Unite & Rise in Palo Alto

On August 8, 2026, join the League and partners as we host a nationwide day of civic action in honor of the anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

• Social Hall at Congregation Etz Chayim
• 4-6 pm
• 4161 Alma Street
• Palo Alto, CA 94306
• Sign Up for the event here.

Join LWVPA to watch the award-winning documentary, After Selma, about the fight for voting rights and voter suppression, followed by a discussion including what YOU can do today.

After the film, meet historian, educator, playwright and author DR. CLAYBORNE CARSON, in conversation with LISA RATNER, LWVPA president, who will speak to the Voter ID initiative (Prop39) on the upcoming California ballot.

Election Protection

LWV California Deputy Director, Dora Rose, joined CalNonprofits for a panel presentation. Watch the video: “Securing the Right to Vote: Election Protection Strategies.” She discussed the coordinated attacks on voting rights – from federal actions and court decisions to California’s voter ID initiative and local election denialism – and the League’s work to fight back.

Rose states, “The work is double-sided: fighting the threats and simultaneously building the infrastructure that invites people back in.” For the League it means defending voters in court, strengthening California law, expanding language access, and supporting trusted community organizations to help voters participate.

Critical Voting Rights Legislation Takes Next Step

LWVCA updates the sponsored voting rights legislation that has moved forward this month. SB 1164 and SB 1360, both authored by Senator Cervantes (SD 31), passed their Assembly policy committees and are re-referred to Appropriations.

•  SB 1164 targets vote dilution and voter suppression. It protects against district maps or election systems that weaken the voting power of communities, and it gives Californians a direct path to enforce voting rights in state court.
• SB 1360 focuses on language access. It locks federal language assistance requirements into state law, so voters won't lose in-language ballots if federal coverage lapses, and it extends coverage to communities not currently protected, including Somali and Arabic speakers.

League Opposes the Death Penalty

On June 30, LWVC joined a powerful coalition of community organizations and faith leaders to call on Governor Newsom to commute all death sentences in California.

The League opposes the death penalty and supports criminal justice policies that protect human rights and reduce injustice.

Governor Newsom can do something historic and save hundreds of lives by granting universal clemency to the 560 people on California’s death row - the largest death row in the nation and one of the largest in the world.

• Take Action: The work isn’t done until clemency is won. Complete the LWVC action alert to the Governor!
• Watch LWVC Deputy Director Dora Rose’s remarks from the rally.