Niecy Chambers

  • published Annual Membership Meeting 2024 in Upcoming Events 2024-04-16 19:50:20 -0400

    2024 Annual Membership Meeting and 80th Anniversary Celebration

    Photo of a 2024 calendar by Behnam Norouzi on Unsplash

    has special significance for the League of Women Voters of Anne Arundel County. Established as a local League in 1944, LWVAAC has been empowering county voters and serving our community for 80 years. League members and friends will celebrate this landmark achievement at the 2024 Annual Membership Meeting on Wednesday, May 15.

    All local Leagues hold an annual meeting to reaffirm the organization's grassroots foundation and ensure that members guide the League’s future. On May 15, LWVAAC members will come together to conduct the important business of approving our 2024-2025 budget, updating our bylaws, electing our officers and directors, adopting our public policy positions, and providing guidance to the Board about activities or initiatives that members want our League to undertake. LWVAAC relies on members’ active participation in this yearly event.

    Following the official meeting and buffet supper, we'll have the opportunity to hear from Delegate Shaneka Henson, who represents residents of District 30A in the Maryland General Assembly. We'll conclude with a celebration of LWVAAC's 80th anniversary and toast to the League's future success.

    The fee for the Annual Membership Meeting and 80th Anniversary Celebration is $30/person. Advance reservations are required; RSVP no later than May 10. No refunds for cancellations after May 10.

    The proposed budget, bylaws, program recommendation and slate of nominees are found here. Members are encouraged to review these items prior to the meeting.  Please contact [email protected] with questions or concerns. Upon request to [email protected], a print copy of the preliminary reports will be mailed to you.

    The LWVAAC Board looks forward to seeing you on Wednesday, May 15.


    RSVP below

    Click here for proposed items (bylaws, budget, program and nominations).

    Click here for print-and-return registration form.


    Learn about our speaker: Delegate Shaneka HensonDelegate Shaneka Henson

    Shaneka Henson was born and raised in Annapolis. She earned a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Coppin State University and a J.D. in Law from the University of Baltimore. Shaneka spent almost ten years as a practicing attorney for the Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney Office and the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA). She continues to practice as a partner in her firm, Johnson Legal Group, LLC.

    Shaneka was elected in 2017 to represent Ward 6 in the Annapolis City Council and appointed to the House of Delegates in May 2019, replacing the late Michael E. Busch. Reelected to represent District 30A in 2022, she currently serves on the Ways & Means Committee, Local Revenues Subcommittee and the Early Childhood Subcommittee.

    Shaneka will share insights from the 2024 session of the Maryland General Assembly.

     
    WHEN
    May 15, 2024 at 5:00pm
    WHERE
    Roger "Pip" Moyer Recreation Center
    273 Hilltop Ln
    Annapolis, MD 21403
    United States
    Google map and directions
    $30.00 USD · 4 rsvps rsvp

  • published Voting System Public Demonstation in Voter Info 2024-04-14 16:12:32 -0400

    Public Demo of County Voting System

    Learn firsthand how local elections are runFB ad for 4-18-24 Board of Elections public demo of voting systems

    The public is invited to a demonstration of county voting systems and polling place supply verification.

    Host: Anne Arundel County Board of Elections (BOE)

    Location: BOE Headquarters, 6740 Baymeadow Drive, Glen Burnie, MD 21060

    Date: Thursday, April 18, 2024

    Time: 9 a.m. to noon; arrive by 8:30 a.m. to sign in

    RSVP on Facebook


  • published Voting in the 2024 Primary Election in Voter Toolkit 2024-02-13 15:09:16 -0500

    Voting in the 2024 MD Primary Election

    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 May 7 to vote by mail in the 2024 Primary 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 May 14.

