About Us
For over 120 years, the League has been a powerful, grassroots organization that works to educate voters and make our government more accountable to the people.
Below you'll find our Mission, Vision, What We Do, Nonpartisan Policy, DEI Policy, History, and Board of Directors.​​
Our Mission
Empowering voters. Defending democracy.
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Our Vision
We envision a democracy where every person has the desire, the right, the knowledge, and the confidence to participate.
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What We Do
We work to protect and expand voting rights, build grassroots power in our communities, and ensure everyone is represented in our democracy. Some of our programs include a statewide voter guide on VOTE411.org, election observation, how to run for office, civic engagement, and voting rights advocacy during the ND Legislative Session.
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Nonpartisanship
The League will not support or oppose any political party or candidate. Learn more about our nonpartisan stance from Nonpartisanship Explained.​​​​​​​​​
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
At its founding over 100 years ago, the League of Women Voters did not embrace diversity and inclusiveness, a practice reflective of a society that continued to segregate and discriminate against Black, Indigenous, and people of color across the country.
As the League today strives to be both transformative and to address historic racism, we are committed to prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion in principle and in practice throughout our organization, our work, and our actions. Find our DEI policy and learn more about our work in North Dakota on our resource page.
Our History
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For over 100 years, the League has been a nonpartisan, grassroots organization that believes voters should play a critical role in democracy.
The League was officially founded in Chicago in 1920, just six months before the 19th amendment was ratified and women won the vote. Founded by leaders of the women’s suffrage movement, the League began as a "mighty political experiment" designed to help 20 million women carry out their new responsibilities as voters.
The North Dakota Votes for Women League officially became the North Dakota League of Women Voters in April 1920 at a convention held in Fargo. The League grew in North Dakota in the early 1950s, led by the efforts of women such as Katherine Rogne of Kindred, who traveled around the state organizing local League chapters.
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The local chapters grew and flourished in the 1960s, and in the 1970s, the League began its effort to achieve a national Equal Rights Amendment. Many of our local leaders got involved in the League during the effort to pass the ERA.
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For many years, local League chapters have hosted candidate, legislative, and issue forums, and the state League has produced nonpartisan voter guides covering initiated ballot measures.
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Recently, our membership and presence has grown across the state due to an increase in programs, such as our statewide VOTE411 voter guide, election observation, and legislative advocacy focused on the right to vote.​ ​For more on the history of the League in North Dakota, visit our resource page.
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The League of Women Voters has evolved from a mighty political experiment designed to help 20 million newly enfranchised women vote in 1920, to a nonpartisan organization that is a recognized force in improving our elections, shaping public policy, and promoting informed civic participation. To join us in our next 100 years, become a member today.
LWVND Board of Directors (2023-2025)
Officers
Barbara Headrick, President
Mary C. Tintes, Vice President
Amelia Doll, Secretary
Carol Sawicki, Treasurer
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Directors
Randilyn Dombek
Denise Dykeman
Kim Lee
Sue Tohm
Vicki Voldal Rosenau
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Voter Engagement Volunteers
Cori Edgerton
Aimee Guerts
Whitney Oxendahl
Amy Phillips
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Contact the Board at nodaklwv@gmail.com
