| April 2026 Volume 53 No.7 | | Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy. | | |
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Click below to read more
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|  | April marks a season of civic renewal — new opportunities to learn, engage, and advocate as we approach an active election year. Thank you to everyone who continues to champion voter education, fair representation, and community connection.
We were thrilled to welcome more than 60 local elected officials and community members to our annual Meet and Greet event. The afternoon offered a wonderful chance for constituents to connect informally with their representatives and for officials to strengthen cross-community ties.
Special thanks to guest speakers Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens, Santa Clara County Supervisor Margaret Abe-Koga, Sunnyvale City Councilmember Linda Sell, and Cupertino Mayor Kitty Moore for sharing their efforts to improve and support our community and their commitment to good governance. The lively atmosphere reflected exactly what the League stands for — informed dialogue and active participation in democracy.
The League of Women Voters of the United States (LWVUS) continues to focus on defending voting rights in the courts and educating voters on independent redistricting commissions ahead of 2026 midterm preparation. Members are encouraged to visit lwv.org for resources and upcoming webinars on combating voter suppression and promoting equitable representation. Learn more about how LWV is fighting to limit the Save Act at lwv.org/save-act.
LWV California (LWVC) is focused on fighting this same issue and has put together a site with VOTER ID Fast Facts: https://lwvc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Voter-ID-Fast-Facts-1.pdf that is worth reading and sharing. LWVC is also actively supporting legislative efforts around voting accessibility, campaign finance transparency, and climate accountability in city governance. LWVC has launched the campaign for the California Fair Elections act, a campaign finance measure that will be on the November ballot: https://lwvc.org/launch-campaign-california-fair-elections-act . You can find details and registration for these events and efforts on lwvc.org. Participation is a great way to influence state policy while connecting with fellow advocates statewide.
We’re grateful for your continued commitment to strengthening our democracy. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for event reminders and action alerts and visit our website for meeting details and resources. You will soon see information about upcoming election activities: Dates are still being finalized for candidate forums for the June primary. Keep an eye on our website: lwvcs.org/election-forums for forum registration, question submission and recordings. And email us at voterservice@lwvcs.org if you would like to get involved.
As we were reminded at the Meet and Greet Event, Tip O’Neill said it right, “All politics is local”. Together, we make democracy work — right here in Cupertino and Sunnyvale.
Tracey Edwards and Polly Bove
Co-Presidents | ________________________________________
|  |  | The voter service team is preparing for the June Primary. If you would like to get involved, please email Pam at voterservice@lwvcs.org.
The dates for candidate forums are still being set. Registration information and videos will be posted on our website soon! (lwvcs.org/election-forums). Please note, there are no state or local ballot measures for Cupertino or Sunnyvale, so we will not be hosting pro-cons for the primary.
For Cupertino and Sunnyvale, the ballot will include California Governor, Congressional District 17, State Assembly District 26, State Senate District 10 and other offices. For state-wide offices, California holds a “top-two open-primary” where all candidates are listed on the ballot and only the top two vote-getters in the primary election – regardless of party preference - move on to the general election. In other words, all candidates will appear on the ballot regardless of whether or not you are registered with a political party. Voting in the primary is very important as it determines which candidate move on to the general election.
Here are some key dates for the Primary:
- Voter Registration Deadline is May 18, 2026
- County elections offices begin mailing ballots by May 4, 2026
- Ballot drop-off locations open on May 5, 2026
- Vote centers open for early in-person voting on May 23, 2026
- Vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day (June 2, 2026) and received by June 9, 2026
A finally, here are a few things you can do now to prepare:
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Join a Committee - contact communications@lwvcs.org for questions.
| | LWVCS Coffee
- Virtual Coffee Hour, April 16th, 11am – Conversation around voting challenges – open to all
- March Coffee Hour featuring Polly Bove, former FUHSD Superintendent speaking on How our School System Works – recording here
| | | LWV SCC Civic Engagement
“Civic engagement means working to make a difference in the civic life of our communities and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation to make that difference. It means promoting the quality of life in a community, through both political and non-political processes.”
Programs:
- Upcoming Events: Housing for All – Dream or Possibility? – Next event with Partner Braver Angels - live at a local venue in Spring timeframe.
- Abundance – discussion – Ellen & Carol – local issues – economic strengths & weaknesses – TBD
- AI Regulation – TBD
- February meeting: Guest Speaker Cheryl Graeve of NICD, on Common Sense America & Immigration, “Immigration, Congress and Common Sense - Can Everyday Americans Move Action Forward In These Times?” Recording here
Regular meeting April 20th at 1pm via Zoom
Ongoing Monthly Meetings on third Monday here | ________________________________________ |  |
Click image to learn more!
