Dear Commissioners

The League of Women Voters always sides with letting the voters decide. The question on whether to have a ballot referendum on single member districts is no exception.  When this matter was on the ballot previously, misinformation was widely distributed just before the election. Respected, well known African American leaders were featured on mailers that misrepresented their views and led the NAACP to file a lawsuit in protest of how their organization was depicted. It is impossible to know exactly how that and other misinformation tactics affected the election, but democracy was not served well. 

Therefore, the LWV of Alachua County supports a ballot referendum in 2024 that puts the question of single member districts on the ballot again. Democracy should prevail through accurate public education on this important issue of how our municipalities are governed. 

Thank you,