As President of the League of Women Voters of Broward County, I would like to dedicate this newsletter to expressing my sincere gratitude to everyone who attended, volunteered, and/or donated to our 2026 Annual League Luncheon held on May 3, 2026, at Jacaranda Country Club.
The event was a powerful reminder of what happens when women come together with a shared commitment to civic engagement, education, and strengthening democracy. Each of you contributed to that purpose—simply by showing up, supporting this important work, and believing in the value of an informed and active electorate.
As many of you know, we gathered for our Annual Luncheon during a particularly challenging week for voting rights and representative democracy. Just days before our event, on April 29, the Supreme Court struck down a voting map in Louisiana and weakened key protections within the Voting Rights Act of 1965—a landmark law that for decades has helped safeguard fair representation and protect communities from discriminatory voting practices. Soon after that decision, the Florida Legislature approved a new congressional district map that the governor has signed off on.
But as our speakers reminded us, moments like these make our work more important now than ever.
On behalf of the League, I extend heartfelt thanks to our moderator, Gail Bulfin, and our outstanding panelists, Leah Carpenter, Linda Thomson Gonzalez, and Alexa Simone. Your insights, expertise, and generosity of time inspired all of us to recommit to our mission as we head into a critical midterm election year.
I would also like to thank Suzette Hyde for her leadership as Chair of the event, along with our dedicated planning committee, whose thoughtful preparation and commitment made the luncheon such a success.
And to our incredible volunteers—this event simply would not have happened without you. Thank you for the care, professionalism, and energy you brought to every detail.
We are equally grateful to our supporters, Friends of the League, and community partners who continue to invest in nonpartisan voter education and advocacy. Finally, thank you to every guest who joined us. Your presence reinforced that this work matters—now more than ever.
What we experienced together was more than a fundraiser. It was a reflection of our shared values: empowering voters, defending democracy, and ensuring every voice has the opportunity to be heard.
I encourage each of you to stay engaged—whether through volunteering, educating others, or continuing the important conversations that began at the luncheon. Strong communities depend on informed and active participation, and that begins with each of us.
Thank you again for standing with the League and for your continued commitment to democracy in action this upcoming year.
— Allyson Meyers
President, League of Women Voters of Broward County