Office of Multicultural Affairs resources and ways to help

September 2025 Alison Flores, Director of the Anne Arundel County Office of Multicultural Affairs, spoke to our League about the impact of ICE detentions on local immigrant communities. The mission of the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) is to enhance access for the County's multicultural communities to engage in the economic, civic, social, and cultural sectors. The OMA is currently working with community partners to protect families and inform residents of their rights. Please visit the links below to learn about these programs and ways you can help.

Anne Arundel County Family Protection Initiative

Presentation

Volunteer signup

Donation link

To learn about the rights of the immigrant community, please consult the CASA website.

With the new year fast approaching, the LWVAAC Board is excited to announce a new initiative in 2026 to engage and grow our membership--Speaker Series and Monthly Meetings including guest speakers. 

In response to our member survey this fall, we will host speakers and/or meetings on the second Wednesday of each month from 7-8:30pm. We are hoping that a consistent date will make it easier for members to plan ahead and attend. Mark your calendars! These in-person meetings will be a chance for you to hear from League members and guest speakers on hot topics; learn about our committee work; discover what the League is doing in the community and with the County Council and State legislature; and, most importantly, explore volunteer opportunities.   

Note: Our meeting location may change periodically. Check your email or lwvaacmd.org/calendar to confirm where we are meeting, the date and time (2nd Wednesday of the month), who will be speaking and what you can learn at each meeting.

January 2026 • Gerrymandering

Our first monthly meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 in the Community Room at the Southern District Police Department, 35 Stepneys Ln, Edgewater, MD 21037. The topic will be gerrymandering, which was the number one topic chosen by our members in that survey, so come with your questions, concerns, and ideas.  

Ashley Oleson will speak and lead our discussion. Ashley is an LWVAAC Board member and the former State Director for the League of Women Voters of Maryland. Ashley’s primary policy work in Maryland centered on redistricting reform. In 2015, she was appointed to serve on Maryland’s Redistricting Reform Study Commission and in 2019 she served on the Emergency Commission on Sixth Congressional District Gerrymandering. She traveled the state to educate citizens and to learn about what they think about gerrymandering in Maryland and how we should reform the process. Beyond gerrymandering, Ashley is active in promoting increased access to the ballot box and helping people get ready to vote with League’s nonpartisan Voters’ Guide, Vote411.org.

The LWVAAC mission of championing voting rights and supporting democracy has never been more important. Growing our membership and engaging the community is critical in meeting this mission, and you can help by inviting friends and family to join you at our monthly meetings! As always, we look forward to learning together and engaging with you in the coming year. See you on January 14th!!!

This winter, make The League Connection (TLC)

Connect with members of our League and learn more about what our organization does to support democracy.

TLC events are regularly scheduled get-togethers that provide members and friends of the League the opportunity to talk informally, share concerns and strengthen our ties. They're held at a local coffee shop or restaurant on the first Saturday of each month, unless there's a conflict with another League event.

Anyone interested is encouraged to stop by Panera Bread in Festival at Riva between 10:30 a.m. and 12:00 noon on the first Saturday of the month. Just look for a table with an LWVAAC sign!

WINTER 2026 TLC DATES  January 3 • February 7 • March 7

The League of Women Voters of Anne Arundel County invites you to share in the spirit of giving this holiday season, as we dedicate our annual charity campaign to The Light House, Annapolis' homeless prevention support center. The Light House anticipates a significant increase in individuals and families seeking assistance this fall, in light of the government shutdown, federal workforce layoffs and the uncertainty surrounding SNAP benefits.

Help LWVAAC Support The Light House

There are many ways to show your support. You may contribute to LWVAAC's charitable fund drive benefitting The Light House anytime between now and December 31. For more "hands on" opportunities, please consider the following:

Every year, The Light House collects holiday meal items to distribute to our community’s most vulnerable neighbors. By participating in our Set the Holiday Table Drive, you can ensure that our neighbors have food on their table during the season of giving. SIGN UP & GUIDELINES Thank you for being a light for our neighbors during the holiday season!

