League of Women Voters of Washington

🏛️ Let's talk about the importance of democratic institutions. 🏛️

1️⃣ Respect for Institutions: Our democracy depends on people’s respect for the basic institutions of government—the three equal branches of government. Having 3 branches of government share power prevents any single elected leader from becoming a tyrant.

2️⃣ We protect democracy: If a leader comes along who convinces people that they alone can solve all our problems—and we don’t need the other two branches—
we could end up with a dictator. We need to make careful choices when voting, get truthful information, and speak up when power is being abused.



Image descriptions: Three graphics, each with a yellow background and a transparent image of the US Flag and US Constitution. Image text is red, blue, and white and pulled from the above post text. The first image also has a LWVWA logo at the top and a graphic of a ballot box.

What is the 'Rule of Law'? 🤔

It’s the idea of having a “government of laws” rather than a “government of men.” ‘Rule of Law’ is a cornerstone idea of US government.

Government guided by law: This means our government is to be guided by the law—NOT by what one person or group—wants to do. And the power of ALL government officials is limited to what the law says they can do.



Image description: Three graphics, each with a blue background and transparent image of the US Flag and US Constitution. Image text is red, yellow, and white and pulled from the above post text. The first image also has a LWVWA logo at the top and a graphic of a closed book with justice scales on top.

We hear a lot about "separation of powers," but what is that actually all about? 🤔

1️⃣ Why separate powers? We need stability in our government, so that people and businesses can plan for the future—that’s why US democracy spreads power around, rather than giving a lot of power to one elected leader.

2️⃣ 3 branches of government: US democracy has three branches of government, and by balancing power among the three branches, we assure that power is shared. And no one person or branch has absolute authority.

3️⃣ The three branches are:

🟪 Legislative Branch: The legislative branch (the House and Senate) makes the laws and decides how to spend the federal tax dollars.

🟪 Executive Branch: The head of the executive branch (the President) can approve/reject laws Congress makes and is the “boss” for most national government agencies, AND the Commander in Chief of the military.

🟪 Judicial Branch: The top of the judicial branch is SCOTUS. They make sure laws and the police or other government agencies—including the President—respect the constitutional rights of citizens.



Image description: four graphics, each with a red background and transparent image of the US Flag and US Constitution. Image text is white, blue, and yellow and is pulled from the above post text. The first image also as a LWVWA logo at the top and a graphic representing the separation of powers with a triangle showing a sole figure representing the executive, justice scales to represent the legislative branch, and a classical Greek-like pillar building to represent the legislative branch.

LWVUS and the League of Women Voters of Alabama issued a statement in response to the US Supreme Court’s decision to allow Alabama to use the Legislature's gerrymandered 2023 congressional map for the 2026 election cycle.

Read the full statement ➡️ https://www.lwv.org/newsroom/press-releases/league-women-voters-statement-supreme-courts-decision-alabama-0

The League of Women Voters of the United States and the League of Women Voters of Alabama are dedicated to ensuring every eligible voter has access to and is informed about the election process. The Supreme Court's ruling less than six months prior to the General Election brings unnecessary chaos to the process.

Our democracy is weakened when voters lose confidence that elections will be conducted fairly, transparently, and competently. No voter should miss an election or lose their voice because of confusion created by last-minute changes. Alabama voters deserve clear information and a fair opportunity to participate in every election.

The League is calling on the Secretary of State to ensure that every affected voter receives direct notification of their new districts, election dates, and instructions for verifying registration status and polling locations.

Image descriptions: Black background fading to purple with white text and a transparent image of the SCOTUS building. Text is pulled from the above post text.

Congress is back in session this week with its focus set on ways to pass the reconciliation bill. The bill would provide BILLIONS of additional dollars to the ICE and CBP -- the very agencies terrorizing our communities.

Call your Senators and tell them to REJECT additional funding ➡️ https://www.lwv.org/take-action/tell-congress-no-more-ice-and-cbp-funding

The Constitution makes clear that only the states and Congress can set the rules for elections. Nevertheless, the executive order attempts to override states’ mail-in voting laws by transforming the US Postal Service from a neutral mail carrier into an arbiter of who may cast a ballot by mail.

Read the full statement ➡️ https://www.lwv.org/newsroom/press-releases/federal-court-hears-challenge-trump-executive-order-restricting-mail

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Pride has always been more than a celebration -- it's a movement.

This Pride Month, we honor the LGBTQ+ advocates and organizers who have pushed our country closer to its democratic ideals.

Pride is protest. Pride is power. Pride is community. Happy Pride Month!

Image description: Lavender background with a rainbow coming out of a megaphone. Image text is dark purple and reads: "LGBTQ+ rights are voting rights. Be proud of who you are and make your voice heard - this month and every month!" There is also a red and blue LWV logo at the top right corner.

If you've moved, or it's just been awhile since you checked in on your registration, head over to VoteWA.gov to make sure your voter registration is up to date!

Image description: The "Cool Cat Stroll" meme, which features a tabby cat seemingly walking. Image text says "on my way to update my voter registration at VoteWA.gov.

At our core, nonpartisanship is not just a policy—it’s a bedrock principle that defines who we are at the League of Women Voters.

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