Our History

The League of Women Voters began formally as an organization in February 1920 in Chicago, six months before the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment giving women the right to vote.The new organization was intended to be a means of teaching all the newly enfranchised women about the mechanics of registering and voting, nomination and election procedures, and our form of government. The members also wanted to work for certain "needed legislation." They thought that the League might accomplish its work in five years and disband! Over the years our mission has broadened. The League has evolved from an organization concerned with women's needs and with training women voters to one concerned with the Nation's needs and with training all citizens.

Political Policy

The League does not support or oppose any political party or any candidate, but does and always has taken stands on issues which its members have studied.

So What Does All That Mean?

It means we believe our mission is to LET PEOPLE KNOW. MAKE PEOPLE CARE. HELP PEOPLE ACT. The purpose of the LWV is to create in citizens a sense of responsibility for knowing about governmental problems and doing something about them. Through study and action on issues affected by government and through its services to voters, the League seeks to encourage the informed citizen who actively participates in government. The League works in the public interest. Activities are not limited to members; the League constantly seeks to reach out into the community.

What Do We Do?

The activities of the League are as varied as the demands of a complex society, but they tend to fall into the broad areas of: