There’s still time to inform yourself before casting your ballot | Comprehensive election information is available from the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections and the League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County. The SOE offers helpful “how to” information on both its Vote Palm Beach mobile app and its website, VotePalmBeach.gov.
Vote Palm Beach mobile app
The SOE’s Vote Palm Beach mobile app provides Palm Beach County voters convenient access to trusted election information and essential voter services, all from their mobile device. Users can check their voter information, find voting locations, track their Vote-by-Mail ballot, view important election dates and deadlines, and access official election resources. Download the free Vote Palm Beach mobile app today and stay informed, prepared and election ready:
Google Play Store
Apple App Store
LWVPBC Nonpartisan 2026 Voters’ Guide
The Voters' Guide — also free — can be found online, and print copies might still be available at some local libraries and other government and nonprofit offices. The 32-page guide offers, in candidates’ own words, their positions on issues posed by the Palm Beach County and Florida Leagues specific to the offices they seek. The guide includes information about and from local candidates for Clerk & Comptroller, County Commission, School District, Palm Beach Soil and Water Conservation District and Port of Palm Beach Commission; from state candidates for Florida Senate, Florida House, Governor, CFO, Attorney General and Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services; and federal candidates for U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate. Additional information is available on three Palm Beach County Referendums, three Florida Constitutional Amendments and judicial retention for several seats on the Florida Supreme Court and 4th District Court of Appeal.
VOTE411.org
This website, a project of the national League of Women Voters Education Fund, allows voters to enter their residential address and be shown a ballot personalized for them. Local and state league chapters throughout the nation coordinate with their local and statewide candidates who enter their own information on the site — biographical, online presence and positions on issues posed by the League. In addition, Vote411 offers a way to check your voter registration status, eligibility requirements, how to become a poll worker, links to resources for voters with disabilities and much more. Candidates who submitted information too late for it to be included in printed voters’ guides might still have submitted it later for online readers. This nonpartisan service is also free.
LWVPBC.org
Users of the Palm Beach County League's own website can visit the menu item Voting Resources where they will find links to everything they might need for voting. Many of those links also go to the SOE website. | AMENDMENT 3: A PRIMER FOR VOTERS | The forum at the Hagen Ranch Branch Library featured County Administrator Joseph Abruzzo, District 30 State Sen. Tina Polsky, Jupiter Town Councilor and Palm Beach County League of Cities Second VP Malise Sundstrom and Children’s Services Council CEO Dr. Lisa Williams-Taylor. League Forums Chair Ken Thomas moderated. | League, partners bring subject matter experts to forums | The League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County, with partners Guardians of the Glades and Palm Beach County League of Cities, offered four community forums in October about Florida Constitutional Amendment 3, with leaders of local government and other stakeholder organizations providing perspectives on potential impacts if Florida voters pass the “Property Tax Amendment” on Nov. 3.
Organizers from the League were Ken Thomas, LWVPBC Forums Chair, who moderated the forums, and Rich Bartholomew, LWVPBC Advocacy Chair. Audience members handed in written questions to be posed to the panels. Many League members also volunteered to staff these four forums and make them run smoothly, and we thank them all.
The West County forum, at the Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center in Belle Glade, featured Guardian of the Glades founder Tammy Jackson Moore, County Parks and Recreation Director of Financial and Support Services Rebecca Schnirman, Belle Glade City Manager Emory Payne and Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County CEO Dr. Lisa Williams-Taylor.
The South County forum, at the Hagen Ranch Branch Library, featured County Administrator Joseph Abruzzo, District 30 State Sen. Tina Polsky, Jupiter Town Councilor and Palm Beach County League of Cities Second Vice President Malise Sundstrom and Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County CEO Dr. Lisa Williams-Taylor.
The Central County forum, at Vista Center, featured District 2 County Commissioner Gregg Weiss, County Fire-Rescue Administrator Patrick Kennedy, Royal Palm Beach Village Manager Ray Liggins, Classroom Teachers Association of Palm Beach County President Gordan Longhofer and former District 1 County Commissioner Hal Valeche.
The North County forum, at FAU Jupiter, featured District 1 County Commissioner Maria Marino, Jupiter Mayor Jim Kuretski, County Library Director Douglas Crane and District 93 State Rep. Anne Gerwig.
