League of Women Voters turns 90

COEUR d'ALENE - The League of Women Voters is celebrating its 90th birthday in 2010.

The non-partisan, government watchdog group has been an institution in Kootenai County for decades.

"This year we'll celebrate our milestone anniversary in several ways," says local league president Judy Edwards. "But most importantly, we'll be doing what we always do: discussing the important issues, asking the difficult questions and demanding accountability from our local government."

The league works to effect change on a wide variety of issues including health care, education, climate change, land use, and election and campaign finance reform.

"The women who started the movement to give women the right to vote really didn't know if, how or when they would succeed," said Edwards. "And yet they persevered - changing our democracy and society. Today we are equally committed to improving our democracy, and keeping our community healthy, vibrant and strong for all."

With volunteers organized into 850 chapters across the country, membership in the league is open to men and women of all ages.

The League of Women Voters has members that have been league activists for more than 50 years and members who have just joined - inspired by a particular issue or after attending an event.

Individuals interested in finding out more about the local League of Women Voters are invited to a LWV 90th Birthday party on at 2 p.m. Sunday. Call 664-5659 for information.

"We take seriously our legacy of providing trustworthy and balanced resources to citizens and lawmakers. Over the last 90 years, the League of Women Voters has left its footprint on American history, and our democracy is stronger for it. We look forward to continuing to strengthen our democracy over the next 90 years," said Judy Edwards. "After all, the league is the organization where hands-on work to safeguard democracy leads to civic improvement."

The League of Women Voters of Kootenai County has created an online Voter Guide that is available to the public at http://lwvkcvoterguide.org using responses to an e-mailed questionnaire. It contains information provided by judicial candidates as well as candidates for public office. The league also has been observing the Comprehensive Plan process.

Information, visit http://lwv-kc.org.