     2024 Presidential Primary Election Dates

    Register to vote, update registration or change party affiliation online, by mail or in person: Tuesday, April 23, 2024

    Early Voting: Thursday, May 2 through Thursday, May 9, 2024 from 7am-8pm

    Election Day:   Tuesday, May 14, 2024 from 7am-8pm

    Register to vote or update registration at designated polling place: Tuesday, May 14, 2024


    Registering to Vote

    To register to vote, you must be: You cannot have been:

    A U.S. citizen;

    Convicted of buying or selling votes;

    A Maryland resident; and

    Under guardianship for mental disability and found by a court to be unable to communicate a desire to vote; or

    At least 16 years old.*

    Convicted of a felony and currently serving a court-ordered sentence of imprisonment. 

    *You may register to vote if you are at least 16 years old but cannot vote in the primary election unless you will be at least 18 years old by the next general election.

    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:

    Registration deadlines: Registration officially closes 21 days before an election. For the 2024 Primary Election, this deadline is Tuesday, April 23.

    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 primary 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 May 14 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 May 14 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, May 2 through Thursday, May 9 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, May 14 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 May 14. 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


  • published Housing Bill 78-23 in Positions and Testimony 2023-11-07 09:03:33 -0500

    Affordable Housing Legislation

    ORAL TESTIMONY TO THE COUNTY COUNCIL OF ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MARYLAND

    BILL 78-23 AN ORDINANCE CONCERNING: FINANCE, TAXATION, AND BUDGET – SUBDIVISION AND DEVELOPMENT – ZONING – ESSENTIAL WORKER HOUSING ACCESS ACT OF 2023

    POSITION: Support

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

    DATE: November 6, 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 78-23.

    This bill will give workers who work in Anne Arundel County, but cannot afford to live here, the opportunity to own or rent housing near their workplace.

    The League’s support of Bill 78-23 is based on its affordable housing and planning and zoning positions, to “promote and pursue balanced development 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 by increasing housing opportunities for people of low or moderate income.”

    Moderately Priced Dwelling Units have worked well in other jurisdictions where low- or moderate-income county workers have access to quality housing at a cost that is affordable.

    Essential workers living in the county will have a sense of community. Their commitments will not be split between two counties.

    They will shop here and 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 who live here to attend these events. Living closer to the workplace is also good for the environment because it saves on gas and wear and tear on cars.

    The League urges the Council to vote in favor of bill 78-23. Thank you.


  • published County budget invests in affordable housing in Blog 2023-10-04 18:17:13 -0400

    County budget invests in affordable housing

    Even before the pandemic, a stable supply of housing, including rentals, was driving an affordability crisis in many jurisdictions, including right here in Anne Arundel County. Safe and affordable housing is not only foundational to individuals’ and families well-being but also to a vibrant economy.

    The LWVAAC has long been an advocate for affordable housing based on its studies of the issue and adoption of a policy position that supports action to secure affordable housing for low- and very low-income residents and special populations in the county. In 2021, the median household income of Anne Arundel County households was $108,048. 

    LWVAAC is a member of the 30-year-old Anne Arundel Affordable Housing Coalition (AAAHC). LWVAAC Director and Action Chair Abby Root is our League’s AAAHC liaison. In June, Abby attended a Coalition reception for member organizations and elected officials, including County Council members Julie Hummer (Dist. 4), Allison Pickard (Dist. 2), and Lisa Brannigan Rodvien (Dist. 6), who spoke of their support for more affordable housing in the county. 

    Read more

  • published Books for Learning Bibliography in About Us 2023-09-13 10:36:05 -0400

    Books for Learning Bibliography

    Our Books for Learning program officially launched in 2016 with a selection of readings focused on voting rights. The intent through the years has been to gain a shared understanding of current topics by reading and discussing recent or pivotal books on the subject. Books for Learning selections appear below, along with the dates of our discussions.

