League of Women Voters
Mission: To “encourage the informed and active participation of citizens in government…to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and [to] influence public policy through education and advocacy.”
The League of Women Voters has worked for almost a century to improve the government and engage all citizens. The League was founded in 1920 during the convention of the National American Woman Suffrage Association, just six months before the 19th amendment was ratified. From the beginning, the League has fought for citizen participation and a voice for all Americans. Today it works to reform corrupt campaign finance, and fights for each citizen’s right to transparency and equal opportunity for participation in the political process.
Current Democracy Work
In June 2016, the League announced its 2016 Campaign for Making Democracy Work, which will continue the fight for voters’ rights. Through this campaign, the League will create a more free, fair and accessible democracy by including millions more voters in the election process, strengthening money-out-of-politics laws, and push for redistricting. The League also joined a letter in opposition of riders to HR 5485, the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act. This letter opposes big money and special interests in our current political system.
Recent Successes
Earlier this year, the League sent a letter to the U.S. Senate in support of Senator Udall’s Empower Act, which contains “legislation to repair the presidential public financing system.” The bill would repair the public financing system for candidates in presidential elections by “putting small donors at the center of campaign financing.”
Your Entry Points
Join the League’s online community to receive Action Alerts and other updates on clean election efforts. Help stop big money by asking your representative to cosponsor and support HR 425, the “Stop Super PAC — Candidate Coordination Act.” Stand up against Citizens United and tell Congress to repair the Voting Rights Act by calling on your local senators and representatives to take action and end voting discrimination. Join the League of Women Voters and become an active volunteer in your local League!