Help provide warm clothing for our residents and community clients. During the colder months, The Light House provides warm clothing items to our community through our Safe Harbour Resource Center and Carol’s Community Closet. Donate the following NEW or GENTLY USED items for men and women: Coats, Scarves, Water Proof Gloves, Boots, Base Layers, Thermal Wear Items can be delivered: 9am - 5pm, The Light House, 10 Hudson St, Annapolis

We thank you for your generosity. Happy Holidays!

New venue, same festive event! 

Please join us on Saturday, December 6, as we kick off the Season of Giving and share a meal at the Eggcellence, 2625 Housley Road in Annapolis. The Eggcellence staff will accommodate our party with separate checks. Space is limited. RSVP below by Tuesday, December 2 to reserve your seat.

LWVAAC welcomes your contribution through year-end to our annual charitable fund drive benefitting The Light House. Please click here to learn about this and other opportunities to join The Light House's community of supporters.

LWVMD Statewide Study: Local Control of Education

Adopted at 2023 State Convention, this study considers whether to update the existing LWVMD position on Local Control of Education. The study committee, chaired by Gail Sunderman, presented their findings at the 2025 State Convention. Local Leagues have been asked to hold consensus meetings and submit their report to LWVMD by October 17, 2025.

Current LWVMD position:

Financing Education: The primary responsibility for funding public elementary and secondary education lies with the state (1972, 1975). Support for:
1. A foundation program based on a weighted per pupil formula supported from general state revenues at a level high enough to eliminate inequities.
2. Some local leeway to provide additional funding for education.
3. Continuation of local control over the schools.
4. The encouragement of increased federal funding for education.

2025 Study Consensus Question:

In order to clarify that funding education is a state/local shared responsibility, should LWVMD remove “continuation of local control over the schools” (#3) from its current Financing Education position and amend the current position (#2) to state support for: “Some leeway for city/county councils and boards of education to provide additional funding for education”?

2025 Study Fact Sheet

Study Committee presentation at 2025 State Convention

Pursuant to a national position on immigration* adopted by LWVUS in 2008, the League of Women Voters of Anne Arundel County (LWVAAC) undertook a 2-year local study. LWVAAC members reached consensus on a local immigration position and outlook for work in 2010. The study materials and analysis gathered by our local League remain informative and relevant 15 years later. 

LWVAAC Immigration Study Report #1

LWVAAC Immigration Study Report #2

LWVAAC Immigration Study Report #3

*To read the full LWVUS immigration position and history, go to Impact on Issues 2024-2026, pp. 167-169.

In June 2025, the League of Women Voters of the U.S. (LWVUS) adopted a new national League position on the Federal Judiciary. The Federal Judiciary position was adopted using the long-standing League practice of grassroots study to arrive at member understanding and agreement. 321 Leagues representing 45 states and the District of Columbia participated in the study.

The Federal Judiciary position states that, within the bounds of the US Constitution, the overarching principles of transparency, accountability, independence, and ethics are essential to an effective federal judiciary. It notes that these principles are not only essential for a strong democracy but also foster public trust in the federal judiciary and adherence to the rule of law, which is the essence of our constitutional democracy.  This position also covers standards of conduct, criteria around disclosure, and respect for precedent.

The Federal Judiciary Study Committee, chaired by Kimberley Fraser, included League members with research, legal, and League expertise. The committee met during the fall of 2024 and produced extensive materials, including policy briefs, a glossary, and guidance on how to conduct a study that was posted on the League Management Site. The committee continued to draft study questions, which were then sent to state and local Leagues for meetings in February through mid-April.

Read the complete position statement below:

LWVMD Statewide Study: Local Control of Education (2023-25)

LWVAAC Local Study: Immigration (2008-2010)

TESTIMONY TO THE COUNTY COUNCIL OF ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MARYLAND

BILL 48-25: AN ORDINANCE concerning: Subdivision and Development – Zoning – Tiny Home Community Development 

POSITION: Support 

BY: Abby Root, League of Women Voters of Anne Arundel County

Date: June 12, 2025  

Good evening. My name is Abby Root, 1336 Chicory Way, Odenton, representing the League of Women Voters of Anne Arundel County. 

