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News, events, and civic information from the League of Women Voters of the Williamsburg Area.
In This Issue
Don’t Miss These Dates
Annual Meeting of the Membership — June 18
Get Involved — Hospitality
Our League at Work
Advocacy and Issue Updates
Upcoming Events
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📅 Don’t Miss These Dates
June 11–14: Suffs at Jamestown High School
June 13: Juneteenth Freedom Fest at Freedom Park
June 18: Annual Meeting of the Membership and Data Centers Panel
June 22: Peninsula Unit Meeting
June 27: Pride Festival (Williamsburg)
July 18: John Lewis Day of Action – Good Trouble Lives On
July 30: Book Group
August 4: Primary Election
Voting Reminder
The next primary election is scheduled for August 4. Watch future eVOTER issues and our website for registration deadlines, early voting information, and local voting resources.
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Observer Report
📝 Observer Report
Read our observer report from the recent WJCC School Board meeting of May 19.
View report (PDF) →
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Want to get more involved? We welcome members and friends who want to help with voter outreach, advocacy, events, hospitality, voter registration, and more. Contact: lwvwa.communications@gmail.com
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Thank you to our members. Thank you members who recently joined or renewed. Your support sustains the League’s work in voter education, advocacy, and community engagement. We are glad to have you with us.
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Attend the June 18th Annual Meeting of the Membership
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Thursday, June 18, 2026
Meeting: 4:00–6:00 p.m.
Arrival: Around 3:30 p.m. for check-in, refreshments, and conversation
Location: Legacy Hall, 4301 New Town Ave, Williamsburg
Panel: Benefits and Challenges of Data Centers
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This year’s Annual Meeting of the Membership includes a timely panel discussion on the benefits and challenges of data centers. As Virginia experiences rapid data center growth, League members will have an opportunity to hear from experts, ask questions, and consider how this issue affects voters, communities, public costs, energy use, and local decision-making.
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Guest Essay: Why the Data Center Panel Matters
Virginia is building data centers at unprecedented scale. Northern Virginia alone has more capacity than Tokyo, London, and San Francisco combined. Understanding what's at stake matters for every voter.
A single hyperscale data center consumes 5 million gallons of water daily. Virginia's residential electricity costs have jumped 30% since 2021, partly from grid expansion serving these facilities. The state has more school bus drivers than permanent data center jobs.
Proponents cite tax revenue and tech leadership. Critics raise concerns about environmental impact and whether benefits materialize. If the AI boom slows, communities could face stranded infrastructure and ongoing costs.
Critical questions remain: Who pays for grid upgrades? How do we balance development with environmental costs? What protections exist for ratepayers?
At the Williamsburg League Annual Meeting in June, a panel of experts will grapple with these questions. You're invited to be a part of that lively debate.
— Harry Chancey
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LWV-Williamsburg Area members are encouraged to attend our Annual Member Meeting. We need a quorum to conduct League business, so your attendance is important.
The meeting starts with a short business portion, including election of Board members, adoption of the budget, and adoption of our program for the coming year.
The business meeting is followed by a timely panel discussion on the benefits and challenges of data centers. Our panelists are Delegate Shelly Simonds (70th House District), Megan Davis, Senior Policy Analyst at The Commonwealth Institute, and Louise White, the Deputy to the Chief Energy Officer for the Office of the Governor. League member Harry Chancey will moderate.
Please plan to arrive around 3:30 p.m. to check in, enjoy light refreshments, and visit with other members before the meeting begins.
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Help Make League Events Welcoming
Are you interested in supporting our League in a meaningful — and enjoyable — way?
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The Hospitality Team Lead role for July 2026–June 2027 has not yet been filled. We are looking for one or two members who might be willing to help with this important role.
Hospitality is a visible and appreciated part of League life. Refreshments at meetings and programs help members socialize, welcome new people, and build the sense of community that keeps our League strong.
The role includes planning venues and refreshments for three all-member events each year — the Fall Members’ Meeting, Holiday Party, and Annual Meeting — plus limited refreshments for the Great Decisions lectures in February and March.
This work does not have to be done alone. Renee Hawthorne, who currently leads Hospitality, will help the next person or team get started.
If this sounds like a way you could contribute your talent, creativity, and organizational skills, we would love to hear from you.
