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Date: 2/9/2026
Subject: The Weekly VOTER, Feb. 9, 2026 - LWV of the Austin Area
From: LWV of the Austin Area




February 9, 2026


The Weekly VOTER masthead

Welcome to LWVAA's Weekly VOTER 
 
The Weekly VOTER is here to make sure everyone stays in the know about opportunities to empower voters and defend democracy in our community. Like what you see? Please share with your friends! 
 

Quote - LWVUS Nationalize Elections
Learn more: League of Women Voters Condemns President Trump’s Call to “Nationalize” Elections

Empowering Voters

We need your help empowering voters!
Voters in the Primary Elections decide who will be on the November ballot. If you want a say in the final choices, this is where it starts.

✅ Monday, Feb 2 - Last day to register to vote
✅ Friday, Feb 6 - The LWV Voters Guide and  VOTE411.org are finally live!
✅ Tuesday, Feb 17 - Friday, Feb 27 - Vote Early
✅ Friday, Feb 20 - Last day to apply for a mail ballot (received, not postmarked)
✅ Tuesday, Mar 3 - Primary Election Day

Note: Mail ballot must be received by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day - learn more.
Find the Voters Guide

Voters Guides are officially out in the wild!

Volunteers have delivered copies of our Voters Guide across Austin so voters can get the info they need before they vote. You’ll start seeing guides at libraries, community centers, clinics, and other neighborhood spots all over the city.
 
See a guide in the wild? Pick one up, share with a friend, and use it when you vote.
 
Contact our Voters Service team for more information.
Shout out to LWV volunteer Darlene Owens and all the distribution volunteers who helped distribute the Voters Guides. Watch a video with Darlene Owens, LWVAA Distribution Coordinator.

🗳️ The LWV Voters Guide!

💙  Elections are happening now, and your vote starts with good info. 💙

Partner for Democracy

Thank you for sharing the Voters Guide
Watch videos of Nelson E. Linder, Austin NAACP president and Community Care who share the Voters Guide and encourage voting in the Primary Election.
Give a big shout-out to our partners
 
Huge thanks to all our partners for collaborating with us to get trusted, nonpartisan info into the community.
 
Join us in giving a big shout-out to all the organizations, businesses, and nonprofits who share the Voter Guide. You’ll start seeing guides at libraries, community centers, clinics, and other neighborhood spots all over the city. See a guide at the library or at a local business? Be sure and thank them for sharing.


Volunteer With LWVAA

Austin Marathon - volunteer banner
Volunteer at the Austin Marathon & help LWVAA get out the vote!
 
LWVAA will be at the at the Austin Marathon Finish Line Festival on February 15! As a volunteer, you'll interact with race supporters and with runners' friends and families, asking questions about voting, giving out freebies, and sharing information about the primary election. Volunteers will receive a "Run to the Polls" t-shirt! LWVAA will provide everything you need to have fun, including tutus, hats, and colorful socks. Expect to be ACTIVE. 

Volunteers will gather at The Hideout Theater at 617 Congress Avenue. 
LWVAA will conduct a volunteer orientation before each volunteer shift.

There are two shifts (times listed include orientation):
  • 8:30 - 11:00 a.m.
  • 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 

This opportunity is open to ages 16 and up.


💌  Help LWVAA get out the vote for the primary
 
Address postcards to help turn out the vote for the March 3 primary election -- we're on the home stretch! LWVAA will provide pre-printed cards, pens, address lists, and postage. Drop by to address or stamp cards (don't forget to bring a friend!). Prefer to work at home? Swing by and pick up supplies! Drop-in hours this week:
 
Feb 10: LWVAA Office / Baker School, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Feb 11: LWVAA Office / Baker School, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Feb 12: LWVAA Office / Baker School, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Feb 14: LWVAA Office / Baker School, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Feb 15: Austin Creative Reuse, 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.

    💌  Be an Election Protection volunteer!

    The League of Women Voters, a member of the Election Protection Coalition, needs volunteers to monitor the polls during early voting and on Election Day. Volunteers empower voters with accurate voter information, document any problems voters might have at the polls, and report barriers to voting.

    Virtual Training is provided February 3 - 28 on Tuesdays at 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. and on Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

    Sign Up for Training

    Attend the Speakers Bureau kick-off meeting
     
    Thank you so much to all who've expressed an interest in being part of LWVAA's new Speakers Bureau committee. We're happy to share that our inaugural meeting is coming up this Thursday, February 12, from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. During this first meeting, we'll get to know one another before identifying task-based subcommittees and discussing our first projects.
     
    The meeting will be online via Zoom; you'll receive a meeting link upon registration.

    All LWVAA members are welcome to attend! If you haven't already done so, please complete this short questionnaire to help us learn about your interests and skills.
     
    Have any questions prior to the meeting? Connect with Leah Nyfeler, Cynthia Griffin, or Barbara Martin. We're looking forward to working with you!
     

    Register voters with the League

    🗳️  Fridays: Register voters at Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar & Mueller
    🗳️  Saturdays: Register voters at Alamo Drafthouse Lakeline
     
    Contact Voters Service to learn about more voter registration opportunities.
    Contact our Volunteer team for questions, or review general volunteer opportunities here.
     