The League supports Bill 48-25.

The League’s support of Bill 48-25 is based upon our Planning and Zoning position to “Promote and pursue balanced development in appropriate target areas that will have minimum impact on the environment and maximum long-term benefit to employment and the tax base including provision of opportunity for affordable housing...”. 

While the League supports the concept of tiny home communities, affordable homes built in a safe, comfortable environment, we are concerned that the bill does not require the communities to be built near public transit. If these communities cannot be built near a public transit center, we recommend they be built along an existing or new bus route that goes to the center. The need for a car to get to employment adds to the cost of living as well as having a negative impact on the environment.  

At the previous hearing on this bill, Councilman Smith showed us photographs of a tiny home community in Georgia.  This community, South Park Cottages outside Atlanta, is very well planned, with walking trails, sitting areas, a dog park, and a barbecue pit.  Homes have modern amenities and high ceilings which give the home a feeling of spaciousness. South Park is so popular that the company, Techie Homes, is in the process of developing another tiny home community, Union Park Cottages. 

Tiny homes and tiny home communities are becoming increasingly popular as a way for people to afford to buy a home.   

The League urges you to vote yes on bill 48-25 and to consider making access to public transit part of the bill. Thank you.

The LWVAAC bylaws provide that the Board of Directors may act as a Governing Board in the absence of an elected President. Board members assume the powers of the President and divide the powers among themselves.

SIGN UP HERE to receive Board meeting announcements. All members are invited to attend.

TESTIMONY TO THE COUNTY COUNCIL OF ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MARYLAND

BILL 19-23: AN ORDINANCE concerning Public Safety – Ban the Bag Act of Anne Arundel County

POSITION: Support

BY: Abby Root, League of Women Voters of Anne Arundel County

Date: April 3, 2023

Good evening. My name is Abby Root, 1336 Chicory Way, Odenton, representing the League of Women Voters of Anne Arundel County.

The League supports Bill 19-23.

The League’s Solid Waste position is to “support a program of solid waste management that protects public health and environment through promotions of source reduction, recycling, and adoption of a conservation ethic among individuals, businesses, and government.”

Plastic bags are detrimental to the health of humans and animals. Plastic bags start out as fossil fuels but then go through other processes during production that generate greenhouse gas emissions which contribute to climate change.  They ultimately end up as toxic waste in landfills, waterways and the Chesapeake Bay.

Plastic bags become microplastics in landfills that absorb toxins and pollute the environment. In the waterways and the Bay, marine animals often eat discarded plastic, which can be lethal. If fish ingest microplastics, the toxic chemicals in the fish can go up the food chain to bigger fish and eventually to humans.

The League supports a ban on plastic bags in Anne Arundel County. There are bans in the counties of Howard, Montgomery, Baltimore, and Baltimore City and numerous Maryland towns.

Charging a fee for plastic bags has been found to encourage public awareness of the persistence of plastic waste.  Many people know plastic bags are environmentally damaging but need an incentive to change their shopping behavior.

The League urges the Council to vote in favor of Bill 19-23. Thank you.

TESTIMONY TO THE COUNTY COUNCIL OF ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MARYLAND

BILL 25-23: AN ORDINANCE concerning: General Provisions-Public Campaign Financing

POSITION: Support

BY: Abby Root, League of Women Voters of Anne Arundel County

Date: May 15, 2023

Good evening. My name is Abby Root, 1336 Chicory Way, Odenton, representing the League of Women Voters of Anne Arundel County.

The League supports Bill 25-23.

The League of Women Voters of Anne Arundel County’s support for public campaign financing is based on the conclusions of a national public campaign financing study conducted by the League of Women Voters of the United States. The League’s position is:  

“Campaign finance regulation should enhance political equality for all citizens, ensure transparency, protect representative democracy from distortion by big money, and combat corruption and undue influence in government. The League believes that campaign spending must be restricted but not banned. The League supports public financing, full disclosure, abolishing SuperPACs and creating an effective enforcement agency.”

