The national races for President, the Senate and House are garnering plenty of attention in the upcoming November election, but California voters will also decide on 10 propositions, on far-ranging issues including making changes to drug and theft penalties, establishing a right to marry and repealing Proposition 8 (2008), and removing involuntary servitude as punishment for crime.

To help voters make sense of these issues, the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Oakdale, Riverbank, Escalon Branch and the League of Women Voters of Stanislaus County are co-sponsoring an open forum, to which the public is invited, on Thursday, Oct. 10 to learn about the pros and cons of the propositions.

The forum will be held at the Gladys L. Lemmons Senior Community Center, 450 E. A St., Oakdale. Doors will open at 6 p.m.; the presentation will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Jennie Sweeney, Amy Wolfe and Jane Manley of the League will provide brief insight into each of the propositions as well as have more in-depth materials available for audience members to study. Presenters will also take questions from those attending. In encouraging people to attend the forum, organizer Jennie Sweeney quoted the League’s motto – “Your Vote is Your Power” – and organizer Julie Reuben encouraged: “Be a smart voter … learn the facts.”

For more information about the forum, email Sweeney at jenniesweeney@gmail.com or Julie Reuben, juliezreuben@gmail.com.

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) advances gender equity for women and girls through research, education, and advocacy. Learn more at www.aauw.org. Branch information is at http://ore-ca.aauw.net or by emailing the branch at AAUW.ORE@gmail.com.

The League of Women Voters of Stanislaus County (LWV), a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government and works to increase understanding of major public policy issues. Learn more at https://my.lwv.org/california/stanislaus-county or by emailing lwvstanislaus@gmail.com.