LWV Northern Arizona Action Corner

The most effective way to harness the full potential of your League of Women Voters membership is to get actively engage in our Action and Advocacy efforts. Dive into making democracy work by bringing your curiosity, expertise, and passion to a myriad of roles aimed at empowering voters and defending democracy. Your involvement is pivotal—not only does it empower individuals, but it also strengthens the very fabric of our democracy. Join us in this vital work—your efforts make a significant difference.

Here are the actions you can take to make a difference!

NATIONAL ACTION: From Dianna Wynn, LWVUS President – “Throughout this week Congress has been in recess, with members back in their home districts. In times like these, your representatives need to hear from you — after all, they work for you, and their job is to represent your interests! Given recent changes across the federal government, we’re urging people to make their voices heard and turn up the heat.”

Click on these actions alerts to tell your Member of Congress to Stand Up for Democracy and Protect our voting rights!

Action Alert: Urge Your Members of Congress to Stand Up for Democracy
Action Alert: Tell Your Members of Congress to Oppose the SAVE Act

STATE ACTION: LWV Arizona ADVOCACY

The LWV of Arizona needs Advocacy champions. Put your talent and passion to work by participating in a broad range of advocacy activities. You choose your level of commitment. Every action matters and your involvement makes us powerful and effective.

· Commenting on bills in the legislature that are LWVAZ priorities

· Join an Issue Team

· Become a League volunteer lobbyist

· Fight mis and disinformation by volunteering to work on League podcasts

Use the LWV Arizona one-stop signup to participate in these advocacy activities.

Also take a look at 5calls.org. – it is an easy way for you to make a political impact.

And lastly, Download the League In Action app and join a network of Leagues across the country taking action to empower voters and defend our democracy!

Join the "Hands Off!" Day of Action on April 5

HANDS OFF! Flagstaff AZ Fights Back! organized by Indivisible Northern AZ

On April 5, LWV is joining national partners for Hands Off!, a mobilization in response to the current administration’s attacks on our democracy, basic rights, and overreach of power.

Donald Trump and Elon Musk think this country belongs to them.

They're taking everything they can get their hands on—our health care, our data, our jobs, our services—and daring the world to stop them. This is a crisis, and the time to act is now.

On Saturday, April 5th, we are taking to the streets nationwide to fight back with a clear message: Hands Off!

This mass mobilization day is our message to the world that we do not consent to the destruction of our government and our economy for the benefit of Trump and his billionaire allies. Alongside Americans across the country, we are marching, rallying, and protesting to demand a stop the chaos and build an opposition movement against the looting of our country.

A core principle behind all Hands Off! events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values. Here is the link to protest safety guidance for League members: https://www.lwv.org/LWVUS Protest Safety Guidance

Join with other Northern Arizona League members and other local activist groups to march on April 5th.

Where: Flagstaff City Hall

When: 12-4 pm April 5, 2025

Where: Prescott Courthouse 120 S Cortez St

When: 12:00pm April 5, 2025

Where: Sedona Arts Center 15 Art Barn Rd. at the far end of Uptown

Park in Lot 5 or behind the Art Center - Please carpool!

When: 9:00 am April 5, 2025

Honoring the Legacy of Congressman Raúl Grijalva

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Congressman Raúl Grijalva, a friend of the League of Women

Voters of Arizona and Greater Tucson, and a steadfast defender of democracy and civil rights.

Congressman Grijalva was more than a public servant—he was a dedicated leader with a huge heart, an

unwavering advocate for justice and equality, and a champion for his community. For over 50 years, from his

early days on the Tucson Unified School District Board to his 22 years in Congress, he fought tirelessly for the

people of Southern Arizona.

He was guided by a powerful belief:

“No matter where you're from, one truth unites us all: Everyone deserves the freedom to live a

healthy life, and every child deserves a safe and fair chance at their future.”

Congressman Grijalva lived by these words, leading with vision, integrity, and relentless dedication to uplifting

Arizona’s communities. His legacy includes his unwavering support for tribal nations, underserved

communities, and working families, ensuring their voices were heard and their rights protected.

He was also a strong supporter of civic education and engagement, championing the values the League holds

most dear—an inclusive democracy and the power of the people. His commitment to equity and representation

has directly impacted the lives of countless Arizonans.

As we mourn the loss of this extraordinary leader, we also celebrate his life, his work, and the profound impact

he had on Arizona. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working alongside

him.

Congressman Grijalva’s legacy of compassion, service, and justice will continue to inspire and guide us. Rest

in power, Congressman Grijalva. You will be deeply missed, but your fight for a better world lives on.

League of Women Voters of Arizona

March, 14, 2025

1934 E Camelback Rd. Suite 120 #277, Phoenix, AZ 85016

www.lwvaz.org email:lwvarizona@gmail.com

Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act

The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, introduced by U.S. Representative Chip Roy (R-TX) and scheduled for floor consideration the week of February 24, would require in-person submission of documentary proof of American citizenship each time a person registers to vote. This goes beyond the current requirement—present in every state—that voters affirm or verify their citizenship when registering. If enacted, the law would effectively eliminate online and mail voter registration options by mandating applicants bring approved citizenship documents to election offices.

Make Your Voice Heard!

Call on all Arizona Representatives and Senators to oppose this bill. Let the bill’s sponsors from Arizona—Reps. Elijah Crane, Andy Biggs, Paul Gosar, and Abraham Hamadeh—know that Arizonans reject any legislation that undermines our right to vote.Tell your members of Congress to oppose the SAVE act!

Spread the Word

Reach out to your friends, family, and community across the country —especially female legislators both Republican and Democrats — and urge them to oppose this legislation.

