League of Women Voters of Connecticut Inc.

Overview

The League of Women Voters of Connecticut Inc. is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization affiliated with the broader League of Women Voters (LWV) network. It operates as part of a national movement that emerged from the suffrage movement, with the primary mission of empowering informed and active participation in government.

History

Formation

The Connecticut League of Women Voters was founded in 1921, shortly after the national organization's establishment in 1920. The creation of the Connecticut chapter was a direct response to the successful ratification of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote in the United States. The Connecticut Woman Suffrage Association (CWSA), which had led the fight for women's voting rights in the state, disbanded and transformed into the League of Women Voters of Connecticut. This transition aimed to help women use their new voting power effectively and participate in shaping public policy.

Early Focus

In its early years, the Connecticut League focused on issues such as jury service for women, child welfare, social hygiene, widow aid, efficient government, civil service, education, labor, international affairs, and immigration. These topics were selected as part of the state program of work, mirroring the national organization's agenda but also addressing local concerns.

Notable Figures

Key figures in the early history of the League of Women Voters of Connecticut include Mabel C. Washburn, who served as the first president after its founding in 1921. Other notable leaders, such as Katherine Ludington and Frances Bulkley, played crucial roles in transitioning from suffrage work to civic education and advocacy. Bulkley was particularly influential in organizing citizenship schools and serving on the board of directors for local leagues.

Mission

Nonpartisanship

The League of Women Voters of Connecticut is committed to nonpartisanship, neither supporting nor opposing political parties or candidates. Instead, it focuses on educating the public about government processes, elections, and issues, and advocates for policy changes in the public interest.

Activities

The organization engages in two main roles:

• Voter Services/Citizen Education: Providing unbiased information about elections and the voting process.
• Action/Advocacy: Advocating for specific policies after thorough study and member consensus.

Impact

The League continues to operate at state and local levels, organizing public forums, hosting debates, and encouraging active civic participation. By doing so, it aims to enhance democracy's effectiveness across all levels of government, fostering informed decision-making and engagement among citizens.

Legacy

As part of the broader League of Women Voters movement, the Connecticut chapter has been instrumental in expanding voter participation and influencing public policy for over a century. Through educational programs and advocacy efforts, it remains a vital force in Connecticut's civic landscape.