The LWVL-DC Scholarship fundraiser yard sale will be from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 2424 Orchard Lane. League members can bring items to donate starting at 7:00 that morning. All items are to be priced and placed on a table with like items. Unsold donations are to be picked up between 2:00 and 2:30 p.m.

This is our single fundraiser event and all money taken in goes to the scholarships we award to deserving Douglas County high school students. So, let’s make this a great success!

We will be advertising the sale on social media and in the Lawrence Journal World. If you are donating an unusual item or an item that will bring in shoppers please text or email Cille at cilleking@gmail.com for inclusion in the listing.

We need volunteers at the event. You may sign up at lawrenceleague.com Volunteer Signup. 

Submitted by Martha Silks

Did you know…

Established in 1920, The League of Women Voters has always been way ahead of its times.  For example, back when it was commonly assumed that women lacked the temperament and intellectual capacity to engage in politics, the League was there to fight for change.  While there is much work left to be done, there is no doubt that women have claimed the right to active participation in democratic processes; an idea that once seemed radical is now mainstream.

This work continues.  Steadfastly committed to voters’ rights, inclusive democratic practices, and Constitutionally based principles, The League of Women Voters takes positions on current issues.  Your League membership allows easy access to this treasure chest of information via the National website.  

Take one issue, for example:  Voter Suppression. To learn about history, current events, and actions surrounding voter suppression, click here:  https://www.lwv.org/voting-rights/fighting-voter-suppression.  

Armed with accurate and relevant knowledge, we become better informed voters with enhanced positions to speak out for change.  Know the power of your words.  Whether in quiet conversations, or shouted through a megaphone, knowledge is power.

Membership Chairs

Denise Puttengill

Linda Aldridge

Submitted by Kristin Salmans

The League of Women Voters is closely allied with the United Nations.  This report is to update League members on UN activities.  

The UN is gearing up for Fall, its busiest time of the year, with diplomats and heads of state heading to the UN for the UN General Assembly (UNGA).

It's a busy time for LWVUS-UN Observers who will be heading to the UN too for various events, and keeping an eye on GA debate etc. Here are a few of those events and some background and links where you can learn more and that you can use to view live and recorded events. More info as we get closer....

The 80th Session of the UN General Assembly opens on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025 at UN Headquarters in NYC. 

https://www.un.org/en/ga/president/80/

The high level general debate runs from Sept. 23 to Sept. 27 and concludes Sept. 29. 

General Assembly High-level Week 2025 | United Nations

Sept. 22 to Sept 25, 2025 Treaty Event:

publication-english.pdf

This year on Sept 22, 2025 the UN marks the 10th Anniversary of the Sustainable Development Goals:

Home - United Nations Sustainable Development

There will be an "SDG Moment" on Sept. 22 to highlight inspiring actions toward the SDGs. SDG Moment 2025 | UN Web TV

This month's sustainable global goal focuses on industry, innovation, and infrastructure:

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure - United Nations Sustainable Development

A review of all of 17 Sustainable Development Goals:(SDDs):

THE 17 GOALS | Sustainable Development

Today's UN daily press briefing:

Bing Videos

UN Secretary General on World Humanitarian Day 2025:

Bing Videos

Reminder that you can watch live and recorded events from home via UN Web TV:

Home | UN Web TV

UN Live Schedule:

UN Web TV Live Schedule | UN Web TV

Lawrence School Board Candidate Forum

On September 7, Lawrence USD 497 School Board candidates gathered at the Douglas County Fairgrounds for a forum sponsored by our League, NAACP and Women for Kansas. 

A recording of the forum is available at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YhKozIpd_DTPFH2726cT2I85A_xVK7mr/view?usp=drivesdk.  Thanks to Jerry Jost for the recording.  

The Lawrence Times summarized the forum in this article:  https://lawrencekstimes.com/2025/09/07/usd497-board-candidates-25-forum1/ 

The school board election is included in the general election on Nov. 4.

