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President's Message
Welcome to October!
Early voting begins Monday, October 19, and Election Day is just around the corner. This is an important election, and we need everyone to participate!
You can help make that happen. One of the most powerful ways to encourage people to vote is through personal connections. Reach out to your family and friends. Start a group text. Make a phone call. Ask if they have a plan to vote—and check back with them to make sure they made it to the polls. If someone needs a ride or other assistance, offer to help.
Person-to-person connections matter. A simple conversation can be the reminder someone needs to make voting a priority.
And make sure everyone knows about VOTE411.org, where voters can find personalized information about what's on their ballot, polling locations, voting information, and candidate information.
Would you like VOTE411 cards or bookmarks to share with your family and friends? Send an email to President@lwvcollin.org and let us know how many you need. We'll mail them to you! We’ll also be distributing VOTE411 bookmarks to public libraries throughout Collin County.
Empowering voters and defending democracy starts with participation. Let’s make sure our friends, families, neighbors, and communities have the information they need to make their voices heard.
It’s game time! Let’s work together to increase voter participation in this important election!
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North Texas Giving Day
North Texas Giving Day was Thursday September 17. Thank you to those who gave so generously to our mission to Empower Voters, Defend Democracy. If you intended to give but missed the date, giving is still open through October 31.
Because of supporters like you, LWV-CC continues to provide valuable nonpartisan election information to Collin County voters. Each year, thousands of county residents use www.vote411.org and online Voters Guides to compare candidates' responses to LWV questions. LWV-CC hosts nonpartisan candidate forums and assists other nonpartisan organizations with their candidate forums.
Free public forums are held throughout the year about timely topics, and our speakers present voting information to various community groups. Voter registration is a core function and we register voters at Collin College, high schools, and at various events/locations throughout Collin County.
Your giving allows us to continue empowering voters and defending democracy!
|  | General Election - November 3
Early Voting - October 19-30
In November, voters will elect a U.S. senator, Texas governor and other state officials, U.S. and Texas legislators, justices and judges, and county officials. Some cities and school districts will have elections for city council, mayor, school board trustee, and/or propositions. Candidates are gearing up with campaign signs, block walks, and rallies, and it’s time for you to prepare to be a voter!
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Member Orientation: Get Plugged In!
Are you new to the League or looking to get more involved? Join us on Zoom for a Member Orientation on Thursday, October 1, at 6:30 PM.
In just 30 minutes, we'll help you navigate how our League works so you can find the best way to make an impact.
You'll meet fellow members, learn about the history and mission of the League, and learn more about the committees and the specific projects each committee handles. There will be time for questions at the end.
The orientation ends at 7:00 PM, at which point we will transition directly into the Board Meeting. You are encouraged to stay for the meeting to see our work in action. Register for the Zoom link. Members, please log in to the website before registering.
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LWV Collin County Candidate Forum on October 3
Get to know your midterm candidates! The League of Women Voters of Collin County, sponsored by Collin County Votes, is hosting a multi-session public candidate forum on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Collin College Frisco Conference Center, located at 9700 Wade Blvd, Frisco.
This event will feature candidates across key county and state races. Questions will come directly from the public, giving voters a unique opportunity to hear straight from potential representatives on the issues that matter most. For those unable to attend in person, the forum will be recorded and live-streamed.
We invite our members to help spread the word and to come prepared with thoughtful questions for the candidates who seek to represent Collin County.
Check the website for remaining volunteer opportunities. Thank you for helping empower voters and defend democracy!
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Socializing & Civics
On Saturday, October 10, at Haggard Library (2501 Coit Road, Plano), the League will host a free public forum where past presenter Louis Bedford IV returns to provide us with an update on the latest developments in elections. Doors open at 10:30 and the presentation begins at 11:00.
Mr. Bedford is a graduate of UT Law and a former Legal Counsel in the Texas Senate. He has led efforts in election protection, redistricting, and community empowerment by training poll workers, educating voters, drafting legislation, and defending access to the ballot for marginalized communities.
You can register for the presentation here. Members, please log in to the website before registering.
This event is not sponsored by the Plano Public Library System or the City of Plano.
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Get Out the Vote Postcard Writing Event
This fall, we launched a special Get Out the Vote campaign featuring handwritten postcards that encourage voters to make a plan to vote and connect them with trusted election resources. Since our first event was such a success, we are committing to writing and sending 2,000 more postcards before election day!
We invite you to be part of the impactful outreach by joining our second Get Out the Vote Postcard Writing Event on Sunday, October 11 from 2:00 to 4:00 at TUPPS Brewery, 402 E. Louisiana Street, Bldg 2, in McKinney.
At this event, volunteers will help write postcards to Collin County residents, encouraging them to make a plan to vote and providing trusted election information. Whether you're a longtime League member or new to LWV, this is a fun, social way to make a real difference in voter turnout. Supplies will be provided--just bring your enthusiasm and a passion for empowering voters! Register for the event.
Note: Please bring postcard stamps (20 stamps = $13) or plan to donate so we can purchase the necessary postage. If you can't get to the post office, a cash donation would be appreciated.
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Lunch with the League - McKinney and Plano
Enjoy great conversation and connection at one of our upcoming LWV-CC buy-your-own social lunches. These events are open to all and provide a chance to discuss important issues while upholding the League’s nonpartisan policy of not supporting or opposing any candidate or political party. Feel free to bring a friend!
Tuesday, October 13, 11:30 – 1:00
Location: Joe's Pasta-N-Pizza, 2011 W. Spring Creek Pkwy #1000, Plano
Friday, October 23, 11:30 – 1:00
Location: Olive Garden, 1700 North Central Expy, McKinney
Members, please log in to the website before registering.
We look forward to seeing you there!
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No Kings Vote Early Rally
The LWV Collin County will be joining the NoKingsVoteEarly rally on Saturday October 17, from 2:30 - 4:30 at the northwest corner of highways 380 & 75. Look for us with our Unite and Rise signs and LWV shirts!
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Book Club
All are invited to the League of Women Voters of Collin County Book Club on Wednesday, November 11, from 7:00-8:00. We will meet on Zoom to discuss Theo of Golden by Allen Levi.
We will share our nonpartisan thoughts on the book as well as various discussion questions. Register and receive the Zoom link. Members, please log in to the website before registering.
|  | Volunteer Opportunities
Voter Registration
October is another busy month for voter registration throughout the county. We have voter registration events coming up at retirement and independent living facilities, the Plano International Festival, and Celebrate McKinney ISD, and we are adding more events daily. If you are new to voter registration or not yet a VDR, the Allen Fall Fest would be a great opportunity to see how the process works. Volunteers for the other events do need to be VDRs and members can register in the member portal on our website.
If you find the volunteering process on the member portal confusing, we've created a "How To" guide to help you register to volunteer at any of our events. If you have questions on how to become a Collin County VDR, please send an email to voterguide@lwvcollin.org and Cynthia Libby will contact you.
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Video Presentation
League members and the public gathered for a public forum on September 12, where our in-house experts offered tips on Making Your Voice Heard. LWV-CC First Vice President Ian Seamans outlined how to grab elected officials’ attention through letters, email, and phone calls. LWV Richardson member Cathy Murphree, a frequent contributor to the Dallas Morning News’ letters section, spoke about writing effective letters to the editor following publisher guidelines. LWV-CC President Liz Holland wrapped up the forum with tips on participating in a rally or protest while remaining nonpartisan. View the video of the recorded program.
| Empowering voters. Defending democracy.
| The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan 501C3 organization. We do not support or oppose any political party or candidate. We encourage informed and active participation in government, and we influence public policy through education and advocacy.
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