Know Your Org: Northwest Wayne County League of Women Voters

"Know Your Org" is an informational series designed to spotlight some of the wonderful organizations in our community. This month, we are featuring the Northwest Wayne County League of Women Voters.

The League of Women Voters is an organization that provides information about voting, elections and candidates to help people exercise their right to vote and make informed choices while doing so.

While you've probably heard of them and perhaps seen one of their voter guides before, this month's blog aims to help you get to know them better. We asked Carrie Moon-Dupree, President of the Northwest Wayne County chapter of the League, to elaborate on their mission, history, and ways that people can get involved.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization encouraging informed and active participation in government. It influences public policy through education and advocacy.

Says Carrie: "We are a 104-year-old organization that grew out of the need to educate women voters after they won the right to vote in 1920. Carrie Chapman Catt, a leading Suffragette, formed the organization just before women could cast their first vote. We are a grassroots organization made up of members throughout the 50 states and territories. Each local League is funded through dues, grants, donors and fundraising activities."

The Northwest Wayne County League serves 13 cities and townships in the area. They include Canton Township, Northville City and Township, Plymouth City and Township, City of Livonia, City of Wayne, City of Westland, Garden City, Redford Township, Belleville Township, Van Buren and Sumpter Township.

Their membership is comprised of over 100 local women and men who empower voters and defend democracy. Some of the things they do:

• Host candidate forums—both in person and via Zoom—for local races.
• Create voter guides, available in online and print editions for major elections, with print guides given to local libraries.
• Host voter registration drives. They are present at local high schools and colleges, registering new voters and educating them on how to vote. They also attend farmers' markets in the area.
• Educate voters through informational presentations. Each year, they give presentations on a variety of subjects, such as our new voting rights or the perils of misinformation and disinformation.
• Serve as election workers. They are poll challengers; they watch the Board of Canvassers count the ballots and help in any way to ensure the integrity of our election system.
• Engage with City Clerks to make sure they have what they need to run smooth and safe elections.
• Observe city and township boards and committees to confirm meetings are open to the public and follow the Open Meetings Act.
• The National League (LWVUS) and the State League (LWVMI) take positions on important issues. This enables them to advocate for their positions on topics such as book banning, diversity, equity and inclusion, environmental issues and reproductive rights.

"The League is a full-time, volunteer-led organization. While we are busier when there are 'big' election years," says Carrie, "we are always working to defend democracy. Now more than ever, our democracy is under attack with mis and disinformation. Even after 104 years, there is much work to be done."

Visit the League of Women Voters website for more information or to join or support the organization. Visit vote411.org for information on how to vote, the candidates running for office and what will be on your ballot in an upcoming election. You may also contact the group directly at LWVmail@yahoo.com.