Mission & History
Our Mission
The League of Women Voters (LWV) of Baltimore City is part of a nonpartisan group that encourages people to get involved in government and understand important public issues. We work to influence government policies through education and advocacy, and we focus on empowering voters and protecting democracy locally.
History of the League of Women Voters and Baltimore City
Founded in 1920 after the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment giving women the right to vote, the League of Women Voters of the United States followed was inspired by the National American Woman Suffrage Association. The new organization's mission was to encourage women to vote and make sure they were well-informed.
This remains the central mission of the League of Women Voters. Over time, it has also focused on advocating for issues that its members have researched, discussed, and agreed upon. Recently, the League has also welcomed men as active members.
The League of Women Voters exists at the national, state, and local levels. When you pay dues to the local League, you also become a member of the state and national leagues. The archival collection of the League of Women Voters of Baltimore City is held by the University of Baltimore Special Collections & Archives, where the public can access and research it.
Their online digital exhibit centers on the legacy of women's suffrage and shows how the League is connected to that movement. The exhibit highlights examples of the League's work, advocacy, and history over the past hundred years.
History of LWV of Baltimore City
The LWV of Baltimore City’s digital exhibit
Sadie Crockin
Baltimore City’s Sadie Crockin (1880 – 1965) was a leader, community organizer, activist, suffragist, mother, wife, and perhaps above all an inspiration – a true Upstander. She was a natural orator who used her public speaking abilities to passionately advocate for causes she believed in. From her involvement in the fight for women’s suffrage to her support for Hadassah's growth, voter education, and Maryland’s immigrant community, Crockin left behind a legacy that inspired women to champion their own causes.
In 1920, Crockin founded the Baltimore City League of Women Voters, which now honors her by naming its 501(c)(3) tax-deductible fund after her. Donations to the Sadie Crockin Memorial Fund support voter education and registration activities including publication of the Voters’ Guide and Guide to Elected Officials, candidate forums, and voter registration initiatives.
Activities of the League
Since 1920, the League of Women Voters of Baltimore City has researched, debated and advocated for a variety of local social-political issues, such as transportation, housing, environmental concerns, campaign reform, urban renewal, city government, education, police relations, civil rights, and more. The League develops its advocacy positions through careful studies conducted at the city, state, or national level.
During elections, the League of Women Voters of Baltimore City produces Voters’ Guides, provides information about voting, assists in voter registration drives, and hosts forums and debates for candidates. In addition, the local city League has developed education programs and outreach activities to educate about the voting and elections process. The League also conducts research, produces studies and informational fact sheets, distributes brochures and pamphlets, hosts forums, sponsors speakers, and provides information to the public on local, state, and national issues. League members advocate at the city and state levels on issues of importance to Baltimore City, based on positions approved at one or more levels of the League of Women Voters.