Acceptable documentation under the bill includes a U.S. passport, a government-issued photo ID with a listed place of birth, or a REAL ID-compliant form of identification. Military IDs and other government-issued photo IDs are acceptable only if accompanied by additional proof of citizenship, such as a certified birth certificate. Furthermore, the bill allows for a discrepancy process, in which applicants without standard documentation must provide supplementary records—such as a naturalization certificate, consulate birth report, or qualifying adoption decree—to establish citizenship.

Critics point out that birth certificates often do not reflect current legal names, which could disproportionately affect voters who have changed their names—particularly married women. Research suggests that up to 34% of voting-age women lack citizenship documents matching their current legal name, and more than 9% of Americans do not have readily available proof of citizenship. Because marriage certificates are not explicitly listed as acceptable documentation, these changes may pose additional barriers to registering and voting under the SAVE Act.

Read more about how this bill impacts citizens: The Save Act will make voting harder.

The League of Women Voters of the US Urges Congress to Act in New Letter

WASHINGTON — Today, the League of Women Voters of the United States and League chapters from all 50 states and the District of Columbia sent a letter to congressional leaders expressing strong concern over abandoning its duties and authorities under Article I of the US Constitution, urging leaders to address the unprecedented executive branch overreach threatening American democracy.

In the detailed letter to Congress, the League — a nonpartisan organization with over one million members and supporters across all 50 states and the District of Columbia — highlighted several recent executive branch actions that are causing significant harm to millions of Americans, including the undermining of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, attempts to end birthright citizenship, pause distribution of congressionally allocated federal funds, and dismantle federal agencies without proper congressional oversight.

Of particular concern is the creation of an unofficial "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE) with free rein to sensitive government systems and the summary removal of 17 inspectors general without the required congressional notice. Additionally, DOGE employees who lack security clearance have gained access to the Treasury Department payment systems and other sensitive data from different departments. These unauthorized personnel have prevented federal workers from entering their offices and can manipulate or stop payments to federal agencies, including USAID, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and the US Department of Education.

"The dismantling of our sacred democracy on full display for the world is one of the most horrific events in modern-day politics," said Celina Stewart, CEO of the League of Women Voters of the United States. "When the executive branch egregiously signals it will defy court orders and neglect the welfare of citizens, that is when Congress must be reminded of their duty to defend the Constitution. The League demands Congress act to prevent threats to the very fabric of our Republic.”

"This is a critical moment for congressional oversight, and Congress must do its part to ensure that our great democracy is preserved and protected," said Marcia Johnson, chief counsel at the League. "The outcry from Americans speaking out against the impact of these executive orders should be all that is needed for Congress to stand in its authority and restore stability to our system of government."

The letter emphasizes that while federal courts have already enjoined several of these executive actions, Congress has not exercised its constitutional oversight. The League and its supporters urge Congress to exercise its authority to protect the rule of law, defend the Constitution, and rein in the executive branch's overreach. Read the letter here.

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Arizona for Abortion Access Campaign and League Involvement

It Passed!!

The abortion initiative (Arizona Proposition 139, Right to Abortion Initiative) was passed by the Arizona electorate.

About the Campaign

Arizona for Abortion Access is a coalition of reproductive health, rights, and justice organizations working to ensure Arizonans can make the decisions that are best for them and their families — free from government interference. This ballot initiative is supported by the ACLU of Arizona, Affirm Sexual and Reproductive Health, Arizona List, Healthcare Rising Arizona, Reproductive Freedom for All Arizona (formerly NARAL Arizona), and Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona. Together, these organizations represent hundreds of thousands of Arizonans in every community and from every walk of life.

These trusted institutions have worked extensively together protecting and expanding abortion access over the years. They have now partnered to begin collecting signatures to place a constitutional amendment on the November 2024 ballot. This amendment will protect abortion access in Arizona and ensure every person can make this deeply personal decision with dignity.

About the Initiative

The “Arizona Abortion Access Act” would enshrine the fundamental right to abortion in Arizona’s constitution. If passed, this measure would ensure freedom for a person to make their own decision on abortion. This is a deeply personal decision that most Arizonans believe should be made without interference from the government.

LWV’s Role in the Campaign

The LWV Arizona had a key role as a member of the field committee organized under the auspices of Health Care Rising (HCR).

State Advocacy

The League is a nonpartisan political organization. That means we never support or oppose candidates or political parties. We do study, take positions and then advocate for our priorities. At the state level this year our priorities for Advocacy, as chosen by our members and approved by the state board are:

Voting Rights
Women’s Rights
Education
Climate
Gun Safety
Criminal Justice
Ranked Choice Voting

Legislative Analysis Team – monitors AZ state legislation in these priority areas, studies the impact of bills, prepares testimony for our lobbyists and alerts members who may wish to contact their legislator, or express a position using the AZ Legislature Request to Speak System

Volunteer Lobby Core – members are trained and registered as League lobbyists. They attend Legislative committee meetings and testify on our behalf. Multiple volunteers are especially important when there are several committee meetings on a single day. Funds are available for transportation and parking for members outside of Metro Phoenix.

Advocacy Newsletter – generally sent weekly to subscribers during the Legislative season. Informs members of critical bills and suggests oppose or support with talking points. Sign up at lwvazadvocacy@gmail.com

Request to Speak (RTS) – this is a wonderful, unique feature of the AZ Legislature. Any member registered on the site can express support or opposition to a bill before a committee hearing, as well as leave comments – which legislators do read! This is an easy and important way to become involved. Training is offered and we will help you register for the system. If you haven’t done this before – this is the year!