in the news

Unite & Rise 8.5 aims to build a movement of 8.5 million individuals to unite and rise up against the anti-democratic actions of this administration. Launching in May 2025 and running until the 2026 midterm elections, this initiative is part of our Women Defend Democracy campaign. 

As we enter 2026, January invites us to pause, take a breath, and look ahead, and here on the SouthCoast, there is a lot to talk about. Our communities are changing, growing, and asking important questions about who we are and how we move forward together. At the League of Women Voters SouthCoast, we believe democracy lives closest to home, in the everyday conversations we have with neighbors and the choices we make as a community.

The League of Women Voters of Newton, Brookline, Dover-Sherborn, Needham, Sharon-Stoughton, SouthCoast, and Wellesley invite you to join them on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, 6:30-7:30 pm for a Congressional Update and Q&A on Zoom with Congressman Jake Auchincloss of Massachusetts’ 4th Congressional District.

Dear Friends and Colleagues, Greetings, our December 2025 newsletter highlights civic engagement as well as a Holiday Message.

A joint resolution to rescind all previous legislative calls for a convention to amend the U.S. Constitution passed both chambers on November 19, the last day before the legislature’s holiday recess. That resolution to rescind all calls for an Article V convention has been a League goal.

Greetings, our newsletter highlights civic engagement work by the League of Women Voters SouthCoast.

Dear Friends and Colleagues, I’m writing to share recent highlights from our work at the League of Women Voters SouthCoast (LWVSC), along with a few exciting developments in regional planning and civic engagement.

Come and meet your new State Representative, Mark Sylvia—a neighbor who grew up right here on the SouthCoast, raised his family here, and has spent his career working to make our communities stronger, more affordable, and more sustainable.

New Bedford residents, mark your calendars—two pivotal evenings of civic dialogue are coming your way this October. Hosted at Keith Middle School, these forums promise to ignite community conversation, spotlight critical issues, and give voters a chance to hear directly from candidates vying for key leadership roles in our city.

Newly elected State Representative Mark Sylvia is inviting residents to a community meeting that promises to be both engaging and forward-thinking. The event will take place on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 6 p.m. at the Mattapoisett Public Library. It will serve as a platform for open dialogue on the issues that matter most to local families, seniors, and workers.

This morning, like so many of you, I pause to remember exactly where I was 24 years ago. I was sitting in a science classroom at Bristol Community College when my professor received a phone call from a friend in New York City. He told us something terrible was happening — then turned on the television monitor.

Join us in person for our League lobby day, Day on the Hill: Protect Democracy, Thursday, September 18 at 11:00 AM in Room 428 at the State House. With your help, we can pass laws in the Commonwealth to defend against federal threats.

The League of Women Voters SouthCoast (LWVSC) continues to champion civic engagement across the region with a series of successful spring events and the announcement of its upcoming Community Luncheon this fall.

Join the League of Women Voters SouthCoast for a Community Lunch at the Wamsutta Club, 427 County Street, New Bedford, on September 10 at noon.

We are thrilled to share the wonderful news that a highly motivated and exceptionally qualified individual, Tammi Jacobsen, has graciously volunteered for this role. Her enthusiasm and dedication promise to bring great value to our team. Tammi presented her qualifications and recently met with Eileen Marum and Phoebe Girard.

Ms. Eastman, who lives in Mattapoisett, received the Certificate of Outstanding Achievement for her impactful work in the South Coast region, including Gateway Cities like New Bedford.

“Let’s keep it real: this order is not about protecting elections; it is about making it harder for voters — particularly women voters — to participate in them."

The League of Women Voters Southcoast extends our sincere thanks to the candidates who participated in Mattapoisett Candidates Night on April 30. Your commitment to public service and willingness to engage with the community are essential to a healthy democracy.

A coalition of voting rights organizations filed a lawsuit in the US District Court.

We’re excited to be part of Civic Learning Week, a national effort to prioritize civic education in order to sustain and strengthen our...