About the League of Women Voters

What we do

The League of Women Voters has worked since 1920 to improve local, state and national government and strengthen our communities through citizen education and action.

The League of Women Voters is nonpartisan; it never supports or opposes candidates or political parties. The League does take action on issues of importance to its members and the community, after studying them in depth.

Membership is open to all residents of the United States, both women and men, who are 16 years or older. Join us!

The League of Women Voters of New Mexico was established in 1920. At the first LWVNM convention in 1950 the agenda adopted by the delegates was an examination and evaluation of the functions and services of state government. Since that time the state League has been involved in many activities including advocacy on issues at the Roundhouse.

Who Belongs?

Membership in the League of Women Voters is open to all residents of the United States, men and women, who are 16 years or older. Any individual may be an associate member of the League.

Who Pays For It?

The work of the League is supported by the dues and gifts from members and other public-spirited men and women who consider contributions to the League to be an investment in their community. League funds are spent only for League work, which in New Mexico is performed entirely by volunteers.

Who Runs It?

Control of the League is in the hands of its members. They raise the money and decide how it should be spent. Their work is guided by the principles of the League of Women Voters, its bylaws, and by national, state and local positions adopted after careful study of and consensus on the issues.

History

The League of Women Voters was founded by Carrie Chapman Catt in 1920 during the convention of the National Woman Suffrage Association. The convention was held just six months before the 19th amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, giving women the right to vote after a 72-year struggle.

View a history of the national League of Women Voters Through the Decades.

View a slide show of historical photos tracing our history.

The League of Women Voters of New Mexico started up in 1920 in Santa Fe. Ina Sizer Cassidy was a charter member of the national League of Women Voters and New Mexico's first state League president.