Please join us for this important GOTV Rally. While registration is not required, it will be helpful to provide enough refreshments.
|  NOTES FROM THE PRESIDENT
Amendment 3
This past week at Greater Naples Chamber Wake-Up Naples, I heard former Senate President Kathleen Passidomo confess that, “I was supposed to speak in favor of it, but I’m going to vote against it.” She went on, “I think it is a well-intentioned bill, but you know, the road to hell is paved with them,” she said.
An editorial by the Wall Street Journal criticizes Florida's proposed constitutional amendment to expand homestead property tax exemptions, warning it will shrink the tax base and force localities to shift the tax burden onto commercial real estate, apartment buildings, and businesses. While homeowners may see tax relief, renters and non-homestead property owners will likely face increased costs.
Diane Preston Moore and I have been making educational presentations on all three amendments this month. We have spoken to AAUW and will soon speak to the Delta Sigma Theta, GNL, and Universal Unitarian members.
The League of Women Voters of Florida does not support Amendment 3. According to President Jessica Lowe-Minor, “The League of Women Voters of Florida has long opposed efforts to use the State Constitution to limit or steer revenue." We’ve also been consistent supporters of home rule by municipalities and counties, because we believe that local entities closest to the people should be able to make decisions based on what their citizens want.
VOTE!
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URGENT CALL FOR COMMENTS
The Census Bureau announced on September 10 that it is planning sweeping changes to how we count people in the census. The proposed rule would:
- Count only US citizens and green card holdersi
- Stop collecting any data about race or ethnicity
- Ban the collection of sexual orientation/gender from any surveys
- Create unreliable and incomplete information about inhabitants
- Erode the doctrine of representation for every person
The LWV feels it will have major adverse effects upon daily life in our democracy. Population counts will be distorted and inaccurate, and there will be reapportionment and redistricting, as well as funding, changes as a result.
The Bureau has extended the period for comments until November 2. The League of Women Voters has prepared an easy response form for us to use as individuals. We urge you to review and respond.
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VOTER SERVICES "LUNCH AND LEARN"
Friday, October 9 @ 12:30-2:00
Altavilla Pizza & Trattoria
Please come join us at our next Voter Services "Lunch & Learn" meeting. As we continue preparing for the November General Election, we need volunteers to distribute the LWVFL printed Voter Guide throughout our community libraries, community centers, Churches, shopping centers, HOAs and other partner organizations. A light lunch will be served!
| MOVIES THAT MATTER: FILM & DISCUSSION SERIES
Join fellow League members this October for two thought-provoking documentaries in the Steve Brazina Memorial Movies That Matter series at the Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center. Each event features a documentary screening, an expert panel, and a dedicated post-movie League discussion on how these critical issues tie directly into voting and democracy.
- October 21, 2:00 PM – Possible Selves: Overcoming the Odds in Foster Care
An intimate, heartfelt look into the lives of youth navigating foster care. Stick around after the panel for a League conversation on youth welfare, policy, and how your vote impacts vulnerable populations.
- October 28, 2:00 PM – The Grand Alliance
A powerful look at the historic civil rights alliance between Black and Jewish communities in the 1950s and 1960s. Our post-panel discussion will explore coalition-building, civil rights history, and the continuous fight to protect voting rights.
Reserve Your Spot: Admission is free, and the League has secured a reserved block of tickets. Please register in advance on the League of Women Voters of Collier County Website to secure your seat.
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VOTE411.ORG IS LIVE
Our local League of Women Voters of Collier County published its online non-partisan voter guide with all the local Nov 3 general election races on Vote411.org. Every race on your ballot is covered…county, state and federal. The guide also has great information on ballot measures/referenda. Simply put your address into Vote411, and you’ll see what will be on your ballot, including profiles from candidates. Hear each candidates own words about their positions on the issues that face Collier citizens. Referendum questions include a discussion of the issues and what a Yes or No vote will mean. VOTE411.ORG is the League’s one-stop-shop where you can find nonpartisan voting information. Please also tell your friends, neighbors and relatives to check Vote411 before they cast their ballots – let’s all be informed voters!
| COLLIER COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS
AUGUST, 2026 HIGHLIGHTS
provided by Education Ambassadors
Regular 09/09/26 Meeting. The results of the 2025/26 Strategic Plan were reviewed, and 2026/27 plan presented. The second reading of the Student Progression Plan was approved. Also addressed were concerns about potential negative impact of Amendment 3 on public education, compensation of CCPS mental health employees, and importance of working with other districts to advocate (with State Legislators) for common goals such as increased funds for pre-K, voucher accountability, and more.
Final Budget Meeting 09/09/26. The FY 27 Budget of $1,577,822 was unanimously passed.
Work Session 09/16/26. There was a first read of 35 policies and 6 by-laws. In addition, a health insurance plan was presented to provide quality employee healthcare while managing/reducing costs. This will be further discussed at October meetings.
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UPCOMING EVENTS |
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| October 12 @ 11:30-1:30 |
Luncheon & General Meeting |
| October 19 @ 9:00-11:30 |
The Vote Is Sacred Bus Tour |
| October 21 @ 2:00-4:00 |
Movies that Matter
Possible Selves |
| October 28 @ 2:00-4:00 |
Movies that Matter
The Grand Alliance |
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. | Environmental Affairs Committee Meeting
October 8 @ 10:00-11:30
Collier Community Foundation, 2340 Vanderbilt Beach Rd Ste 401, Naples, FL 34109
NOTE LOCATION CHANGE
Eve Samples, Executive Director of Friends of the Everglades, will discuss Everglades restoration of the detention center site. | Communications Team Meeting
October 8 @ 3:30-5:00
Zoom | Voter Services Committee Meeting
October 9 @ 12:30-2:00 NOTE CHANGE OF DAY
Altavilla Trattoria | Plastics Task Force Meeting
October 15 @ 3:30-5:00
Zoom | Membership Team Meeting
October 20 @ 3:00-4:00
Zoom | Gun Violence Prevention Committee Meeting
October 21 @ 10:00-11:00
Zoom
Tama Caldarone, Legal Director and Kourtney Arrosmith, advocate at the Shelter for Abused Women & Children, will discuss gun violence as it relates to domestic violence and will present an actual case study. | Board Meeting
November 4 @ 9:30-12:00
Collier Community Foundation, 2340 Vanderbilt Beach Rd Ste 401, Naples, FL 34109
NOTE LOCATION CHANGE | 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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