One hundred years ago, this month, the 19th Amendment was codified in the U.S. Constitution and women have made tremendous strides in the century since. Yet, true equality for all women at the ballot box remains elusive. Far too many women and other eligible voters remain disenfranchised from voting. 

Old discriminatory practices like cuts to early voting, closings of polling locations, and strict voter ID laws, combined with new suppression tactics that have emerged during a global pandemic, have reminded us of the frailty of our democracy if we don’t defend it vigorously.

This centennial is a time to honor and acknowledge the women who came before us, and to use the lessons of their fights to shape a fairer, more just future. To further this conversation, on August 12, LWVUS CEO Virginia Kase virtually sat down with LWVUS President Deborah Turner for a powerful discussion on what lies ahead for democracy in America, and how all women can be active participants. 

As we head full-steam toward November 3, stay safe, stay healthy, wear masks, and vote. Commemorate this milestone and honor the legacy of the women that came before us by making your voice heard this year. 

Fighting to Secure the 2020 Election

With states’ failure to ensure all voters can vote safely amid the coronavirus outbreak, the League is fighting in the courts to protect voting access at the ballot box and the mailbox.

Our litigation is focused on creating “hybrid elections,” which maintain safe in-person voting options, expand vote-by-mail, and require election officials to provide a notice and cure period to correct absentee or mail-in ballot deficiencies.

As we fight to protect voters in the courts, help us work to counter misinformation by sharing the nonpartisan voter guides and election information on our award-winning election website (now also in Spanish!), VOTE411.org. 

Protect the Postal Service

One of our nation’s most critical essential services is under attack. The United States Postal Service serves every American household delivering essential supplies, paychecks, census mailers, and much more. Postal workers have been on the frontlines of the current global pandemic ensuring that Americans remain connected and safe.  

Delivering ballots is just ONE of the essential functions the post office plays—especially in the time of COVID-19. Undermining the postal service’s ability to do its work is a serious blow to our democracy. That's why, earlier this month, we filed a lawsuit against the Postmaster General and United States Postal Service asserting that recent changes to postal service procedures and equipment presents an undue burden on the fundamental right to vote. 

Not every voter will choose to vote by mail, but every voter should have the option to do so and trust that their ballot will be received on time.  Voters shouldn't be forced to choose between their health and their fundamental right to vote. Contact your Member of Congress and tell them we need to protect and fully fund the U.S. Postal Service.