Once again, this year, Sandy Parker will offer an instructive seminar called Get Ready to Vote in the August Primaries.
Florida will hold its Primary Elections on August 18. These elections are important because many races will be decided on that date. Winners of the other races will face off in the General Elections in November. In this presentation, Sandy will review the federal, state and local offices and candidates, as well as the proposed local referenda that will be on the primary election ballot for Collier County voters. Join us and get a jump-start on casting a more informed vote.
Sandy will also conduct a zoom presentation of the same presentation on July 27th at noon. Recordings of the Zoom will be available after the presentation.
| JULY 15 @ 4:30-6:30
Ridgway's Bar & Grill
Please join us on Wednesday, July 15th for a casual summer evening with your LWVCC colleagues at Ridgway's Bar and Grill in Old Naples. It is a great time to get to know more League members and catch up with “year-rounders” you may not have seen in a while. We will have a few appetizers and there will be a cash bar. Feel free to bring a spouse, partner, or friend—this is purely a social event! Any questions, please feel free to contact Tina Palmese or Jan Eustis.
|  Thoughts from the LWVUS26 Convention Floor Part I
As I return from my first LWV Convention experience, I am reflecting on all the things I learned, all the feels I felt, and the amazing bonding that took place. Our own Susan Housel (attended in person) and Stacy Vermylen (attended virtually). There was a strong contingency from Florida as a whole. And 49 of the 50 States were represented!
When voters say their vote doesn’t matter, let’s examine the last Presidential election. In round numbers, 76 million voted for Harris, 78 million for Trump, and, drum roll please, 90 million DID NOT VOTE. Let that wash over you for a moment. What a staggering number. Get out the Vote (GOTV) matters. Your efforts matter. Your encouragement to other potential voters matters.
This past year the LWVCC honed our focus to be more GOTV centric. During the strategic planning process, it was apparent that many of you felt that was the most important thing we could do. And you were right.
I’m not sure how many Parts there will be, but I want to share the most important things I took away from the conference. I will ask Susan and Stacy to weigh in also. From our remarks, I want you to learn, feel, and bond with others. Come along as we share our experiences with you.
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Volunteer to observe the Canvassing Board for the 2026 Collier County Primary Election election! At an open public meeting, the Canvassing Board conducts the Logic and Accuracy test of ballot processing and voting machines, reviews Vote-by-Mail (VBM) and provisional ballots, certifies the official results of the election and observes the manual audit of precinct/race. This is an important League service in supporting our mission of free and fair elections, with interesting people who care about election security. Volunteers are needed for the following dates and times:
- Thursday, July 16, 9:00-11:30 (Logic & Accuracy Testing)
- Monday, August 17, 9;00-11:00 (Review of Vote by Mail ballots)
- Tuesday, August 18, (Review mail-in-ballots and preliminary returns)
- Friday, August 21, 9:00-11:00 (Review of mail-in-ballots & 1st unofficial results)
- Wednesday, August 26, 9:00-11:00 (Certification of results and selection of precinct for manual audit)
- Wednesday, September 2, (9:00-11:00 (Manual Audit)
The meetings will be held at the office of the Supervisor of Elections, 3750 Enterprise Avenue, Naples, 34104. If you can observe one or more meetings, volunteer observers will receive background information to familiarize them with this interesting and important task.
VOTER SERVICES "LUNCH AND LEARN"
Thursday, July 9 @ 12:30-2:00
Altavilla Pizza & Trattoria
Please come join us for our Voter Services Lunch & Learn as we prepare for the August Primary and November General elections. We will discuss and plan our GOTV initiatives, focusing on Vote By Mail, tabling events, and distribution of our materials throughout the summer, as well as how best to promote our social media. We will provide a light lunch and lively conversation! Any questions, please contact Tina Palmese.
REGISTER
(login required)
On June 17th several LWVCC members attended the Politics in the Park at the North Collier Regional Park. This was an old fashioned political rally, an opportunity for the general public to meet the candidates and discuss their positions as well as receive some fun giveaways. Attendees of all ages participated in the Straw Ballot voting for the various races with results announced that night. It was a quite an entertaining evening!
| LWV LEE COUNTY
INVITES COLLIER VOTERS
July 11 @ 2:00-4:00
Lee County Lakes Regional Library
Collier County is part of the Florida 20th Judicial Circuit, which includes Lee, Charlotte, Hendry. and Glades counties. This LWV Lee County event is an opportunity to hear the candidates who will be on Collier County ballots.
REGISTER
| BRINGING FLORIDIANS TOGETHER
CELEBRATING OUR 250TH ANNIVERSARY
Supporting our democracy means building strong communities. Strong connections among neighbors fosters trust and a sense of belonging. This promotes stability and encourages civic participation, such as voting. Strong communities create greater engagement and collaboration, which are key elements in a stable democracy.
LWVFL is encouraging us to have a potluck on or near July 5, 2026, to celebrate our anniversary and support our democracy. It is an opportunity for neighbors to join together with a fun, communal meal, to create a sense of connection and belonging. It can be as simple as a continental breakfast or a full dinner. It can include one neighbor or many. Please think ahead about the location, day and time. Ideas for topics of conversation and more will be forth coming.
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UPCOMING EVENTS |
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| July 14 @ 10:00-11:30 |
Get Ready for the Primary Live |
| July 15 @ 4:30-5:30 |
Wine & Wisdom |
| July 20 @ 4:00-6:00 |
Meet the Primary Election Candidates |
| July 27 @ 2:00-3:30 |
Get Ready for the Primary Zoom |
Visit the LWVCC Calendar for event details
| UPCOMING COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Check our Event Calendar for meeting locations and more information. LWVCC committee meetings are for members and their invited guests unless stated otherwise; members should log in to the website to register to get the Zoom links for committee meetings and other events. | Voter Services Committee Meeting
July 9 @ 12:30-2:00
Altavilla Pizza & Trattoria
“Lunch & Learn” to prepare for the upcoming elections in August and November | Communications Team Meeting
July 9 @ 2:00-3:00
Zoom | Board Meeting
August 5 @ 9:30-12:00
Zoom | Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in Government. We influence public policy through education and advocacy. Our goal is to empower citizens to take an active role in shaping better communities worldwide. The League of Women Voters of Collier County does not support or endorse any candidate or political party.
| League of Women Voters of Collier County
P.O. Box 9883Naples, FL 34101
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