Sacramento, CA – On February 14, the League of Women Voters will mark its 98th anniversary. The League of Women Voters of California joins our nearly 800 fellow local and state chapters in honoring this milestone.

“Ninety-eight years after the League’s founding, members of the League in California are proud of the great progress it has made empowering voters and defending our democracy,” said Helen Hutchison, president of the League of Women Voters of California. “The League in California has empowered hundreds of thousands of voters in electing government decision makers for our state government and in holding them accountable for their actions.”

“Today's barriers to the ballot certainly look different than they did when the League was founded nearly a century ago, but these remain threats to voter participation in California all the same,” Hutchison said. “Our efforts to take on discrimination and improve our government in California and our democracy continue today.”

“The League has been powered by the efforts of civic volunteers and activists in California over the decades to successfully take on a range of key issues,” Hutchison said. “Not only have we undertaken sustained efforts to improve the voting process and to protect the environment in California over the years, but the national League has played widely acclaimed roles in nationwide efforts, including the creation of the United Nations and the protection of Americans’ civil liberties from the 1950s on.” 

“As we look to a vibrant future, we’re excited by the fact that our dedicated members across California are increasingly being joined by significant numbers of online activists across the community and country,” said Hutchison. “Together, we will continue to fight voter discrimination and ensure that our elections are fair, free and accessible. The League’s historic commitment to register, educate and mobilize voters is not only stronger, but more effective than ever, utilizing such tools as Voter's Edge California, our unbiased online voter guide utilized by millions of voters each election cycle.” 

“Today, as we mark the League’s 98th anniversary, and see our 100th birthday quickly approaching, we celebrate our many accomplishments,” concluded Hutchison. “League members throughout California are keeping our energies firmly on the future and the actions we will be undertaking to realize our goal: A better California and a better America.”

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