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Our History

Founded in 1920 by suffragists who championed voting rights for American women, the League of Women Voters is deeply rooted in the core principles of democracy. For over 100 years, we have been a nonpartisan, grassroots organization dedicated to empowering voters and advocating for their essential role in a thriving democracy.

The League of Women Voters of Larimer County

 

The League of Women Voters has a rich history in Larimer County, Colorado, marked by the establishment and evolution of local chapters dedicated to promoting informed and active participation in government.


In 1951, the Fort Collins League of Women Voters was established, guided by the motto, "Jumping to conclusions is not nearly as good as digging for facts." Early efforts focused on unit discussion groups that studied local government issues, contributing to the adoption of a new city charter in 1954.


In 1967, Loveland formed its own League of Women Voters. By 1984, as the cities of Fort Collins and Loveland grew closer together, the two Leagues merged to create the League of Women Voters of Larimer County. In 1991, the Estes Park unit of the League of Women Voters of Larimer County separated to become the League of Women Voters of Estes Park. Despite operating separately, the two Leagues continue to collaborate on issues affecting Larimer County.


Today, the League of Women Voters of Larimer County remains a nonpartisan, grassroots organization committed to empowering voters and defending democracy through education and advocacy.

The League of Women Voters of Colorado


The League of Women Voters of Colorado (LWVCO), founded in 1928 in Denver, has a long tradition of research, advocacy, and consensus-building on critical issues. Over the decades, it has significantly influenced state government through voter education and public service efforts.


LWVCO provides statewide informational publications, voter forums, and online election resources. In collaboration with local Leagues, it promotes voter registration, organizes mock elections, hosts candidate forums, and produces local ballot guides. The Legislative Action Committee monitors Colorado Legislature bills, advocating for policies aligned with League positions.Through its continued efforts, LWVCO shapes Colorado’s democracy and champions fair governance.


Discover 90 years of Colorado League history in the newly released A Force for Change for 90 Years: The League of Women Voters of Colorado 1928-2018. This updated edition of Wilma Davidson's original A Force for Change includes an additional 22 years of history, capturing the League's journey through 2018!


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The League of Women Voters of the United States


The League of Women Voters of the United States was founded by Carrie Chapman Catt in 1920 during the National American Woman Suffrage Association convention, held just six months before the 19th Amendment was ratified. This amendment granted women the right to vote after a 72-year struggle.


The League began as a "mighty political experiment" aimed at helping 20 million women embrace their new responsibilities as voters. It encouraged women to use their voting power to influence public policy and shape the nation’s future.


From its inception, the League has been a nonpartisan organization. Its founders believed that remaining nonpartisan would protect the organization from the divisive party politics of the era. However, League members were urged to engage in politics by educating citizens and advocating for government and social reforms. In 1973, the League expanded its membership to include men as full members.



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