100 Years of Empowered Voters
In 1920, women won the right to vote after 100 years of struggling for suffrage. Our founders realized that the newly enfranchised voters now needed information and education to empower them at the ballot box.
Over the course of the last century, we’ve changed American policy and civic engagement. For decades, the National League of Women Voters hosted Presidential candidate forums, fought against voter suppression, and empowered citizens to be active participants in their democracy.
Our Founding
League of Women Voters of the United States (LWVUS)
The League was founded in 1920, six months before the 19th amendment ratification.
Formed by National American Woman Suffrage Association suffragists, the League was created to empower new female voters.
League of Women Voters of Florida (LWVFL)
The League of Women Voters of Florida was officially founded in 1939 by the three local chapters; Winter Haven, Winter Park, and St. Petersburg.
League of Women Voters of the St. Petersburg Area (LWVSPA)
The League of Women Voters of the St. Petersburg Area was a founding chapter of the state League. Since 1939 our League has a rich history in St. Petersburg.
A History of Leadership
The LWVSPA is not only a place to put your passion to work; it has a long history of producing local leadership in the public and private sector. The first woman elected to St. Pete City Council, Virginia Burnside, later served as a League leader.
In 2019, our Voter Guide received regional recognition, receiving the WEDU Be More Awards “Be More Informed, Nielsen Marketing Campaign Award”.
This award recognizes the execution of creative and results-driven original marketing campaigns using multimedia platforms including, but not limited to, broadcast, print, social media, and/or grassroots awareness campaigns.
Universal Curbside Recycling
LWVSPA formed and led the People’s Trash Coalition, consisting of CONA, LWVSPA, Suncoast Sierra, and the St Petersburg Sustainability Council. The St. Petersburg City Council voted unanimously on Nov 24, 2014, to approve both the ordinance to offer universal curbside recycling service to residents and the expenditure of funds to purchase the associated trucks and recycling containers. Rollout to 80,000 residences began in the summer of 2015.
