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Issue Studies
The study of governmental issues is one of the basic functions of the League of Women Voters. Study is undertaken at all three levels: national, state, and local, and leads to both education and advocacy, two of the basic missions of the organization. The League's process for study has acquired a solid reputation for its in-depth and unbiased exploration of an issue submitted to its grassroots membership for informed discussion.
During this exploration, members draw on balanced, pro/con materials, develop their own resources, turn to technical experts and public officials for information, and reach out to the community through public meetings, surveys, and media coverage. This is all part of the study and consensus process upon which League position is based.
Once a position is reached, the League uses its grassroots strength to influence the shape of public policy. Work is focused on priority issues every year, in order to channel the League's citizen power for the greatest effect.
Studies are conducted and funded by the League of Women Voters of Texas Education Fund, the 501(c)3 organization.
New Study FOR 2010-2011
Texas Water Resources as a Commodity
Focus: An update of our Water position to consider the competition for water in Texas, including governmental policy, public interest rights, and water resource protection concerns.
Scope:
- Analyze current state regulations which govern the sale or transfer of water rights
- Consider ramifications if Texas were to classify water as a commodity rather than a natural resource
- Explore options such as a state-run water marketing administration
- Assess laws that would be needed for interstate or international water transfers
- Assess the best use of our water (i.e., public interest concerns, environmental factors, effect on third parties, future water requirements)
Study Committee: Mina Johnson (Amarillo), Chair, Miriam Foshay (Dallas), Deanna Frisk (Comal Area), Karen Haschke (Austin Area), Sandra Heatherley (Corpus Christi), Tonya Kleuskens (Amarillo), Dorothy Knight (Wimberley Valley), Amy Thrasher (Tyler), Mary Vogelson (Dallas)
Timeline:
2010-2011: Research by the committee. Local Leagues may hold Regional Water Forums to educate members and the public about their area’s water resource issues.
Summer 2011: Facts and Issues published and consensus questions approved by LWV-TX.
Fall 2011: Local Leagues reach consensus and report to LWV-TX Board.
Winter 2012: Position statement announced and adopted at Convention 2012.
2008-2009 Study
Voting Procedures to Increase Voter Participation
This study resulted in member consensus for an addition to our Election Laws and Voting Procedures position statement, to include the support of
- unlimited access to vote-by-mail with no restrictions
- a permanent vote-by-mail list on which any voter may request to be placed
- the establishment of guidelines which would allow jurisdictions to conduct all vote-by-mail elections
- election day registration
- election day centralized voting, with applicable safeguards
- poll-site Internet voting for military/overseas voters
- Facts and Issues on Vote by Mail
- Facts and Issues on Election Day Registration
- Facts and Issues on Election Day Centralized Voting
- Facts and Issues on Instant Runoff Voting
- Facts and Issues on Internet Voting
- Brief Summary on Vote by Mail
- Brief Summary on Election Day Registration
- Brief Summary on Election Day Centralized Voting
- Brief Summary on Instant Runoff Voting
- Brief Summary on Internet Voting
2006-2007 Study
Mandated Testing in the Public Schools of Texas
2005 Studies
Recent studies:
- Criminal Justice: Capital Punishment
- Judicial Selection
-Texas Judicial System (brochure)
-El sistema judicial de Texas - Elections Process in Texas (2002)
Copies of these studies and brochures are available upon request.