Visit the Palm Beach County League's web page on the Constitutional Amendments for additional resources, including a YouTube video of the North County forum. |  | Poll monitoring is ongoing — last training is today | Thank you to all who have served, or will serve, as Election Protection poll monitors. Thanks to you we have eyes and ears on the ground in Palm Beach County, Florida and the United States.
We were among the first to report that some voters were having problems with the ExpressVote machines not accurately reflecting their votes. Despite rumors, it’s actually caused by large fingers or long fingernails missing the center of the candidate box. Heat and humidity changes also can affect the machines. It’s not machine malfunction.
The solution is to use a stylus, available at all polls, and to doublecheck your ballot choices before you print and again after you print the ballot. If anything is wrong, you can request up to two more ballots.
The other most common worry circulating is that stray marks on ballots can invalidate them. Not true. If voter intent is clear, the ballot will be counted.
There is still time to join our Election Protection program as a nonpartisan poll monitor for Election Day. Our final online training is today, Nov. 1, from 3 to 5 p.m. Sign up here.
We won’t know if we aren’t there. Please join us in helping all voters to vote, and in protecting the integrity of our elections.
Poll monitors are Election Heroes too. Bravo!
— Kate Renchin, Palm Beach County Voting Rights Coalition Co-Chair
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With gratitude ...
Voter registration, ballot
issue forums, Election Protection, Expo and
Guide show passion, compassion, intention | | | As Election Day approaches, I have been reflecting on everything our League has accomplished together across Palm Beach County. From helping neighbors get registered to vote and breaking down complex ballot measures, to organizing informative candidate and issue forums, to publishing a 32-page Voters’ Guide, to orchestrating an Election Expo and standing guard to protect our elections, you have truly done it all!
What inspires me most is how you did it: with tireless passion, genuine compassion, and unwavering intention. Whether working side-by-side on League projects or partnering with local organizations, our team members showed up for our county every step of the way. I am deeply grateful for every single one of you and the heart you bring to this vital work.
| As you read this on November 1, the final results of our local races, amendments and referendums remain to be seen. But regardless of what the tally says on election night, I ask each of you to pause and celebrate what you have achieved. Take pride in your dedication to defending democracy and empowering voters throughout our community.
Remember, our mission doesn't end when the polls close — our work of educating, advocating and building a stronger democracy continues every single day.
Thank you for your energy, your spirit and everything you do for the League and Palm Beach County!
– Janet Elinoff, President
| LEGAL MAVERICKS AND HEROES | State Attorney Alexcia Cox, Gary Lesser and Jack Scarola | Three local attorneys and former League presidents to be honored | LWVPBC will celebrate leadership, public service and the rule of law at its Annual Luncheon & Awards on Feb. 17, 2027, at the West Palm Beach Marriott. The event, "Defending Democracy & The Rule of Law,” will recognize three prominent local attorneys with the organization's 2027 Mavericks & Heroes Award.
Honorees include Alexcia Cox, State Attorney for Florida's 15th Judicial Circuit; Gary Lesser, managing partner of Lesser, Landy, Smith & Siegel Florida Injury Lawyers; and Jack Scarola, partner at Searcy Law.
Cox made history as Palm Beach County’s first woman and first African-American elected state attorney. A longtime prosecutor, she has championed victims’ rights, public safety and community advocacy. Lesser, former president of The Florida Bar, has spent decades advancing legal ethics, professional leadership and charitable initiatives throughout Palm Beach County. Scarola, a veteran trial attorney, has built a distinguished career representing individuals and businesses, earning recognition for his courtroom accomplishments and commitment to pro bono service.
The celebration will also feature a Presidential Parade honoring former local League presidents, recognizing their contributions to voter education, civic engagement and public service. Among the past execs expected to participate are Amy Kemp (2025-26), Kathi Gundlach (2021-25), Ken Thomas (2019-21), Karen Wilkerson (2015-19), Geanine Wester (2013-15), and Pamela Goodman (2005-09). Also being honored for their years of service will be League of Women Voters-Florida presidents & co-presidents Debra Chandler (2023-25) and Cecile Scoon (2021-25).
Journalists Carolyn DiPaolo, co-founder, editor and reporter of Stet News, and Kelly Henry, senior editor of Florida Weekly in Palm Beach County and Key West, will co-chair and co-host the luncheon.
Tickets are $150 per person and can be purchased online at the League's website or by calling (561) 276-4898. Sponsorships are available and include a named table with up to 10 seats.
