The League of Women Voters of Polk County, Florida (LWV Polk) is a nonpartisan political organization promoting the quality of democracy in our country by educating local citizens and encouraging active participation of voters in government.
About the League of Women Voters:
The League of Women Voters (LWV) is a nonpartisan, grassroots nonprofit dedicated to empowering everyone to fully participate in our democracy. With active Leagues in all 50 states and more than 750 Leagues across the country, we engage in advocacy, education, litigation, and organizing to protect every American’s freedom to vote.
Founded in 1920, the League was a merger of the National Council of Women Voters and the National American Women’s Suffrage Association. Referred to as a “mighty political experiment,” it aimed to help newly enfranchised women exercise their right to vote. Today, the League has expanded our vision of a more inclusive democracy where all Americans, regardless of gender, sex, race, ability, or party can see themselves represented in our government.
To build this vision, we bring an anti-racist, social justice lens to the issues of:
- Expanding Voter Access;
- Fighting Voter Suppression;
- Money in Politics;
- Redistricting; and
- Safe and Fair Elections;
Structure:
The League structure parallels the three levels of government in the U.S.: national, state, and local. Following this pattern, we have a national organization in Washington, D.C. that concerns itself with Congress and federal government agencies, 50 state Leagues that focus on state legislatures and state government activities, and over 750 local Leagues that concentrate on city and county affairs. There are also Leagues in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and a local League in Washington D.C. In some areas, local Leagues are governed by a volunteer president and Board of directors.
Funding:
LWV Polk is funded through membership dues and contributions from our members and friends in our community. Although we are a non-profit organization, donations are not tax-deductible, unless earmarked to "The League of Women Voters Education Fund," which is the 501(c)(3) arm of our organization. All contributors receive our newsletter and are listed in our Membership Directory.
