League of Women Voters of Nevada Records

The League of Women Voters (LWV) has its historic roots in the National American Woman Suffrage Association. A one issue, non-partisan organization, the NAWSA worked solely for passage of the 19th amendment, giving women the vote. After ratification of this amendment, NAWSA was transformed into the League of Women Voters in 1920.

The League at the national, state, and local levels, is voluntary, democratic in structure, non-partisan, and open to all persons who subscribe to the purposes and policies of the League. As the League was born of a fight for the vote, the intelligent exercise of this right is central to the League's philosophy. The League emphasizes that an informed and enlightened and active citizenry is the mainstay of a free and open society. The League works to that end year round by publishing factual information on social and political issues. This information is disseminated throughout the community by various means, such as debates, forums, and through the print and electronic media. Additionally, a special effort is made at election time to bring information to the public regarding candidates' views, and to get out the vote. The League also takes an active role in naturalization proceedings for aspiring citizens.

Unlike its single-issue progenitor, however, the League is a broader based organization and works for the passage of many laws on various social and political issues. The League does take a position on issues after careful study at the local level. After consensus has been reached at the local level, position statements are passed on to the state and then to the national level. This democratic process permeates the League structure. After consensus has been reached, the League proceeds to advocate its position at the local, state, and national levels where appropriate. State and local issues of concern center around, for example, schools, housing, health, tax reform, children's welfare, environment, pollution, planning, criminal justice, mental health, and governmental reform. At the national level, the League has consistently supported the United Nations and international cooperative trade agreements. The League maintains its non-partisanship by prohibiting its board members at all levels from being active in their chosen political parties.

The local leagues in Nevada preceded the State League. The Reno chapter was established in 1951 and activity for a state league began in 1952 after Reno, Carson, and Elko were formed. Currently, in 1998, the League is most active in Carson City and Las Vegas.

League history written by Lee Kosso.