Lori Thiel and Jennifer Avina join host T.J. O’Hara on Deconstructed to discuss how the League of Women Voters is trying to make a non-partisan difference in the 2020 elections.
Ms. Thiel is president of the League of Women Voters of San Diego. Ms. Avina is an attorney and a member of the League, who currently coordinates the San Diego chapter’s Youth Internship program and the "101 Days of Action" campaign that provides daily activities related to the upcoming election.
Ms. Thiel shares the history of the League of Women Voters as it celebrates its 100th anniversary. She talks about the 19th Amendment and the League’s commitment to fostering a democracy in which every person has the desire, the right, the knowledge, and the confidence to participate in our Nation’s elections. She also describes the local chapter’s impressive online voting resources and the League’s long history of facilitating Candidate Forums and “Prop Talks” to increase voter awareness.
Ms. Avina talks about the unique challenges of the 2020 election cycle, including how heightened political interest and COVID-19 have impacted the process. She provides insight into where, when, and how people can vote and shares online links that will help individuals understand what their options are and how to complete the process to assure their votes count. Ms. Avina also describes how outreach programs have been impacted by the pandemic and what ‘virtual’ adjustments have been made to address the issue.
Both women offer their perspectives on the "101 Days of Action" campaign and how it helps generate greater awareness and engagement in the political process. Listen to this edition of Deconstructed to learn about the information and opportunities the League of Women Voters offers to help you become more productively involved in the world of politics.