It has been another busy month in the California Legislature for the League of Women Voters of California. We continue to defend voting rights, fair representation, and the democratic process across the state.

Here are a few highlights from this month’s work:

• Defending vote by mail. We took action in federal court to protect California’s vote-by-mail system, stepping in to oppose a lawsuit from Congressman Darrell Issa that threatens to take this secure, accessible voting option away from millions of Californians.
  
• Preventing a constitutional crisis. We testified in support of our sponsored bill, SJR 1 (Wiener), to rescind California’s outdated calls for a federal constitutional convention. In today’s political climate, those old calls are dangerous. 
  
• Remove the ban on public financing of campaigns. Our co-sponsored bill, SB 42 (Umberg), to put a measure on the 2026 ballot to repeal the ban on public financing of campaigns, passed out of its latest policy committee and continues to move through the legislature. If enacted, local governments and the state would have the same opportunity as charter cities to enact systems of public financing that increase the power of ordinary voters and reduce the barriers to entry for candidates.
  
• Pay incarcerated firefighters better wages. We continue to support AB 247 (Bryan), which will require that incarcerated firefighters be paid an hourly wage of $7.25/hr, updated annually, while fighting an active fire incident. These brave individuals are on the frontlines of wildfires in the state, and we support this bill as an important step toward justice, dignity, and respect for people risking their lives to protect ours.
  
• Fighting for fair maps. We testified in support of AB 1441 (Soria), which would create an independent redistricting commission in Merced County. This bill will help ensure local district maps are drawn fairly, reflect community voices, and protect against partisan gerrymandering.
  
• Expanding voting access for incarcerated voters. We worked to support AB 331 (Pellerin), which makes sure voter information guides are available to people in county jails and cracks down on deceptive practices like fake ballot return envelopes.

The fight for democracy keeps us busy, but this work matters. We’ll keep you posted as these bills move forward. Stay tuned.

The League’s 70th State Convention was held virtually on June 21 and 22, 2025, with workshops and special events from June 17-20. This biennial event brought together League members, dedicated advocates, and engaged members of the public from across California to strengthen and reaffirm our dedication as defenders of democracy. Over 300 attendees engaged in workshops and heard from inspirational speakers on topics ranging from digital communication and leadership development to justice in all its forms, voter engagement best practices, and crucial lessons in DE&I (diversity, equity, and inclusion). A new Board of Directors was also voted in during the convention, and the full Board can be seen on our website. 

A highlight of the convention was the celebration of outstanding achievements by Leagues throughout the state. We extend our congratulations to this year’s award-winning Leagues:

• “Strength in Change” award: LWV Yolo County for their successful League merger
• “Strength in Collaborating” award: LWV Diablo Valley for their work in building relationships within the Hispanic/Latino community
• “Strength in Our Differences” award: LWV Beach Cities for their support of unhoused college students
• “Strength in Failure” and “Strength in Leadership” awards: LWV San Francisco for their dedication to mentoring young leaders. 

Detailed information regarding the impactful work of these Leagues can be found in their respective nomination applications. All Convention materials, including workshop and speaker recordings, session materials, and award applications are available on the LWVC Convention website. We encourage you to use and share these resources with your local League.