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Promoting Informed & Involved Voters

By Suzi Hoge
Posted: 10/29/2024

Villagers and other community members learned about state propositions and county measures on the November 5^th ballot at a meeting organized by Pasadena Village.  The event was held at a community venue, Connect to Rise. Jo Yeargin shared,

”I thought Pasadena Village partnership with the League of Women Voters for the community presentation was greatly needed.  The presenter was knowledgeable and I’m using the notes that I wrote in the brochure to complete my ballot. It was one of the best offerings of the year. I’m informed.”

The League of Women Voters has been providing the information at various presentations throughout Los Angeles County and even online via the Los Angeles County Library. “This is the second election ballot/proposition review presented by Robbie Davis that I have attended. She is able to briefly explain the measures with the pros and cons clearly and impartially. I will take the opportunity to attend any others that she is presenting in future elections. Very satisfactory,” Dan Guerrero.

Villagers Valerie Jones and Betty Ann Jansson are both members of the League of Women Voters.  Betty Ann was recently honored with an award. Valerie shared,  "I have found the League of Women Voters to be made up of some of the most dedicated, industrious, committed, and generous men and women I have been lucky enough to have met.  They come from all backgrounds and are committed to increase their ranks with men and women of all ages, ethnicities, educational, and economic levels for the purpose of educating our community, and promoting our citizenry to vote and make our country a true democracy, no matter their party."

Our presenter was Robbie Davis from the Pasadena League of Women Voters.  She presented each proposition or measure and then summarized the pros and cons as submitted by the supporting and opposing groups.  She advised us to do our own fact checking including “following the money.”  That is, checking which groups are supporting and funding each issue, or opposing it. “I found the presentation remarkably free of political endorsement, which was refreshing.  At the same time, LWV gave enough details to help me make informed decisions regarding all the ballot measures,“ Bridget Brewster stated.

Propositions 2,3,4,5, and 6 were submitted by our legislators.  Propositions 32,33,34, 35, and 36 were put on the ballot by the petition process. Learning this distinction was helpful. 

After each proposition summary, Robbie answered questions from the audience.  She spent extra time explaining some of the issues in Proposition 33 and 34, dealing with proposed rent control changes (33) and restrictions on certain health care providers (34), and how these two propositions are actually connected by the Aids Health Care Foundation which supports community-based rent control (vs. the state).

Several Villagers summed up the presentation nicely:

“Like the CliffsNotes we all remember from high school, the League of Women Voters presentation served its purpose by helping me to quickly comprehend the key points of 10 propositions.  Now I’m better prepared to wade through the 140 page Official Voter Information Guide to study the propositions where I still have questions before finally casting my ballot,” stated Lorrie Gray.

Villager Karen Bagnard felt very positively about the event.  “Over the years I have found these presentations to be most valuable in helping me to make an informed decision when voting.  Now that I’m visually impaired, it has become even more valuable as I can no longer read my ballot.  I appreciated the clear facts of both sides of the issues, as well as the questions that were posed and comments made by participants. Jo Yeargin’s comment on the 'three strikes' issue was most notable,”

The primary take-away for all of us . . . make sure you vote!

Pasadena Village, through its Educational Team, is committed to offering informative programs of interest to older adults.  Feel free to make suggestions for future programs that can benefit all of us as we age.