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Congratulations to Our 2026 Scholarship Winners
In May 2026, we awarded $1,500 scholarships to one graduating senior from each of the three WJCC public high schools. Vice President Laura Tripp and League Directors Maryann Simpson and Denise Koch participated in the May 31 awards ceremony hosted by the Williamsburg Community Foundation Scholarship Committee at Warhill High School.
The LWV-Williamsburg scholarships were awarded to these impressive graduates:
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Capri Bryant, Jamestown HS
“I will attend Liberty University and major in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology or Creative Writing, with the goal of becoming a Criminal Defense Attorney. After 4 years of undergrad, I will attend graduate school either in Boston or California and begin my career."
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Elliott Rickert, Lafayette HS
“I will attend Virginia Tech, double majoring in National Security + Foreign Affairs as well as French. I plan to participate in the school's 4+1 program to get my Masters of Public and International Affairs. After graduation from the university, I hope to either work in the State Department, work with an IGO, or work somewhere in the government working with intelligence."
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Isabella Levin, Warhill HS
“I will attend Washington & Lee, majoring in cognitive and behavioral science on a pre-med track. I also just became a certified EMT, so I plan on working as an EMT this summer and in college. I am going to be swimming collegiately as well. I am interested in studying abroad and doing volunteer work and research in college. I am so excited about this scholarship opportunity!”
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Suffs at Jamestown High School
Students from all three WJCC high schools are coming together to perform Suffs: The Musical at Jamestown High School, June 11–14.
Suffs is a Tony Award-winning musical by Shaina Taub about the American women’s suffrage movement and the activists who fought for passage of the 19th Amendment. The story brings to the stage the history of the suffrage movement — a history that is foundational to the League of Women Voters.
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Suffs: The Musical
Location: Jamestown High School
Dates: June 11–14
Show times: 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 11; Friday, June 12; and Saturday, June 13
Matinee: 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 14
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Our local League will host voter services tables at all Jamestown High School performances of Suffs. Mr. Harvey Stone, the Jamestown Drama teacher, reached out to ask the League to host voter information and registration tables at the performances. LWV-Williamsburg will table 45 minutes before each performance and for a short period after each of the four performances.
The WJCC High School Theatre Program is raising funds through its Minute to Give It campaign to help provide scholarships for at least one student from each of the three WJCC high schools to attend this summer’s Virginia Theatre Association Annual Conference. Their goal is to raise $1,200.
Our Schools have a “No Bag” policy inside school buildings so no purses or backpacks.
Tickets may also be purchased at the door. This is a meaningful opportunity to support local students, learn about the suffrage movement, and connect with the history that gave rise to the League itself.
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UPDATE: Voter Services Team
We have several voter services activities scheduled for June. Normally, we would be preparing for a primary election at this time, but the primary has been moved to August 4.
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Suffs at Jamestown High School: We will host voter information and registration tables at all four performances.
Juneteenth and Pride outreach: Voter Services is also coordinating with our DEI Team for the Juneteenth celebration at Freedom Park and the Pride Festival at Jamestown Beach Event Park.
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We are also scheduling a meeting with the local Virginia Parole Office to explore how we can reach more people who have completed felony sentences and may be eligible to register to vote.
Many thanks to our treasurer, Mary E. “Dejah” Tyler, for spearheading a grant application to one of the local Kiwanis Clubs. If awarded, the grant would support expanded voter registration and outreach efforts.
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UPDATE: DEI Team — Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The DEI Team participated in two new community outreach activities this month, helping extend the League’s voter information and registration work into more parts of our community.
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Upper Mattaponi Pow Wow: Jill Whitten and Jane Banfield helped staff a voter registration and information table at the 37th Annual Upper Mattaponi Pow Wow on May 23. The table was hosted by League members from several chapters. It was a meaningful way to support this unique local community and make some new friends.
Grove Block Party: At the last minute, Jill Whitten and Karen Rose set up a voter registration and information table at the Grove Block Party, sponsored by JCC Recreation. It was a lovely evening with many Grove families coming out for a picnic and activities. They even helped a new resident register. YEA!
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Thank you to our DEI Team members and voter services volunteers for helping LWV-Williamsburg connect with more people in the communities we serve.
