The Founding Vision
In her address to the National American Woman Suffrage Association’s 50th convention in 1919, President Carrie Chapman Catt proposed creating a “league of women voters to finish the fight and aid in the reconstruction of the nation.” On February 14, 1920—six months before the 19th Amendment was ratified—the League of Women Voters was formally organized in Chicago.
Catt articulated the purpose of this new organization:
“The League of Women Voters is not to dissolve any present organization but to unite all existing organizations of women who believe in its principles. It is not to lure women from partisanship but to combine them in an effort for legislation which will protect coming movements, which we cannot even foretell, from suffering the untoward conditions which have hindered for so long the coming of equal suffrage. Are the women of the United States big enough to see their opportunity? “
Carrie Chapman Catt
Early Years and Lasting Impact
Maud Wood Park became the first national president, guiding the League’s development as a nonpartisan force in American democracy. From the beginning, the League worked to educate citizens about government and encourage active participation in the democratic process.
Throughout its history, the League has been at the forefront of efforts to improve our political system and strengthen civic engagement. The League’s effectiveness stems from its commitment to thorough research and thoughtful advocacy on issues that matter to voters.
Expanding the Mission
After World War II, the League led a nationwide campaign to establish the United Nations and ensure U.S. participation. The League was one of the first organizations officially recognized by the UN as a non-governmental organization and maintains official observer status today.
Over the decades, the League has evolved from its origins as a “mighty political experiment” designed to help newly enfranchised women vote in 1920, to a nonpartisan organization recognized for shaping public policy and promoting informed civic participation.
Key milestones in the League’s history include:
- Reviving presidential debates: After a 16-year absence of televised presidential debates, the League sponsored the first debates between Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford in 1976, receiving an Emmy award for this groundbreaking civic contribution. The League continued to sponsor presidential debates through 1984.
- Launching VOTE411.org in 2006: This comprehensive online resource provides voters with ballot information, polling locations, and candidate positions on issues.
The Fredericksburg Area League
The League of Women Voters of the Fredericksburg Area was originally organized in the 1970s and reconstituted in 2016. Since then, we have been actively involved in educating and registering voters, studying issues of local governmental importance, and advocating for action on League positions.
Like our national organization, we remain committed to empowering voters and defending democracy through nonpartisan education, advocacy, and outreach efforts in our community.
