About Us
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.
Mission
Empowering Voters, Defending Democracy
To promote political responsibility through informed and active participation of citizens in government; to render such other services in the interest of education in citizenship as may be possible; and to do every act appropriate or necessary to carry out any of the foregoing objects.
What Does the League Do Now?
The League of Women Voters is a people’s organization that works to improve government and engage Americans in decisions that will affect their lives. We never endorse or oppose political parties or candidates, but we are political.
LWV Licking County provides many voter and community services such as:
- Registers voters in area high schools, colleges, and underserved populations in the community.
- Offers online voter information and campaign guides (Vote411.org).
- Leads post-card campaigns.
- Promotes Sunshine Laws and good governance.
- Hosts nonpartisan issue forums.
- Hosts nonpartisan candidate forums.
- Facilitates mentorship programs.
- Hosts educational events.
- Collaborates with community groups to influence elected officials.
- Takes positions of public policy and lobby for policy change.
- Encourages membership to lobby through action alerts.
History
The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. The League of Women Voters of Licking County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
The League of Women Voters of Licking County sprang to life in August 2017 at a general meeting in Newark, Ohio attended by about 40 women and men. It welcomes anyone in the county who wants to learn about political issues and support the democratic process through civic discourse, voter registration, and voter education.
Founded by Carrie Chapman Catt in 1920 and rooted in the movement for women’s suffrage, the League is a national nonpartisan political organization. It remains staunchly nonpartisan with regard to political party and individual candidates, but it practices education and advocacy on a variety of political and social issues such as protecting voter rights. including redistricting reform; promoting affordable health care, including women’s reproductive health; and supporting policies that protect natural resources and mitigate climate change.
The League is not entirely new in Licking County. Previously, it thrived for decades as the Licking County League of Women Voters (compare the wording to our current name), but disbanded in the 1990s. Now after more than 20 years it reappears to address the challenges and opportunities of a new political era.
Meet Our Team
Officers
Mary Tuominen, President
Linda Scott, Vice President
Karen Semer, Secretary
Mary Lee Van Meter, Treasurer
Board of Directors
Laura Joseph
Susan Studer King
Nannette Maciejunes
Aimee Sanders
Linda Scott
Mary Lee Van Meter
Pam Wilson
Committee Chairs
Communication: Mary Tuominen
Observers Collaborative: Karen Semer & Sarah Finke-Fyffe
Membership Data: Mary Tuominen
Budget & Finance: Mary Lee Van Meter
Website: Susan Studer King
Social Events: Aimee Sanders and Mary Tuominen
Voter Services/Vote 411: Laura Joseph & Aimee Sanders
Voter Registration: Linda Scott and Nannette Maciejunes
Nominating: Rita Kipp
Social Media: Emily Vermillion
Join the League
The League:
- Was re-established in 2017, is open to men and women, is non-partisan, and is highly respected community-based organizations;
- Gets members involved in the critical issues that affect families and communities through civil discussions and positive action;
- Offers opportunities to develop new skills and become informed voters on important issues;
- Brings people together to act on shared concerns, build support networks, defend democracy, and develop lasting friendships.
- League Members can be involved in voter registration, candidate forums, postcard campaigns, outreach to underserved communities, observer corps, mentoring, etc.
What do you get as a League member?
You automatically become a member of:
- LWV of Licking County
- LWV of Ohio
- LWV of the United States.
- Can participate in all LWVO and LWVUS advocacy and events
- You will receive publications and email updates about important events and legislative action. You will also be adding your voice to a powerful force of members from all 50 states.
How much time does it take?
It’s up to you. You can support the League only with your annual dues or you can become actively involved by participating in meetings, activities, outreach, action events, voting on elected officials, and developing issue positions through group study and action.
For Students:
In particular, students can help with:
- Registering new voters at your school or college campus
- Helping with candidate debates or forums; organizing a student debate on your campus
- Educating students about how and where to vote
- Serving as a poll worker to ensure election integrity
- The categories listed here reflect how members are classified in the official roster of the LWVUS. All members of LWVLC are voting members and also belong to LWVO and LWVUS.
- Currently, LWVLC is assessed an annual Per Member Payment (PMP) of $57/per member which allows access to educational materials, support, and other resources at the State and National level.
- We recognize that a membership commitment may be a financial challenge for some. Therefore, LWVLC membership fees provide for flexibility to accommodate individual situations and needs.
- Donations above the membership dues are greatly appreciated.
- Membership and donations are tax-deductible.
Membership and Donations
$5 STUDENT: Available to any full-time student.
$65 INDIVIDUAL: Available to individuals ages 16 and up.
$100 HOUSEHOLD: Two or more people residing at the same address may join as a household, with one member designated as primary and others as additional. Each household member has full voting rights and membership.
PAY WHAT YOU CAN: The League does not want the cost of dues to be a barrier to membership or involvement and offers a flexible Pay What You Can membership option.
HONORARY: Members of the League for 50 years or more are waived from paying annual dues.
