LVW-LA President Felicia Orth speaks to local Kiwanis. Photo by Brooke Davis
BY BROOKE DAVIS
Kiwanis Club of Los Alamos
President Felicia Orth of the Los Alamos League of Women Voters (LWV) outlined the history of voting rights in Los Alamos, LWV organization, objectives and challenges during her presentation to the Kiwanis Club March 18 at Trinity on the Hill.
The national LWV was formally organized in Chicago in February 1920, six months before the 19th amendment to the Constitution was ratified. Los Alamos formed a provisional League in 1947 and became a regular League the following year. It was one of three local Leagues in existence by the time that the state level LWV of New Mexico was formed in October 1949, and has continued ever since.
The Los Alamos LWV is a very active and engaged organization. In addition to publishing the voter guides for elections, they hold public candidate forums, legislative previews with state officials, assist the County Clerk in registering voters at various events throughout the community, host “Lunch with a Leader” events, and publish the “Update” newsletter that details and covers County Council meetings.
Empowering voters and defending democracy are hallmarks of the League. Their objectives include encouraging informed and active participation in government, working to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influencing public policy through education and advocacy.