Growing up in Los Angeles, Karen Clopton’s dad made her read the LA Times newspaper every day and discuss current events over dinner. Acutely aware of the racial inequities facing her community, Karen embarked on a lifelong journey seeking justice for others.

In high school Karen joined the nonpartisan Junior Statesmen of America (JSA) taking on a leadership role and soon landed an internship with the Los Angeles District Attorney as part of their new youth commission. After graduating from Vassar College she received her law degree from the Antioch School of Law in Washington, DC. Later, Karen studied labor management relations in Europe, eventually returning to California and settling in San Francisco.

While President of the San Francisco Civil Service Commission, Karen was recruited to join the League of Women Voters of San Francisco to moderate election education forums around local ballot measures. Tapping into her nonpartisan debate background from the JSA, Karen thrived in this role and soon became President of the LWVSF for several terms. During her tenure, she spearheaded an enormously successful fundraiser,“The Women Who Would Be President”, and advocated for the passage of the local Proposition C to reinforce the Sunshine Ordinance.

Karen also supported many statewide voting rights advocacy efforts across California. She became a lead advocate and media representative in the campaign to pass Proposition 11, the Voters First Initiative along with then-Governor Arnold Swarzenegger. The measure passed and is responsible for the Citizens Redistricting Commission, which recently drew new district maps in California. 

Working with the League has been an extension of Karen’s dedication to the JSA and commitment to fairness—bridging people together in a nonpartisan manner to achieve common goals, like voting rights and redistricting. Throughout her life, the heart of Karen’s work has embraced fighting for the rights of others and she is a nationally recognized expert in legal ethics.

“People don't realize that voting rights are in fact nonpartisan. When we are talking about the administration of justice, it is nonpartisan. When we are talking about treating human beings with equal access, it is nonpartisan” said Karen.

Karen’s professional career includes many roles, all dedicated to the fight for equal justice, diversity, and inclusion. Notable roles include being the Chief Administrative Law Judge of California Public Utilities Commission and running the Port of San Francisco. Currently, Karen is currently General Counsel and Vice President of Access and Inclusion for Incendio International, Chair of the San Francisco Human Rights Commission, and advisor to the LWVSF.

Why join the League right now?

“Being part of the League is an investment in professional development and allows you the opportunity to participate directly in elections as a moderator, observer, and educator. We always have to have a coalition government and base things on science and education. Having an educated electorate is extremely important and that is at the crux of the League's mission. Democracy is not a spectator sport, now is the time. As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. would say, “The time is always right to do what is right.”

Where does the League go from here?

“Unfortunately, the League has a history of disenfranchising African Americans. In terms of the future, I would really like to see the League expand to embrace everyone.” Impressed with the League of Women Voters of California’s recent Voting Moves CA TikTok campaign, Karen added, “We need to change the face of the League to one that is more diverse and inclusive. We have to meet people where they are and do more campaigns like that one. Young people think differently—the League can do this.”

Karen is deeply connected with nature and in her spare time enjoys long walks and filling her life (and home) with art. Karen has been busy writing and her new book to be released this year: Black and White and in Color: The Journey of Two American Families over Ten Generations and Ten Landmark US Supreme Court Decisions. She also volunteers for the American Red Cross and spends time with her two daughters, Julia and Olivia, as well as her beloved dogs, Valjean and Cosette, who join her at the polls every Election Day.

Photo credit: Karen at San Francisco City Hall (Margot Duane Photography)