Spring 2026 News & Information

Hello Fellow Members,

We are fast approaching a very busy election season. We need to be ready and available, working with our County, City, and Township Clerks. Who is having “early voting”, what type of identification is required, where do I find out about the candidates, and what is the difference between a poll watcher and a poll challenger? Our mission is to defend democracy and empower voters. Having the answers will provide tools, making sure our community is ready to cast their ballots. The coming months offer our League the opportunity to reach out to the community.

Our Voter Services, as always, is looking for events and planning opportunities for the League to aid in voter registration and spreading the word on the election process. We will be looking for volunteers to work tables, attend the Board of Canvassers for election certification, postcard addressing, text banking, and assist the Voter Services as much as you can. Remember, we have something for everyone, including those who may not be able to leave their residences. All of us contribute and are valued.

Kudos to our newest event, Common Grounds. This venue is proving to be a catalyst for more member engagement within our community.

Thank you all for what you do,

Deborah Nagy

Linda Furgason

Co-Presidents

LWVUS Condemns Supreme Court Ruling

The US Supreme Court weakened one of the most important protections against racial discrimination in voting when it ruled in the Louisiana v. Callais case, making it harder to challenge discriminatory district maps.

Read the LWVUS statement HERE.

The Brennan Center for Justice also condemned the ruling but called on Congress to act and on Americans to continue demanding that all candidates say what they are willing to do to protect our vote.

Read the Brennan Center analysis HERE.

The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (H.R. 22/S. 128) (also called the SAVE Act) is a federal bill that would fundamentally change how Americans register to vote. It has passed the House of Representatives multiple times since 2024, including most recently in February 2026, and is currently being debated in the Senate. The League of Women Voters Jackson Area invites you to an open community forum on Saturday, May 30, to learn more about this important topic with your neighbors and friends.

Jackson District Carnegie Branch Library - Auditorium

244 W Michigan Ave., Jackson, MI 49201

On the Panel:

Ben Gardner
ALL Voting is Local - Unsilence The Vote

Janet Hayward Deputy Clerk, Blackman Charter Township

Beverly Fex moderator, League of Women Voters Jackson Area

Questions?

Book Club

The May LWVJA Book Club selection is The Wind Knows My Name, by Isabel Allende. The meeting is in the auditorium of the JDL Carnegie Branch on Tuesday, May 26, from 5 pm to 6:30 pm.

UP NEXT: The July book club will be held in the same location as we discuss Feeding Ghosts: A Graphic Memoir by Tessa Hulls, on Monday, July 27, from 5 pm to 6:30 pm.

LWVJA by
The Numbers:

LWVJA Members - 80

NEW Members - 19

February through April 2026

A Warm Welcome to:

Cheryl Bradshaw

Donna Guernsey

Nicole Hughes

Osha Humphrey

Kathryn Keersmaekers

Gretchen Marshall

Monica Moser

Tami Oliver

Krystina Scott

Kindra Wicklund

John Willis

Annalisa Courtright

Helena Courtright

Jasmine James

Hailee Shaw

Hannah-Bella Smith

Jackson Youth Council

Aiyana Walker

Melody Griffin

Sophia Mahoney

Special Welcome to our Eight New Youth Members

Girl Scouts from Troop 60184

Jackson Area Events Calendar

May

Memorial Day

LWVJA Book Club,

Tuesday, 5-6:30 pm, , Carnegie Library Auditorium; Book selection: The Wind Knows my Name by Isabel Allende

LWVJA General Meeting, Thursday, 5:30-7:30 pm, Bella Notte Restaurant upstairs

Common Grounds,

Saturday, 10 am – Noon, Carnegie Library Auditorium, topic: The SAVE Act legislation and Michigan’s partner proposed legislation called Americans for Citizen Voting

June
18

LWVJA Board Meeting, Thursday, Ella Sharp Museum 10-11:30 am

Juneteenth

23
LWVJA Annual Meeting, Tuesday, 5:30-7:30 pm, including election of officers for 2026-2027, Steve’s Ranch

25-28

LWVUS National Convention, Columbus, Ohio

Common Grounds,

Saturday, 10 am - Noon, Topic and location TBD

July

4th of July
Celebrating 250 Years of Independence

LWVJA Book Club, Monday, 5-6:30 pm, Carnegie Library, Auditorium; Book Selection Feeding Ghosts by Tessa Hulls

August

National Day of Action, Saturday, Defend Democracy, Register Voters, information to follow

LWVJA New Member Meet & Greet Orientation, Thursday, 5-7 pm, Carnegie Library Auditorium

Celebrating Women

Two members of the LWVJA were recognized as honored community members at the Jackson Women’s History Council’s 50th annual Susan B. Anthony/Harriet Tubman Award Celebration, held at Cascades Manor on March 8, 2026. More than 72 attendees enjoyed a joyful luncheon celebrating service, leadership and the women who strengthen our community.

Honorees L-R :

Margaux Dever - Emerging Leader Award

Nancy Smith - Susan B Anthony/ Harriet Tubman Award

Vittoria Jimerson - Susan B Anthony/ Harriet Tubman Award

This year, Vittoria Jimerson, one of our newer members, was celebrated for her unwavering commitment to meeting community needs with compassion. She founded Jackson’s first 24-hour daycare, Gems of Jackson, which provides essential support for families with nontraditional work hours. She also leads the Welcome Home Organization, strengthening underserved neighborhoods through urban agriculture and transitional assistance. Her work supports returning veterans and individuals reentering the community after incarceration, helping them regain stability and dignity. Vittoria also partners with the City of Jackson Parks and Recreation, supports youth through a home-school bowling league, and serves families as a birth doula.

Nancy Smith, a dedicated member of the League’s Observer Corps, was honored for her steadfast commitment to government transparency. She monitors local governmental bodies to ensure compliance with open-meeting laws, serves as Constituent Services Aide for a local senator, mentors staff, assists residents navigating government resources, and tutors young people.

One attendee summed up the afternoon perfectly: “What a wonderful way to honor women and empower all of us to keep fighting the fight!”

Membership Renewal

Have you received a recent reminder to renew your LWVJA membership? You can do it online at the LWV national Portal or you can print the renewal form and send us a check payable to LWVUS.

Join or Renew

FAQ
2026 Michigan Midterm Election Year:
What will it look like?

Due to Term Limits, all of Michigan’s top state offices are without an incumbent.

Our ballot will include races for:

Governor – The primary fields for both major parties will have multiple candidates. The General Election is likely to include 3 major candidates: the Republican nominee, the Democratic nominee, and Mike Duggan, Detroit’s outgoing mayor, who left the Democratic Party to run as an independent.
US Senate seat is currently held by retiring Senator Gary Peters.
Secretary of State – Jocelyn Benson is term-limited and is running for Governor.
Attorney General – Dana Nessel is term-limited.
All 110 state House seats - Republicans now hold a 58-52 majority
All 38 state Senate seats - Democrats now hold a 19-18 edge.
All 13 congressional seats, which include some of the most competitive districts in the country.
Two Michigan Supreme Court seats.
A Ballot Proposal on whether to hold a state constitutional convention and rewrite Michigan’s foundational document. This happens every 16 years. The last time the state Constitution was rewritten was in 1963.
Ballot Initiatives – groups are gathering signatures for at least 8 other ballot issues.