Together we are

in Wisconsin!

The League of Women Voters of Ashland & Bayfield Counties (LWV/ABC) is a nonpartisan political organization whose main objective is to promote political responsibility through the informed and active participation of all in government at all levels, especially locally.

Local Activities

Voter Education

LWV/ABC sponsors educational sessions on all aspects of voting. Members are available to present voter information to school and community groups.

Candidate Forums

LWV/ABC arranges for nonpartisan candidate forums, if at least two candidates agree to participate.
Candidate forums have been held in Ashland and Bayfield Counties for state, county, town and village offices.

Action Advocacy

LWV/ABC studies and provides public education on important local, state, and national policy issues:

LWV/ABC studies issues at all government levels in an unbiased manner.
Presents educational forums on topics of public interest.
Provides information to help citizens understand their governments.
Provides information on how citizens can act to influence public policy.

LWV/ABC addresses issues such as:

Clean Air and Water
Regional Income Inequality
Mining in the Lake Superior Basin
Regional Food Security
Climate Change
Sustainability Solutions
Education

League of Women Voters Action Advocacy follows this process:

We study issues. Members choose study topics, which are of interest locally, statewide, and nationally. Any given study, whether it be national, state, or local, is thorough in its pursuit of facts and details. As the study progresses, a continuing discussion of pros and cons of each situation occurs. The study may include small group discussions or larger public forums. All League meetings and study sessions are open to the public. However, only League members are included in the consensus and position development described below.
We come to consensus. Prior to the results of the study being presented to the general membership, study committee members fashion consensus questions that are then addressed by the membership.
We develop a position. After the members reach consensus, the Board forms positions based on that consensus. It is the consensus statement—the statement resulting from the consensus questions—that becomes a position.
We take action. Once a position is reached, Leagues are ready to take action such as holding public informational meetings, submitting media releases and letters to the editor, observing governmental units, contacting elected officials, and testifying in various ways. The type of action is determined by following the Guidelines for Taking Action developed by our local board. In all of their actions local Leagues are guided by the national and state LWV. Action is taken at the appropriate national, state, and/or local levels. The League takes action only when supported by League positions. Local Leagues may use national and state leagues positions when addressing local issues.

National and State Activities

The League of Women Voters has been instrumental in lobbying for health care reform, voter rights, and climate change legislation, and it has always distinguished itself for its strong support of campaign finance reform and judicial independence.