Missouri League of Women Voters facts for kids
The Missouri League of Women Voters (LWV Missouri) is a group that helps people in Missouri learn about voting and encourages them to take part in government. It's a nonpartisan organization, meaning it doesn't support any specific political party. It started in 1919, right after women in Missouri gained the right to vote. Its first president was Edna Gellhorn. This group is connected to the bigger League of Women Voters across the U.S. and has local groups all over Missouri.
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How the League Started
The Missouri League of Women Voters began in March 1919 in St. Louis, Missouri. This was a big meeting for women who had worked hard for women's right to vote. Missouri had just passed a law allowing women to vote.
At first, the group that fought for voting rights, called the Equal Suffrage League, wasn't allowed to change its name. But then, the national leader of the League of Women Voters, Carrie Chapman Catt, held a meeting. She allowed the Missouri group to change its name.
Becoming the LWV Missouri
From October 16 to 18, 1919, the Missouri Suffrage Association held a special meeting. At this meeting, the old League officially became the Missouri League of Women Voters.
Many people attended this important meeting. There were 122 representatives from different voting rights groups in Missouri. The meeting hall was completely full.
A new set of rules, called a constitution, was approved. It was written by Miss Laura Runyon, Miss Myrtle Wood, and Mrs. Elmer McKay.
What the League Believed In
One important rule in the new constitution said: "The aims of this League shall be to increase the effectiveness of women's vote in furthering better government. The League, as an organization, shall be strictly non-partisan. Its officers and members are free to join the party of their choice."
This meant the League wanted to help women vote wisely for good government. It also meant the League itself would not pick a side in politics. However, its members could join any political party they wanted.
At first, the two main political parties were a bit unsure about the League. They worried it might get in the way of their own plans for women voters.
The First President
Edna Gellhorn was the very first president of the Missouri League of Women Voters. She traveled all over Missouri to teach new voters how to cast their ballots. She even rode in the back of a milk train to reach different towns.
Edna Gellhorn also served as president of the St. Louis League of Women Voters three times. She was also part of the national board for the League.
What the League Does
When it first started, the Missouri League of Women Voters was described as a group of women who wanted to vote for a purpose. After women won the right to vote in 1919, they focused on using their votes to make the world better. Members were involved in politics but did not support one party over another.
Encouraging Participation
Today, LWV Missouri still encourages everyone to be informed and active in government. The group remains nonpartisan, meaning it does not support or oppose any political party or person running for office.
The League helps people by:
- Teaching voters about important issues.
- Encouraging citizens to register to vote.
- Sharing important policy ideas with government leaders.
- Providing training on how voting works, how to learn about candidates, and how to speak up for causes.
To show they are truly nonpartisan, the leaders of LWV try not to get involved in political campaigns or run for office themselves.
See also
- Elections in Missouri
- 2020 Missouri elections
| Established | October 1919  (105 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Part of | League of Women Voters |