LWVCS Members -
Participate in Regional Workshop and Meet Other Members
Join the Local League Coaches for a regional workshop focusing on nonpartisan status and League resources. In addition, we will have roundtable discussions where attendees can share experiences, discuss challenges, and connect with other members. Please share your thoughts for roundtable discuss on the registration form.
The League of Women Voters of California is covering costs, so participation is free. The time of the workshop will be 10:00am to 2:00pm in order to accommodate traveling to and from home the same day. While this invitation has been sent to those listed on the Leadership tab in the League portal, the workshop is open to any League member in the region who feels these sessions will support their development as a League leader. You are encouraged to share this invitation with others who may benefit.
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DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 16, 2026 from 10:00am-2:00pm and includes a working lunch.
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LOCATION: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Library, 150 E San Fernando St, San Jose
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RSVP: Please fill out the information in the link below by May 9, 2026.
LWVC Response to the recent revelations about Cesar Chavez
- The League of Women Voters of California is deeply shocked and disappointed by the recent allegations regarding Cesar Chavez. These reports are painful and troubling, particularly given Chavez’s historic role in the farm worker movement.
- We stand in solidarity with Dolores Huerta and with all survivors of sexual assault and harassment. We recognize the courage it takes to come forward and share these deeply personal experiences, often at great personal cost.
- We believe survivors. We support their right to be heard, to be taken seriously, and to seek accountability.
- We reaffirm our strong and unwavering support for farm workers and the broader labor movement. The fight for dignity, fair wages, and safe working conditions for agricultural workers remains as urgent and important as ever.
- Movements for justice are always bigger than any one individual. The farm worker movement was built by countless organizers, workers, and leaders - many of whom, like Dolores Huerta, continue to lead with integrity, courage, and a deep commitment to justice.
- We recognize that our understanding of history evolves. As new information comes to light, it is appropriate - and necessary - for institutions and communities to re-examine how we honor historical figures.
- In that spirit, we support efforts to reconsider and rename Cesar Chavez Day in light of these revelations. Public commemorations should reflect our shared values, including respect, accountability, and a commitment to justice for all.
- The League remains committed to advancing gender equity, supporting survivors, and standing with workers across California.
- We will continue to listen, learn, and engage thoughtfully as more information emerges, guided by our mission to empower voters and defend democracy with integrity and compassion.
| ________________________________________ | LWC Bay Area - LWVBA
Bay Area League Day - March 20 League Day –
- Our theme this year: “League in Action: Impact of Regional Planning and Legislation on the Bay Area”
- Our speakers included Lorrel Plimmer and Kandea Mosley Gandhi, LWVC Co-Presidents, an expert panel on housing, climate and healthy communities with Diz Swift, Teri Neustaedter and Laurel Prevetti and speakers on Regional Shoreline Adaptation Plan (RSAP) and Bay Area Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) from Environmental Scientist Sabrina Lopez, BCDC Climate Adaptation Planner. If you missed it, you can watch the recording here.
- Participate on LWVBA Board from your Local League – who is your representative to speak to your concerns?
- Check out new website at https://www.lwvbayarea.com
- Regular Board Meeting: April 20th - Third Monday of the Month - 4:00pm - 6:00pm Location: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84505919761
| ________________________________________ | City of Cupertino
City Council Meetings - (Check website for current dates)
Cupertino Chamber of Commerce - check out their activities here | ________________________________________ | Sunnyvale City Events Calendar - and More... here
City Council Meetings - more info Here.
Sunnyvale Chamber of Commerce events | ________________________________________ | Elected Officials Representing Cupertino & Sunnyvale
For contact information and more detail visit:
| ____________________________________________ | Join the League of Women Voters
Voting membership in the League of Women Voters is open to men and women 16 years of age and beyond.
To get more information about the League, Join, Renew or Donate, click here.
| | | ____________________________________________ | | The Cupertino-Sunnyvale VOTER
Published 10 times a year by the
League of Women Voters of Cupertino-Sunnyvale.
This newsletter is posted on our website:
Editor: Meagan McLeod
| | The LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
Permission is granted to reprint any part of this newsletter with credit to the League of Women Voters of Cupertino-Sunnyvale | | | ____________________________________________ | League of Women Voters of Cupertino-Sunnyvale
PO Box 2923
Sunnyvale, CA 94087
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