League of Women Voters turns 60
Members of the Lee County League of Women Voters received a proclamation from the Fort Myers Beach Town Council Monday morning. The local chapter is celebrating its 60th anniversary of service to voters in the county.
The League of Women Voters represents men and women as a non-partisan representation which promotes political responsibility through informed and active participation of citizens in government and influences public policy through education and advocacy. The group has a long record of promoting voter registration, providing unbiased information about candidates and holding enlightening candidate forums.
“We are non-partisan,” said Laura Miller, past president of the local chapter. “Our main job is educating people. We conduct forums before political elections and tell people about amendments before the elections. We also have various hotlines before elections.”
The nation’s League of Women Voters was founded in 1920 to promote political education for new women voters in anticipation of the ratification of the 19th amendment to the United States Constitution, which occurred on Aug. 6, 1920. The local chapter has a long record of studying and taking positions on selected issues that affect our community, such as the co-founding of Conservation 2020 and educating the public about selected issues that affect our community.
The League of Women Voters of Lee County was recently honored with a first-place membership award from the League of Women Voters of the United States during its 60th year of service.
“We are celebrating our 60th anniversary next Sunday, and you’re all invited,” said Miller. “And, we are not just women. Two years ago, we were recognized for having the most men of every league chapter in the country with 20 percent.”
The FMB Town Council proclaimed Jan. 5, 2010 as the League of Women Voters Day in Lee County and urges all citizens to vote and be active on issues that affect life in the local community and around the state and nation.