Previous Discussion Group Meetings 2024-2025: Summaries and Selected Documents
Date: November 2025
Topic: The Constitutional Crisis: A Discussion of How Democracies Die
Summary: Authors Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt, drawing on more than 20 years of studying the breakdown of democracies in other countries, described the warning signs when their book, How Democracies Die, was published in 2018. Those signs have occurred here. Protecting democracy requires that we conquer our fears and work to restore confidence in our institutions and behaviors. Our own Joe Borrelli will lead each of the five discussion groups scheduled for this topic. Come participate and determine what you can do.
Document: How Democracies Die - Discussion Group Questions
Date: October 2025
Topic: The Constitutional Crisis: What It Means and What We Can Do
Summary: The national League declared a crisis in May of this year and developed an action plan to work with partner organizations to mobilize 8.5 million voters between now and November 2026 to protect and preserve our democratic institutions. The Discussion Groups will cover a range of practical questions such as how to find and work together with suitable partner organizations and how to educate people about media literacy, especially regarding elections and other forms of civic engagement.
Document: The Constitutional Crisis: What It Means and What We Can Do
Date: September 2025
Topic: LWVMD Study on Financing Education in Maryland and Local Control
Summary: Join us to engage in a discussion on educational issues in the news. We’ll review the LWVMD Study on Financing Education in Maryland and Local Control, updating our understanding of state, local, and national government interest in K-12 education and setting standards. There will be one consensus question: has the time come to drop one long-held position?
Document: LWVMD Study on Financing Education in Maryland
Date: May 2025
Topic: What Happened this Legislative Year in Maryland?
Summary: Members of our Elections, Healthcare, Administration of Justice, Transportation, Education, Fiscal Policy and Environment team, a long name that demonstrates the breadth of the discussion, worked on more than 100 pieces of legislation this year. They will discuss the major pieces that we supported or opposed and the outcome. If you wish to look at the formal testimony provided to the legislature, click the link below.
Document Folder: Testimony
Date: April 2025
Topic: Federal Judiciary Study
Summary: A study of the federal judiciary is being conducted by the League of Women Voters of the United States. Independence and integrity are essential for a respected judicial system. What positions should the League adopt to support and strengthen these critical elements? Your voice is needed to ensure that the League’s positions reflect our values of careful study and well-crafted policy statements.
Document: 04-2025 Federal Judiciary Study Fact Sheet
Date: March 2025
Topic: Challenges to Democracy in India
Summary: India is becoming more and more germane in the global market and a world player. The discussion will be led by members of the International Relations Committee.
Document: 2025-03 Challenges to Democracy in India
Date: December 2024
Topic: Agricultural Reserve
Summary: Join us for a discussion Montgomery County’s Agricultural reserve and its importance in our lives. Please mark your calendars and participate in an informative and interesting discussion.
Document: 2024-12 Ag Reserve Issues & Challenges (updated)
Date: October 2024
Topic: 2024 Ballot Questions
Summary: Join us for a discussion of ballot questions on the Maryland 2024 General Election Ballot.
Document: 2024 Ballot Questions
Date: September 2024
Topic: Highlights of the LWVUS Convention
Summary: Join us for a discussion of key issues from the League of Women Voters of the United States 2024 National Convention.
Webpage: Highlights from LWV's 2024 Convention