We are the Sarasota Chapter of the League of Women Voters (LWV), a nonpartisan political organization.

The League of Women Voters (LWV), founded in 1920, grew out of the women’s suffrage movement. It works to improve government systems and influence public policies through advocacy and education. The League of Women Voters of the United States and League of Women Voters Education Fund operate at the national level. However, the League’s enduring vitality and resonance stem from its decentralized structure that includes more than 800 state and local Leagues.

LWV has Leagues in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Hong Kong. These provide essential support to national efforts, while at the same time advocating and educating on the state level to achieve a more inclusive, comprehensive reach. A group of women from Winter Haven, Winter Park, and St. Petersburg initiated the League of Women Voters Florida (LWVFL) in 1939.

LWV is a grassroots organization. Local Leagues support state Leagues while working locally to further increase participation and influence. Sarasota County League is one of 29 local Leagues in FL striving to promote engaged citizenship. Members hold candidate forums, issue Voter Guides to inform citizens on local races and ballot amendments, and sponsor public forums to encourage Florida voters and elected officials to broaden their understanding of key issues.