— Gary Schweikhart | FOUR WAYS TO SAVE TAXES & SUPPORT THE LEAGUE |
When you support the League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County Education Fund, you are choosing to invest in a mission that matters to you. Your generosity helps the League continue its work, and thoughtful planning may also allow you to make your gift in a tax-efficient way. As you consider your charitable giving, here are four ways you may be able to make your support go even further.
1. Make a Gift from Your IRA
If you are age 70½ or older, a Qualified Charitable Donation (QCD) may be a meaningful way to support the League directly from your IRA. For donors over the age of 73 who are required to take minimum distributions, an eligible QCD may also satisfy all or part of that requirement without adding the distribution to taxable income as it otherwise would be. This can be an especially attractive option if you don't need all of your IRA distribution for living expenses and want to reduce your taxable income.
2. Donate Appreciated Investments
Stocks, mutual funds, and exchange-traded funds that have grown in value can also become powerful charitable gifts. Rather than selling an appreciated investment, paying the capital gains tax, and donating the proceeds, you can contribute the investment directly to the League. This approach avoids the capital gains taxes and allows you to deduct the full market value from your taxes..
3. Directing a Gift from Your Donor-Advised Fund
If you have a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF), consider including the League in your charitable giving. A DAF allows you to set aside funds for charitable purposes and direct donations to eligible organizations over time, giving you flexibility in how and when you support the causes that are important to you. A grant from your DAF is a simple way to turn charitable dollars you have already designated for giving into meaningful support for the League. Funds contributed to a DAF are fully taxable in the year you contribute regardless of the timing of the charitable donations. Many financial institutions offer DAF options, but two options are available at Charles Schwab and the Community Foundation of Palm Beach and Martin Counties.
4. “Bunch” Your Donations
If supporting the League is part of your regular charitable giving, you may want to consider “bunching” several years of planned contributions into a single year. Making a larger charitable contribution in one year rather than smaller gifts over several years allows you to exceed the standard deduction of $16,100 for single filers and $32,200 for couples. And, if you don’t itemize, you can now claim an above-the-line deduction of up to $1,000 for single filers or $2,000 for married couples filing jointly for donations to the League.
Your Generosity Makes a Difference
There are many ways to give, but they all begin with the same thing: a desire to support work you believe in. Whether you make a gift from your IRA, donate appreciated investments, recommend a grant from your donor-advised fund, or simply make your annual contribution, your support helps the League continue its important work. We are grateful for every donor who chooses to invest in the League and its mission. As you consider your giving, we encourage you to speak with your tax or financial advisor about the strategy that may be most appropriate for you. Thank you for believing in the League and for helping make its work possible.
To find out more, please email Treasurer@lwvpbc.org.
— Melissa Gannon, Treasurer
Disclaimer: The League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County does not provide tax advice. Please consult your own tax advisor or CPA regarding the tax implications of your contribution or transaction. | Professor, historian and author Dr. Robert Watson of Lynn University gave his perspective on the state of democracy in the United States during the sold-out Hot Topic luncheon Oct. 21 at the Fountains Country Club.
His talk, “America 250: Is Democracy in Danger? An Historian’s Perspective and Predictions for Election Day,” explored 250 years of American history, offering historical perspectives on democracy, elections, the rule of law and the challenges facing our nation today. | LWVPBC LEADERSHIP ADDITIONS | |
Board of Directors
Marion Harper
Appointed October 2026
Term ends April 2027 | | | Marion Harper joined the League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County in early 2026 after considering where she could make the biggest difference in her community. With so many important issues demanding attention, she kept returning to one idea: voting is at the heart of it all. She believes an informed electorate is a strong electorate and that every vote matters. This drew her to the League’s mission of voter education, civic engagement, and encouraging participation in the democratic process.
Professionally, she is a Senior Human Resources Business Partner with more than 20 years of experience in retail leadership, organizational development, talent management strategy and process implementation. Her career has focused on connecting organizational goals with practical, people-centered solutions. Outside of work and volunteering, including serving on her HOA board, she enjoys time with her husband and two dogs, exploring new places, sharing meals with friends, gardening, and relaxing with a good book or BritBox series. | League member Heather Vasquez, President Janet Elinoff and Path to College Fellows Aiden Dixon, Madeline Villatoro and Farihah Uddin at Policy & Pancakes, hosted by the Urban League Young Professionals.
| We're helping build the next generation of civic leaders |
The LWVPBC Speakers Bureau is collaborating with Path to College to provide a Youth Pilot Program. The program helps high school students further develop and refine their public speaking skills and learn about civic engagement.
