Empowering Voters.
Defending Democracy.
Who We Are
The League of Women Voters of Vermont (LWVVT) is made up of women and men just like you, who care about democracy and protecting voting rights in Vermont. We are one of the most respected and effective grassroots organizations defending democracy and advocating for voting rights. We work to ensure that every voter has the opportunity and information they need to exercise their right to vote and participate in our democracy.
The League of Women Voters is a 501(c)(4) membership nonprofit founded in 1920 to educate women about their new responsibilities as voters. We are a nonpartisan and multi-issue political organization that influences policy through advocacy.
Our sister 501(c)(3) organization, the League of Women Voters of Vermont Education Fund, provides voters with election information through voting publications and candidate forums. It also grants scholarships to graduating high school seniors in Vermont.
Governance
The League of Women Voters of Vermont is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors who provide strategic direction and oversight. Officers and directors are elected by members at the biennial convention and serve a two-year term. Most League activities are realized through committees.
The federated structure of LWV comprises a national League and affiliated state and local Leagues that are separately incorporated. Local and state Leagues work in cooperation with the national League under rules incorporated into their bylaws. Those who join the Vermont League also become members of the national League.
OUR HISTORY
The Vermont League of Women Voters, with its roots in the women’s suffrage movement, was founded on July 2, 1920, shortly before the 19th Amendment was ratified and women won the vote. Mrs. Lilliam Olzendam of Woodstock was the first president.
Local leagues sprouted around the state in Bennington, Brattleboro, Burlington, Essex, Montpelier, Richmond, Rutland, Shelburne, St. Albans, South Burlington, St. Johnsbury, and Williston. However, by the year 2000, there were two major local leagues, Champlain Valley and Central Vermont who, in June 2019, made the decision to disband and merge into one State League.
Our Fundamental Principles
Nonpartisan
The League is strictly nonpartisan, which means it does not support or oppose candidates or political parties. League members, as individuals, may support candidates of the political party of their choice.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The League is fully committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in principle and practice. It is central to our current and future success in engaging all individuals, households, communities, and policymakers in creating a more perfect democracy.
Our Work
LWVVT supports the national league’s Campaign for Making Democracy Work®, which focuses on advancing core democracy issues of:
- Voting Rights
- Improving Elections
- Reducing & Limiting the Influence of Money in Politics
- Redistricting to Eliminate Political and Racial Gerrymandering, and
- Direct Election of the President, achievable by the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact and abolition of the Electoral College.
We also work actively in our communities and the legislature on key issues that matter to voters – the Environment, Healthcare, Affordable Housing, and Women’s Rights. In addition, the League partners with organizations that share and support its public policy positions.
Our Committees
Advocacy
Voter Access, Elections, Ranked Choice Voting, Legislation
Voter
Services
Voter Registration, Youth Voter Registration, Inmate Voter Registration, New Americans Voter Registration, Non-U.S. Citizen Voting
Member
Services
An opportunity to play an active role in the community and empower your neighbors and peers.
Rader/Hertz Speaker Series
In partnership with Kellogg Hubbard Library, the series explores a broad scope of issues and runs from November to March.
Donations
Donations made to the League of Women Voters of Vermont are not tax-deductible. Donations to the League of Women Voters of Vermont Education Fund are tax-deductible.
Contact Us
Have a question? Need help? Send us a message today.
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