A Community Conversation About Protecting Individual Rights

Join the League of Women Voters of Manistee County, a non-partisan organization, on Thursday, November 13 at West Shore Community College (WSCC)-Manistee Campus at 5:30 PM to discuss the legal foundations of our rights of Freedom of Speech and Due Process.

Community Conversations are designed to engage residents of the greater Manistee County in discussions about issues that are fundamental to democracy. A panel of four esteemed experts will lead us through the legal foundations and the implications of these rights in our daily lives.

Freedom of Speech
The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”
 

Our panelists will be:
Michael Nagle, Professor of Government, WSCC
Sean Henne, Professor of English and Education, WSCC
 

Mike brings insight into the constitutional and historic aspects of freedom of speech, while his colleague, Sean will address the importance of freedom of speech in publishing.

 Due Process of Law
The right to due process is found in the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution,  "No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury,…nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation." 

 Our panelists will be:
Jon Hauswirth, Manistee County Prosector
Marcelo Betti, Co-director, Immigration & Law Center of Traverse City

Mr. Hauswirth will explain the legal framework for due process from a criminal perspective as required in Michigan. Marcelo Betti will cover the application of due process as it relates to immigrants.

 Each panelist will provide a 7–10-minute explanation of their respective area of expertise. After the presentation, a conversation will be held, allowing the audience to ask questions, share concerns, and focus on what we can do to ensure these rights are protected in Manistee County and the state of Michigan. 

Please plan to join us for this important Community Conversation.

Make a plan to vote on Tuesday, November 4.

Polls are open from 7 AM to 8 PM. As long as voters are in line by 8 p.m., the polls must remain open for them to vote.

Want to check out what is on your ballot? Go to Vote411.org.

Not registered yet? No problem. Visit your city or township clerk to register before or on Election Day. (Be sure to bring proof of residency!)

Still hanging on to that Absentee ballot? Absentee ballots must be received by a voter’s city or township clerk by 8 p.m. on Election Day to be counted. If you changed your mind and want to vote in person instead, bring the unused absentee ballot to your polling place so it can be accounted for.

Strong families and a healthy community are the foundation of a strong America. But policy decisions in Lansing and Washington could affect how seniors, working families, and children get the care and nutrition they need to thrive.

Join the League of Women Voters of Manistee County for a Community Conversation About Strong, Healthy Communities. Local experts will share what’s happening here in Manistee County—from programs that support seniors to efforts that ensure kids don’t go hungry.

Thursday, Oct. 9 • 5:30–7:30 PM

West Shore Community College, River Street, Manistee

Come listen, learn, and share your voice. Together, we can keep our communities healthy and strong.

The Board meets via Zoom on the 1st Monday of the month. Contact Board President Deborah Kimble for more information

We will kick off our program year with a Deck Party at Jan Sapak’s house in Stronach.

Join the Manistee League and its special guest Judy Karandjeff to talk about your voting rights.

For decades, Judy Karandjeff has helped shape the discussion of women’s issues and concerns in Michigan. Through her leadership positions in women’s organizations, commissions, and councils, Karandjeff has educated and lobbied legislators, regulators, and policymakers about women’s issues. Her work as a volunteer for her local chapter of the League of Women Voters developed into a position as the legislative assistant with the state League of Women Voters. As an aide for State Representative Mary Brown, Karandjeff was instrumental in the negotiation and drafting of AIDS legislation, infant mortality initiatives, and the revision of licensing and disciplinary procedures for health care professionals. She was also executive director of the Michigan Women’s Commission under Governor Granholm.

Your board will meet to make plans to empower voters and protect democracy during our next program year!

The League of Women Voters of Manistee County is pleased to announce the theme of this year’s Annual Meeting and Dinner……..FARMING.  Our guest speaker,  Mark Yonkman, will talk about the role of farmers in the supply chain, from farm to table.  We will also have a chance to pay tribute to Nancy Behring, who is stepping down as LWV President.  Join us for good food, lively conversation, an informative speaker, and an all-around fun evening. 

Here’s the schedule:

• 5-6 pm LWV Business Meeting and Tribute to Nancy Behring

• 6-6:45 pm Dinner

• 7 pm Keynote Speaker – Mark Yonkman

Click HERE for information about how to register to attend our Annual Meeting. If you have any questions, please contact us at manisteelwv@gmail.com

Make a plan to vote on Tuesday, MAY 6

Polls are open from 7 AM to 8 PM. As long as voters are in line by 8 p.m., the polls must remain open for them to vote.

Want to check out what is on your ballot? Go to Vote411.org.

Not registered yet? No problem. Visit your city or township clerk to register before or on Election Day. (Be sure to bring proof of residency!)

Still hanging on to that Absentee ballot? Absentee ballots must be received by a voter’s city or township clerk by 8 p.m. on Election Day to be counted. If you changed your mind and want to vote in person instead, bring the unused absentee ballot to your polling place so it can be accounted for.

