Every day, the freedom to vote is under attack. Since the Supreme Court decision of Shelby County v. Holder that gutted the Voting Rights Act (VRA), at least twenty-nine states have passed ninety-four laws that make it harder to vote, with the burden falling hardest on Black voters and other voters of color.
Voting is a fundamental right, and all Americans deserve an equal opportunity to make their voices heard in our democracy. Increased accessibility to the electoral process ensures that every eligible voter can exercise their right to vote.
The League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County is unwavering in its commitment to advocating for voting rights. Year after year, we work tirelessly to inform and register disenfranchised voters. We firmly believe that empowering eligible voters to cast their ballot is the cornerstone of a strong democracy, and we are steadfast in our mission.
Nine voter services teams from LWVMC operate continuously in response to a specific identified community need. Six of these teams conduct voter registration events, where trained volunteers assist people in registering to vote. Three teams are not directly involved in voter registration but provide a valuable service to the community. These are the candidate forums team, the community training team, and the Vote411.org team.
In 2024, the League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County had 309 events, registered 2,388 voters, assisted in requesting 330 absentee ballots, and personally spoke to, educated, and distributed information to 11,406 people. Our volunteers filled 1060 individual volunteer slots for 3,413 volunteer hours.
These results are not just numbers but a testament to the impact we can make when we come together for a common cause. The League has been doing this work for over 50 years in the Milwaukee Community, and with your assistance, we can continue to empower voters and defend democracy.