First of all, I want to emphasize our continuing need for Report from State Circle reporters to cover Election Process and Transparency, subjects especially important for Making Democracy Work. If you or someone you know would be able and willing to cover these issues, please let me know. We could also use a reporter for gun control.

Second, a shout of thanks to the eight Leagues who responded with their local choices for LWVMD Legislative Priorities. With all the pre-election activities going on, I really appreciate the effort to respond on priorities. I will summarize what we have so far. The LWVMD Board will make its final decision on November 5. This gives other local Leagues a chance to respond by October 31.

The League of Women Voters of Maryland would like to extend a big congratulations to the newly recognized At-Large Carroll County League. We are excited to see this group grow and develop.

We now find ourselves in the midst of another election season. As with most organizations, the League of Women Voters has a membership that consists of three main groups: the core of leaders who keep the organization functioning, members who attend events and serve on committees, and our fabulous supporters who faithfully maintain their membership annually or contribute on a regular basis, because they believe in the League and what we are doing. Each group contributes to the essential work the LWV performs.

I am pleased to report that most of our reporters have agreed to continue writing for Report from State Circle (RSC). However, we have vacancies on the subjects of Election Process, Government Transparency, and Gun Control. Election Process and Transparency are particularly important to our Making Democracy Work priority.

The League of Women Voters of the National Capital Area (LWVNCA) is an Inter-League-Organization (ILO). It is one of around twenty in the USA--almost all surrounding a major city. LWVNCA is unique among them since we surround the nation's capital city and have member Leagues situated in nearby portions of two states, Virginia and Maryland.

240 Hours Later

What can you do in 240 hours? You can drive from Annapolis to San Francisco three times (roundtrip), you can watch the all the Star Wars films 11 times, or you could earn 6 college credits. I don’t think I could drive to San Francisco and back without stopping, I love Star Wars but watching 11 times straight would be taxing. But earning credits towards graduation seems to be the perfect way to spend 240 hours, and that’s what I did this past spring as an intern for the League of Women Voters Maryland state office.

Ashley & Brielle at a NationBuilder Event in DC