Throughout the year, the White Bear Lake Area League presents a series of HOT TOPICS programs, inviting the public to join us in learning about important current issues. The goal of this community speaker series is that everyone leaves the discussion with a broader understanding of the issues.
Video recordings of recent programs are at the right.
April 2026: Watts, Water, and Secrecy: The Hidden Cost of Data Centers
Kathryn Hoffman, CEO of Minnesota for Environmental Advocacy, and Aubree Derksen, a resident from Pine Island, discussed the hidden cost of data centers – the impact on power, water, land, and metals, how decisions are being made about where they are located, and what is being done to address the issues they raise.
March 2026: Truth, Trust, and the Ballot Box: Understanding Election Security
Election security experts Bill Ekblad, MN Secretary of State’s Office; David Triplett, Ramsey County, and Robin Johnson, local head election judge, discussed how the State of Minnesota and local governments ensure safe and secure elections.
November 2025: Navigating Uncertainty: The Complex Role of County Commissioners
Ramsey and Washington County commissioners joined us to discuss challenges they face, including balancing mandates with limited resources, navigating complex regulations and uncertainties, and managing diverse constituent needs.
October 2025: Are We In a Constitutional Crisis?
Prof. Timothy Johnson of the University of Minnesota discussed the U.S. Constitution, in particularly the judiciary. He reviewed the roles of the three branches of government, how they work together, and what happens when one branch cedes its power to another.
September 2025: Civic Engagement: Why it matters for democracy
Citizens League Executive Director Jake Loesch kicked off the meeting with remarks about the civic engagement and its importance to democracy and healthy, virbrant communities. He then facilitated discussion by a panel of five community members who described their personal civic engagement journeys.
Check out our Calendar for future HOT TOPICS and other LWV-WBLA events!
Check out our Calendar for all upcoming 🔥HOT TOPICS and other LWV-WBLA events!
Recorded 🔥HOT TOPICS
Curious about how Minnesota ensures elections are fair and accurate? Learn more about election statutes, best practices, and safeguards.
About Us
The League of Women Voters of the White Bear Lake Area serves 31 communities, 5 school districts, and 2 counties.
We are a NONPARTISAN, grassroots organization working to empower voters and defend democracy.
What We Do
We encourage INFORMED and ACTIVE PARTICIPATION of citizens in government.
We REGISTER VOTERS, focusing on ensuring all citizens eligible to vote are able to vote.
We sponsor CANDIDATE FORUMS prior to local and state elections.
We offer EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS on public policy issues.
We ADVOCATE for public policy positions which we have studied thoroughly.
We are committed to DIVERSITY, EQUITY, and INCLUSION in all activities.
Learn more about WHAT WE DO