    Image of book cover, Madness: Race and Insanity in a Jim Crow Asylum

    March 22, 2024


     
    True or False book cover

    November 4, 2023


    The Other Wes Moore book cover

    March 22, 2023


    Let the People Pick the President book cover

    October 12, 2022


    The Fourth Turning book cover

    January 12, 2022


    Half-Earth book cover

    April 7, 2021


    Evicted book cover

    February 3, 2021


    The Untold Story of Women of Color in the LWV book cover

    August 26, 2020


    Fearless book cover

    June 20, 2020


    The Fifth Risk book cover

    February 14, 2019


    The Color of Law book cover

    April 10, 2018


    The Third Reconstruction book cover

    February 13, 2018


     

    Just Mercy book cover

    BetweentheWorldandMe book cover

    January 31, 2017


     

    Give Us the Ballot book cover

    Additional Readings:

    A Dream Undone by Jim Rutenberg, published in the August 2, 2015 New York Times, provides an excellent overview of the book.

    Redistricting in Today’s Shifting Racial Landscape and A Vindication of the Voting Rights Act by Abigail Thernstrom of the American Enterprise Institute

    The Truth About Voter Fraud by Justin Levitt, published by the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law;

    An Analysis of Voter Fraud in the US by Lorraine C. Minnite, Senior Fellow at Demos.

    March 15, 2016


     


     


  • published NVRD 2023 Volunteer Opps in Voter Toolkit 2023-08-29 10:20:53 -0400

  • published Bylaws in LWVAAC Reference Library 2023-04-28 13:49:14 -0400

    LWVAAC Bylaws Adopted 4/15/2023

    ARTICLE I Name

                Section 1.  Name. The name of this organization is the League of Women Voters of Anne Arundel County, Inc., herein referred to as the League. The League is an integral part of the League of Women Voters of the United States, herein referred to as the LWVUS, and of the League of Women Voters of Maryland, herein referred to as the LWVMD.

    ARTICLE II Purposes and Policy

                Section 1.  Purposes. The purposes of the League are to promote political responsibility through informed and active participation in government and to act on selected governmental issues.

                Section 2. Policies. The policies of the League are:

    (a) Political Policy. The League shall not support or oppose any political party or candidate.

    (b) Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy. The League is fully committed to ensure compliance - in principle and in practice - with LWVUS’ Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy.

    ARTICLE III Membership

                Section 1. Eligibility. Any individual who subscribes to the purposes and policy of the League shall be eligible for membership.

                Section 2. Types of Membership. The membership of the League shall be composed of voting members and associate members.

                (a) Voting Members.

    (1) Persons at least 16 years of age who join the League shall be voting members of the League, the LWVMD and the LWVUS and any regional League to which this League belongs.

    (2) Those who live inside the area of the League may join the League or any other League.  Those who reside outside the area of the League may join the League, another local League or shall be LWVMD members-at-large.

    (3) Life Members. Those who have been members of the League for 50 years or more shall be life members excused from payment of dues.

    (4) Student Members. Those who are enrolled full- or part-time in an accredited institution shall be student members.

    (b) Associate Members. All others who join the League will be associate members.

    ARTICLE IV Board of Directors

                Section 1. Selection, Qualifications, and Terms. The Board of Directors (herein referred to as the Board) shall consist of the officers of the League, six (6) elected directors and not more than six (6) appointed directors.

    (a) All directors shall be voting members of the League. Three (3) directors shall be elected by the general membership at each annual meeting. Elected directors shall take office on July 1 and serve for two (2) years or until their successors have been appointed.

    (b) At the first Board meeting following July 1, the start of the new fiscal year, the elected Board members shall appoint additional directors not exceeding six (6) as they consider necessary to carry on the work of the League. The terms of office of the appointed directors shall expire on June 30.

    (c) Vacancies other than the presidency may be filled by vote of the remaining members of the Board. The person filling the vacancy shall serve until the end of the unexpired term.

    (d) The Board may designate long-standing Board members as Board members emeritus, who shall not vote but may provide counsel to the Board.

    (e) The Board, by a majority vote, may terminate a Board member for, but not limited to, the following reasons:

    (1) Failure to appear at three (3) consecutive Board meetings without advance notification to the President.

    (2) Failure to comply with League policies and guidelines concerning conflict of interest as set forth in LWVMD guide for local Leagues.  

