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ABOUT US
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Who We AreThe purpose of the League of Women Voters is to promote informed and active participation of citizens in their government through education and advocacy. The League is nonpartisan in that it does not support or oppose any political party or candidate; it is political in that it takes positions on selected public issues after member study and agreement. Our membership includes both men and women.
For a short but thorough summary of who we are CLICK HERE. Learn more. League Principles League of Women Voters of Florida League of Women Voters of the United States |
During elections we strive to provide the information voters need to make an informed choice. We publish an online voter guide (Vote411) with unedited responses from candidates as well as information on local referenda and state amendments. We hold candidate meet & greets, as well as candidate forums both in person and on Zoom.
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2024 - 2025: What We Accomplished
Aside from a few municipal elections and occasional special elections, even-numbered years are when candidates typically run for office. Even more races are on the ballot during presidential election years, and 2024 was no exception. Between the primary and general elections, the League of Women Voters of The Villages/Tri-County (LWVTRI) covered 46 local races with 118 candidates in our digital election guide published on Vote411. Additionally, LWVTRI hosted candidate meet-and-greets in Lake, Marion and Sumter counties.
Voter Guides
Local candidates' participation in Vote411 was exceptional, with 88% of the 56 tri-county primary candidates responding. Sumter County achieved a 100% participation rate, a record unmatched by any other League in the United States. The general election with 22 municipal and 8 county races had a 78% candidate participation rate. We also researched and published information on 31 local ballot initiatives in the online voter guide. To assist those uncomfortable with technology, LWVTRI distributed 3,500 printed guides to libraries and recreation centers.
Voter Guides
Local candidates' participation in Vote411 was exceptional, with 88% of the 56 tri-county primary candidates responding. Sumter County achieved a 100% participation rate, a record unmatched by any other League in the United States. The general election with 22 municipal and 8 county races had a 78% candidate participation rate. We also researched and published information on 31 local ballot initiatives in the online voter guide. To assist those uncomfortable with technology, LWVTRI distributed 3,500 printed guides to libraries and recreation centers.
Candidate Meet-and-Greets
LWVTRI's candidate meet-and-greets were highly successful, with both candidate and voter turnout surpassing expectations. Candidates expressed their appreciation for the organization and format, noting it provided a valuable opportunity to reach voters.
Voter Registration
Prior to the elections, LWVTRI hosted 15 voter registration events, registering 26 voters and educating over 300 on requesting Vote by Mail ballots and obtaining voter IDs. Our 14 volunteers also introduced over 200 people to Vote411, adding them to our distribution list for election updates and alerts.
Speaker Bureau
Voters were informed about the 6 Florida amendments on the ballot through 22 Speaker Bureau presentations, reaching nearly 1,400 individuals. In total, LWVTRI's 18 volunteers covered 7 topics at 40 events. LWVTRI also created a new presentation about Florida's Write-In Loophole, which will be available for statewide distribution pending LWVFL approval.
Prior to the elections, LWVTRI hosted 15 voter registration events, registering 26 voters and educating over 300 on requesting Vote by Mail ballots and obtaining voter IDs. Our 14 volunteers also introduced over 200 people to Vote411, adding them to our distribution list for election updates and alerts.
Speaker Bureau
Voters were informed about the 6 Florida amendments on the ballot through 22 Speaker Bureau presentations, reaching nearly 1,400 individuals. In total, LWVTRI's 18 volunteers covered 7 topics at 40 events. LWVTRI also created a new presentation about Florida's Write-In Loophole, which will be available for statewide distribution pending LWVFL approval.
Communications
In an effort to engage a broader audience, particularly younger voters, LWVTRI employed a college intern to enhance its social media presence. This initiative resulted in 715 Facebook followers and reached 8,717 users through paid advertisements. One of LWVTRI's posts on NextDoor garnered over 4,800 views. These social media efforts likely contributed to a significant increase in LWVTRI's website traffic, with over 2,000 unique visitors in August—ten times higher than the average month. Furthermore, 19 local press articles and Vote411 window decals played a crucial role in educating voters.
Postcards to Returning Citizens
LWVTRI also sent over 1,300 post cards to returning citizens to help restore their voting rights. The Florida Legislature's implementation of the Restoration of Rights Amendment created obstacles for returning citizens, which the League helps remove by directing them to pro bono lawyers for guidance.
2025 Special Election Forums
The end of 2024 was not the end of elections due to a special election for Congressional District 6. This district includes parts of Lake, Marion, Alachua, Clay, Duval, and Levy counties as well as all of Bradford and Gilcrest. In January 2025, LWVTRI collaborated with LWVFL to host two virtual forums before the primaries: one for Republican candidates and one for Democratic candidates. Recordings of the forums were posted on the websites of LWVTRI, LWVFL, and other local Leagues within the district.
The end of 2024 was not the end of elections due to a special election for Congressional District 6. This district includes parts of Lake, Marion, Alachua, Clay, Duval, and Levy counties as well as all of Bradford and Gilcrest. In January 2025, LWVTRI collaborated with LWVFL to host two virtual forums before the primaries: one for Republican candidates and one for Democratic candidates. Recordings of the forums were posted on the websites of LWVTRI, LWVFL, and other local Leagues within the district.
Community Events
From November 2024 through January 2025, the Leesburg Library hosted a traveling Smithsonian Institution exhibit titled Voices & Votes: Democracy in America. The library was among a select number of locations nationwide chosen to host this prestigious exhibit. During the application process, LWVTRI provided a letter of support, committing to promote the exhibit throughout the community. We fulfilled this commitment by advertising the event on our website, through newsletters, at voter registration events, and during announcements at our Speaker Bureau presentations. Additionally, we developed an educational program for the library offered to students called Use Your Voice. This has since been incorporated into LWVFL's Speaker Bureau offerings.
In April, LWVTRI hosted Empowering Voters through Election Reform. Attendees heard Marion County Supervisor of Elections, Wesley Wilcox, discuss safeguards for election integrity.
From November 2024 through January 2025, the Leesburg Library hosted a traveling Smithsonian Institution exhibit titled Voices & Votes: Democracy in America. The library was among a select number of locations nationwide chosen to host this prestigious exhibit. During the application process, LWVTRI provided a letter of support, committing to promote the exhibit throughout the community. We fulfilled this commitment by advertising the event on our website, through newsletters, at voter registration events, and during announcements at our Speaker Bureau presentations. Additionally, we developed an educational program for the library offered to students called Use Your Voice. This has since been incorporated into LWVFL's Speaker Bureau offerings.
In April, LWVTRI hosted Empowering Voters through Election Reform. Attendees heard Marion County Supervisor of Elections, Wesley Wilcox, discuss safeguards for election integrity.
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Our Mission, Roles & Focus
Registering an Ocala voter via SmartPhone.
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The League of Women Voters encourages informed and active participation in government. It influences public policy through education and advocacy. The League of Women Voters has two separate and distinct roles.
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Our History
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In her address to the National American Women's 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. Men were accepted into the League in 1972.
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