texas Juneteenth Celebration.

June 20: George Washington Carver Museum: The Carver Kickback, Juneteenth Edition. From BBQ plates and music to hands-on activations and vendors, there'll be something for everyone.

June 21: Neill-Cochran House Museum: Juneteenth Celebration. A day of celebration and reflection commemorating emancipation and the struggles and triumphs of those who fought for freedom and the ongoing journey towards equality.

Join us this Saturday for League 101!

Open to everyone! Tell your friends -- even better, bring them along!

Are you new to the League? League-curious? Or are you a long-time member ready for a refresh? Then join us for League 101 this Saturday, June 20, from 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.!

You'll learn a bit about the history of the League of Women Voters and about how the Austin Area League is organized. You'll meet other new and prospective members and hear from veteran League volunteers about opportunities to use your time and talents with the League.

The meeting will be held at the LWVAA office at 3908 Avenue B (78751). We look forward to meeting you!

RSVP Today!

🗳️ The Great Austin Pet Election 🐾

"These events are great for new voters as they can help demystify the voting process before the 2026 Midterm Elections. We are so excited to be in partnership with the Travis County Clerk’s Office because the more opportunities people have to become familiar with voting equipment and the voting process, the more confident voters are when they show up to polling locations to cast their actual ballot." Carol Ecklecamp, LWVAA President.

The race for Austin Pet Mayor is on, and you're invited to cast your ballot at Paws to the Polls! Become a boss at voting while helping decide which furry candidate earns the title of Pet Mayor of Austin.

🐾 July 1 is Manor's big day!

Join LWVAA and the Travis County Clerk's office for a free afternoon of fun and civic learning. Practice researching the candidates using special editions of our nonpartisan Voters Guide and our online guide, VOTE411. Vote for the candidate of your choice using real Travis County voting machines. For this very special election, the polls are open to everyone 8 years old and up!

And there's more: face painting, kids' activities, popcorn, Kona Ice, and a chance to take a picture with the candidates' cut-outs. First-time voter? Future voter? Polling-place veteran? Everyone is welcome!

🗓 Wednesday, July 1
⏰ 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

📍 Travis County Community Center at Manor, 600 W. Carrie Manor Street, 78653

Share the promotional video with your friends!

July 1: 🐾 (Manor)

July 25: 🐾 (Central Austin)

August 13: 🐾 (Southeast)

Volunteer

Thanks to all the volunteers at the Pflugerville edition of PAWS to the Polls.

See more photos in the 2026 PAWS to the Polls Photo Album.

🗳️ Share your volunteer time with the League! 🗳️

Visit our calendar to sign up for a shift registering voters or to volunteer at one of our Paws to the Polls events.
Help us spread the word about Paws to the Polls by putting up a yard sign or two in your neighborhood, or by asking local businesses to post flyers or set out informational material. LWVAA has everything you need! Just swing by our office from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 23 or Thursday, June 25, and we'll fix you up! For more information, contact Joyce Jackson.
This summer, Volunteer Deputy Registrars (VDRs) will be registering voters at the Alamo Drafthouse, Open Canopy, the Central Public Library, and more. Want to help? Learn how to be a VDR here. For more information, contact voterservices@lwvaustin.org.

Find Volunteer Opportunities and Events

Democracy in the News

Axios Austin:

🎒🚌"A takeover would mean governance of schools would move out of the control of a locally elected board of trustees." Austin public schools face reckoning as state takeover looms by Asher Price

Community Impact:

🚌 Austin looks to expand fare-free transit for voters ahead of November election by Ben Thompson

Advocacy

Take action with LWV!

✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿 Tell Congress to reject anti-voter policies. The SAVE Act would create one more barrier to the voting process, as many eligible voters do not have easy access to the necessary documents.

💰 Provide feedback on Austin's 2026-2027 Budget

LWVUS News

🗳️The League of Women Voters Sounds the Alarm as Attacks on Voter Participation Intensify Ahead of the Midterm Elections “Trusted, nonpartisan organizations play a vital role in helping eligible Americans register and participate in our elections, and that work depends on well-trained volunteers who understand the law and serve their communities in good faith,” said Jen Miller, executive director of the League of Women Voters of Ohio.

LWVUS Newsroom LWVUS Blog Take Action With LWV

Mark Your Calendar!

Highlighted League & community events

June 23:

TX Civil Rights Project: Criminalization, Deportation, and the Surveillance State
Jane Nelson Institute for Women's Leadership: Spotlight on Candidate Likability

June 24: Nonprofit VOTE: Thinking Outside of the Clipboard - Creative Approaches to Voter Engagement
July 1: National Constitution Center: The American Idea at 250
July 7: National Constitution Center: 2026 Supreme Court Review
July 13: Votebeat: Will the Midterms Happen? Your Election Questions, Answered
July 25: LWVAA: First Vote! Training (ACC Highland)

Find More Events & Volunteer Opportunities

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LWVAA's Communication Team Summer Celebration

Shout out to the talented communication volunteers who support our mission of empowering voters and defending democracy. Much of their work is done behind the scenes through social media, the website, the newsletter, photography, videos, graphics, press releases, etc.

Share your kudos with communications@lwvaustin.org

Volunteer with us!

Share your time and talents with LWVAA! Email volunteer@lwvaustin.org.

Give to Support the League of Women Voters of the Austin Area

The League shall not support or oppose any political party or candidates. It may take action on governmental measures and policies in the public interest after significant study and consensus is reached.

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