                Section 2. Powers and Duties. The Board shall manage and supervise the business, affairs and activities of the League subject to the instructions of the general membership at the annual meeting. It shall select delegates to the state convention and council and to the national convention. It shall accept responsibility for other matters as the national or state board may delegate to it. It shall have the power to create special committees as it considers necessary and shall perform other duties as specified in these bylaws.

                Section 3. Meetings. There shall be at least seven (7) regular meetings of the Board annually. The President may call a special meeting of the Board and shall call a special meeting upon the request of five (5) members of the Board.

                Section 4. Quorum. A majority of the members of the Board must be present at a Board meeting to conduct official League business.

    ARTICLE V Officers

                Section 1. Officers. The officers of the League shall include:

                (a) One of the following combinations:

                (1) A President and a Vice-President, or

    (2) Two Co-Presidents, or

    (3) A Governing Executive Board; and

    (b) A Secretary; and

    (c) A Treasurer.

    Section 2. Terms and Elections.

    (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection:

                (1) The officers shall be elected for terms of two (2) years by the general membership at the annual meeting;

                (2) The President, Co-Presidents or Governing Executive Board, and the Secretary shall be elected in odd-numbered years;

                (3) The Vice-President and the Treasurer shall be elected in even-numbered years;

                (4) Officers shall take office on July 1, but may begin transitions immediately following election at the annual meeting and serve in parallel with incumbent officers;

                (5) The newly elected Treasurer and the outgoing Treasurer shall serve together until the League’s accounts and records have been duly transferred, but no later than June 30.

    (b) When a President is elected to succeed Co-Presidents, the Vice-President shall be elected in the same year as the President and shall serve an initial term of one (1) year.

    (c) An individual serving as President or Co-President shall not hold the same office for more than two (2) consecutive terms.

                Section 3. Authorities and Responsibilities.

    (a) The President. The President shall have the customary powers of supervision and management of the office; shall preside at all meetings of the League and the Board or designate another member to preside; shall be an ex officio member of all committees except the Nominating Committee. In the absence of the Treasurer, the President may sign or endorse checks, drafts, or notes; and shall perform other duties as the Board may direct. In the event of the absence, disability, resignation or death of the President, the Vice-President shall assume the office of President. If the Vice-President is not able to serve as President, the Board shall fill the vacancy from among the elected directors.

    (b) Co-Presidents.  Co-Presidents shall have all the powers enumerated in Section 3(a). They shall determine how those powers shall be divided between them. In the event of the absence, disability, resignation or death of a Co-President, the other Co-President shall assume the office of President. If the other Co-President is not able to serve as President, the Board shall fill the Co-Presidency vacancy from among the elected directors.

    (c) Governing Executive Board. A Governing Executive Board shall consist of the Board members, both elected and appointed, acting as a governing body without an executive. The Board members shall assume the powers of the President and divide the powers among themselves.

    (d) The Vice-President. The Vice-President shall perform duties the President and the Board direct.

    (e) The Secretary. The Secretary shall keep minutes of the meetings of the membership and of the Board. The Secretary shall notify all officers and directors of their election and shall sign with the President all contracts and other instruments when authorized by the Board and shall perform other duties the President and the Board direct.

    (f) The Treasurer. The Treasurer shall perform the customary duties of the office and arrange for an annual review or audit of the books and records.

    ARTICLE VI Executive Committee

    The purpose of the Executive Committee is to advise and support the President (or Co-Presidents). It shall be comprised of the elected officers and chaired by the President or Vice-President when officially serving in the absence of the President. Meetings shall be convened by the chair or at the request of a majority of Executive Committee members. When convened, it shall consider and may authorize any League activities and expenditures not reserved in the bylaws for member or Board approval. Decisions shall be by consensus with the chair having final say. The chair may invite the participation of additional Board members or portfolio chairs to address a specific focus area or project. The Executive Committee may convene in person, virtually or via group email.

    ARTICLE VII Financial Administration

                Section 1.  Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the League is from July 1 to June 30.

                Section 2.  Dues. Dues shall be payable annually on the anniversary of the individual’s enrollment. The Board may set reduced dues for student, associate and household members, and may provide scholarships for active members. A member who fails to pay dues within one(1) month after due date shall be dropped from the membership roster.

