As I sit here on Sunday evening watching “Rise Up, Sing Out – A Concert for the First Amendment” I cannot help but be reminded that it is so important for the League of Women Voters to exist to educate and promote our fundamental freedoms - especially the right to vote in free and fair elections unfettered by unnecessary regulation that reduces voter turnout and compromises our ability to participate fully in our democracy.

You may not be aware that some of the LWVBC members serve as media watchers at the polls during the elections. We partner with the Democrat Newspaper to observe the voting processes to make sure appropriate signage and procedures are being followed at each vote center. These dedicated watchers then prepare a report that is submitted to the Election Board and the newspaper so that each election can be improved for the benefit of the election workers and the voters. This is an unheralded work of commitment by those members who volunteer so that voters can be assured that our opportunity for voting is protected. A big thank you to Maddison Miller, Shari Frank, Pam Raisor, Laura Weinland Young and Richard Young.

Tabling at the Brown County Fair took place this past week. Although it was hot and humid on most nights and sometimes the background noises threatened to drown us out, the volunteers continued to engage young and old in voting for their favorite pet and VOTE411. You never know when a word or a pamphlet may engage a person’s interest or decision to learn more.

And speaking of the fair, we need to give a shout out to our very own Jan Swigert whose paintings took “Best of Show “, “Champion” and “Reserve Champion” at the fair! Congratulations, Jan! And congratulations to all who were able to participate in this important community activity.