LWVPBC member Heather Vasquez is working alongside LWVPBC member and Path to College Program Manager Melanie Sloan coordinating this effort to coach the students and provide opportunities to deliver nonpartisan presentations about voting rights and civic participation to community audiences.
The program helps Fellows build confidence, strengthen their communication skills and educate others about the importance of participating in our democracy. Path to College Fellows participating in this Youth Pilot Program are Aiden Dixon, Anthony Banegas, Daniela Aguiar, Farihah Uddin, Madeline Villatoro and Raziah Ruiz.
Recently, some of our Path to College Fellows attended Policy & Pancakes, hosted by the Urban League Young Professionals of Palm Beach County. Our President, Janet Elinoff, was a featured speaker at the event, which brought together community members and local leaders to discuss issues affecting Palm Beach County.
The Fellows had a valuable opportunity to hear different perspectives, ask questions and see firsthand how civic engagement connects people with the decisions that shape their communities. Experiences like these complement their presentation training and help prepare them to become informed, confident and active citizens.
— Heather Vasquez, Speakers Bureau
| Pre-election amendment presentations in heavy demand | Over the past month, the Speakers Bureau has been incredibly busy speaking to civic groups, senior facilities and community organizations. Since Labor Day, our team members have given over 50 presentations – most of which have been about the proposed Constitutional Amendments. In fact, we had so many requests for a speaker we had to stop taking new ones. The team did as many as they could; and a special shout out goes to Ellen Barnes and Marcia Lamel for pitching in when we needed you the most. We could not have done it without you!
After Election Day, our team will continue giving presentations on multiple topics about our democracy. If you know of a group that might want to hear from us, please have them look at our List of Topics on the League website and submit a Request Form. We will always continue to educate the voters in Palm Beach County.
— Katie Beer, Speakers Bureau | EVERY VOICE MATTERS, EVERY VOTE MATTERS | Members of the Braille Club of Palm Beach County on their way to Early Voting. | Collaboration helps group overcome barriers to access | This special day reminded me why I love being involved in our community. Members of the Braille Club of Palm Beach County, a wonderful organization that supports individuals who are blind or visually impaired, made their way to the polls to exercise their right to vote.
A few weeks ago, members of the Braille Club shared some of the barriers they were experiencing with transportation and accessing the polls. After hearing their concerns, we connected with community partners and worked together to coordinate transportation and provide the support needed to make it possible. And we got to see those efforts come to life.
Seeing how happy and appreciative the Braille Club members were made this experience even more meaningful. I’m incredibly grateful to the organizations and individuals who came together to help make this possible: Leadership Palm Beach County, League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County, Transdev North America & Palm Tran, Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections and State Rep. Rob Long’s office.
Thank you to the Braille Club of Palm Beach County for the wonderful work you do, for advocating for your members, and for bringing these challenges to our attention. One of the things I love most about community service is seeing what we can accomplish when we listen, collaborate and take action.
Our work doesn’t stop here. We will continue working together to ensure everyone has the information, resources and access they need to participate in our democracy. Today was a beautiful reminder that meaningful change happens when communities come together.
— Ashley Cacicedo-Surdovel | Clayvin Walker and Braylan Connors from Inner City Innovators (aka Hope Dealers) deliver LWVPBC Voters' Guides to businesses and churches along the Tamarind Corridor in West Palm Beach. Two other ICI youth, Ahkeam Ivy and Jeremy Peak, also participated. | Youth deliver Voters' Guides in the Northwest Neighborhood | West Palm Beach boasts a wonderful organization called Inner City Innovators (aka Hope Dealers), dedicated to mentoring and empowering inner-city youth to embody the change they want to see in their neighborhoods. This year, four young men from ICI delivered copies of the Voters’ Guide to churches and businesses along the Tamarind Corridor, a mostly African-American neighborhood in West Palm Beach.
I asked Dee Rae, one of the ICI mentors, whether they were enthused about handing out the guides. The three older boys were, he told me, but the 15-year-old was less so. What was beautiful, he said, was that the three older boys then explained to him how important getting voting information to their people was. In addition, as they were delivering, an older gentleman in one of the places they visited, praised them and took the young one aside to reiterate the importance of their mission and tell them how proud he was of them.
