Over the past year, we've seen countless challenges to our democracy in the forms of mis- and disinformation, gerrymandering, and voter suppression. Women Power Democracy is four-pronged approach to building trust in our elections, growing our electorate, creating fair voter access, and ensuring community districting reflects our population.

Its components are:

Democracy Truth Project
Expand the Franchise
Democracy Defense Fund
People Powered Fair Maps

Click here for more information Women Power Democracy

The League of Women Voters Northwest Maricopa County

Our local northwest league was established in 1980. We serve voters in Buckeye, El Mirage, Glendale, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Peoria, Sun City, Sun City West, Surprise, Waddell, Wickenburg and Youngtown. We are currently meeting monthly via Zoom to discuss issues such as voter education, healthcare, water conservation and public education. Contact Us for more information.

Please click the photo to the right to view a history of the work the NWMC has accomplished since 1980.

To see more of our engaging events, select Photo Albums

Join the League

LWV NWMC History - PowerPoint Birthday Celebration

What is League of Women Voters Program?

Program planning is the grassroots process of recommending and selecting governmental issues for study and agreement in reaching a public policy position. League program is the education and advocacy platform that we adopt to move our mission forward. The overarching program focus is the Campaign for Making Democracy Work^®.with an emphasis on Voting Rights and Election Reform as well as identifying LWVUS positions to be used in education and lobbying. This is a hallmark of the League of Women Voters grassroots’ role in study and action.

Making Democracy Work incorporates four areas: Voting Rights, Improving Elections, Money in Politics, and Redistricting. Leagues at national, state and local levels continue to work to protect and advance voting rights and election reform at this critical time for our democracy, as well as fight efforts in Washington, D.C. and state legislatures to suppress voting. League litigation in Arizona in 2022 was successful when a judge banned ballot box observers from taking photos of voters within 75 feet of a ballot box or openly carrying guns within 250 feet of the boxes assuring the right to vote safely with freedom of expression.

The League of Women Voters continues to play a leadership role in their communities, legislatures, and courts in all aspects of Making Democracy Work^®.At the local, state, and federal levels, our work on voter advocacy is at the heart of the League’s mission.

LEFT: Photos from our LWVAZ 2023 State Convention

Because democracy is not a spectator sport

The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

ARIZONA AND CITIZEN BALLOT INITIATIVES/REFERENDUMS

In Arizona, it is already tough enough to qualify a measure for the ballot for voters to express their wishes due to recent laws and efforts that make it even more difficult. Two such laws passed in 2022 in Arizona, one requires 60% or more voter approval to raise taxes, and the other limits initiative petitions to a single subject.

What is a Citizen Ballot Initiative, often referred to as a proposition on the ballot? It is the most basic way for citizens to bring issues before the public for a vote. An initiative is the method by which voters may propose new laws or amend existing laws by gathering signatures from registered voters to place the issue on the ballot. To gain official ballot status, a certain amount of petition signatures must be gathered. If the person or organization submits enough valid signatures, the proposed statute or constitutional amendment will be placed on the next general election ballot: a “yes” vote enacts the new law or amendment, whereas a “no” vote retains existing law.

In contrast, a referendum is the method by which voters may veto a law (or part of a law) by gathering signatures from registered voters to place the issue on the ballot. If the person or organization submits enough valid signatures, the bill will be placed on the next general election ballot: a “yes” vote allows the law to go into effect, whereas a “no” vote essentially constitutes a citizen veto and prevents the bill from going into effect. See the necessary components for circulating petitions on the Arizona Initiative and Referendum Guide, Az Secretary of State website.

We Need You

There are many ways you can get involved with the Northwest Maricopa County League of Women Voters. You can attend member meetings, join a committee or just help with an event or project. See how you can use your strengths in our local league.

Volunteer Opportunities

Our Committees

Donate to NWMC LWV

The League of Women Voters of Arizona Education Fund conducts voter service and citizen education activities. You can designate your donation to go to our NWMC Education fund. Our mission is to:

Increase participation in the democratic process
Promote the informed and active participation of citizens in government
Study key community issues at all government levels in an unbiased manner
Enable people to seek positive solutions to public policy issues through education
Register voters and provide voters with election information through publications, voter guides, and candidate forums

Advocacy & Issues

Events

Voter Info