Who We Are
Founded in 1919, the League of Women Voters, a grassroots, nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
The national League was founded in 1919 as an auxiliary to the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA), and was designed as a non-partisan organization dedicated to educating women for their new political role.
The League replaced NAWSA after women were granted the right to vote in 1920. At the same time, New Jersey launched a state organization in Newark. Since 1920, many communities established local leagues, and in 1947, the League of Women Voters of the Morristown Area received its charter. Today, there are 38 local Leagues throughout New Jersey with membership open to people age 16 and older of all gender identities.
All local Leagues collaborate with the League of Women Voters of New Jersey, headquartered across from the state capitol in Trenton.
MISSION
Empowering voters. Defending democracy.
VISION
We envision a people-powered democracy, actively dismantling systemic racism and removing all barriers to full participation in our government, to ensure New Jersey’s diverse communities are empowered to build political and community power.
VALUE
We believe in the power of women to create a more perfect democracy.
NONPARTISAN
The League is proud to be nonpartisan, neither supporting nor opposing candidates or political parties at any level of government, but always working on vital issues of concern to members and the public.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
LWV is an organization fully committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in principle and in practice. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to the organization’s current and future success in engaging all individuals, households, communities, and policy makers in creating a more perfect democracy.
There shall be no barriers to full participation in this organization on the basis of gender, gender identity, ethnicity, race, native or indigenous origin, age, generation, sexual orientation, culture, religion, belief system, marital status, parental status, socioeconomic status, language, accent, ability status, mental health, educational level or background, geography, nationality, work style, work experience, job role function, thinking style, personality type, physical appearance, political perspective or affiliation and/or any other characteristic that can be identified as recognizing or illustrating diversity.