Our History:

The League of Women Voters was officially founded in Chicago in 1920, just six months before the 19th Amendment was ratified and women won the right to vote. While the national League was being formed in Chicago, it was also being formed in Pennsylvania.  On December 3, 1919 at the 4th annual convention of the Chester County Woman Suffrage Party it was reported that the Pennsylvania Women Suffrage Party had voted to dissolve and at the same time form a new organization, the Pennsylvania League of Women Citizens. (“Citizens” would be changed to “Voters” automatically when the 19th amendment was ratified.) The Chester County members followed suit by reorganizing as the Chester County League of Women Citizens (“until such time as we can substitute Voters”) and in Septemberof 1920 the first annual meetings of the Chester County League of Women Voters took place.  In November of 1920 there were 397 members of the League of Women Voters of Chester County. Each town or township had a group with representatives attending the monthly county meetings. While they were busy promoting voter registration and education, they also became more aquainted with the Republican and Democratic party committees and candidates. They began to work on social issues such as children’s welfare and food distribution which had been disrupted by the first World War.

Who We Are:

The League of Women Voters is a nationwide, nonpartisan grassroots organization of women and men who believe that through informed action, people can make profound changes in their communities. Our dedicated members work every day to provide voter services, educate the public, and advocate for issues that matter. We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive environment in our organization and promoting diversity and inclusiveness in the areas in which we work. The League is a grassroots organization with national, state and local chapters which parallel the levels of government.
Elections and voting are core concerns for the League of Women Voters. Year in and year out, Leagues are committed to providing fact-based information about issues and the positions candidates take on those issues to help our members and voters in general make their own decisions.
Disclaimer Language on Candidate Use of the LWV Name: The League of Women Voters never supports or opposes candidates for office or political parties. Any use of the League of Women of Women Voters name in campaign advertising or literature has not been authorized by the League.