                Section 3.  Budget Committee. The Board shall appoint the Committee. The Treasurer shall be a member of the Committee but shall not serve as chair. The proposed budget shall be prepared not later than two (2) months before the annual meeting and provided to all members not later than one (1) month before the annual meeting.

                Section 4.  Distribution of Funds on Dissolution. In the event of the dissolution of the League, all money and securities of the League shall be paid to the LWVMD after the state and national per-member payments and other obligations have been met. All other property of the League shall be conveyed to a person, organization or corporation for public, charitable, or educational uses and purposes as the Board in it absolute discretion may designate.

    ARTICLE VIII Meetings

                Section 1.  Membership Meetings. There shall be at least 3 meetings of the membership each year. The Board shall determine the dates, times and places of the meetings.

                Section 2.  Annual Membership Meeting. An annual meeting of the members shall be held between April 1 and June 30, on a date to be determined by the Board. At the annual meeting, a majority of members who are present and voting, shall:

    • Adopt a local program for the next year.
    • Elect officers, directors, and a member to the nominating committee.
    • Approve a budget for the next fiscal year's expenses and income, including the amount of membership dues.
    • Transact other business that properly comes before them.

    Section 3.  Quorum. Ten percent (10%) of the voting members must be present at a general membership meeting to conduct official League business.

    ARTICLE IX Committees and Elections

                Section 1.  Nominating Committee.  The Nominating Committee shall consist of three (3) members: The Chair, preferably a current or former Board member, shall be appointed by the Board for the following program year in advance of the annual meeting; one (1) member, who shall not be a Board member but shall be elected at the annual meeting; and one (1) member, who shall be a Board member, will be appointed by the Board immediately after the annual meeting. A committee vacancy shall be filled by a Board appointment.

    (a) Report of the Nominating Committee. The report of the Nominating Committee shall be sent to all members one (1) month before the date of the annual meeting.

    (b) Other Nominations. A nomination may be made from the floor at the annual meeting by a voting member, if the proposed nominee consents.

    (c) Elections. The election shall be by ballot. If there is only one nominee for each office, the Secretary may be instructed to cast the ballot for every nominee. A majority of members qualified to vote, present and voting, shall constitute an election. Absentee and proxy voting are not permitted.

                Section 2.  Budget Committee. See Article VII, Financial Administration.

                Section 3.  Bylaws Review Committee. The Committee shall consist of three (3) members. The Board shall appoint two (2) Board members, who shall select a non-Board member, to review bylaws annually. Any changes to the bylaws shall be reported to the Board for approval before presenting them to be voted on by members at the next annual meeting.

    ARTICLE X Principles and Program

                Section 1.  Principles. The principles of the League are concepts of government adopted by the national convention and supported by the League as a whole. They are the authorization for the adoption of the national, state and local program.

                Section 2.  Program. The program of the League shall consist of action to implement the principles and those local governmental issues chosen at the annual meeting for study and action as follows:

    (a) Voting members may make recommendations to the Board not later than two (2) months before the annual meeting.

    (b) The Board shall consider these recommendations and formulate a proposed program that shall be sent to the members not later than 1 month before the annual meeting.

    (c) The members may adopt a program by a majority vote. Program recommendations properly submitted to the Board, but not proposed by the Board, shall by majority vote be considered at the annual meeting and by majority vote may be adopted at the annual meeting.

                Section 3.  Changes in Program. Changes to the program may be made if:

    (a) Information concerning the proposed change has been sent to all members at least two (2) weeks before the annual meeting at which the change is discussed; and final action by the membership is taken at a succeeding meeting.

                Section 4.  Program Action.

    (a) Members may act in the name of the League only if authorized by the Board.

    (b) Members may act only in conformity with a position of the League, the LWVMD, and the LWVUS.

    ARTICLE XI National Convention, State Convention and Council

                  Section 1. National Convention. The Board of Directors shall select delegates to the convention of the LWVUS up to the number allotted by the bylaws of that organization.

