League Declares US Facing a Constitutional Crisis
On April 17, Celina Stewart, CEO of the League of Women Voters, and Dianna Wynn, president of the League of Women Voters, declared that the United States is in a constitutional crisis and announced a new initiative to use the power of voter engagement to protect and preserve our democratic institutions.
“It has now been 87 days since the start of the Trump administration. From the flagrant disregard for congressional authority and governmental checks and balances to defying Supreme Court orders to bring Kilmar Abrego Garcia back home, one thing is abundantly clear our country is in a constitutional crisis.”
Starting May 1, the League will launch the Unite and Rise 8.5 initiative to mobilize 8.5 million voters using the power of voter engagement to defend the foundational principles that have sustained our democracy — checks and balances, the rule of law, and free and fair elections.
Read the LWVUS statement here.
League Joins Coalition Challenging Unlawful Anti-voter Executive Order
The League of Women Voters has joined a coalition of voting rights organizations to file a lawsuit in US District Court challenging President Trump’s unlawful executive order on voting. The order attempts to seize the power to set voter registration rules from Congress and the states. Key provisions of the order could disenfranchise millions of eligible voters, particularly voters of color, women voters, naturalized citizens, voters with disabilities, voters with low incomes, and first-time voters.
“This executive order is a dangerous and unprecedented abuse of power — one that threatens to make it more difficult for American voters, particularly women voters, to participate in our elections,” said Celina Stewart, chief executive officer of the League of Women Voters of the United States.
See the press release here.
LWVUS opposes EPA deregulations
The League of Women Voters has signed onto a statement opposing the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) plan to eliminate air quality standards for smog, soot, and mercury, and limits on carbon pollution and coal waste. The Trump Administration has announced their intention to destroy over 50 years of lifesaving progress to protect our air, water, and land. Their plan to eliminate air quality standards for smog, soot, and mercury; carbon pollution limits on power plants and vehicles, and limits on coal waste is a threat to all of us, and a direct assault on the most vulnerable.
See the joint statement and the full list of signatories here.
California League opposes AB 85 Law Enforcement: Cooperation with Immigration Authorities
The Trump Administration has invoked a cruel and inhumane policy, deporting hundreds of Venezuelans under an archaic 18th-century wartime law and denying them due process. This blatant disregard for fundamental rights reminds us why we must stay vigilant here in California.
LWVC strongly opposes AB 85, a bill introduced by Assemblymember Bill Essayli (Corona) that would require local law enforcement to notify federal immigration authorities when undocumented individuals complete their sentences, and to share information about transfers and holds.
AB 85 is a broad and vague mandate that would apply to anyone with a felony conviction, including low-level and nonviolent offenses and those who have already completed their sentences, creating a sweeping policy that could lead to harmful consequences for many individuals and undermine trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement making our communities less safe.
See the full letter to Assemblymember Essayli here.
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