A Letter from Our President

TODAY – AND EVERY DAY – WE CELEBRATE DEMOCRACY

The mission of the League of Women Voters is to “empower voters, ​defend democracy,” driven by a belief that democratic government ​depends upon informed and active participation by the people.

The League celebrates democracy every day when we help voters get nonpartisan, ​trusted information to help fuel active participation. Every election, hundreds of ​thousands of voters consult our Voters Guide through Vote411.org to hear a ​candidate’s own words about the issues that matter to them. We are on the front line of ​democracy when we register voters at community events, colleges and at the federal ​courthouse after naturalization ceremonies for our newest citizens. We sponsor public ​forums so voters can hear directly from the candidates and help determine their vote. ​We advocate on issues in Annapolis across a range of issues but—always—on voting ​rights, accessibility and security.

In a world marked by polarization, today we celebrate democracy in Maryland. We ​celebrate democracy when voters can freely cast their ballot and know it will be ​counted fairly, when hearings about legislative and policy changes allow everyone to ​participate and have their voices heard, and when we can sit side-by-side in peace and ​respect for the residents of Maryland and each other.

I want to extend a special thanks to everyone who made it a priority to support us today ​in the spirit of celebrating democracy. The efforts of Camille Brewer, LWVMD board ​member, and Nancy Soreng, long-time LWVMD leader, are deeply appreciated. Our ​Executive Director, Nikki Tyree, is strongly committed to the League’s mission and ​worked tirelessly to make this celebration happen with the energetic support of Casey ​Hunter and Isabella Baldwin. Thank you.

Yours in League,

Linda Kohn

President, LWV of Maryland

8:30 AM

Doors Open

9:15 AM

Welcome Remarks

Linda T. Kohn, President, League of Women Voters of ​Maryland

9:20 AM

Senator Will Smith

District 20

Chair, Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee

9:30 AM

Keynote Address - Eric Luedtke

Legislative Director for Governor Wes Moore

Former Delegate for District 14

10:00 AM

Keynote Closes

10-10:50 AM

So​cialize!

Grab a drink from the bar and enjoy more food! ​Chat with friends and colleague!

Bid on the silent auction items!

10:50 AM

Silent Auction Winners Announced

11:00 AM

Farewells and Thank You

Featured Speakers

Eric Luedtke

Chief Legislative Officer for Governor Wes Moore

Eric Luedtke was born in Washington, DC and grew up in Montgomery ​County, MD, where he attended Wootton High School. Luedtke attended ​the University of Maryland, College Park and graduated with Bachelor’s ​Degrees in Government and History before going on to earn a Masters’ ​Degree in Social Studies Education. After graduating from UMD, Luedtke ​taught middle school Social Studies for Montgomery County Public ​Schools (MCPS) from 2004-2015. While at MCPS, he served on the Board ​of Directors for the Montgomery County Education Association.

In 2010, Luedtke was elected to the Maryland House of Delegates as the representative for District 14. In ​2019, Luedtke was selected to serve as the House Majority Leader by Speaker Adrienne Jones. As the ​District 14 Representative, Luedtke served on the Ways and Means Committee, and was a leader on ​education, disability rights, economic development, and environmental policy. During his time in the ​legislature, he also taught at his alma mater as a professor in the School of Public Policy beginning in 2017.

In 2022, Luedtke was appointed by Governor Wes Moore as the Administration’s Chief Legislative Officer. ​He resigned from the Legislature and his professorship at UMD in January 2023 to serve in this role.

Luedtke currently resides in Montgomery County with his wife, Dawn, who serves on the Montgomery ​County Council, and their four children.

Senator Will smith, Jr.

District 20 - Chairman, Judicial Proceedings Committee

William C. Smith Jr. was born and raised in Silver Spring, Maryland. His ​parents were young adults during the height of the civil rights movement. His ​parents taught him the importance of a good education and showed him the ​benefit of living in a caring, engaged community. With the support of his ​family, Will became a first-generation college student and graduated from the ​College of William and Mary. He went on to earn a master’s degree from ​Johns Hopkins University and a law degree from William and Mary. During ​law school Smith worked at a law firm handling employment discrimination ​cases and sought a commission as an officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve, a ​position in which Will continues to serve today.

In 2014, Smith was elected to represent District 20 in the Maryland House of Delegates. In 2016, he was ​appointed to represent District 20 in the Maryland State Senate, making him the first African-American ​Senator from Montgomery County. In the Senate, Smith has worked to forge relationships with his ​colleagues from across the state and political spectrum.

In 2019, Smith became the 50th Chairman of the Judicial Proceedings Committee. He is the first African ​American to hold that post. As Chairman, Smith has championed robust criminal justice reform ​measures and has led efforts to provide economic and educational opportunities for all Marylanders.

Today, Senator Smith continues to practice law, focusing on national security and employment ​discrimination. Will lives in Silver Spring with his wife, Camille, daughter, Jacqueline, and dog, Monty.

Ralph Watkins

Nancy Soreng

Linda Kohn

Amanda SubbaRao

Anne Arundel County

Amanda SubbaRao

Kent County

Barbara Flook & Jackie Adams

Baltimore City

Deanna Ikhinmwin

Baltimore County

Stacey Morrison

Calvert County

Sandra Raviv & Gladys White

Carroll County

Cheryl Steinbacher

Frederick County

Kate Jones

Harford County

Kira Sconion

Mid-Shore League

Glenna Heckathorn &

Kathi Bangert (Co-Conveners)

Montgomery County

Susan Albertine

Prince George’s County

Gloria Johnson, Esq.

Queen Anne’s County

Liz Hammond

St. Mary’s County

Kathleen Werner (VP)

Howard County

Laura Mettle

Washington County

Richard Willson