Public financing of campaigns is good for democracy. Bill 25-23 aligns with the League’s position on Public Campaign Financing by:

• Leveling the playing field for candidates who may not have big donors.
• Reducing the influence of big money on elections.
• Combating corruption and undue influence.
• Enabling candidates to compete more equitably for public office.
• Enabling more candidates from diverse backgrounds to run for office, amplifying the voices of regular people.
• Promoting citizen participation in the political process.
• Creating an enforcement agency.

Since the Maryland Legislature in 2014 made it possible for counties to adopt a public campaign finance system, Baltimore City and Howard, Montgomery, and Prince George's Counties have approved public financing systems. Baltimore County’s public campaign finance system is slated to be in place for the 2026 general election.

The League urges the Council to vote in favor of Bill 25-23. Thank you.

TESTIMONY TO THE COUNTY COUNCIL OF ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MARYLAND

BILL 72-24: AN ORDINANCE concerning: Finance, Taxation, and Budget – Public Works - Subdivision and Development – Zoning – Housing Attainability Act of 2024

POSITION: Support

BY: Abby Root, League of Women Voters of Anne Arundel County

DATE: October 7, 2024

Good evening. My name is Abby Root, 1336 Chicory Way, Odenton, representing the League of Women Voters of Anne Arundel County

The League supports Bill 72-24.

Housing, a basic human need, is the single largest expenditure in most family budgets.

The League’s support of bill 72-24 is based on its affordable housing and planning and zoning positions, to “promote and pursue balanced development that will have maximum long-term benefit to employment and the tax base including provision of opportunity for affordable housing by increasing housing opportunities for people of low or moderate income.”

Much of the public sector workforce in Anne Arundel County, including health care workers, first responders, and teachers in the early years of their careers, often commute to work from other counties where housing costs are lower. The choice between high housing costs and long commutes is often a contributing factor to high turnover in the workforce.

If these workers are able to afford to live in the county, they will become an integral part of the community, spending their wages here. They will go to local healthcare providers, their children will attend school here, participate in sports and other after-school activities.  It will be easier for the parents to attend these events. 

Moderately Priced Dwelling Units have worked well in other jurisdictions by  providing low- or moderate-income county workers  access to quality housing at a cost that is affordable as well as  encouraging economic and racial integration.

The League urges the Council to vote in favor of Bill 72-24. Thank you.

LWVAAC PROGRAM FOCUS:

Action on immigration position 

LWVAAC has had a public policy position on immigration since 2010 (see below). In our League's recent discussion of program priorities, members asked that we focus on achieving immigration policy goals and on supporting the immigrant population of Anne Arundel County. 

OPPORTUNITY: 

Volunteer at Center of Help/Centro de Ayuda

The Center of Help’s mission is to empower, educate and connect immigrants with resources to promote self-sufficiency and to advocate for the successful integration of the immigrant community into Anne Arundel County and the surrounding areas.

Center of Help is looking for the following volunteers:
• Tutors and teaching assistants
• One-on-one mentors
• Teachers for STEM lessons, cultural activities, reading groups, career research and skills
• Yoga and Mindfulness teachers/coaches
• Drivers to transport students Monday-Friday 3:15pm-3:45pm and 6:30pm-7:00pm

Fluency is Spanish is not required. The Center of Help website is centerofhelp.org.

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Abby Root, LWVAAC Action chair at [email protected].

Lawsuit filed by LWVUS and other voting rights groups

Press Release Last updated April 1, 2025

Washington, DC — A coalition of voting rights organizations filed a lawsuit in the US District Court for the District of Columbia to challenge 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, and doing so in a way that would violate federal law and the Constitution if carried out by the Election Assistance Commission (EAC). Key provisions of Trump’s 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.

The Constitution specifies that Congress and the states can set the rules for our elections, not the President. On March 27, several of the above voting rights organizations sent a letter to the EAC urging them not to take action in response to key provisions in the executive order, as doing so would violate federal law. 

