August 2025

The Tony Award®-winning Suffs comes to TPAC this March! Written and composed by Shaina Taub, this acclaimed musical tells the powerful story of the American women who fought for the right to vote. Through passion, persistence, and sacrifice, Suffs shines a light on the leaders and unsung heroes of the suffrage movement in a struggle that still resonates today. Please click here to purchase your ticket. You can also use promo code: LWVSUFFS2026

Social Drivers of Health
Time: Friday| 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CT

Join the League of Women Voters of Nashville for the September Hot Topic on the Social Drivers of Health and the ecological changes we can make to promote better health for all. John Vick, Ph.D., and Jane Dimnwaobi will be the featured speakers.

Virtual Webinar hosted by LWVTN
Time: Wednesday | 7:00 PM CT

Join the League of Women Voters of Tennessee for an informative webinar on the state of data centers and their impact on communities. 

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

The Tennessee Health Care Campaign annual conference will be held in Chattanooga on Sept. 18-19. The Conference will focus on Healthy Communities: Social Drivers of Health and Health Systems. 

On August 6, LWVN joined with the YWCA of Nashville and Middle Tennessee to host a community rally celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. With more than 80 attendees, a powerful keynote speech by Dr. Sekou Franklin, remarks by Mayor Freddie O'Connell, an official proclamation presentation by Vice Mayor Angie Henderson, and more than 30 signatures from community partners pledging to protect and advance access to the ballot box, it's safe to say the event was a success!

Thank you to all who attended and supported this invaluable and timely event! 

As we move into fall, the League is entering a busy and meaningful season. From voter education efforts to policy discussions and community outreach, there are many opportunities ahead for members to get involved and make an impact.

This month’s newsletter highlights several upcoming events, including our September Hot Topic on the Social Drivers of Health and other important programs organized by our committees. Our work is expanding, and we want your input to help shape it. The Education Committee is currently gathering ideas for future topics, and the Fundraising Committee is planning a special fundraiser next March. Please take a moment to share your suggestions and availability so we can create events that reflect the interests and priorities of our members.

We’re also excited to share that we’ve secured discounted tickets to the Tony Award®-winning musical Suffs at TPAC in March. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the history of the suffrage movement together.

Please click here to purchase your ticket. You can also use promo code: LWVSUFFS2026

Thank you for being part of the League and for contributing your time, ideas, and energy!

Gov. Bill Lee has called for a special election to fill the vacancy left after Rep. Mark Green's official resignation from the US House of Representatives. Information on the Primary Election, General Election, and ID requirements can be found below.

Primary Election Dates to Remember

9/8 Last day to register to vote

9/17 Early Voting Begins

9/27 Last day to request Absentee Ballot

10/2 Early Voting Ends

9/27 Last day to request an absentee ballot 

10/7 Election Day

General Election Dates to Remember

9/3 First Day to Request Absentee Ballot

11/3 Last day to register to vote 

11/12 Early Voting Begins

11/22 Last day to request Absentee Ballot (realistically should be 11/15)

11/26 Early Voting Ends

12/2 Election Day

Voter Rolls and Inactive vs. Inactive Status
In voter rolls, active and inactive voters can vote. Once an inactive voter votes, they return to active status. There are several ways for a voter to be put in active status. One way is by not voting in two consecutive November elections. Inactive status implies there is some doubt about the validity of a voter’s address on record.

New Rules on Driver's Licenses
There are new rules and driver’s licenses that require a person to prove citizenship. These rules require the Davidson County Election Commission to receive lists from the state requesting that certain registered voters prove their citizenship. Once a voter submits documentation of citizenship, the documents are scanned, and the voter is re-listed on the voter roll.

For more information on the election and voting in Davidson County, visit the Davidson County Election Commission website through the button below.

Food insecurity remains a pressing public health and policy issue in Tennessee. Defined by the USDA as limited or uncertain access to adequate food for an active, healthy life, food insecurity is particularly acute among households with children and those in rural areas.

Statewide Statistics:
-Approximately 15.6% of all Tennesseans experience food insecurity, while the rate for children is even higher at 19.8%.
-About 24% of all Tennesseans reported going hungry in the past year due to a lack of money.
-Households with children were significantly more affected—39% versus 17% in households without children.

To build a resilient response, policies must be data-driven, regionally targeted, and equity-focused. Tennessee has the tools, but must act with urgency to ensure no child goes hungry.

References:
Why Some States Refuse Federal Cash to Feed Poor Kids

Takeaways from AP’s report on social safety nets in states that ban abortion 

Policy Implications and Recommendations include:

Davidson County Election Commission (DCEC) Updates
At the 7/28/25 Davidson County Election Commission (DCEC) meeting, Jeff Roberts, the DCEC Administer of Elections, announced he will retire at the end of the year in December 2025.

DCEC now sends staff to naturalization ceremonies to educate citizens on how to register to vote.

The DCEC plans to move to the 3rd floor of the Airways Plaza Building on Briley Parkway in mid-to-late February of next year.

A person was promoted to executive staff to handle all the lists being received to verify persons on the voter roll.  Locations sending lists to DCEC are: Driver’s license matches from out-of-state, Experian, the Post Office, Social Security recipients now deceased from the state, and out-of-state.

PUBLIC SAFETY/ TRANSPORTATION/ TRAFFIC/ POLICE
WeGo buses and the WeGo Star passenger train now accept contactless payment for fares. Riders do not need to secure a bus pass or download an app before boarding. Credit and debit cards with the “tap” feature, as well as mobile wallets like Apple Pay, can now be
used for boarding a city bus.

The Education Committee is requesting input from board members on to inform the vision, resources, and events of the Education Committee for the upcoming year.

Please complete the Google Form below to share your input.

The Membership and Fundraising Committee is organizing a fundraiser in honor of Women's History Month next March. Please complete the survey below to share your availability to attend the event.

In July, Gov. Bill Lee and Boring Company President and CEO Steve Davis unveiled plans to build a tunnel from downtown Nashville to Nashville International Airport. Since the announcement, there have been numerous questions and conversations about how Nashville's geology might make building a tunnel difficult. Many Nashville residents and experts have expressed worry that the tunnel could increase risks for sinkholes or disrupt the underground flow of water.

Read more about how Nashville's geology could influence this infrastructure project through the WPLN article linked below. 

Co-Presidents: Ophelia Doe and Kathryn Anderson

1st Vice Presidents: Karen Hernan and Ethel Detch

Secretary: Ethel Detch

Treasurer: Susan Mattson

Nominating Committee Members:

Betsy Walkup

Constance Caldwell

Hasina Mohyuddin

June Bond

Brenda Wynn

Portfolio Chairs

Communications: Yolonda Beech

Community Connections: Sabina Mohyuddin & Leona Edwards

Education: Dr. Patricia H. Brock, Dr. Leslie Cowell, and MaKenzie Mosby

Environment: Kelley Knott-Sandifer, Simone Chhut, Carynton Howard, and Catherine Price

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

Membership: Reba Holmes, Dani Sheree Ross, and Dylan Schlesinger

Metro Government:  Pat McCauley, Kathleen Murphy, and Brenda Haywood

Voter Services: Sue Johnson

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

NON-PARTISANSHIP STATEMENT
The League is proud to be non-partisan, neither supporting nor opposing candidates or political parties at any level of government, but always working on vital issues of concern to their members and the public. The League works to encourage informed and active participation in government and to influence public policy through education and advocacy.

DISCLAIMER
Views expressed by non-League links are not necessarily those of the League. The links are provided as a service to visitors.