LWV Statement on Mail-In Ballots and Voting Machines

Press release August 18, 2025

WASHINGTON — The League of Women Voters CEO, Celina Stewart, Esq., issued the following statement in response to President Trump's vow to eliminate mail-in ballots and voting machines:  

“Free, fair, and accessible elections are the cornerstone of a healthy democracy. President Trump’s call to eliminate vote-by-mail is a direct attack on Americans’ freedom to vote. 

“Vote-by-mail is secure, accurate, and trusted by millions of voters — including older adults, military members, rural communities, tribal communities, voters of color, and voters with disabilities. Vote-by-mail has proven to expand voter participation in recent elections. 

“President Trump has no constitutional authority to take this action. Under our US Constitution, the states have the power to run elections, and only Congress can step in to regulate those elections when needed. This move is yet another overreach by an unpopular president who seeks to silence the public to hold onto power. 

“President Trump’s attacks on voting machines are similarly misleading and dangerous. Voting systems in the US already meet strict standards for security, accuracy, transparency, and accessibility, with paper ballots or audit trails to verify results. Scrapping machines in favor of hand counting would undermine election integrity and efficiency, not strengthen it. The League of Women Voters stands firmly for secure, modern systems that protect every vote and uphold public trust in our democracy. 

“The President should get his facts straight: he does not have the authority to regulate elections, states have strong measures to ensure voting equipment is secure, and many countries successfully utilize vote-by-mail. 

“The League of Women Voters will not stand by while politicians spread lies to limit democratic participation. We will be looking at the forthcoming Executive Order very closely and will use every tool in our toolbox to push back on these threats to our free, fair, and accessible elections. 

 “We will fight to protect vote-by-mail and every method that makes casting a ballot accessible. Our democracy is strong when every eligible voter can make their voice heard, whether at a polling place or through a mail-in ballot.”

LWV Barred from Registering Voters at Naturalization Ceremonies

September 2, 2025

WASHINGTON – Today, Celina Stewart, CEO of the League of Women Voters, released the following statement in response to revised policy guidance from US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS):    

“For decades, the League of Women Voters has been a trusted partner of both USCIS and federal courts to register new voters at naturalization ceremonies. This work has resulted in hundreds of thousands of new citizens registering to vote with League volunteers across the country. 

“The USCIS decision to bar nonpartisan organizations from providing voter registration services at naturalization ceremonies is an attempt to keep new citizens from accessing their full rights.  

“Naturalization ceremonies are empowering, joyful celebrations of American democracy. When a volunteer meets a newly naturalized citizen with a voter registration form in hand, they provide them with the tools to fully participate in the election franchise. 

"The League has always conducted this work in a proudly nonpartisan manner, with a single goal: to ensure new Americans have a voice in our democracy. Our League volunteers step in where election officials often lack capacity, making sure critical voter registration services reach those who need them most. Across the country, local election officials recognize and deeply value the partnership of their local League in voter registration, which strengthens communities and democracy.  

“By shutting out the League and other civic partners, USCIS is making it harder for new citizens to register to vote, which is yet another intimidation tactic and attack on the immigrant community. Our democracy is stronger with the voices of new citizens. 

“The League of Women Voters remains committed to ensuring every eligible voter can register, cast a ballot, and have their vote counted. Despite this setback, the League of Women Voters will find ways to do

Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Study Group Report Approved by BOD, September 2025

Proposed for concurrence by LWVL-DC Members Oct. 14, 2025

Background:

In 2023 the members of the League of Women Voters of Lawrence-Douglas County adopted a multi-year program of study to investigate and take positions on the implementation of renewable energy and energy conservation in Douglas County. This program of study was drawn from our local League members’ interest in addressing climate change and in accordance with LWVK and LWVUS Energy positions. Meeting monthly from July 2023 to July 2025, the study group invited Douglas County stakeholders to meet with the study group, conducted a survey of our members and the public, held a public forum at Lawrence Public Library, and presented board-approved public comments at public meetings. Throughout the study, LWVL-DC members have been updated about the study group progress through Voter newsletter updates. (upon approval) The Energy Position Statement was approved by the Board of Directors in September 2025 and membership concurred in October 2025. 