The League of Women Voters of the US, League of Women Voters of Arizona, League of Women Voters Education Fund, OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates, Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote,  Hispanic Federation, and NAACP are represented by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), ACLU of DC, Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law, the Legal Defense Fund, LatinoJustice PRLDEF, and Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC (Advancing Justice – AAJC). The groups are challenging the order’s usurpation of powers, including its directive for the US Election Assistance Commission to change the federal voter registration form to require burdensome submission of documents to prove citizenship, which many Americans do not have or cannot readily acquire. Under existing law, registrants already have to swear to their citizenship under penalty of perjury, and there is no evidence that non-citizens are registering to vote at significant rates.

A Dangerous Attempt to Silence American Voters

Press Release Last updated March 26, 2025

The League of Women Voters of the United States issued the following statement in response to President Donald Trump's signed executive order, “Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections,” that threatens Americans’ freedom to vote and tramples states’ constitutional authority to run their own elections.

“Let’s keep it real: this order is not about protecting elections; it is about making it harder for voters — particularly women voters — to participate in them,” said Celina Stewart, Chief Executive Officer of the League of Women Voters of the United States. “This executive order is an assault on our republic and a dangerous attempt to silence American voters. The President continues to overstep his authority and brazenly disregard settled law in this country. To be very clear — the League of Women Voters is prepared to fight back and defend our democracy."

“The President can’t unilaterally change election law,” said Marcia Johnson, Chief Counsel for the League of the Women Voters of the United States. “This order is not only an attack on American voters’ fundamental freedom to vote, it is also plainly unlawful. The League is committed to working with our partners and legal advocates to pursue all avenues in fighting back against this dangerous order, and we will use every tool at our disposal to defend voters from unjust restrictions on their freedom to vote.”

Welcome!  

Join or renew online 

Individuals who join the League of Women Voters (LWV) become part of a highly trusted, 100+ year-old national nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering voters and defending democracy. LWV members form a grassroots network of activists and supporters, with Leagues in 50 states, plus the District of Columbia and the US Virgin Islands. 

LWV is committed to informing and empowering voters, while providing opportunities for members to amplify their individual political power and civic engagement at the local, state and national levels. As an organization, LWV is strictly nonpartisan and never supports or opposes any political party or candidate. In addition, LWV is fully committed to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in principle and in practice. DEI practices are central to LWV’s current and future success in engaging all individuals, households, communities and policy makers to create a more perfect democracy.

The League of Women Voters of Anne Arundel County (LWVAAC) has served our local community since 1944, registering voters, hosting public forums, preparing voters' guides, studying and reporting on local issues, and advocating for outcomes that benefit county residents. 

We welcome anyone aged 16 or older to become a full voting member of LWVAAC as well as of the League of Women Voters of Maryland (LWVMD) and the League of Women Voters of the United States (LWVUS). By authorizing payment of the annual membership dues, you affirm that you are at least 16 years of age and that you agree to abide by LWV bylaws and policies.

Click here to review LWV members' rights and responsibilities.

Beginning in February 2025, annual LWV dues will be on a pay-what-you-choose basis, with $20/year as the minimum. The recommendation nationally is $75/year. Membership dues are distributed proportionally to LWVAAC, LWVMD and LWVUS. Please contact the LWVAAC membership team if dues are a barrier to joining our League.

Please choose the option that is right for you: 

Join or renew online 

Complete and mail this form along with your check.

Voting by Mail in 2024

Citizens seeking to vote by mail MUST REQUEST a mail-in ballot.

• To apply for a mail-in ballot, go online to voterservices.elections.maryland.gov/onlinemailinrequest, text VBM to 77788, or apply in person at the Anne Arundel County Board of Elections, 6740 Baymeadow Drive, Glen Burnie, MD.  Call 410-222-6600 for assistance.
• The Board of Elections must receive the application for a mail-in ballot by October 29 to vote by mail in the 2024 General Election. See below for complete instructions.  
• Track the status of your ballot here: voterservices.elections.maryland.gov/VoterSearch
• Mail-in ballots must be postmarked or placed in a designated ballot drop box by 8 pm on November 5.

 2024 Presidential General Election Dates

Register to vote, update registration or change party affiliation online, by mail or in person: Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Early Voting: Thursday, October 24 through Thursday, October 31, 2024 from 7am-8pm

Election Day:   Tuesday, November 5, 2024 from 7am-8pm

Register to vote or update registration at designated polling place: Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Registering to Vote

*You may register to vote if you are at least 16 years old but cannot vote in the 2024 General election unless you will be at least 18 years old on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.

