You do not have to look far these days to find headlines about stolen elections and Americans’ waning confidence in the election process. While research indicates a slight rebound in election confidence in 2022, voter distrust persists across the partisan divide and among Black and Latino voters. How has our local election process shifted and adapted to reinforce voter confidence?
On April 20th, the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Branch Meeting will host a ‘candid conversation’ with Natalie Adona, Nevada County Clerk Recorder. Since winning the election for that position in 2022, Adona has worked diligently to create transparency in local election procedures. During the April Branch meeting, she will drill down into the anatomy of the election process and share what it’s like to run an election.
Jan Bedayn and Lynn Forbes, Co-Presidents of the League of Women Voters in Nevada County, helped to plan this ‘candid conversation’ and will serve as moderators. The League of Women Voters believes the right to vote is a nonpartisan issue, and encourages everyone to take part in democracy. Sid Pixley, a participant in AAUW GovTrek, a program for high school female students aimed at encouraging youth to join the democratic process by getting involved in politics, adds a further perspective. Natalie will share some of her challenges as Registrar of Voters, while our two moderators elicit audience questions and foster a solutions-based dialogue. Attendees will be invited to contribute thoughts regarding voter mistrust and ways to restore trust in local election process.
Natalie Adona has over 15 years of experience in the administration of public elections. Natalie holds a B.A. from the University of California at Berkeley and a J.D. from the American University College of Law. She also completed an M.P.A. and Certified Elections and Registration Administration Credential from Auburn University.
The Saturday, April 20th program meeting will be held from 9:30 – 11:30 AM at Peace Lutheran Church, 828 West Main Street, Grass Valley, and is free and open to the public. Thank you to our Program sponsors KNCO Radio, Westamerica Bank, and Bodacious Blooms Flower Farm for their support.
For more than 80 years, the AAUW Nevada County Branch has been striving to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. Membership is open to individuals with an associate, baccalaureate or higher degree from a qualified educational institution.
For individuals interested in participating in branch interest groups and other activities, but who have not had the opportunity to complete a degree, the Nevada County Branch offers “Friends of AAUW” membership.
For more information: https://nevadacounty-ca.aauw.net/