Press Release: League of Women Voters of Anchorage Finalist for National Award

18 LWVUS Strengthening Democracy Application18 Press Release – Convention 2018 Award Strengthening Democracy-1

League of Women Voters of Anchorage Finalist for National Award
Voter Engagement through Voter Registration and Vote-by-Mail Education and Outreach

Anchorage, Alaska – The League of Women Voters of Anchorage was selected as a finalist for the “Strengthening Democracy” Award by the League of Women Voters of the United States. The winners will be announced at the upcoming 53rd National Convention in Chicago on June 30, 2018.
This honor is awarded to one state League and one local League for projects that activate their grassroots network to empower voters and advocate change around key issues such as protecting voting rights or increasing voter registration and turnout.
The Anchorage League accomplished these goals by conducting voter registration drives at high schools, UAA, naturalization ceremonies and community events; facilitating for the Municipality of Anchorage requests for speakers and speaking at forty-one venues about Vote-by-Mail; drafting an eight page Ballot Review pamphlet distributed to 115,411 households; expanding Facebook posts; creating a new website; drafting and creating a voting PSA for youth by youth; partnering with and assisting the Municipal Clerk’s office with pre-election, Election Day and post-election activities; and participating in the Anchorage Elections Stakeholder Group from July 2015 through April 3, 2018.
“It is a great honor to be selected as a finalist for this award. The Anchorage League has spent a great deal of time focused on voter registration and Vote-by-Mail education and outreach,” said Joyce Anderson, Anchorage League President. “Projects like this help to ensure that all eligible voters have the tools they need to cast their ballot and participate in our elections.”
“As defenders of democracy, the League of Women Voters is always vigilant against attacks on voting rights,” said Chris Carson, president of the League of Women Voters of the United States. “Our volunteers spearhead efforts to protect and inform our electorate. It is an honor to recognize such dedication to our greatest civic duty.”
Shirley Pittz and Cari Zawodny will attend the Convention on behalf of the Anchorage League.
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