The League of Women Voters of the United States (LWVUS) was founded by suffragists in 1920, just six months before the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified recognizing women’s right to vote. (Learn more about the history of LWVUS here.) Shortly after the 19th Amendment was ratified, the members of the Raleigh Equal Suffrage Association established the League of Women Voters of Wake County on September 27, 1920.
Thus, the history of the League is inextricably linked to the women’s suffrage movement. The League is the only prominent national organization with such a direct link to the suffragists. For over a century, the League has been a nonpartisan organization devoted to defending democracy and empowering voters.