Voters Cast Ballots, Make Decisions in Election 2010

League Volunteers Are Making Democracy Work

Washington, DC – The following is a statement by national League president Elisabeth MacNamara on Election 2010:

“Today, American voters went to the polls, casting their ballots and making their voices heard. The League was there for voters, making a powerful contribution to election 2010. We are proud of our work this year, registering, educating and urging voters to participate in this important election.

“At each and every opportunity, we urged voters to visit our one-stop elections resource, VOTE411.org and it paid off. Through our online activities, the League helped millions of voters find the important election information they needed to participate and vote by answering the most commonly asked questions – am I registered and if not how do I register, who’s on my ballot and where is my polling place.  The League is proud to provide answers to these questions and others: VOTE411.org was the place to go for voters in election 2010.

“During election 2010, I toured nine states where I saw the incredible work of League volunteers. They are active in their communities year round but best known for their election work. Year after year, they work tirelessly to serve their communities. In election 2010, they registered tens of thousands of new voters, provided nonpartisan information on the candidates through millions of printed and online voters’ guides and, held hundreds of candidate debates seen and heard by thousands over the course of the campaign.

“But our work this year is a continuation of our 90 year history promoting greater civic participation and healthy debate on the issues that matter most to our nation and our communities. We are a nonpartisan network of volunteers, proud of our history of making democracy work.

“League members are ordinary citizens in local communities that have invested their time and energy in improving our democratic process, including ensuring that the government is responsive to all citizens. As League members, we invest in our country because we are proud American citizens.

“A fundamental part of the League's mission is to help voters make informed decisions and to encourage their participation.  We take that role very seriously. But we also believe strongly in civil discourse and that many perspectives are important to a healthy democracy.

“Nothing is more important to the League than our efforts to ensure that nonpartisan and informative voter education and debates remain a part of our American democracy.

"Our work on behalf of all voters has strengthened our democracy."

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. Membership in the League is open to men and women of all ages.