League of Women Voters meets for conversation about election issues

League of Women Voters meets for conversation about election issues Categories: Downtown Iowa City Community Johnson County Local Government News League of Women Voters meets for conversation about election issues The Johnson County chapter of the group met in Poindexter Coffee for conversation and camaraderie on Tuesday. Elizabeth Connor, News Reporter • October 14, 2026 Taelim Yoon Mary McCarthy speaks with fellow members at the League of Women’s Voters of Johnson County casual coffee event at Pointdexter Coffee in Iowa City on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026. Community members came together to discuss early voting for the Nov. 3 election. The League of Women Voters of Johnson County hosted a gathering at Poindexter Coffee for conversation and information-sharing about topics ranging from the midterm election to book club.  The group is a nonpartisan political organization aiming to encourage women to vote. In general, they encourage active participation in government and understanding of public policy. Over the years, they have been dedicated to organizing tabling events, door-to-door campaigns, forums, and fundraisers. At the gathering, there were about a dozen women sitting around a table. The meeting started with announcements from Vicki Aden, the president of the Johnson County chapter. Aden highlighted the group’s future involvement in Election Hero Day, letters to the editor from various members to news organizations, and the upcoming Johnson County Board of Supervisors meeting.  Aden also pointed out the numerous pamphlets, posters, and flyers arrayed on the table. The table was covered in different issues and events league members might be interested in, such as the Iowa City Foreign Relation Council’s fall lecture series, a flyer indicating the league’s stance on the contested Iowa Constitutional Amendment referendum and a few informational notes on the league’s general mission.  After Aden’s announcement, the group began casual conversation, about the election, their book club, and anything related to Iowa City.  The women were ecstatic over the long line at the Iowa Memorial Union for the first day of early voting in Johnson County, and kept asking each other, “Where are you voting?” and “What sticker did you get?” in excited tones.  They also discussed election candidates in detail. When they didn’t know something, someone else at the table scoured the internet for an answer. Together, they figured out how to fill out their individual ballots.  Mary McCarthy, who has been a member of the league for four years, cherishes the knowledge and education she gains from being involved with the group. RELATED: Iowa Women’s Archives highlights 100Grannies in “Iowa’s Past, A Livable Future: 100Grannies in the Archives” exhibit “The league is committed to education. So, I never leave here without learning something,” McCarthy said.  To the members present, a conversational gathering such as this is an opportunity to get to know people and to get informed. All of the women at the table thought very highly of each other and valued the knowledge of each woman present.  “These are some of the most intelligent people I’ve ever met,” Aden said.  Additionally, the group felt especially called toward continuing their work in the current political landscape. On the national scale, the league has spearheaded an initiative called Unite and Rise, which started as a way to defend democracy in a tumultuous time.  Karin Franklin, a director of the Johnson County league, has participated in the national movement and discussed the group’s recently fluctuating goals.  “We’re also becoming more activist in light of some of the threats to our democracy today. We don’t support candidates or parties, but we do take action on issues,” Franklin said.  The group has taken stances on the Johnson County jail bond and the Iowa Constitutional amendment as well as national legislation like the SAVE Act. After extensive research into the jail referendum, the group supports the new jail. However, they are against the proposed Iowa Constitutional Amendment. Roxanne Hughes, a member since 2007, encourages women everywhere to make their way to the polls and work to become informed voters.  “We have so much power. But so many more women have to become self-actualized and learn who they are and learn how to vote independently,” Hughes said. 0 Like This Story Share on Facebook Share on X Email this Story Print this Story More to Discover More in Downtown ESPN’s College GameDay makes lasting impact on Iowa City The little things: OddLuck brings vintage, whimsy to IC IC mother, Ivory Coast native Fatou Traore deported to Sierra Leone More in Iowa City Community Iowa Women’s Archives highlights 100Grannies in “Iowa’s Past, A Livable Future: 100Grannies in the Archives” exhibit JoCo support services face funding challenges and work to fill the gap UI research supports pollinators after endangered bee found in Iowa More in Johnson County Colony Acres celebrates 100 years embodying the pumpkin spice life JoCo officials and nonprofit leaders hold ‘No Jail’ press conference Johnson County holds last community session for proposed jail bond About the Contributor Elizabeth Connor Elizabeth Connor is a junior at the University of Iowa, studying English and creative writing, Political Science, and Statistics. This is her first semester working for the Daily Iowan as a news reporter.