    26.02.09 Watch Like Share
    Give a standing ovation to the What is on the Ballot for the Primary Part 1- Video  and Judges in Texas, both created by local high school students with Register the Future.
    Watch new videos by Laura Ts'ao and her voter education gang

    Find an Event

    League & community events this week
    Feb 11: LWV Wilco - Virtual Lunch & Learn - Voting by Mail
    Feb 12:
     

    Triviacracy Invitation
    TRIVIACRACY tickets on sale! 

    Join us on Sunday, March 8, at Central Machine Works for an afternoon of civics trivia, live music, great food, and connection -- all supporting our nonpartisan Voters Guide in a critical election year.

    The event features live music and a relaxed mixer vibe. Come early to meet new people, join a trivia team, catch up with friends, or simply enjoy the atmosphere before gameplay begins.

    Tickets are $125 per person and include:
    • A three-course buffet
    • Two drink tickets
    • Trivia, music, and an amazing, democracy-loving crowd

    Defending Democracy

    Take action: Oppose a state-mandated reading list!

    The Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) is weighing a proposal that could significantly change what students across Texas read in their English classrooms—and it has sparked widespread concern among educators, parents, and civic organizations. At its core, this debate is about who decides what children read in Texas classrooms. It is important to take action now to prevent the Texas Education Agency from(TEA) from requiring a statewide reading list.

    Make your voice heard

    The Austin Council of PTAs and other education advocates encourage community members to send a brief, respectful email expressing your concerns about the scope of the proposed list.

    If you're in Travis County, your representatives are Rebecca Bell-Metereau (District 5) and Tom Maynard (District 10), or find your SBOE representative here. 

    Even short messages matter—SBOE members track both the volume and themes of public input.

    As the Board revisits this proposal in the coming months, continued civic engagement will be essential to ensuring that Texas classrooms remain places of broad learning, local choice, and inclusive representation.


    Provide feedback on the City of Austin 2026 Bond 
     
    During the month of February, staff will conduct 2026 Bond Open House engagement activities, including a second survey, to inform Austinites about proposed bond projects and gather feedback that will help shape final recommendations to the City Council and the Mayor.
     
    Find locations and times on our Events Calendar.
     
    Contact the Advocacy Committee for more information.

    📜 Read news from LWVUS

    Democracy in the News

    📰 Keep up with democracy in the news

    Mark Your Calendar!

    From Poll Taxes to Maps Event announcement
    Make plans to attend online - From Poll Taxes to Maps: A Legal History of Voter Suppression in Texas
    Highlighted League & community events 
    Feb 17: City of Austin - 2026 Bond Open House at Montopolis Recreation Center
    Feb 18: LWV Wilco - Lunch & Learn: Congressional Redistricting
    Feb 19: LWVAA - From Poll Taxes to Maps: A Legal History of Voter Suppression in Texas
    Feb 21:
    LWVAA - League 101: Information session for current & prospective members
    City of Austin - 2026 Bond Open House at Northwest Recreation Center
    Feb 24:
    City of Austin - 2026 Bond Open House at the Permitting & Development Center
    The Texas Tribune - TribCast Live: Previewing the 2026 Primary
    Feb 25:
    LWV Wilco - Lunch & Learn: All About the Primary Election
    City of Austin - 2026 Bond Open House - Virtual Meeting
    Feb 28:
    City of Austin - 2026 Bond Open House at Conley Guerrero Senior Activity Center 


    LWVAA Voter Education with Beyond Boundaries
    LWVAA First Vote Chair, Susana Carranza and LWVAA member Lily Zamarripa-Saenz, Community Liaison with the Office of the Travis County Clerk, shared voter education with Beyond Boundariesa youth-led nonprofit committed to supporting teens from underserved communities.
    Empower voters and support democracy at your events!

    🗣️ Request a speaker or voter registration table here.


    Membership News

    Gift memberships are back!
     
    Gift memberships to any League can now be purchased online! To purchase a gift membership, log into or create an account at the LWV Member Portal and click the "Gift" link in the Grow Our Community box. You do not have to be a League member to purchase a gift membership.
     
    Questions? Contact our Membership Chair.

    If you've read this far, it must be worth it.
    Share the LWVAA Weekly VOTER with your friends!
     

    Just one more thing.

    Franklin reads the Voters Guide!
     


    Give to Support the League of Women Voters of the Austin Area

    The League shall not support or oppose any political party or candidates. It may take action on governmental measures and policies in the public interest after significant study and consensus is reached.

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    Email: lwvaustin@lwvaustin.org
    Phone: 512-451-6710
    LWV Austin Area
    3908 Avenue B
    Austin, TX 78751

    The League of Women Voters Austin Area is proud to be a nonprofit, nonpartisan, grassroots civic organization neither supporting nor opposing candidates or political parties, but always working on vital issues of concern to members and the public.

    The League of Women Voters Austin Area is a 501(c)3 nonprofit and tax exempt organization.
    Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowable under the law. Tax identification number:
    81-3447172