On September 30, 2026, at 7 p.m., join the League of Women Voters of Nashville for a Civic Social Hour, networking event. 

Meet people who care about policy, law, government, advocacy, and community change through quick, guided conversations designed to spark real connections.

- Speed Networking Rounds
- Drinks + Casual Mingling
- Easy Conversation Prompts

All Perspectives Welcome
Free (Registration Required)

Limited spots — register by Sept 29th

TO REGISTER: Email lwvnashevents@gmail.com with your name and job/professional field.

The Tennessee State & Federal General and Oak Hill Municipal Elections will be on November 3, 2026. The deadline for registering to vote in the November 3 election is October 5, 2026.

 

I am writing to you on this Saturday morning of Labor Day weekend. As I reflect to write this message, I am welcoming a few days off from paid work. I am thankful for the union activists who advocated for this   recognition day honoring the worker’s movement and contributions to the US economy. President Grover Cleveland signed the law and the federal government established Labor Day holiday in 1894. Traditionally marking the end of summer, Labor Day is an opportunity to relax and be with family and friends, and partake in traditional activities such as
picnics, cook outs and off duty relaxation. My family’s contributions to the Labor movement are connected to my Nana, my Aunt, my father-in law, my son, and myself—union members, leaders, and stewards working to secure fairness, justice, and a voice for their union member
colleagues. Perhaps you also can remember or give recognition to your circle of family and friends who hold membership in a union.

Voting issues that are on my mind include the news about the US Postal Service judicial directive to deliver all election mail including mail in  ballots. For Tennessee's election, the deadline to request an absentee ballot is October 24, 2026. Completed ballots must be received by your county election commission by Election Day, November 3, 2026. Tennessee restricts absentee voting to specific qualifying categories (including age 60+, illness/disability, being outside the county).

Mark your calendar for Wednesday. September 30 for our evening Speed Networking event spearheaded by your membership chair, Dylan. This event will include social networking to benefit our league as well as your individual professional contacts.

Opportunities for voter services engagement is a candidate forum planned for October 12 or 19 (TBA) and a church fair on October 24. See inside The Voter for location and times. Our voter services lead is being filled by Kathryn Anderson.

Members, we are seeking volunteers to consider training and mentorship to assume the Treasurer’s role, supported many years by Susan Mattson. We have roles open to contribute to the Nominations Committee and all platforms-education, health policy, environment, community connections, voter services, and membership.

If you have an interest or idea for discussion,
community education or action, please email me.

Metro Council Dates:  8/18/26 and 9/1/26
Election Commission: 8/19/26 and 9/2/26

VOTING/ ELECTIONS

Nashville filed suit against the federal government for attempting to make changes to how local elections are administered as a condition Department of Homeland Security grants that the city uses for first responders. Metro joined three other jurisdictions in the suit: Columbus, Ohio; Harris County, Texas; and El Paso County, Texas.  The suit states that the entire setup would have to be changed to accommodate hand-marked ballots, incurring equipment costs and retraining of the staff and reeducation of the county’s electorate.

19.3% of registered voters voted in Aug. 6 election.

There were 236 provisional ballots of which 98 were accepted.  The majority of these were people who had registered to vote, but left something off application like their social security number.

Early voting schedule was approved and adopted.

Monday, October 5 is the last date to register to vote for the November election.

HEALTH/ MEDICAL

1452: An ordinance establishing the Opioid Settlement Steering Committee’s role in guiding the strategic use of the Metropolitan Government’s opioid settlement funds through a clear, transparent, and data-driven process. The bill was approved with a substitute by the Public Health and Safety Committee. Council Member Evans moved that the bill be passed on second reading, which motion was properly seconded. Council Member Evans offered a substitute bill and moved that it be adopted, which motion was seconded and approved by a voice vote of the Council.

EDUCATION/ SCHOOLS/ IMMIGRATION

2225: Passed - a resolution accepting a grant from the Tennessee Office of Criminal Justice Programs to the Metropolitan Government, acting by and through the Office of the District Attorney General, to provide partial funding for three specialized Victim Witness Coordinators to work with Spanish-speaking victims and within the Crimes Against Children unit.

PUBLIC SAFETY/ TRANSPORTATION/ TRAFFIC/ POLICE

Several new sidewalk projects were approved by metro council.

1498 Passed on second reading was a bill defining when MNPD may use Drones as First Responders (DFR)

I. 1. A DFR program may include the deployment of a UAS’s in response to:

a. active shooter incidents,

b. hostage situations, 

c. active searches for missing persons, and 

d. for a period of up to ten days, a state of emergency declared by the mayor or natural disaster that presents an immediate threat to life or critical infrastructure.

This bill passed on third reading on 9/1/26

1450: On second reading; deferred for two meetings. An ordinance directing the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department and the Mayor’s Office, through the Office of Youth Safety, and requesting the coordination of Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools, to jointly develop an education and information-sharing initiative aimed at identifying and countering the growing threat of online extremist content that targets and exploits young people in Nashville and Davidson County.

