Local League Offers Voter Education Services

By Lookout Staff

October 17 -- California’s special state-wide election is almost here, and the League of Women Voters of Santa Monica wants voters to make informed decisions when they go to the polls November 8.

As a public service, the local chapter of the League will present an hour-long “pros and cons” discussion of the upcoming ballot initiatives at 7 p.m. Monday, October 24, at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, 1343 Ocean Park Boulevard, Santa Monica.

Impartial analysis and the arguments for and against the propositions will be given by a league-trained speaker who will also answer questions.

In addition, the local chapter of the League has also teamed up with the League of Women Voters of Los Angeles, California Common Cause and other organizations to put on a more in depth pros and cons presentation from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, Saturday, October 22 in Loyola Marymount University’s Ahmanson Auditorium.

Those interested in attending the meeting on the university’s Westchester campus should RSVP by calling (213) 252-4550 or by email at ca-info@commoncause.org .

While these educational sessions are not forums for advocacy or public debate, the two meetings will provide opportunities for voters --including those who have already made up their minds -- to learn more about the complex ballot measures that could have far reaching legal and policy implications, League members said.

“A lot of people are expressing unhappiness with the fact we’re having a special election, and one of the ways they are going to protest it is by not voting,” said Barbara Inatsugu, outreach director for the League’s Santa Monica chapter.

“That’s exactly the opposite of what should be happening,” she added. “Remember, elections are won by those who show up.”

As Californians’ increasingly find themselves being asked to weigh in on a host of intricate legal and constitutional questions, the League says its speakers are much in demand.

The League has speakers who can present all ballot measures in an impartial manner, as well as others who can speak to the League’s position on various propositions.

Organizations interested in either kind of presentation can call the Santa Monica chapter of the League at (310) 394-4661.

For more information on October 24th’s impartial pros-and-cons presentation at Mt. Olive, call the church at (310) 452-1116.

Impartial analysis of the propositions can be found on the web at www.LWVC.org and at www.smartvoter.org