February 2019 – Updates from the Chair

We are publishing a special edition for February to alert you to a ‘not to be missed’ event — and to fill you in on a few important items. We’ll resume our regular bimonthly schedule later in March.

NPV Expert to Speak at March 13 LWV Orange County Hot Topics

Dr. Vikram Amar, one of the nation’s foremost experts on NPV, will be the guest speaker at LWVOC’S Hot Topics lunch in March. Some of you may recall him from the June 2017 LWVFL convention, where he captured attendees’ attention with a memorable talk about the National Popular Vote, kicking off our education efforts with LWV members across the state. If you are able to attend this lunch, it will be worth your time! Details:

When: March 13, 2019, 11:30-1:00 p.m.
Where: Sorosis Woman’s Club of Orlando, 501 East Livingston Street, Orlando
Contact: Barbara Knapp bcknapp1949@gmail.com
Payment: Registration required: $25 advance payment; $35 at the door

Dean Amar joined the University of Illinois College of Law as its dean in 2015, following many years in the University of California system as a professor of law, most recently with the UC Davis School of Law, where he served as Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.

One of the most eminent and frequently cited authorities in constitutional law, federal courts and civil procedure, Dean Amar has produced several books and more than 50 articles in leading law reviews.
He writes a biweekly column on constitutional matters for Justia.com and a monthly column on legal education for abovethelaw.com, is a frequent commentator on local and national radio and TV and has penned dozens of op-ed pieces for major newspapers and magazines.

Dean Amar earned his bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley and his juris doctor from Yale Law School. He clerked for Justice Harry A. Blackmun of the U. S. Supreme Court before joining Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, where he handled a variety of complex civil and white-collar criminal matters.

We hope you can join us!

Breaking News…

Representative Geller filed House Bill 949 on February 20, and Senator Torres filed the Senate companion bill, SB 1048, on February 14. If legislation is passed and enacted, Florida would join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact.

Colorado: Close to Enacting NPVIC Legislation….

The Colorado House of Representatives passed the National Popular Vote bill February 21 after a four-hour debate. The bill now goes to Governor Polis, who has publicly stated that he supports the bill. Once signed, Colorado will be the 13th jurisdiction to join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact. The member states will then have 181 electoral votes — 89 away from the 270 needed to activate the election of the President by populate vote.

….and In Other States:
National Popular Vote legislation is making progress in additional states. In New Mexico, the bill has passed the House and will now be considered by the Senate. Elsewhere, hearings on NPV bills are scheduled in Nevada on February 26 and in Maine on March 1.
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Exciting Opportunity: Events Coordinator

As NPV heats up in Florida, our leadership team is looking for a volunteer to coordinate events around the state. The event coordinator would support local NPV Chairs as they develop and host NPV educational events. If you want to make a difference, like organizing, are good at hosting events and are passionate about NPV, this could be a rewarding — and fun — opportunity for you.

Contact Kathleen Crampton krcrampton@gmail.com or 561-540-1520