We have the power to create a more perfect democracy.

That has been our goal for 100 years. A few months before the 19th Amendment became law, Suffrage leader Carrie Chapman Catt founded the League of Women Voters in 1920.

Our founders embarked on a “mighty political experiment” to empower women through grassroots advocacy and nonpartisan voter education.

Throughout the last century, we worked towards a future where every voter is empowered to play a critical role in our democracy.

We’ve fought for the rights of voters and have built alliances that strengthen democracy across the globe. In the years since we hosted the Presidential debates, we've stood strong in our role as advocates for informed participation in government.

But we haven’t always done it perfectly.

The suffrage movement was not inclusive of all women, and neither was the League of Women Voters. Black suffragists were forced to walk at the back of parades. The League deliberately created barriers for women of color to join and lead the organization. The women who achieved power through the passage of the 19th Amendment were reluctant to expand that power to non-white women.

We have made mistakes. And as we move into our second century, we are striving to do better.

Today's League is more diverse, more inclusive, and more equitable. We know our work is stronger when all voices are heard.

Dirigo - I lead

In Maine, the League has defended our democracy and empowered voters. We have been a pathway for leadership and civic involvement for thousands of Mainers. We preserved same-day voter registration, and launched the first state-wide Clean Elections and Ranked Choice Voting laws in the nation.

As we look to our next 100 years, we are pioneering new partnerships and programs to build power in underrepresented communities and break down barriers to full participation.

We will build a democracy where everyone votes, and everyone's vote matters. Become a part of the movement.