— Pamela Maldonado, Voter Services
| UPCOMING EVENTS
Click on the flyer to see the details
| LEAGUER TELLS J.A. HER CAREER STORY | Michele Monahan, at right, made a cameo appearance while volunteering to assist a Junior Achievement event with voter registration.
“I began as a cashier at 16 at Winn-Dixie,” she said. “I had a dream of being a teacher so I pursued that dream and began my teaching career, which began as an elementary school physical education teacher, professional developer of new teachers, new teacher mentor, assistant principal, and finally I ended my career as a special education teacher at the high school level.
“Next question, why do I believe voting is so important? Casting your vote allows you to have your voice heard with the decisions that influence not only your life but the life of others today and in the future. Get out and vote, make it happen. Our children are our future.
“I am looking forward to volunteering with Junior Achievement in the future.” | A little cooking, a lot of laughing and some quality time with our League leadership team. Our LWVPBC leadership team traded meetings for mixing bowls during a special get-together at Extraordinary Charities. We cooked, connected and enjoyed some much-deserved time together while putting our pad thai skills to the test. A fun reminder that strong teams are built not only through the work we do, but through the moments we share along the way. Thank you to everyone who joined us for such a memorable evening! | People, ideas, community. Members enjoyed an informal evening of meeting and mingling, and getting to know the people who make our league work, hosted at the Urban League of Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast. | Amendment 3 forums spotlighted — President Janet Elinoff and Malise Sundstrom, second VP of the Palm Beach County League of Cities, were interviewed on WPBF 25 News about the educational forums we held on Amendment 3. Video. | Back after a brief ban — Palm Beach County Administrator Joe Abruzzo said he is allowing the League’s 2026 Voters’ Guide to be distributed once again at Palm Beach County branch libraries. The ban was imposed because there was confusion over what the state is allowing into the libraries. Stet News article. | | |  | Would you like to join an LWVPBC Team or know more about it?
1. Log in to our website, LWVPBC.org
2. Click on your name in the top right corner
3. Click PROFILE
4. At the bottom right of the next screen, click “Interested in a Team?”
5. Click the Teams you are interested in.
6. An email will be sent to the chair(s) of the team(s) and they will contact you.
Not sure if you already registered for an event or if you completed the registration?
1. Log in to our website, LWVPBC.org
2. Click the flyer for the event or the listing on the Calendar
3. On the next Page, Event View, on the right side click the clipart of the 2 people in profile labeled “Registrants.”
4. If you see your name, you are registered.
5. Questions? Send to info@LWVPBC.org
Want to know about elections in general?
Click Voting Resources on the website menu. The links are there year-round.
Want to know about the Nov. 3, 2026, election?
Click Election 2026 on the website menu. Links will vanish after the election.
Want to know about the Constitutional Amendments or the County Referendum Questions?
Click the respective buttons on the home page: LWVPBC.org
— Dan Lishansky, Web Team Manager | TASTE OF THE LEAGUE ORIENTATION POSTPONED
| The Taste of the League member orientation scheduled for Nov. 7 is postponed until January, 2027. Details to follow. Watch this space.
— Donna Colabella and Alice Mann, Membership Co-Chairs
| A WARM-HEARTED WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST MEMBERS
| Their contact information is available in the Member Directory at LWVPBC.org.
Kimberly Davis (Jupiter), Sue Davids (Jupiter), Hedy Rossmeissl (Jupiter), Pat Gillula (Jupiter), Anthony Banegas (West Palm Beach), Daniela Aquiar (West Palm Beach), Aiden Dixon (West Palm Beach), Raziah Ruiz (West Palm Beach), Farihah Uddin (West Palm Beach), Michelle Murray (West Palm Beach), Janet Friedlander (Palm Beach), Ellen Salth (Palm Beach), Henry Wright (Lake Park), Madeline Villatoro (Lake Worth), Bernice Goldberg-Klabanoff (Lake Worth), Kia Cassini (Boca Raton), Cynthia Porter (Tequesta), Andrea Greenspan (Palm Beach Gardens), Ashley Hobbs (Palm Beach Gardens), Joanne Lilore (Palm Beach Gardens), Beth Eisenman (Palm Beach Gardens), Nora Cappelle (Delray Beach), Barbara Berger (Boynton Beach) and Jack Levy (Milton, Mass.)
— Linda Sorenson, Membership
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