Collaborators: Climate and Energy Project, Evergy, Kansas Sierra Club, Lawrence Public Library, Good Energy, Douglas County Commission, Lawrence Director of Sustainability, Kansas Sky Energy Project, KU Environmental Studies Department and Capstone Research Group. 

Study Group members: Kay Johnson and Carol Williamson, chairs, Sonja Czarnecki, secretary, Vicki Arnett, Bonnie Black, Jim Brooke, Tamara Cash, Charley Crabtree, Mohsen Fatemi, marci francisco, Kylie Grater, Ruthe Goff, Cille King, Cori North, Doris Ricks, Emily Riner, Kristin Salmans, and Martha Silks. KU Environmental Studies Capstone Group and study group members: Professor Ali Brox, Amaya Dajani, Maya Kaustinen, Aden Ray, Madeline Souser, Calvin Spilker, and Megan Wise. 

Public education: To expand our study to implementation by the public, we have created and conducted a public survey, held a Civic Engagement 101: Renewable Energy Public Forum, promoted the documentary Hot Times in the Heartland, promoted Dole Institute of Politics series on renewable energy, distributed energy conservation handouts at League tabling events, publicly posted in downtown Lawrence and on the KU campus the Emissions poster made by the KU Environmental Studies capstone group; studied hydrogen as an alternative energy source, made (board-approved) public comments on Evergy rate requests and on Evergy-proposed solar and fossil gas plants and to the Kansas Corporation Commission and made (board-approved) public comments on the Kansas Sky Energy utility-scale solar project at Douglas County Commission meetings. Our public comments to the Douglas County Commission supporting utility-scale solar were published in the Lawrence Journal World and Lawrence Times as letters to the editor. Once approved by the board of directors and members will continue with public education on this position. This position will be shared with the following after BOD and member approval: Evergy, Douglas County Commission, Lawrence City Commission, Baldwin City Council, Eudora City Commission,the Lecompton City Council, and the Kansas Legislature chairs of the Utility Committees. This position is being considered along with the Topeka-Shawnee County Climate Study for LWVK Energy position concurrence.

League of Women Voters of Lawrence-Douglas County Energy Position Statement, 2025 

The League of Women Voters of Lawrence-Douglas County… 

● Seeks action to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases from the burning of fossil fuels through increased use of renewable energy and energy conservation, and the closing of the Evergy coal-fired electricity generating plant north of Lawrence.* 

● Opposed the approval by the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) of the Evergy proposal to build two fossil gas (natural gas) plants to generate electricity in Kansas. We opposed the building of these plants because 1. They would continue the practice of burning fossil fuels to produce electricity in Kansas, 2. They would use fossil gas, decreasing a non-renewable resource, 3. They are not needed as renewable resources can be developed to provide future Kansas energy needs. We are concerned that Evergy, as an investor-owned utility, is accountable to shareholders and the KCC, not accountable to customers and the environment. 

● Supports the development of utility-scale solar energy in Douglas County. Utility-scale solar generation and storage is urgently needed to help reduce the emission of greenhouse gases from the burning of fossil fuels to generate electricity.* Examples: Kansas Sky Energy Solar Plant and Baldwin City Municipal Solar Plant 

● Supports the continued development of distributed solar by individuals, businesses, and government entities in Douglas County to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases by reducing the dependence on the Evergy coal-fired plant north of Lawrence to meet energy needs. While utility-scale solar is needed to move Douglas County from the burning of fossil fuels to generate electricity, distributed solar contributes to this goal. 