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UPDATE: Peninsula Unit
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Next Peninsula Unit Meeting:
Monday, June 22, 2026
Location: Main Street Library, Newport News
Program: Mrs. Andrea Miller, Director of the Center for Common Ground, will give a virtual presentation on phone banking, post carding, and canvassing.
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The Peninsula Unit is part of LWV-Williamsburg and serves members whose League energy and efforts are concentrated farther south from Williamsburg, including Newport News, Hampton, Yorktown, and Poquoson. Members of the Peninsula Unit belong to LWV-Williamsburg while helping expand League visibility and voter services across the Peninsula.
The unit is already beginning voter registration outreach and planning future activities in Hampton, Newport News, and surrounding Peninsula communities.
Upcoming plans include voter registration outreach at community events, including Pride and Juneteenth celebrations. In July, the unit expects to review highlights from the LWVUS 2026 National Convention and continue planning for the rest of the year.
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UPDATE: Advocacy
Advocacy has been following several important state issues this month, including General Assembly action, constitutional amendments, budget negotiations, data center policy, and recent election-related vetoes.
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Virginia constitutional amendments: Priority amendments on reproductive freedom, marriage equality, and voting rights restoration have passed both houses of the General Assembly. The enabling legislation has been signed by the Governor, and the amendments are expected to go before Virginia voters in November.
Data centers and the state budget: Advocacy has been tracking debate over data center tax incentives and their relationship to state revenue, infrastructure costs, and funding for public priorities. Budget negotiations have included discussion of whether to continue or change sales tax exemptions on data center equipment.
Budget priorities: LWV-Virginia is supporting legislative efforts to amend the budget to include increased funding for programs such as safety-net clinics, ACA subsidies, and expanded child health coverage through FAMIS.
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Advocacy updates from LWV-Virginia have also covered recent election bill vetoes, including bills addressing protections for naturalized citizens and immigrant communities, voter roll maintenance, and limits affecting voter education programs.
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Invitation to Join the LWV of Virginia ICE Issue Group
Contact: janen@lwv-va.org
LWV of Virginia is inviting League members to join a new Issue Group focused on ICE and Department of Homeland Security activity in Virginia, including proposed ICE detention facilities and related state and League positions.
The group will help local Leagues track developments, understand policy issues, share information, and stay alert to activity affecting communities across Virginia. Members interested in research, issue tracking, and keeping local Leagues informed are encouraged to join.
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Juneteenth Freedom Fest in Williamsburg
Saturday, June 13, 2026
11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Freedom Park at the First Free Black Settlement
Free admission
Come to the Juneteenth Freedom Fest at Freedom Park. The event includes performances, food trucks, children's activities, and more.
LWV-Williamsburg Area will have a Voter Services table at the event.
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Pride Festival (Williamsburg)
Saturday, June 27, 2026
12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Jamestown Beach Event Park
2205 Jamestown Road Williamsburg
Voter Services and our DEI Team encourage members and friends to stop by the local Pride Festival. This family-friendly event includes vendors, music, children's activities, and more.
We will have a Voter Services table at the event.
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John Lewis Day of Action: Good Trouble Lives On
Saturday, July 18, 2026
2:00–3:00 p.m.
Williamsburg-James City County Courthouse
5201 Monticello Ave, Williamsburg
Sign up: mobilize.us/john-lewis-actions
Put this on your calendar: members and friends are invited to attend John Lewis Day of Action: Good Trouble Lives On in Williamsburg, part of a national weekend of action honoring Congressman John Lewis and his legacy of voting rights, civil rights, and civic participation.
The Williamsburg event is hosted by Williamsburg-JCC Indivisible, and LWV-Williamsburg is a local co-sponsor. Incoming LWV-Williamsburg President Denise Harrington will be one of the speakers, along with Charles Gates, president of the York-James City-Williamsburg NAACP.
Participants are invited to bring signs, a cold beverage, and a chair if needed.
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Book Group
Thursday, July 30, 2026
4:30 p.m.
Private home; contact us for location
Book: The Triangle of Power: Rebalancing the New World Order
Contact: lwvwa.communications@gmail.com
All League members are welcome to join the conversation.
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Get election information at the League’s
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Not a member yet? Joining the League connects you with others who care about empowering voters and defending democracy in our community.
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League of Women Voters of Williamsburg Area
Follow us on social media
P.O. Box 1086, Williamsburg, VA 23187-1086
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