8 Throwback Pictures of Empowering Voters – Then & Now!

This post is part of “Celebrating Women: Past, Present & Future,” the League’s series honoring Women’s History Month.

This year, the League of Women Voters is celebrating 95 years of Making Democracy Work®. Founded in 1920 as an outgrowth of the movement that secured women the right to vote, the League has spent nearly 100 years engaging voters around a range of policy issues. Today, League activists in nearly 800 Leagues across the country work year-round to educate and empower voters to tackle the most important issues facing our communities and our country. Our work may look different than it did in 1920, but it remains rooted in our mission and vital to ensuring the strength of our democracy. 

INSTRUCTIONS: Hover your mouse under each title in order for the images to appear so you can see how the League has helped educate and empower voters – then and now! 

The piece is best viewed on a personal computer rather than a tablet or mobile device.

Fighting to Protect Voting Rights  

The League’s work has evolved from efforts to gain and foster women’s voting rights to fighting voter discrimination and ensuring equal access to the polls for all eligible voters. Today, we’re fighting to keep our elections fair, free and accessible to all eligible citizens by battling back against attacks on voting rights at the state and national levels while also seeking to expand access to the ballot.  

Helping Improve Our Nation’s Elections 

The League is committed to improving the voting experience in America. Every election season, League members across the country volunteer as poll workers and poll observers to ensure that the election process runs smoothly. The League also advocates for changes to election administration, including expanding early voting, improving polling place management and expanding secure online voter registration.  

Registering Voters 

The League is one of the nation’s largest and most longstanding civic engagement groups. In major election years, the League helps hundreds of thousands of voters register or update their registration. We focus on reaching underrepresented groups such as young voters, minorities and first-time voters. Do you or someone you know need to register? Use VOTE411.org to register!  

Empowering Young People 

The League is dedicated to helping young people have a voice in our nation’s election system. Today, about 46 million young people are eligible to vote, making up 21 percent of all voters. Since 2010, the League of Women Voters’ high school voter registration project has registered tens of thousands of young Americans, enabling them to participate in our political process.  

Mobilizing Voters 

Democracy is not a spectator sport! In addition to registering and educating voters, the League is committed to mobilizing voters year-round, including for local and off-year elections. Through VOTE411.org, the League of Women Voters provides millions of voters with essential information about the election process in their state, including polling place hours and locations, ballot information, early or absentee voting rules, voter registration deadlines, ID requirements and more. Get the information you need to vote!  
 

Creating a Better Future 

It’s our duty and responsibility as Americans to vote. By voting, we are not only helping enhance our democracy, but we’re also teaching our children valuable lessons about civic engagement and the power of our opinions. According to the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE), parents can play a huge role in motivating your people to get to the polls. With your help, the League is fostering important habits in creating a healthy democracy and brighter future for all! Grab a League voters’ guide and talk to your children about the importance of voting!    

Hosting candidate debates and forums 

Political candidates are asking Americans for a shot at the job of representing us. And guess what? Each of us gets to decide who gets the job! The League has a long history of hosting nonpartisan candidate debates and educating the American people. Every election season, Leagues across the county hold hundreds of candidate and issues forums to help voters learn about the candidates and issues on their ballot. 

Marching forward

Ninety-five years after our founding, the League is Making Democracy Work® by impacting the lives of Americans. As we head towards our centennial, we’re celebrating our many accomplishments, with our eyes firmly on the future. We’ll keep fighting to keep the power of our democracy in the hands of the people.

Want to get involved? Find your local League and join our online community!

The League of Women Voters is celebrating 95 years of Making Democracy Work® at every level of government. In 1920, the League was founded as an outgrowth of the movement that secured women the right to vote to help new voters engage with their government. Today, the League empowers all voters to improve their local, state and national government. Learn more about the League of Women Voters and join our celebration!