The League of Women Voters (LWV) is a civic organization that aims to help women take a larger role in public affairs as they have acquired the right to vote. The American organization was founded in 1920 by Carrie Chapman Catt during the last meeting of the National American Woman Suffrage Association. The founding of the organization happened about six months before the Amendment XIX allowed the women to exercise the right to vote. 

LWV began as a “mighty political experiment” that was developed to help women exercise their new right and help them become responsible and educated voters. Originally, only women can join the league until in 1973, the organization already began accepting male members who wish to be more empowered voters. As of 2006, the league has about 150,000 members, with chapters in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.

Although the league is political in nature, it holds its official position as strictly nonpartisan. As such, they neither support nor oppose particular candidates or parties. They instead wholeheartedly work to influence policy through advocacy. They take a stand on and/or support political issues only after studying every aspect of it and after they have come to a consensus on a position. The league mainly aims to increase the public’s understanding on major issues that affect not only the government but the whole nation. Their mission also includes influencing public policy through various education and advocacy programs, as well as the lobbying of Congress. 

Basically, the league is organized in two complimentary halves, namely, the Voter Service and Citizen Education and Program and Action. Under the Voter Service and Citizen Education, the league organizes and sponsors debates such as the Presidential Debates in 1976, 1980, and 1984. They also organize voter registration efforts. This faction is also responsible for projects pertaining to voter education.

Meanwhile, the Program and Action category works to promote a representative government, and empower international relations, natural resources, and social policy.