Peggy Leech
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Peggy Leech
The President of the Boulder County League of Women Voters, Peggy Leech, discusses the difficulty of knowing where to turn to for valid information in 2019. Part of the Media and Democracy forum at CU Boulder, April 23rd., 2019.
The League of Women Voters (LWV) is a non-partisan, grassroots political organization in the United States. It was founded in 1920, just six months before the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, granting women the right to vote. The League's primary mission is to encourage informed and active participation in government and to advocate for voter rights and education.
Key points about the League of Women Voters:
- History: The LWV was established by Carrie Chapman Catt, a prominent suffragist and leader in the women's suffrage movement. Its founding aimed to help newly enfranchised women exercise their right to vote and be informed citizens.
- Non-Partisan: One of the foundational principles of the League is its non-partisanship. The organization does not endorse or support any political party or candidate. Instead, it focuses on educating voters about issues and candidates, conducting candidate forums and debates, and advocating for fair and accessible elections.
- Voter Education: The League conducts various educational programs to inform voters about public policies, government processes, and election-related matters. They provide non-biased information to help voters make informed decisions.
- Advocacy: The LWV actively advocates for voting rights, voter access, election integrity, and other issues related to democracy and good governance. They work to protect and expand voting rights for all eligible citizens.
- Local and National Presence: The League of Women Voters has chapters at both the local and national levels. Local chapters are active in communities across the United States, working to address local issues and engage with voters.
- Voter Registration: The League organizes voter registration drives to ensure that all eligible citizens have the opportunity to register to vote and participate in elections.
- Non-Participation in Campaigns: As a non-partisan organization, the League does not participate in any campaign activities or support specific candidates. They focus solely on promoting voter education and participation.
Over the years, the League of Women Voters has been an influential force in American politics, advocating for numerous reforms and initiatives related to democracy and voting rights. The organization remains committed to its mission of empowering citizens and encouraging civic engagement.