How did the League of Women Voters get started?
Nationally the LWV began in Feb. 1920, six months before the passage of th e19th amendment, as a natural continuation of the suffrage movement-believing that once women had the vote they’d need to learn how to use it well. Cincinnati formed their branch August 26th 1920, with Martha Bowers Taft as the first president. Immediately, LWVCA sought political action to provide federal funds for maternal and child health care. Still today the league maintains its tradition of making our democracy work through education and advocacy. -Ann Applegate-Katz, LWVCA Director Membership 2. The League bills itself as non-partisan and yet politically active. How do those two elements work together? The choice made in 1920 to neither support nor oppose any political party or candidate for public office continues today to ensure that the League’s voice is heard above the tumult of party politics. The nonpartisan policy is key to the LWV’s reputation and adds strength to the League’s position on issues. I
