Lawrence League of Women Voters A non-partisan organization, promoting political responsibility through informed and active participation of citizens in government.

What is the League?

• The League is a non-profit, nonpartisan, political organization that encourages informed, active citizen participation in national, state and local government.
• It does not support any candidate or party, but it does take stands on issues after study.
• Any person who subscribes to the purpose and philosophy of the League is eligible for membership; members who are U.S. citizens and age 18 or older may be voting members. Both men and women are welcome.
• The League operates at local, state and national levels. There are 51 local leagues in New Jersey, and the Lawrence League of Women Voters has approximately 80 members.

Purpose

To promote political responsibility through informed and active participation of citizens in government.

History

The League of Women Voters is an outgrowth of the National Suffrage Association.  It was founded in 1920 upon the ratification of the 19th Amendment, giving women the right to vote.  Our main activities include getting out an informed vote, furnishing the public with information on issues, and working for legislation in the public interest.

What does the League do in New Jersey?

• Educates citizens on issues, legislation and candidates.
• Conducts in-depth and objective analysis of issues.
• Lobbies and testifies on issues it has studied.
• Provides services to voters throughout the state.
• Trains and develops leaders.

What has the Lawrence League done recently?

• Registered voters and conducted voter education at various Mercer County locations.
  
• Contributed a series of articles to county newspapers that delineated the positions of each major party in the presidential and gubernatorial elections.
  
• Worked with Common Cause to get a stong pay-to-play referendum passed in Lawrence Township.
  
• Held candidates nights for Lawrenceville school board and mayor-council candidates.
  
• Held public meetings on the Patriot Act, affordable housing, comprehensive sex education in schools, and US immigration policy.
  
• Staffed tables at community events - Jubillee Day and Lawrenceville Community Day.

Nonpartisan Interests

The League is a nonpartisan organization.  Its interest is only in the field of government.  It does not support or oppose candidates or political parties, but members are encouraged to work as individuals in the political party of their choice.  To protect the nonpartisanship of the League, Board members do not work actively in their parties while serving on the Board.