Date: 1/22/2026
Subject: LWV of Denver VOTER - February
From: League of Women Voters of Denver

The LWVD Newsletter

February 2026

February Briefing

Tuesday, February 17
5:30 p.m. by Zoom

Leaguer Sam Robinson and the Voter Service team of LWV Denver are proud to share the launch of our Educating Young Voters program, created to engage students across Denver Public Schools and private high schools through nonpartisan civics education, mock election experiences, and meaningful leadership opportunities as LWV Youth Ambassadors.

This youth‑centered program includes tailored sections on:

Why Vote
Who Can Vote
How to Vote

It provides faculty and student sponsors with ready‑to‑use materials and resources that strengthen and complement existing civics curricula. Our model is inspired by the broader Energizing Young Voters program developed by LWV New Jersey. Launched this past fall with two early‑adopter high schools, the LWVD program is already building momentum and growing every month.

We invite you to join us on February 17 at 5:30 p.m. to learn more about the program and explore how you can support our expansion in 2026.

Presenters
Sam Robinson - Voter Service, LWV Denver
Skylar Gold - Youth Ambassador, Thomas Jefferson High School
Stella Kaiser - Youth Ambassador, Mullen High School
Jackson Kaunda - Youth Ambassador, Mullen High School

February 14 - League of Women Voters turns 106!

Annual Letter Was Very Successful

The Board of Directors of the League of Women Voters thanks all of the generous people who donated after receiving our annual letter in early December: Claudia Alexander, Anonymous, Gordon Butz, Annie Chamberlin, Theresa Cookro, Joan Friend, Lisa Haddox, Louise Haggerty, Bobbie Heisterkamp, Pat Horoshak, Janet Imhoff, Alice Kelly, Carol Lassen, Martin Levy, Barbara Mattison, Joan McCallie, Sarah McCarthy, Pat Pascoe, Glenda Prosser, Bonnie Saliman, Rona Shor, Marilyn Shuey, Marty Sloven, Susan Stark, Mary Ann Thompson, Julieann Wielga, Geoff Withers, and Diane Young.

Your generous, tax-deductible contributions make it possible for the Denver League to carry on its vital mission, and we thank you! We have raised $10,935 to date, and there are still contributions coming into the office, so this is just a report through January 13, 2026.

Bobbie Heisterkamp
Development Chair

LWVUS Actions on Immigration

Joined LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens) and Common Cause in calling on Congress to launch an investigation into federal immigration enforcement use-of-force incidents.

Signed onto a letter to Congress urging them to refuse increased funding for ICE and Border Patrol, and to demand that Department of Homeland Security (DHS) appropriations bills include accountability measures for immigration enforcement agencies (will be posted on LWVUS’ website shortly).

Joined comments to DHS opposing the proposed rule that makes major changes to how immigration officials assess whether certain immigrants are likely to become a “public charge.”

Rebecca Goldman
Justice Reform Legislative and Policy Manager
LWVUS

Voter Service in Action

Voter Registration in 2026
We’re looking forward to registering voters this year! The State of Colorado requires that those who assist with registration, termed Circulators, take annual training. If you would like to take virtual Circulator training, or if you have an idea for a registration event, please contact Mariam Bouricius at mttejeda@gmail.com.

Help Wanted - Ballot Measure Co-Coordinator
For each election cycle, the League educates voters through our well-respected ballot issues brochure. We are looking for someone to be a co-coordinator to help Diane Young with tracking potential ballot measures, coordinating volunteers to conduct research, organizing the ballot guide, and developing materials for volunteer speakers. This is a great way to keep informed and is a major contribution to the League and our community. Diane is experienced and has written up guidelines for all of the tasks involved. If you are interested and would like more information, please contact Diane Young at dioyoung@comcast.net or Lisa Haddox at lisa.m.haddox@gmail.com.

Looking for School Contacts for Educating Young Voters Program
We are looking to connect with civics and history teachers, student government leaders and other educators or students who might want to support our Educating Young Voters program in Denver schools. If you know faculty or youth who are passionate about civic engagement, interested in hosting voter education or registration activities, or curious about joining the LWV Denver Youth Council, we would be grateful for the introduction. You can reach Sam Robinson at samrobgoog@gmail.com or Lisa Haddox at lisa.m.haddox@gmail.com.

Lisa Haddox, Voter Service Co-Chair

LWVD at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Marade

LWVD at 2026 Marade
Jeanette Scotland and Lisa Haddox

Wondering How to be More Involved with League?

We appreciate all members support through dues, but if you are looking for more, here are some suggestions:

Read the monthly VOTER newsletter and Weekly Updates from us (sent by email through ClubExpress)
Attend Briefings (Leaguese for presentations to educate our members and the public with insights on timely issues) - monthly from September through May
Join a Unit (Leaguese for small discussion groups that discuss Briefings and evaluate League program)
Respond to Action Alerts sent by LWVD, LWVCO and LWVUS by contacting our elected leaders
Join a LWVD Committee or join a LWVCO Task Force

Support the League of Women Voters Denver
Through Safeway Cards

We have around 40 Safeway cards available that are linked to the League. They do not have any money loaded into them, but they can be easily loaded by credit card in stores and used for groceries or gas. You can add more funds at any time. With each purchase, LWVD receives 5%. Consider picking several up at the office for gifts or use one regularly for grocery purchases.

We Need Your Volunteer Hours!

These are important for getting grants at the local and national level. You can use the form to enter any hours you have spent on League activities.

Volunteer Hours Form

Welcome New and Returning Members

Amy Hempe, amyhempe@hotmail.com, 80207
Macauley McGinnis, macauleykmcginnis@gmail.com, 80212
Gwen Murdock, bisongwen@gmail.com, 80203
Patty Ortiz, patiope@proton.me, 80222
Jaclyn Solt, jackiesolt59@gmail.com, 80224
Monica VanBuskirk, info@monicaforcolorado.com, 80220
Dinah Lynn Zeiger, dinahzeiger52@gmail.com, 80224

LWV Denver Units

A great place for meaningful conversations

Units are small groups that meet after briefings to discuss the topic further and whatever else is on the minds of the attendees. This is a great way to be more involved in League and to make lasting relationships. All are welcome!

Cheesman Unit
Meets the fourth Tuesday of the month
Next Meeting: Will meet on Tuesday, February 24, at 9:30 a.m. at 766 Milwaukee Street, Denver 80206
Leader: Bobbie Heisterkamp (303-333-6818)

Cherrington Unit
Meets the third Thursday of the month
Next Meeting: Will meet Thursday, February 19 at 1:00 p.m. Location to be decided.
Leader: Peg Oldham (720-220-3988)

Highland/Woodbury
Meets the third Wednesday of each month
Next Meeting: Will meet Wednesday, February 18 at 1:00 p.m. at Sassafras American Eatery, 32nd and Perry
Contact Sally Augden (303-455-5800) or Joan Friend (303-596-1022) for more details

Observatory
Next Meeting: Will meet via Zoom on Tuesday, February 24 at 4:00 p.m.
Leader: Diane Young (303-886-3365)

In Memoriam

Our sincere sympathies go to long-time League leader Lorie Young and family on the death of Lorie’s husband of seventy years, Richard (Dick) Young. Dick was a friend of League as he often accompanied Lorie to briefings and League events. We encourage you to read his obituary to learn of a life well lived, with significant contributions to Colorado and the country. A memorial service will be held at Montview Blvd. Presbyterian Church on Friday, February 27 at 2:00 p.m.

VOTER Articles Welcome!

We welcome articles from all members. We traditionally publish the VOTER on the fourth Thursday and the deadline to submit articles is the Friday before.