The Call wants to thank candidates, readers, Andre’s Banquet Center and The League of Women Voters for another great Mehlville School Board candidate forum,

It is always nice to see and recognize the local citizens who dare to step up as a representative at any level of government service. The community cannot thank any public servant enough for their time offered to help oversee what may be best for local school board, village, city, county, state or national office that needs to be filled. Equally important is having an established and fair way to inform and present issues and candidates to help voters make decisions at the polls.

The League of Women Voters (LWV) is a nonpartisan American nonprofit political organization that was the result of two long-established organizations, National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA) and the National Council of Women Voters (NCWV).

At the 1919 Convention of NAWSA (in St. Louis), a motion was made to merge the two organizations. The League’s formal organization was drafted in Chicago at the 1920 Convention.

Ongoing major activities include registering voters, providing the information, boosting voter turnout and advocation for voting rights. The League of Women Voters works with partners for specific campaigns including support for campaign finance reform, women’s rights, healthcare reform and gun control. As the successor to the National American Woman Suffrage Association, which led the nation’s fight for women’s suffrage, the League’s initial goals were to educate women to take part in the political process and to push forward legislation of interest to women. 

The League of Women Voters created National Voter Registration Day in 2012. Volunteers work to register voters and increase participation. Debates providing candidates’ positions at all levels of government are hosted by state and local leagues.

The League’s careful study and documentation of an issue before taking a position contribute to its effectiveness. Its bylaws do not allow endorsements of candidates or political parties.

Thank you again to LWV. Bringing the community together to learn about their voting choices is what journalism and representation of equal government is about. 

Remember to vote Tuesday, April 8!