[AUGUSTA, ME] – The League of Women Voters of Maine (LWVME) will gather in Augusta on February 14 at the State House to celebrate 103 years of the organization. In the morning, guests will gather at the State House and hear from speakers who champion democracy and protect the rights of voters. Afterwards, attendees will have a chance to lobby their legislator. In the afternoon, there will be a panel discussion led by youth activists.
WHAT:
The League of Women Voters of Maine is returning to the State House for Advocacy Day 2023. While we celebrate our 103 birthday, guests will join us under the dome for a day of speakers, education, and action around strengthening our democracy.
WHEN:
Tuesday, February 14, 8:30 AM — 3:30 PM
WHERE:
8:30 – 12:00 PM
State House Welcome Center
210 State St
Augusta, ME 04330
2:30 – 3:30 PM
Blaine House
192 State St
Augusta, ME 04330
SCHEDULE:
Morning session, 9:00 – 10:30 AM
Hear from speakers who champion democracy and protect the rights of voters.
Speakers include: Anna Kellar, Executive Director of LWVME, Senator Hickman, Rep. Supica, and Senator Bennett.
Lobby session, 10:30-12:00 PM
Volunteers and members will lobby their legislators on the League’s priority issues, including National Popular Vote, ongoing absentee voting, tribal sovereignty, and ending foreign government spending in Maine elections.
Afternoon session, 2:30 – 3:30 PM
Panel discussion featuring youth activists.
Speakers include: Cole Cochern, Ania Wright, and Saga Hart.
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SPEAKER BIOS:
Anna Kellar — Anna grew up in Maine before earning a BA in Political Science from Yale University and a Masters in Conflict Studies from the London School of Economics. Their experience with democracy and anti-corruption campaigns in Eastern Europe and Central Asia makes them all the more committed to preserving and strengthening civil society and grassroots democracy in Maine. Anna started working at MCCE in 2014 as an organizer on the Clean Elections Initiative. They ran for the state legislature as a Clean Elections candidate in 2016. In 2017, Anna was appointed as the first joint Executive Director for MCCE and the League of Women Voters of Maine.
Cole Cochern — Cole is a grassroots organizer and activist that is focused on making a more livable future for Mainers. He is a founding member of Maine Youth Action, a Legislative Coordinator at MYCJ, and has been involved in environmental policy over the past 2 years. He has also led the effort to lower the voting age to 16, advocating for more representation and active participation in politics. Protecting the right to vote and increasing public participation is key to getting critical issues solved!
Ania Wright — Ania is an organizer and activist working toward climate justice. She has been the Youth Representative on the Maine Climate Council, Co-authored Maine's first Climate Justice curriculum, a founding member of Maine Youth for Climate Justice, and a founding member of the Downeast Climate Emergency Action Coalition. Ania is currently the Political & Legislative Specialist for Maine's Chapter of the Sierra Club. Learn more about Ania here.
Saga Hart — Saga is a Maine high school student and youth activist. She mainly focuses on LGBTQ+ advocacy work, but overall works to encourage youth to get involved with politics and advocate for themselves and others. She first became involved in activism when she began leading her high school Gender Sexuality Alliance her freshman year and volunteering with EqualityMaine. Now, she has founded her own organization, the Youth Oriented Queer Collective (YOQC), and works at Maine Youth Power running a statewide gender-neutral bathroom campaign, among other work at OUT Maine, Maine Youth Action Network, and more. In her free time, she is a national Speech & Debate Competitor, participates in theater, and is a filmmaker and photographer.