Beyond the Sound Bites: League of Women Voters is a Trusted Source for Over 100 Years

Six months before American women won the right to vote in 1920, the national League of Women Voters was created. In the first election after the 19^th Amendment passed, Marion native Warren G. Harding was elected U.S. president. Many historians consider the millions of women voters to be a contributing factor in Harding’s victory.

President Warren G. Harding wears a black suit. — President Warren G. Harding, Marion native

Marion Chapter Serves Community for More than 70 Years

Since 1950, the Marion chapter of the League of Women Voters has provided reliable, nonpartisan information about issues and voting. While they ask candidates questions on positions for voting guides, the group never supports a particular candidate or political party. They do occasionally study and take positions on issues.

“The League is known for unbiased information,” said R.J. Bicking, president of the local League chapter. “I have depended on the League since the mid-seventies to help me be an educated voter.”

A woman talks to a college student on the Marion Campus. A table has info on registering to vote. — The League of Women Voters members regularly go to the Marion Campus to register voters.

From the local printed Voter’s Guide to reliable information at Vote411.org, the League works on providing quality information. Beth Babich has been a member of the League for 20 years.

“Reading candidates’ answers to League questions has really helped me decide who to vote for,” Babich said. “As a member I enjoy meeting women from different backgrounds. I also enjoy learning about how decisions are made that affect us all.”

Beyond Nonpartisan Election Info

Candidates behind tables on a stage answer questions in front of a crowd of voters. — The League of Women Voters held a Candidates Night in October at Harding High School.

The grassroots group hosts many events. In addition to candidates’ nights, the League sponsors public forums on current issues that matter to local residents. The League also produces an annual directory of city, county and township public officials.

“With the League, I can contribute to my community by helping to provide information for voters and to organize forums on topics like emergency preparedness, public health policy, what is a charter city,” Babich said.

Upcoming Forum: Family Courts

Judge Rhonda Burggraf will speak at the League meeting on Nov. 14 to discuss the structure and operations of Family Court in Marion County, as well as its role in the community. It will be held at the United Way located at 125 Executive Drive, Suite 100 at 6:15 p.m. It is open to the public.

League Goals

Activists fought for women’s suffrage for 80 years. The League works to protect and expand voting rights. The group also defends democracy through education, advocacy, and litigation at the local, state, and national levels. It promotes informed and active participation of citizens in local, state and national government.

A table with MarionMade! and League of Women Voters signs and information. in the lobby of a local community college. — The League registers voters at Marion Technical College.

“In Marion, people are most familiar with our voter service work. We register voters, provide non-partisan information on candidates and ballot issues, and host candidate debates,” Bicking said.

Men and women mill at a party. — Men and women came to a party to celebrate the League of Women Voters’ 100th anniversary.

“Sometimes people are surprised to learn how much fun it is to work together in a non-partisan environment to benefit our town,” Babich said.

Membership Open to All

Both men and women are members of the local chapter of the League of Women Voters. Anyone 16 years of age or older is eligible for membership. They meet monthly from September through June and provide input to the state and federal leaders of the League.

For More Info:

Follow the local chapter’s Facebook page
Find info on local candidates and issues at Vote411.org
Email marionleague@yahoo.com
Find state information from the Ohio League of Women Voters
Find national information here

Official Voting Information

Visit the Marion County Board of Elections website here
Visit the Ohio Secretary of State’s Ohio voting website here

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