                  Section 2. State Convention and Council. The Board of Directors shall select delegates to the convention or council of the LWVMD up to the number allotted by the bylaws of that organization.

    ARTICLE XII Parliamentary Authority

    Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern the League in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these bylaws.

    ARTICLE  XIII Amendments

    The bylaws may be amended by two-thirds vote of the voting members at an annual meeting, if the proposed amendments are submitted to the membership in writing not later than one (1) month before the meeting.

    ARTICLE  XIV Virtual Meetings

    Board and membership meetings may be held, and League business conducted, by virtual means.

    Revised April 15, 2023


    Click here to download PDF copy of 2023 LWVAAC bylaws.


  • published Housing Bill 6-23 in Positions and Testimony 2023-03-03 14:00:36 -0500

    Affordable Housing Legislation

    ORAL TESTIMONY TO THE COUNTY COUNCIL OF ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MARYLAND

    BILL 6-23: An Ordinance concerning Subdivision and Development – Zoning - Accessory Dwelling Units

    POSITION: Support  

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

    Date: February 21, 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 6-23.

    This bill would make it easier for property owners to have Accessory Dwelling Units on their property.  

    In 1992 the League adopted an Affordable Housing position which supports: “meeting the housing and human services needs of special populations and increasing housing opportunities for people of low or moderate income.”  In 2021, we reaffirmed that position with additional research.

    ADUs are one way to meet the challenge of the rising costs of housing throughout the county.

    • They can be more affordable for low- and moderately low-income residents.
    • They can decrease isolation and depression in older adults and disabled persons by allowing them to remain in their community, close to family and friends.
    • ADUs also can be a housing solution to empty nesters or young adults just entering the
    • They would provide new housing options while maintaining the character of the community.

    The League urges the Council to vote in favor of Bill 6-23. Thank you.

     

     

     

     


  • published Nonpartisan Policy in About Us 2022-12-18 10:37:31 -0500

    Nonpartisan Policy

    The League of Women Voters of Anne Arundel County is a nonpartisan organization.

    The League takes positions on issues but does not support or oppose political candidates or parties.

    Members may participate in the political party of their choice as long as the individual does not represent the League publicly, as President or spokesperson. That would usually mean the Voters Guide chair, Candidate Forum chair and Action chair.

    The President of the League should not display publicly his/her party affiliation.

    In any voter service activity, or candidate forum, the League members involved may not indicate their party affiliation by what they say or by any insignia.

    Serving as a campaign manager or treasurer for a political party or hosting a fundraiser for a candidate should not be done by a member of the Board or any highly visible representative of the League.

    The LWVAAC Board shall review and readopt this policy annually.


  • published DEI Policy in About Us 2022-12-18 10:21:12 -0500

    Diversity Equity & Inclusion Policy

    The League of Women Voters is an organization fully committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in principle and in practice. Diversity, equity and inclusion are central to the organization’s current and future success in engaging all individuals, households, communities and policy makers in creating a more perfect democracy.


  • published Forum Videos in Voter Toolkit 2022-08-31 14:05:19 -0400

    Forum Videos

    Click on link to view video or visit YouTube@League of Women Voters AAC

    County Executive and County Council District 6 Candidate Forum

    August 29, 2022 at Heritage Harbour in Annapolis, MD. Co-sponsored by LWVAAC and the Civic Association of Heritage Harbour Homeowners. Moderated by Mary Gunther.

    https://youtu.be/GfF3aW8xN98

    2021 Annapolis Mayoral Candidate Forum

    October 19, 2021 at Congregation Kneseth Israel in Annapolis, MD.  Moderated by Josh Kurtz.

    https://youtu.be/vbn1WKBQE_4

    Legislative District 32 Candidate Forum

    October 17, 2018 at Ark & Dove Presbyterian Church in Odenton, MD. Moderated by Josh Kurtz.

    https://youtu.be/If_F72UehKo

    Legislative District 33 Candidate Forum

    October 11, 2018 at Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church in Severna Park, MD. Moderated by Terence Smith.

