League of Women Voters of Kitsap is proud to announce it won a coveted local league award at the recent state LWV convention in Seattle. Our award, a heavy chunk of inscribed green glass, was for our successful 2016 voter registration drive.

We set up voter registration tables at local libraries and the Kitsap Mall. We also went beyond the usual places by registering at local Goodwill stores, the YMCA, food banks, Skateland, Coffee Oasis and retirement homes.

We were careful to document our efforts, in keeping with League’s new emphasis on data-driven programs. We registered 286 voters and made changes of address for 76. We gave out more than 100 half-pages listing candidate and issue website information. We also gave out 11 ACLU brochures on the voting rights of felons. Early on, we realized that many people simply did not want to vote, so we started documenting that number, which came to 89.

We are dedicated to educating as well as registering voters. Our first candidate forum of the season, for school board candidates in North and Central Kitsap, will be from 7-9 p.m. June 29 at Poulsbo City Hall. If you live in either of these school districts, please plan to attend and bring your questions for the candidates.

If you want to learn more about League, please see our webpage at www.lwv-kitsap.org or find us on Facebook at League of Women Voters of Kitsap County.

Myra Howrey

President, League of Women Voters of Kitsap