The History of the League

Milestones of the
League of Women Voters of the United States

In 1920, LWV was established by Carrie Chapman Catt, President of the National American Woman Suffrage Association, in tandem with the ratification of the 19th Amendment giving women the right
to vote.
The LWV mission was to provide educational opportunities for voters about issues and policies and provide encouragement for voting and involvement in politics.
Eleanor Roosevelt joined LWV and served as VP of Legislative Affairs.
In 1928, LWV sponsored the first “Meet the Candidates” forum on radio.

LWV advocated for social security, food and drug acts and the merit system for selection government employees.

LWV advocated for establishment of the United Nations and American participation; the League has an official observer status with the UN and is a special consultant to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

LWV supported formation of two-year community colleges and opposed tactics used during the McCarthy hearings.

LWV supported civil rights as well as voting rights for citizens of Washington, DC.

LWV supported the Equal Rights Amendment and abolishment of the Electoral College and advocated for environmental issues. Men were admitted as members.
In 1976, LWV won an Emmy for Outstanding Achievement in Broadcasting for sponsoring the first presidential debate since the Nixon/Kennedy debates in 1960.

In 2017, the LWV argued in the Supreme Court case Gill v. Whitford that partisan gerrymandering violates the first amendment and equal protection clause of the US Constitution.
In 2018, the LWV voted to reduce the age of membership to 16 and suspend dues for students for 2 years. Associate memberships are offered to those under the age of 16.
In 2020 , the LWV celebrated its 100th Anniversary and the ratification of the 19th Amendment.