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About LWVLC
Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy
The League of Women Voters Leelanau County works to protect Democracy through free and fair elections, due process, checks and balances and holding elected officials accountable. Our organization is dedicated to ensuring that every eligible voter has the opportunity and information to exercise their right to vote. We are committed to providing nonpartisan education and advocacy for voters, and we strive to empower citizens to engage in the democratic process.
Our Mission
The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
Our Roles
The League of Women Voters is a people's organization that has fought since 1920 to improve our government and engage all Americans in the decisions that impact their lives. We operate at national, state, and local levels through more than 800 state and local Leagues, in all 50 states as well as in D.C. and the Virgin Islands. We never endorse or oppose political parties or candidates, but we are political.
Formed from the movement that secured the right to vote for women, the centerpiece of the League’s efforts remains to expand participation and give a voice to all Americans. Our issues are grounded in our respected history of making democracy work for all Americans. We do this at all three levels of government, engaging in both broad educational efforts and advocacy.
History of LWV Leelanau County
In the 1990s, Leelanau County resident Kathy Turner organized the Leelanau County Issues Discussion Group (CIDG) that addressed local topics at monthly meetings. Members worked toward the approval of a countywide millage to support farmland preservation. Following the defeat of the countywide millage and the County Commission’s vote not to renew its support for this program, membership dwindled. In 2008 CIDG members voted to become the Leelanau County Unit of the League of Women Voters Grand Traverse Area. Fifteen women joined, with Kathy Turner as President.
History of LWV
In her address to the National American Woman Suffrage Association's (NAWSA) 50th convention in St. Louis, Missouri, President Carrie Chapman Catt proposed the creation of a "league of women voters to finish the fight and aid in the reconstruction of the nation." Women Voters was formed within the NAWSA, composed of the organizations in the states where suffrage had already been attained. The next year, on February 14, 1920 - six months before the 19th amendment to the Constitution was ratified - the League was formally organized in Chicago as the national League of Women Voters. Catt described the purpose of the new organization:
Our Committees
At its Annual Meeting in June, 2024, a crucial year for our democracy, LWVLC voted to devote its efforts to:
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Informing and empowering the citizens of Leelanau County to make their voices heard through voting and participating in local government, and
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Monitoring the function of local government units to ensure they are following democratic principles of fairness and transparency, and representing and responding to their constituents’ needs and interests.
There are now only two Program Committees: Voter Services and Advocacy. Traditional committees may elect to continue or vote to dissolve. This change, which clarifies our mission, is to enhance engagement by current members, and to attract new members who see what we do and how we do it and want to help us enhance and extend our work.
Voter Services
Voter Services is the heart of the League of Women Voters, promoting the protection of voting rights at every level. Voter Services includes, but is not limited to:
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Encouraging voter participation
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Holding candidate forums
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Developing and distributing local Vote411 materials
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Assisting with high school and college voter registration, and
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Observing the Board of Canvassers
When situations arise that warrant advocacy, Voter Services will refer those issues to the Advocacy Committee.
Advocacy
Advocacy is always rooted in the LWVUS, LWVMI, and LWVLC positions. No advocacy action can be undertaken without a position behind it.
The Advocacy Committee includes representation from various groups and individuals that bring any issues needing the League’s attention to the Advocacy Committee and then to the Board for action. Those groups and individuals include:
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First and foremost, the Observer Corps, which will follow the actions of local government units
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Current LWVLC Committees that wish to continue as before
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Interest groups, and
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Individual League members who follow a specific issue
The Advocacy Committee will work closely with the Communications Committee and the President to ensure that our League speaks with one voice.
LWVLC Current Officers and Board of Directors
President - Nancy Duck
Vice President - Julie Tarr
Secretary - Natalie Wilson
Treasurer - Gary Bardenhagen
Elected Board - Jane Gale
Elected Board - Jacquie Johnson
Elected Board - Jane Packard
Elected Board - Martha Shaver
Elected Board - Susan Wood
Appointed Board - Tricia Denton
Appointed Board - Joan Hunault
Appointed Board - Elaine Piper
Appointed Board - Kama Ross
Appointed Board - Janet Welch
Contact Us
It's easy to get involved offline too. Email: LWVLeelanau@gmail.com.
Drop us a note at P.O. Box 36, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653
Donate to Defend Democracy
We appreciate your support in our work to defend democracy. You can donate online to the General Fund or one of our Special Events. Or pay by check by sending your check to: P. O. Box 36, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653
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