League of Women Voters celebrates 93rd birthday

The League of Women Voters is elated to celebrate its 93rd anniversary. Since its founding in 1920, the league has worked tirelessly to protect and uphold the constitutional right to vote, a right that composes the very foundation of our democracy.

However, while we celebrate our successes, we are concerned by stark challenges to our democracy. In the upcoming Supreme Court case Shelby County, Alabama v. Holder, the constitutionality of the Voting Rights Act (VRA) of 1965 will be reviewed. The VRA is landmark legislation that ensures every American citizen, regardless of race, has an equal right to vote. Should the court rule against the VRA, which prevents states from passing discriminatory voting rules, the right to vote for millions of Americans would be at risk.

"The thought that the Supreme Court might soon overturn the Voting Rights Act and limit voting rights should send a chill down the spine of every American," said Montrose County League president Karen Connor. "The league believes we should be expanding voting rights, not curtailing them, and working to make elections free, fair and accessible to all eligible citizens."

The league has been committed to protecting voter rights since 1920, and we're not stopping now. The upcoming Supreme Court review of the Voting Rights Act shows that even 93 years after our founding, the league's work is needed more than ever.

The League of Women Voters of Montrose County, serving Montrose and Delta counties, is one of nearly 800 leagues in all 50 states working to educate and inform voters and protect voters' rights. The league is proud to be nonpartisan, neither supporting nor opposing candidates or political parties at any level of government, but always working on vital issues of concern to members and the public. This is what sets the league apart from so many organizations.

All points of view are respected and we encourage community members to join us in order to take part in our work locally. Membership in the League is open to men and women of all ages. For more information about the league, visit www.montrose.co.lwvnet.org/. Our meetings are posted in the Daily Press, the Delta County Independent and The Watch.

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