The Links, Incorporated, League of Women Voters Ally to Educate Nov. 3 Voters

September 22, 2026

The Links, Incorporated San Diego chapter partnered with the League of Women Voters and other organizations to host a voter registration and education event called "Link Up the Votes" at the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center. Approximately 200 District 4 community members attended the event, which combined civic engagement with youth-oriented attractions including music, complimentary haircuts, food, and health screenings.

Who is affected

District 4 residents in San Diego
First-time voters, including 18-year-olds
The Links, Incorporated San Diego chapter members
League of Women Voters San Diego chapter
West Encanto residents (specifically mentioned for low turnout)
Joe Smith and his five children, including his 18-year-old voting for the first time
Homeless individuals and incarcerated people in non-federal facilities (mentioned as eligible voters)
Community members attending the event (approximately 200 people)

What action is being taken

The Links, Incorporated San Diego chapter is teaming up with the League of Women Voters and other nonprofits to register voters and educate them
The event is providing voter registration services, registration checks, and voting process education
Youth-focused activities including music, free haircuts, food, and health checkups are being offered
Dr. John E. Warren and Cheryle Bernard-Shaw are hosting a panel on the Voting Rights Act of 1965
Jane Andrews is explaining ballot measures to the audience
San Diego County Registrar of Voters representatives are participating in the event and providing voting information

Why it matters

This event is significant because District 4 has experienced persistently low voter turnout compared to higher-income areas, with neighborhoods like West Encanto seeing only 59% participation versus over 90% in University City during the 2024 general election. The initiative addresses voting disparities that correlate with income and demographic differences, working to ensure that District 4 residents—where a majority are at least 18 years old—can participate in decisions affecting their daily lives, from local issues like gas prices to broader policy matters. By combining civic education with community services and emphasizing that voting impacts what happens "once you walk outside your front door," organizers are working to bridge the participation gap and empower underrepresented communities to exercise their democratic rights.

What's next

September 24: Voter Information Pamphlets start going out to registered voters
October 5: Ballots start going out to registered voters; Early voting begins at the Registrar's office Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
October 6: Official ballot drop boxes open daily through November 3
October 19: Voter registration deadline
October 20: Conditional Voter Registration begins by visiting the Registrar's office or a vote center through Election Day
October 24: Select vote centers open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
October 31: All vote centers open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
November 3: Last day to vote; Vote centers and official ballot drop boxes open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
December 3: Deadline to certify the election

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint