Register here for October’s Program
After registering at above link, or CWI webpage above, you will receive a confirmation email containing the link to join the meeting Tue 10-28, 2025, 12 noon to 1:15 PM (ET).
Our Endangered Voting Rights – Protecting, Strengthening and Expanding
As the U.S. approaches its 250th anniversary next year, a key question is whether we can protect while expanding the franchise in a time of deep polarization in the American body politic. On the side of expanding access to the ballot box, an increased interest in Ranked Choice Voting will be explored, but first we will address recent developments that give rise to concerns, such as:
- A possible dismantling by the Supreme Court of the last remaining provision, Section 2 of the1965 Voting Rights Act, which prohibits election practices that result in a denial of abridgement of the right to vote based on race.
- An unusual mid-decade re-districting by several states that would give one political party an assured election outcome.
- Passage by the U.S. House of the “Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE)” or similar restrictions which impose strict requirements for voter registration, including documentary proof of U.S. citizenship by presenting a birth certificate, an enhanced driver’s license or U.S. Passport – likely creating barriers for many voters, especially married persons who have changed their names and persons who may not have easy access to documentation.
- Decreasing provisions to vote by mail and increasing obstructions to voting, including voter intimidation.
RANKED CHOICE VOTING: At the same time, several states and the District of Columbia have considered adopting Ranked Choice Voting –(RCV). Some believe that RCV opens the door to more persons deciding to run for elective office and offering women and candidates from marginalized communities a better chance at advancing their political careers. Some observers claim that Ranked Choice Voting has a moderating effect as the more politically extreme candidates attract fewer votes. Experience in Alaska with Ranked Choice Voting provides a few insights.
For this timely program we will hear from an impressive array of voting rights and elections experts. This virtual program will be moderated by Jan Erickson, Co-President of the Clearinghouse on Women’s Issues. The presenters are:
- Meredith Sumpter, President and CEO of FairVote where she works to advance a more functional and representative democracy that delivers for every American. FairVote is a nonpartisan organization that researches and advances ranked choice voting (RCV).and proportional representation. She is an executive leader and builder of innovative organizations and movements that drive value for people. Previously, Sumpter was CEO & President of the Board of the Council for Inclusive Capitalism, a global community of CEOs committing their organizations to actions that demonstrate value creation with sustainable and inclusive business practices. Sumpter has held an advisory position at New America and Harvard University and was Head of Research & Strategy at Eurasia Group, a global geopolitical advisory firm. Originally from Alaska and now residing in Virginia, Meredith enjoys a rich life parenting four children with her husband Ryan.
- Cynthia Richie Terrell, Founder and Executive Director, Represent Women and an outspoken advocate for institutional reforms to advance women’s representation and leadership in the United States. Terrell and her husband Rob Richie helped found FairVote – a nonpartisan champion of electoral reforms that give voters greater choice, a stronger voice, and a more representative democracy. Terrell has worked on projects related to women’s representation, democracy, and voting system reform in the United States and has worked to help parliamentarians around the globe meet UN goals for women’s representation and leadership. Terrell has worked on political campaigns, as campaign manager and field director for candidates for the U.S. presidency, U.S. House and U.S. Senate, for governor and for state and city-wide initiative efforts, including a state equal rights amendment.
In 2024 Terrell was named one of Washington, DC’s top policy experts and received a Generational Impact Award for her work on voting system reform. Terrell writes a weekly column on women’s representation for Ms. Magazine and has been published in numerous print journals. She has appeared on C-SPAN’s Washington Journal; and has participated in numerous radio shows, podcasts & panel discussions on the topics of electoral reform and systems strategies to advance women’s representation and leadership. Terrell has three children and is active in local politics and in the Quaker community. She graduated with a B.A. in political science from Swarthmore College in 1986.
- Dr. Kimberly S. Adams, Professor of Political Science is an accomplished political scientist and activist with more than 20 years of experience in academia and the private sector. She received her Ph.D in Political Science from the University of Mississippi and has a track record of success in publication and public speaking and served as a political analyst on national and local news programs. She has presented research and given over 100 talks domestically and internationally on women, race, and politics. Dr. Adams is a highly effective professional mediator and conflict manager, having received certificates of completion from Harvard Law School’s Program on Negotiation (PON) and CORA Good Shepard Mediation, in Philadelphia. She serves on the board of Directors for the American Association of University Women, (AAUW), and the Feminist Majority Foundation (FMF). She served on the board of Directors for the National Organization for Women (NOW) and currently serves on the Political Action Committees (PAC’s) for NOW and FMF. Her passion is teaching and creating opportunities for her students to gain first-hand experiences in politics.
- Joan Porte, League of Women Voters Virginia President, continues to be inspired by Carrie Chapman Catt: “Everybody counts in applying democracy. And there will never be a true democracy until every responsible and law-abiding adult in it, without regard to race, sex, color or creed has his or her own inalienable and un-purchasable voice in government”. Under her leadership, the Virginia LWV initiated an investigation into Gov. Youngkin’s 2023 purging of 3400 eligible voters and pushed for restoration. Porte has been outspoken about Virginia’s outdated law governing the restoration of voting rights for citizens who have completed their sentences for nonviolent felonies. Porte is the go-to person for the up-to-date scoop on all things voting in Virginia – vote by mail, redistricting and gerrymandering efforts, and efforts to increase voter participation.
