The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. 

Our members have taken an active role in making democracy work ever since the League was formed in 1920. As a nonpartisan organization, the League does not support or oppose candidates or political parties.

The League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization formed in 1989 as a merger of three area Leagues that were active for many years.

When you become a Member of the League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County you also become a Member of the State of WI League Wisconsin | MyLO (lwv.org) and the National League of Women Voters Home | League of Women Voters (lwv.org).

A convention in Seneca Falls, New York, on July 19-20, 1848, is often considered to be the start of the suffrage movement in America. Elizabeth Cady Stanton prepared a Declaration of Sentiments, based on the Declaration of Independence, which became the cornerstone of the women’s movement.

Carrie Chapman Catt founded the League of Women Voters of the United States (LWVUS) on February 14, 1920. The 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution giving women the right to vote was ratified in August 1920 - the largest expansion of the voting franchise in US history. Early League members believed it would be a temporary organization, because once a woman’s right to vote was attained there would no longer be a need for such an organization to exist. However, a century later, we have more work to do than ever to ensure voting rights for all eligible citizens.

LWVUS maintains an office in Washington, D.C. A national League convention is held in even-numbered years.

The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin (LWVWI) was also founded in 1920. There are nearly 3,000 members in 20 local leagues statewide.

A gathering of Leagues in the state is held annually, usually in late May or early June. The state League maintains an office at 612 W. Main St. in Madison.

The League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County (LWVMC) was formed in the 1920s, and re-formed in 1989 by merging the Wauwatosa, North Shore, and Milwaukee leagues. LWVMC holds an annual meeting in May each year. We maintain an office with very part-time staff at 6737 W. Washington St. Suite 2218, West Allis, WI 53214. The LWVMC now has more than 500 members.

While we have been known as League of Women Voters since our founding, League membership is open to individuals of any gender identity.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, nonprofit political organization that:

• Encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government
• Works to increase understanding of major public policy issues
• Influences public policy through education and advocacy. 

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization. It does not support or oppose candidates for public office in any election, take a stand for or against a political party or issue “score cards” with candidates’ positions on an issue, which may imply endorsement. The League may take action on public policy positions established through a process of member study and agreement.This nonpartisan policy protects the League’s reputation and tax status.

League members must reflect the League’s nonpartisanship at all times when in public as a LWV volunteer and at all League-sponsored events, where even in our personal conversations, we must refrain from making comments that could be construed to be partisan.

Acknowledging that discussions at program committee meetings may entail deeply political topics, it is incumbent on League leadership at those meetings to review and remind attendees of relevant LWV positions related to the topic and to encourage all to express their thoughts in a manner that refrains from partisan framing of issues. Specific advice on fostering fruitful nonpartisan discussions shall be included in new-member and board/leader orientations.   

The League believes that political parties are essential to the American system of government and that the participation of informed citizens is of utmost importance. Consequently, the League encourages its members, as individuals, to be active in public policy issue advocacy, in the political parties, in finding and supporting candidates for public office, and to seek election to public office.

League members are encouraged, as individuals, to attend and participate in meetings of governmental bodies. However, only those members named as representatives of the League by the board or the President may participate in the name of the League.

The President is the official spokesperson of the League. All official League communications, publications and public action should be cleared with the President. In order to preserve the nonpartisan character of the League, the President and Vice Presidents shall refrain from any partisan activities during their terms of office.

The Board has the responsibility to maintain the nonpartisanship of the organization. The President and Vice Presidents may not:

• Run for or hold a partisan political office.
• Hold an office in a political party or in an organization that supports or endorses political candidates
• Circulate or sign candidates' nominating petitions or circulate recall petitions. 
• Publicly endorse (ex. yard sign) or host a fundraiser for a candidate for any elected office.
• Attend fundraising events or make campaign contributions for any partisan or nonpartisan race.

Board members may not:

• Indicate their political affiliations or candidate preferences in the media, including social networking sites or other public venues that identify her/him as a member of the LWVMC Board.

Board members and League leaders who plan to engage in political activity should consider whether the activity could affect the community’s perception of LWVMC’s nonpartisanship. Consultation with the board is recommended for League members in sensitive, public-facing positions (ex. Candidate Forum Moderator).

It is recommended that this nonpartisan policy be reviewed by the board annually.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy (DEI):

Discrimination or harassment of any kind will not be accepted within the League, including but not limited to race, socio-economic status, age, ability status, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, or marital status. The League is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and belonging for all people. The League is an organization that respects and values the richness of our community and our members. The collective sum of our individual differences and life experiences represents not only our culture, but our reputation and the organization's mission and achievements as well.

Using the DEI Lens:

A DEI lens is a way of examining a program, a process, or a product, with regard to how it is perceived by a variety of communities, voices, and perspectives, and what, if any, barriers may exist that is preventing it from being equitable or inclusive of everyone.

For a full compilation of educational materials put together by the DEI Committee, please visit our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Page

Taken from the LWVUS Statement on DEI

The League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County is governed by a Board of Directors that meets on the second Wednesday of each month, usually at 6:00 p.m. at the LWVMC office.

The Board consists of elected officers and directors as well as appointed directors. An Executive Committee consisting of the president, two vice presidents, secretary and treasurer may conduct League business between board meetings.

The Board provides leadership and direction for carrying out member decisions. It is ultimately responsible for all LWVMC plans and activities and for the protection of the League's nonpartisan stance.

Current Members:

Nancy Maloney - President

Mary Ellen Spicuzza - 1st Vice President (Organization)

Gail Sklodowska- 2nd Vice President (Program)

Peg Schrader- 3rd Vice President (Voter Services)

Jen Lemke - Secretary

Dave Schrader - Treasurer

Candice Owley - Director & Finance Chair

Joan Hansen- Director
Elizabeth Harris-Hodge - Director
Lorna Grade-Director
Mary Voelker - Director

Patricia McFarland - Membership Co-Chair

Liddie Collins-Siegrist- Membership Co-Chair