The next Pictionary Olympics will take place on May 2, 2025 at 7 PM at the Blue Fish Kitchen + Bar. Click HERE for an entry form. If you have any questions contact us at manisteelwv@gmail.com

Pictionary Olympics is one of the League of Women Voters Manistee County’s favorite community events! Numerous four-person groups, many representing area businesses, and organizations compete to win the coveted top trophy. Each person is given a secret word, known only to themselves and the audience, and has to draw it for the rest of the team. The other three people on their team have a minute to guess the correct word. Some teams come dressed in matching tee shirts or theme-dressed outfits. Everyone comes ready for fun!

All proceeds from this event go to sponsor our mission to educate voters, improve voter participation, and strengthen our democracy.

Please join us at WSCC Manistee for a program about Immigration.

Details TBD

Please join us at WSCC Manistee to reach a consensus about our position on the Federal Judiciary.

At the LWVUS Convention in June 2024, Leagues overwhelmingly agreed to conduct a new national study on the Federal Judiciary.  Work has already commenced with the appointment of a committee of 7 women from various Leagues across the nation.  The committee will provide local Leagues with an overview of the study timeline, the scope, and materials.  Each League will complete the study in the early part of 2025 and reach a consensus which will be shared with National League.  LWVUS will compile the results and form a position statement which will be announced in June of 2025.

Details TBD

Today, the League of Women Voters of the United States celebrates 105 years of empowering voters and defending democracy!

Founded by suffragists on February 14, 1920, the League was established six months before the 19th Amendment was finally ratified.

Please join us at WSCC Manistee to learn more about the Federal Judiciary (including the Supreme Court)

At the LWVUS Convention in June 2024, Leagues overwhelmingly agreed to conduct a new national study on the Federal Judiciary.  Work has already commenced with the appointment of a committee of 7 women from various Leagues across the nation.  The committee will provide local Leagues with an overview of the study timeline, the scope, and materials.  Each League will complete the study in the early part of 2025 and reach a consensus which will be shared with National League.  LWVUS will compile the results and form a position statement which will be announced in June of 2025.

Details TBD

Details TBD

Please join us at WSCC Manistee or via Zoom for a presentation about book banning by Julie Cirrone, Head Librarian for Manistee County. This presentation is free and open to the public.                                                                                            

Make a plan to vote on Tuesday, NOVEMBER 5

Polls are open from 7 AM to 8 PM. As long as voters are in line by 8 PM, the polls must remain open for them to vote.

Want to check out what is on your ballot? Go to Vote411.org.

Not registered yet? No problem. Visit your city or township clerk to register before or on Election Day. (Be sure to bring proof of residency!)

Still hanging on to that Absentee ballot? Absentee ballots must be received by a voter’s city or township clerk by 8 PM on Election Day to be counted. If you changed your mind and want to vote in person instead, bring the unused absentee ballot to your polling place so it can be accounted for.

West Shore Community College professor Mike Nagle will join us to talk about the Presidential Elections and the Electoral College. We hope you will join us for this informative program either at WSCC Manistee or via Zoom. This program is free and open to the public.

Candidates for the Manistee County Register of Deeds will join us on Zoom for an online forum. The forum will live-streamed on our YouTube channel at 7 PM on Tuesday, October 8. https://www.youtube.com/@lwvmanisteecounty

Recordings of the forum will remain up on our Facebook page, YouTube channel, and website until election day for anyone who wants to learn more about the candidates for this position.

We will kick off our program year with an in-person social gathering at LWV Manistee Board member, Jan Sapak’s house. This will be an opportunity to re-connect, meet our new members, and discuss our plans for the upcoming year. Contact Nancy Behring for more information and directions

National Voter Registration Day is a nonpartisan civic holiday in the U.S. creating broad awareness of voter registration opportunities and celebrating democracy. Look for your League members out and about in Manistee County today talking to concerned citizens about voting!

The board of the LWV Manistee will meet at Amigos in Onekama. Contact President Nancy Behring for more information.

Make a plan to vote on Tuesday, AUGUST 6

Polls are open from 7 AM to 8 PM. As long as voters are in line by 8 p.m., the polls must remain open for them to vote.

Want to check out what is on your ballot? Go to Vote411.org.

Not registered yet? No problem. Visit your city or township clerk to register before or on Election Day. (Be sure to bring proof of residency!)

Still hanging on to that Absentee ballot? Absentee ballots must be received by a voter’s city or township clerk by 8 p.m. on Election Day to be counted. If you changed your mind and want to vote in person instead, bring the unused absentee ballot to your polling place so it can be accounted for.

On Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at 7PM, the League of Women Voters Manistee County will host a candidate forum at the Farr Center in Onekama.

This forum will highlight four candidates running for two open seats for Onekama Township Trustee: David Gleason, Matthew Kieffer, Patrick Murphy and Cindy Wangbichler.

This forum is free and open to the public.

Please join us for an opportunity to see/meet candidates in person and learn their positions on issues that concern everyone.

The League of Women Voters of Michigan is hosting a Zoom Observer Corp Training for Board of Canvassers Observers. Contact LWV Manistee County President, Nancy Behring, if you are interested in volunteering as a Board of Canvassers Observer.

What: Zoom Observer Corp Training for Board of Canvassers Observation

When: Monday, July 22, 2024, 7:00 PM until 8:00 PM

Category: LWVMI Event

Registration is required: Zoom Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYrd-qupjguHNGzl2HFnwRdvK4wO3ZDmKzk#/registration