    https://youtu.be/UtUgbK2q8NA

    Legislative District 30 Candidate Forum

    October 10, 2018 at Congregation Kneseth Israel in Annapolis, MD. Moderated by Christopher Nelson.

    https://youtu.be/ESqRpwJRlWs

    2017 Annapolis Mayoral Candidate Forum

    September 13, 2017 at Congregation Kneseth Israel in Annapolis. Moderated by Susan Kopen Katcef.

    https://youtu.be/DmdwKFNEYU4

     


  • published Event Submission in Calendar 2022-06-16 17:34:47 -0400

    Report or request a community event

    Click here to submit information about an upcoming LWVAAC activity or to request LWVAAC participation in a community event. Questions? Contact [email protected].


  • published Nonpartisan Policy in LWVAAC Reference Library 2022-05-09 13:25:06 -0400

    LWVAAC Nonpartisan Policy

    Each year, the LWVAAC Board of Directors reviews, revises when appropriate, and reaffirms the League's nonpartisan policy. The following was unanimously adopted on May 10, 2022.

    The League of Women Voters of Anne Arundel County is a nonpartisan organization.

    The League takes positions on issues but does not support or oppose political candidates or parties.

    Members may participate in the political party of their choice as long as the individual does not represent the League publicly, as President or spokesperson. 

    The President of the League should not display publicly his/her party affiliation.

    In any voter service activity or candidate forum, the League members involved may not indicate their party affiliation by what they say or by any insignia.

    Serving as a campaign manager or treasurer for a political party or hosting a fundraiser for a candidate should not be done by a member of the Board or any highly visible representative of the League.

     


  • published The Voter Blog in Take Action 2022-05-06 11:07:53 -0400

    The Voter Blog

    LWVAAC Reusable Tote Bags
    Posted by · September 20, 2023 12:38 PM

    See all posts

  • published Candidate Forum Policy in LWVAAC Reference Library 2022-05-05 17:28:05 -0400

    Candidate Forum Policy

    LWVAAC CANDIDATE FORUM POLICY (adopted 2018)

    Eligibility Criteria for Participation in LWVAAC Candidate Forums & Debates:

    It is the policy of the League of Women Voters of Anne Arundel County that candidate debates and forums should be inclusive of all candidates who have qualified to be on the ballot, including all candidates of state recognized political parties, independent candidates and writein candidates. To be invited to participate, a candidate must meet the following criteria:

    1. be legally qualified, if elected, to hold the office under federal and state law; AND
    2. have filed and met all requirements to be on the ballot according to Maryland’s election laws ten (10) weeks prior to any election.


  • published Voter Toolkit 2022-05-05 17:17:37 -0400

  • published Q&A with Matt Johnston in Take Action 2022-04-23 08:01:54 -0400

    Q&A with Matt Johnston, Anne Arundel County Environmental Policy Director

    Matt Johnston, former AA County Director of Environmental Policy

    In 2019, Matt Johnston was appointed as the first Director of Environmental Policy for Anne Arundel County. This past February, Johnston spoke with LWVAAC’s Programming Director Marguerite Duffy about his experience and the challenges of a changing climate. Excerpts of their conversation appear below. The full interview may be found beginning on p. 7 of the March 2022 issue of LWVAAC's newsletter, The Voter.

    Johnston was the lead presenter for LWVAAC's April 21, 2022 Earth Day commemoration, Environmental Challenges and Solutions in Anne Arundel County. In April 2022, he left his position in County government to become Executive Director of the Arundel Rivers Federation.

     

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  • published Personal Pledges for Earth Day 2022 in Take Action 2022-04-21 19:40:38 -0400

    Personal Pledges for Earth Day 2022

    Earth Day 2022 logo Invest in Our Planet

    What can you do?

    What can I do?  

    What can we do?

    In his presentation for LWVAAC's 2022 Earth Day commemoration, outgoing Anne Arundel County Director of Environmental Policy Matt Johnston named three basic investments each of us can make in our planet.

    Read more