How to register: You may register to vote, update your registration and/or change your party affiliation online, or in person at any of the following:

• Your local board of elections;
• The State Board of Elections;
• Your local Department of Health office; 
• The Maryland Department of Human Services local offices; 
• The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) offices; 
• Your local Area Agency on Aging office;
• The MTA Paratransit Certification Office; 
• All public institutions of higher education;
• Recruitment offices of the U.S. Armed Forces;
• Marriage license offices; and
• Offices for students with disabilities at all Maryland colleges and universities.

Registration deadlines: Registration officially closes 21 days before an election. For the 2024 General Election, this deadline is Tuesday, October 15.

Same day registration: Maryland law allows residents to register to vote and/or update their address in person at early voting sites and at their voting precinct on election day. Party affiliation may not be changed. Bring a document that proves where you live, such as your MVA-issued license, ID card, or change of address card, or your paycheck, bank statement, utility bill, or other government document with your name and new address.

How to Request Your Mail-In Ballot

In January 2024, the state Board of Elections sent a Mail-in Ballot Request Form to all eligible registered voters in Maryland. This form may be used to request mail-in ballots for the 2024 Primary and General Elections as well as to register to receive mail-in ballots for all future federal and state elections.

If you didn't receive the form and wish to vote by mail in the 2024 General election, first check to make sure your voter registration information is correct here: voterservices.elections.maryland.gov/VoterSearch. 

Then request a mail-in ballot (previously called an "absentee ballot") using one of these options:

• Request your ballot online now.
  • This will require a Maryland driver’s license or state ID. 
• Download and print a ballot request form. English | Español 
  • Fill it out and mail it now. You will need your own envelope and stamp.
• If you are an active registered voter, the Board of Elections will send you a ballot request form via U.S. Mail.
  
  • To expedite receipt of your ballot, complete and return the request form as soon as it arrives.
  • This request form will come with a postage-paid envelope.

The Board of Elections recommends that you receive your ballot by U.S. mail unless it is not practical or possible for you to use that option.

How to Complete & Return Your Mail-In Ballot

• Ballots will be mailed with instructions for marking and returning them to the Board of Elections.
  • Follow the instructions carefully. You must sign an oath that accompanies the ballot. Failure to complete the return envelope correctly may result in your ballot not being counted. 
• Mailed ballots must be postmarked no later than November 5 in order to be counted.  Voters are encouraged to return ballots early when possible.  
  • The Board of Elections website includes a form where you can check to see if your ballot was received.
• Instead of returning your ballot by U.S. Mail, you may put it in one of the secure drop boxes provided by the Board of Elections.  Your ballot must be returned to a drop box by 8:00 pm on November 5 to be counted.

Protect your ballot.  Be wary of anyone who offers to collect ballots.  Be sure that your ballot is sealed in its envelope and put it directly in the U.S. Mail or a Board of Elections drop box.

In-Person Voting at Vote Centers

Early Voting: Thursday, October 24 through Thursday, October 31 from 7 am-8 pm

• Avoid the rush – vote early!
• You may cast your official ballot at any Anne Arundel early voting site.
• New voter registration will be available at all voting sites. 
• All early voting centers in Maryland are accessible to voters with disabilities.

Primary Election Day Voting: Tuesday, November 5 from 7 am to 8 pm

• On election day, you must vote at your assigned polling place. 
• The sample ballot you receive from the Board of Elections will list your assigned polling place. 
• The complete 2024 polling place list by precinct may be found here.
• All election day polling places are open continuously from 7 am until 8 pm on November 5. Anyone in line at 8 pm will be allowed to vote.
• New voter registration will be available at all voting sites.

YOUR VOTE IS YOUR VOICE.  PLAN AHEAD.  HOW AND WHEN YOU WILL VOTE?

Visit the County Board of Elections website for answers and assistance.

Visit VOTE411 for Information on the Candidates, Issues and Ballot Questions