The League of Women Voters of Southern New Mexico is a tax-exempt 501(c)3, non-partisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government. It influences public policy through education and advocacy. The mission of the League is empowering voters and strengthening democracy.
NEW LEAGUE OFFICERS AND BOARD SELECTED
Jo Galván Nash and Kathe Kanim will serve two year terms from May 2023 to April 2025.
The League of Women Voters of Southern New Mexico (LWVSNM) elected Jo Galván Nash (left) and Kathe Kanim, both of Las Cruces, as the new co-presidents. The non-partisan, non-profit organization, based in Las Cruces, also has several new Board members and officers. Galván retired from the Las Cruces Public Schools in 2018 after serving 31 years as Chief Communications Officer. She now works part-time as a freelance communications consultant. Kanim served as a mathematics teacher in several states and retired from New Mexico State University, finishing her educational career as a manager on state and federally funded projects intended to improve mathematics instruction in public schools. They joined the local League is 2019 and 2021, respectively. Click here to read more.
IT’S TIME TO PAY YOUR 2023/24 MEMBERSHIP DUES
Women and men (and students who are at least 16 years old) can become a member of the League of Women Voters of Southern New Mexico. Simply pay the annual dues during May through July. Dues are $65 per person (students enrolled in school are free); if there are two household members who want to join, the second member’s dues are $32.50 for the year. The LWV fiscal year runs from May 1 through April 30 of each year. If you support the mission and goals of the League, and you find the newsletter and our programs useful and interesting, please Click Here to complete a membership form and remit your membership dues. Keep in mind, there is also a unit of LWVSNM that exists in Otero County. Those members are members to this organization and dues are paid at the same link above.
2023 MAKING DEMOCRACY WORK AWARD WINNER
Otero County Clerk Robyn Holmes has been selected by the League of Women Voters of Southern New Mexico (LWVSNM) for the 2023 Making Democracy Work Award (MDWA). Holmes has been the Clerk in Alamogordo for 39 years and will be ending her final term in December 2024. The MDWA recognition is given to an individual or group who exemplifies a citizen who “empowers voters and strengthens democracy,” through their actions. She will receive a $250 award from the League for her professionalism, honesty, and commitment to election processes that strengthen our country’s voting system. Read more about Ms. Holmes and about her actions that led to her selection.
OpEd by LWSVNM: HOW COULD CIVIC ENGAGEMENT STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY SAFETY?
Every community has problems, some being common throughout our state and nation. These problems include lack of affordable housing, health care, food security, and safety. With regard to safety, we all want to feel safe in our homes, work, and communities. The League supports safety practices for law enforcement officers and the communities they serve. In a recently published OpEd written by the SNM League’s co-presidents, read how safety and community engagement tie together. Read the opinion here.
LWVSNM STUDYING BENEFICIAL ELECTRIFICATION
The National League of Women Voters has identified a few key areas where local League action can make a critical difference in curbing global climate change. One key action is increasing energy efficiency in buildings through electrification. With this in mind, the LWVSNM Committee on Affordable Housing is looking at amending its current affordable housing position to allow us to support policies that link beneficial electrification to affordable housing. Click here to read more about beneficial electrification from the City of Las Cruces and local energy expert Phil Simpson.
LEAGUE MEMBERS PLAN FOR 2023 and 2024
One of the most important times of the year for the LWVSNM is the annual Program Planning Meeting. It allows the League’s members to reflect on what progress has been made, and what 
reviews and studies should be conducted over the next two years. Many League members attended the January meeting to discuss what direction the 100-plus member organization will take in 2023 and 2024. After a thorough discussion, it was agreed that the existing Program (goals) of affordable housing, education, and Branigan Memorial Library will continue. Other topics that will be recommended to the membership include gun safety/violence prevention, sustainability/climate change, modernization of the NM Legislature, independent redistricting, and others. The suggestions will be voted on during the League’s annual Business Meeting in April 2023. Visit our Program & Position page for additional information.
THE LEAGUE’S WHO’S WHO DIRECTORY IS UPDATED
The League of Women Voters of Southern New Mexico publishes a Who’s Who pamphlet of federal, state, and locally elected officials. Click here to get contact information about our elected officials. A printed copy is also available. Email the League to request a copy: lwvsnm@gmail.com.