ENVIRONMENT

Several greenway improvement bills passed on second reading.

GENERAL

2228: Resolution passed accepting a Broadband Ready Communities grant from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TDECD) to the Metropolitan Government to provide resources and facilitate programs for the community to increase digital adoption to ensure all Tennesseans have access to affordable and reliable internet service, dependable technology, and digital literacy skills. 

2224: A resolution passed approving an application for a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Grant from the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency to the Metropolitan Government, acting by and through the Office of the Mayor, to benefit all residents of Metro Nashville and Davidson County by ensuring uninterrupted access to safe, powered facilities when the electrical grid is compromised by providing funding for backup generators at the Fairgrounds Nashville to ensure continuity of operations during critical times. 

2260: A resolution passed recognizing the life and legacy of Dolly Parton.

2261: A resolution requesting the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) to make an exception to Policy 33-006 and rename Nashville International Airport as "Dolly Parton International Airport."

Back to School: Building a Healthy Start for Every Student
As another school year begins in Nashville, families are busy preparing backpacks, purchasing school supplies, and establishing new routines. Back-to-school season is also an important
reminder that public health plays a vital role in helping every child succeed in the classroom.

A healthy start begins with preventive care. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends annual preventive care visits throughout    and adolescence, as well as a focused sports physical for children participating on school or club teams.  Here's why a complete health checkup and sports physical should be on the back-to-school checklist.

Immunizations stand out as front-line in keeping children healthy and ready to learn, and immunizations that have proven safe and effective for decades are required for school attendance. Metro Nashville Public Health Department offers back-to-school
immunization clinics and expanded services each summer to help families prepare for the school year. (Nashville.gov).

Recent federal action has called current vaccine schedules into question and urged states to review these schedules. The LWVNashville Public Health Committee questions the scientific validity of the federal challenges and believes that the American
Academy of Pediatrics remains the best source for childhood vaccine information. Our committee will follow the controversy, expected to be raised in the Tennessee General Assembly in 2027, closely.

Mental health deserves equal attention. Returning to school can be exciting, but it can also bring stress, anxiety, and social pressures for students of all ages. Establishing consistent sleep routines, limiting excessive screen time, encouraging physical activity, and maintaining open communication can help children navigate the transition successfully. Schools, families, healthcare providers, and community organizations all share responsibility for supporting young people’s emotional well-being. We should always advocate for school-based counseling and mental health services. The National Center for School Mental Health provides evidence-based resources.

Access to healthy food is another essential part of student success. School breakfast and lunch programs provide reliable nutrition for thousands of Tennessee children each day, helping improve concentration, attendance, and academic performance. Ensuring every child has access to nutritious meals is an investment in both education and public health. We should always advocate for school meals. Metro Nashville Public Schools has a robust school meal program so that all children have access to healthy meals. Thanks to advocacy by the LWVTennessee and many other health  organizations, Tennessee has at least for now committed full state and federal resources to extending supplemental feeding programs throughout the summer months as well.

As members of the League of Women Voters, we also recognize that health equity is fundamental to educational opportunity. Children cannot learn effectively when they face barriers such as limited access to healthcare, housing instability, food insecurity, or untreated health conditions. Addressing these social drivers of health strengthens our schools, our communities, and our democracy.

Programs to support children with special health care needs are also critical to Tennessee school children who qualify for Children's Special Services (CSS). Children who qualify for CSS
will also likely qualify for an Individualized (IEP) or 504 Service Education Plan. These plans ensure children receive services at school that promote learning and health. Immigrant children
in Tennessee enrolled in CSS, this critical safety net program, were at risk of losing services until a Nashville judge extended an order preventing the Tennessee Department of Health from sharing identifying information about 400 sick and disabled children. We must follow these negotiations to prevent disruptions to the care of medically fragile children!

This school year, each of us can support healthier communities by encouraging preventive care, promoting mental wellness, supporting school nutrition programs, practicing safe transportation
and advocating for policies that give every child the opportunity to thrive. When every student has the chance to begin the school year healthy, safe, and ready to learn, our entire community benefits.

 

If you are interested in volunteering, please complete the volunteer form linked below.

Presidents: Karen Hernan

1st Vice Presidents: 

Secretary: 

Treasurer: Susan Mattson

Nominating Committee Members:

Betsy Walkup

Constance Caldwell

Hasina Mohyuddin

June Bond

Brenda Wynn

Portfolio Chairs

Communications: Yolonda Beech

Education: Dr. Patricia H. Brock

Environment: Carynton Howard and Catherine Price

Health Care/Public Health:  Harper-Grace Niedermeyer and Ashudee Kirk 

Membership: Dylan Schlesinger

Metro Government:  Pat McCauley

Voter Services: 

Williamson County Representative:  June Bond

Nominating Committee Chair: Senator Brenda Gilmore 

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS NASHVILLE
Box 158369, Nashville, Tennessee 37215

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contact@lwvnashville.org

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