League of Women Voters of New Mexico

The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan organization that promotes citizen participation in government and the electoral process. Their emphasis is on education for informed decision making. While the League does not support political parties or candidates, they do actively support positions on issues concerning government, natural resources and social policy. Positions are arrived at by consensus following extensive study of an issue. The League of Women Voters was founded by Carrie Chapman Catt in 1920 to help women utilize their new right to vote. The present League of Women Voters of New Mexico was formed in 1949, but Leagues already existed in Albuquerque, Los Alamos and Las Vegas. Since then, many local Leagues have formed and several have been disbanded. In 1974 the New Mexico League voted to admit men as members. Activities that the League has been involved in include helping with media coverage of elections and legislative sessions; sponsorship of candidate forums, publication of information on candidates for statewide office, and voter registration, with special registration drives aimed at Native Americans and newly enfranchised (under 21) voters. Among the positions supported by the League of Women Voters of New Mexico was the drive to change the outdated New Mexico Constitution. Although the idea received much support statewide and a Constitutional Convention was called in 1968, the proposed constitution was not ratified. Other issues actively supported by the League have been jury duty for women, the absentee ballot, four year terms for the governor, a state personnel system based on merit, mandatory kindergarten, and expansion of services for troubled children. The League of Women Voters of New Mexico publishes a monthly newsletter entitled La Palabra in addition to the educational and public service pamphlets produced each year. Local Leagues also publish their own newsletters, Know Your City/County, and studies and pamphlets concerning matters of local interest. For more information see the League of Women Voters of New Mexico website: http://www.lwvnm.org/index.html.

From the description of League of Women Voters of New Mexico records, 1920-2004. (University of New Mexico-Main Campus). WorldCat record id: 30688950

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