News, events, and civic information from the League of Women Voters of the Williamsburg Area.

In This Issue

Voting & Elections
Our League at Work
Upcoming Events
New & Renewing Members

Virginia’s Special Election — April 21, 2026

Virginia voters will decide a proposed amendment to the Virginia Constitution in a statewide special election on Tuesday, April 21.

Ballot question (vote YES or NO):
“Should the Constitution of Virginia be amended to allow the General Assembly to temporarily adopt new congressional districts to restore fairness in the upcoming elections, while ensuring Virginia's standard redistricting process resumes for all future redistricting after the 2030 census?”

Virginia to Rejoin ERIC and Strengthen Election Security

The League of Women Voters of Virginia has advocated for restoring Virginia’s membership in ERIC, a nonpartisan multi-state system that helps states maintain accurate and up-to-date voter rolls.

Governor Abigail Spanberger has signed an executive order aimed at strengthening election security and improving the accuracy of Virginia’s voter registration system. As part of that action, Virginia will rejoin the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC).

ERIC allows participating states to share voter registration and identification data so election officials can better identify voters who have moved, updated their registration, or passed away. Virginia was one of ERIC’s founding states in 2012, but withdrew from the system in 2023.

League Hosts General Assembly Panel with Local Delegates

The League of Women Voters of Williamsburg Area welcomed approximately 100 attendees to a March 31 panel discussion at Williamsburg Unitarian Universalists, featuring Delegates Jessica Anderson (71st District) and Dr. Mark Downey (69th District). The event was moderated by Linda Rice, a member of the League’s Board, and focused on the 2026 Virginia General Assembly session.

Both delegates described their first session as fast-paced and complex, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and relationship-building in advancing legislation. They highlighted a range of issues addressed during the session, including education, healthcare, energy policy, and workforce development.

Discussion topics included efforts to strengthen the healthcare workforce, expand access to energy options, and improve transparency and planning related to infrastructure and growth. The delegates also noted that much of the work in the General Assembly involves detailed, bipartisan collaboration, even when public debate may focus on areas of disagreement.

The program concluded with a wide-ranging question-and-answer session, allowing attendees to engage directly on issues of concern.

The League thanks all who attended and extends special appreciation to Linda Rice for spearheading the event and coordinating participation, to Renee Hawthorne for managing event logistics, to League President Susan Bivins for guidance and opening the program, and to the Williamsburg Unitarian Universalists team for their technical support.

Great Decisions 2026: Another Successful Season

The League’s 2026 Great Decisions program concluded in March after another highly successful season of discussion, learning, and community engagement. As the League’s primary fundraiser, Great Decisions plays an important role in supporting our work while also helping educate the community on important issues of our time.

The League is especially grateful to the outstanding team that made this year’s program possible. Dennis Litalien, Chair, and Abra Smith, Co-Chair, led the planning and secured an exceptional slate of speakers. Susan Bivins provided welcoming introductions throughout the series, and Rich Watkins also assisted with introductions. Sudie Watkins played a key role in supporting the Zoom component, helping ensure a smooth experience for remote participants.

Special thanks also go to Renee Hawthorne, whose generous refreshments helped create a warm and welcoming atmosphere each week, and to the AV team at Williamsburg Unitarian Universalists for their excellent technical support.

Great Decisions remains a cornerstone of the League’s work in the Williamsburg Area, bringing people together to explore important issues in a thoughtful, nonpartisan setting. We look forward to next year’s program.

Quick Updates

📝 Observer Report

Read our observer report from the recent WJCC School Board meeting of March 24. View report (PDF) →

Peninsula Unit – LWV of Williamsburg Area

This meeting will feature Delegate Shelly Simonds (HD-70) and Delegate Virgil Thornton (HD-86), who will discuss the outcomes of their legislative priorities from the 2026 General Assembly session.

This is a great opportunity to hear directly from two state delegates, learn more about the recent legislative session, and connect with League members and friends from across the Peninsula.

Come to the Virginians for Reproductive Freedom Campaign Launch

Virginians for Reproductive Freedom (VRF) is a coalition of advocacy organizations working to pass a proposed amendment to the Virginia Constitution establishing a Fundamental Right to Reproductive Freedom. The League of Women Voters of Virginia is a member of this coalition.

Reproductive freedom will be on the ballot this November, and VRF is officially launching the campaign with a rally and march in Richmond. Attendees will hear from community leaders, storytellers, and special guests, pick up campaign materials, and learn about additional ways to support the effort.

Transportation plans may include bus departures from Blacksburg/Roanoke, Norfolk, Williamsburg, and Manassas. If you need transportation, check the box marked “Need transportation” on the registration form. Final departure details and reservation instructions are expected in the coming weeks.

If you are interested in attending, please register now so organizers can plan for attendance and transportation needs.
Register here →

Brief Calendar

📚 Book Group

April 30 • 4:30 PM • Member's home in Williamsburg • All Are Welcome

Our selection is One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This by Omar El Akkad. For directions email lwvwacommunications@gmail.com

📅 Save the Date: Annual Meeting

June 18 • 4:00 PM • Legacy Hall, Williamsburg

Join us for our annual business meeting and a presentation on a topic of current interest. Registration details will be shared soon.

Welcome Members

Thank you to the following members who recently joined or renewed their membership. Your support helps sustain the League’s work in voter education, advocacy, and community engagement:

Anne Brennan, Susan Carron, Tracey Charity Ray, Dianne Cheek, Izabela Cieszynski, Lesa Clark, Patricia Collmeyer, Amy Everett, **Roberta Falquet, Anne Farkas, **Peter Forman, Virginia Foster, Judith Frist-Riutort, LaDonna Gromley, Martha Hamed, Rufus Harris, Laurie Hertzler, Mary Kenney, Suzanne Klyman, Kathi Mestayer, Stephen Meyers, Sarah Saville, Susan Strock, Lisa Van Divender & Timothy Kloth, Lola Warren

Note: ** indicates members who included an additional contribution with their dues (as of 4/3/2026).

Get election information at the League’s