Santa Maria Sun / Letter To The Editor

Your local vote and participation help on many levels

By Virginia Perry Souza, Santa Maria

The League of Women Voters, Santa Maria Valley (LWVSMV) joins with the LWVCalifornia in condemning senseless gun violence as evidenced very recently in Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay. Our hearts and prayers reach out to the families and those victims, family, friends, and communities impacted.  

Laws regarding gun safety and mental health are our responsibility as a civil society. LWVSMV works to educate on issues and encourage every eligible voter to vote. “Vote Local—Your Vote Counts More!” is our local slogan this year.

What can we do as individuals to help? Laws are made by government. Democracy is not a spectator sport.

Your activism could begin by attending a city council meeting or county supervisors meeting or school board meeting. These meetings are very enlightening and can be entertaining. Your activism could begin by joining your local League of Women Voters branch to learn as much as you can about how government works. We know that it is rarely convenient but well worth the effort!

Those of you reading this may already be working on issues near and dear to your heart! Thank you on behalf of your local League of Women Voters! 

Virginia Perry Souza
president, League of Women Voters 
Santa Maria Valley