LWV National Convention Roundup

Collage of LWVSP delegation’s convention photos.

Co-president Cheryl Bailey and immediate past president Beatrice Owen traveled to the National League of Women Voters Convention in Columbus, OH, from June 26-28. The event drew 900 in-person attendees plus another 100 on Zoom. Participants learned about the 2026 - 2028 focus on Defending Democracy Under Siege (including the following themes: Voting Rights, Protecting Elections, Redistricting, Immigration, Individual Rights, and the Presidency). They also attended and voted in several plenary sessions, heard lectures on DEI, and met the CEO, Celina Stewart. Members took up and approved the proposed concurrence on immigrants (that LWVSP members reviewed in March), as well as the resolution on the National Popular Vote Compact (reviewed at the LWVSP annual meeting in June).

Representatives of the Edina League of Women Voters put on a morning breakout event highlighting Edina’s particularly strong history of racism and anti-semitism, which made the community's fervent response to ICE’s “Operation Metro Surge” especially meaningful. The Edina League took a robust and active role in protecting and supporting immigrants in their city. The presentation was very well attended and appreciated by the audience.

Another beneficial and cheerful aspect of the national convention was getting to know other Minnesota League members. In addition to spending time with Amy Perna, Heidi Kloempken, and President Laura Helmer from the Minnesota League, Beatrice and Cheryl also connected with Minneapolis and Roseville Leaguers, exchanged contact information for candidate forums, and traded ideas for the August 8th Day of Action.