About Us

About LWV of Elmhurst

The LWV Elmhurst is a nonpartisan political organization encouraging informed and active participation in government. In upholding the larger mission of the LWV, we influence public policy through education and advocacy. Read on to learn more about who we are and how we're working with you to keep democracy in action.

League History

The history of the League of Women Voters Elmhurst dates to 1932. (The national organization was founded in Chicago on February 14, 1920, with the Illinois League and local chapters forming shortly thereafter.)

The League of Women Voters (LWV) is a nonpartisan, grassroots nonprofit dedicated to empowering everyone to fully participate in American democracy. We engage in advocacy, education, litigation, and organizing to protect every American’s freedom to vote. The League is proud to be women-led and over 100 years old, emerging directly out of the women’s suffrage movement in 1920.

LWV Mission Statement and Current Efforts

For nearly nine decades, members of the LWV Elmhurst have worked for:
  • Referenda to support quality schools
  • Passage of the 1970 Illinois Constitution
  • Protections of voting rights of citizens, the city manager form of government in Elmhurst
  • The unit school district concept for that same community
  • Separation of storm and sanitary sewers
  • A referendum for a new library and preservation of the Wilder Mansion and the land around it
  • Numerous candidate and issue forums
  • The registration of countless voters

Nonpartisanship

The League of Women Voters does not support or oppose any political party or any candidate.
As an organization dedicated to both voter education and advocacy, the League takes strong stances on policy issues relating to voting rights, civil rights, and other issues of importance to members and the public. To learn more about our nonpartisan stance, read this blog post from the League of Women Voters of the United States.

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 policymakers in creating a more perfect democracy.

Federated Model

LWV operates at three levels: local, state, and national.The federated structure of LWV comprises a national League and affiliated state and local Leagues that are separately incorporated. Those who join the League become members of their local League, their state League, and the national League.

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