● Recognizes the need for the addition of electric vehicle fast charging stations in Lawrence and Douglas County to support the use of EV’s to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

● Supports the growth and development of utility-scale wind energy in Kansas overall. In Douglas County there are several factors that make wind energy difficult to develop: population density, rigorous county requirements, and lack of widespread public support. ● Encourages businesses, organizations, institutions, and local governments to adopt energy efficiency and sustainability policies, develop goals and objectives, and take actions to: Reduce energy consumption across its operations and facilities, minimize greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy use, invest in energy-efficient technologies and practices, and promote energy awareness and conservation among employees. Encourages local and state governments to create incentives for businesses and other organizations to use energy efficient practices. 

● Finds that the greatest mitigation and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in Kansas and in Douglas County can be achieved by following the Kansas Emission Mitigation and Reduction Plan developed by KDHE in collaboration with the EPA through reduction of emissions in agriculture. Emission of methane, a greenhouse gas, by raising cattle, sheep and goats contributes the greatest percent of Kansas greenhouse gas emissions. Proposes that other agricultural greenhouse gas emissions by the burning of fossil fuels in farming operations be reduced by improving energy efficiency and using renewable resources. 

● Supports and educates the public to weatherize homes, encouraging residents that individual action leads to common good. Energy conservation in homes is critical for Douglas County residents who seek to lower their emissions and reduce utility costs. ● Encourages educational institutions, community groups and local and state governments to implement environmental impact education. Ex. The League provides energy conservation links for the public at our League tabling events. 

● Promotes the Kansas Weatherization Assistance Program to make energy conservation available to all, acknowledging that implementation of energy conservation measures can be expensive. Proposes that Douglas County and municipalities should help educate income-eligible residents and renters about the Kansas Weatherization Assistance Program. 

● Seeks environmental justice and supports the proposal by the Lawrence Environmental Sustainability Advisory Board that Douglas

County take the lead in establishing a centralized, multi-stakeholder incentive package that streamlines access to financial and technical resources for landlords and tenants. 

Position Statement recommendations to government: 

● Supports Adapt Douglas County, as approved by the Douglas County Commission, in its mission to reduce emissions at the local level through the four sections of energy, mobility, living systems, and thriving community and seeks accountability from Douglas County government for enacting this plan. 

● Supports the goals of the City of Lawrence plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as enacted in City Ordinance 9744 and seeks accountability from Lawrence city government for enacting this plan. Commends the City of Lawrence and KU for using electric buses in Lawrence. Encourages all Douglas County municipalities, colleges, and universities to invest in renewable energy and energy conservation. Commends Baldwin City for their municipal utility solar project. 

● Supports action by the Kansas Legislature to increase support for residential energy conservation and subsidies for residential solar energy, including rental property, and for promoting individual carbon emission reduction and a resilient electric grid. ● Proposes that Kansas develop and enact a Kansas Energy Plan to prioritize meeting Kansas energy needs through renewable resources and by eliminating or reducing the burning of fossil fuels for energy production. Currently Kansas is one of only a few states that does not have a state-wide energy plan. 

*These positions were approved by the LWVL-DC Board of Directors during the study process and before public comments were presented. 

Resources: 

● Adapt Douglas County: Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 

● Civic Engagement 101: Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Forum, September 2024, Lawrence Public Library 

● Douglas County Wind Energy Guidelines 2023 

● Energy Equity at Risk by Mohsen Fatemi 

● Energy Justice for Renters by KU doctoral candidate Mohsen Fatemi 

● Good Energy presentation on residential solar by Malcolm Proudfit, October 2024 study group meeting. 

● Hot Times in the Heartland documentary by Prairie Hollow Production 

● Kansas Energy Future by Zack Pistora, Kansas Sierra Club 

● Kansas Sky Energy slides, study group meeting exploring utility-scale solar October 2023 

● KDHE Kansas Emission Mitigation and Reduction Plan 

● KU Environmental Studies Capstone Group Emission Reduction Plan Final Report 

● KU Capstone Group Presentation 

● KU Capstone Group Poster 

● Lawrence Renewable Energy Plan Lawrence ordinance 9744 

● LWVL-DC Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Survey of Members and the Public, 2024-25