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.

Join the League

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.

NWMC LWV NEW MEMBER COFFEES

Join us for an in-person coffee gathering. League members forward to sharing their league journey with our newest members as we work to strengthen Arizona and our democracy! You will have an opportunity to see the ways you can share your talents and ask any questions you may have. We’re so glad you joined our League, and we look forward to getting to know you better!

Pick a date and register on our website.

Saturday, January 28, 2023

Saturday, February 4, 2023

The 2023 Legislative Session

2023 Legislative Session Calendar

JANUARY 2023

Monday 1/09 Session begins
Thursday 1/12 House 7-bill Introduction Limit Begins at (5:00 p.m.)
Tuesday 1/17 Senate Bill Request Deadline (5:00 p.m.)
Monday 1/23 Senate Bill Intro Set Preparation Deadline (5:00 p.m.)
Monday 1/30 Senate Bill Introduction Deadline (5:00 p.m.)

FEBRUARY 2023

Friday 2/3 House Bill Request Deadline (5:00 p.m.)
Monday 2/6 House Bill Introduction Deadline (5:00 p.m.)
Friday 2/17 Last day to Hear bills in Committee in Chamber of Origin

MARCH 2023

Friday 3/24 Last day to hear bills in committee in other chamber

APRIL 2023

Friday 4/14 Last day for conference committees (By Senate and House Rule)
Tuesday 4/18 100th Day of Session

LWV ARIZONA LEGISATIVE WEEK - FEBRUARY 6-10

LWVAZ LOBBY DAY AT THE CAPITOL - FEBRUARY 9

LWV ARIZONA ADVOCACY PRIORITIES FOR 2023

The LWV AZ board approved the 2023 advocacy priorities, which will guide the issue teams in their legislative analysis work and other advocacy efforts. The recommendation to the board was based on a survey of our members about the issues that matter most to you.

ISSUE TEAMS IN ORDER OF BOARD APPROVED PRIORITY
Voter's Rights/Election Systems
Women's Rights
Climate Change (Including water and air)
Education
Gun Safety
Ranked Choice Voting
Criminal Justice

Arizona's Unique Request to Speak (RTS) System

How can you influence legislative outcomes? The Request to Speak (RTS) is a real-time system that allows the public to register an opinion on bills being heard in committee & to request to speak on a bill (testify) during the hearing. You can

Indicate whether you are “for” or “against” the bill
Write a brief comment explaining your positions
Register your willingness to speak (testify)

We encourage you to use this powerful tool to make your voice heard at the legislature.

RTS is integrated into the Bill Status Inquiry (BSI) functionality of the AZ Legislature website. If you want to follow bills through the legislative process, this is the place to go.

Write to us at lwvazadvocacy@gmail.com if you need an RTS account. Log into Request to Speak
For more detailed information on Request to Speak (RTS) please go to our Current Issues page

CIVILTY CHECKLIST

How to engage in respectful, honest, and civil dialogue about public issues

Take the high road. Respond to the topic, not the person. Refrain from demonizing others for their opinions. Assume those you disagree with are, like you, genuinely interested in improving the community.
Be respectful. Bullying, public humiliation, insults, name-calling, harassment and threats directed at another person, or that person’s race, gender, religion, ethnicity, etc., have no place in civil discussions. Find ways to respectfully disagree without questioning someone’s character or motives.
Be truthful. Base your opinions/arguments on facts. Value honesty. Make only accurate statements when making your point and avoid exaggeration and stereotypes. When appropriate, cite your sources of information that others may question.
Don’t misrepresent. Always identify your opinions as opinions (not stating opinions as facts).Never misrepresent the views of others or falsely claim your opinions represent someone else. If quoting the opinions of others, identify and credit the source.
Listen and learn. It’s both polite and respectful to listen to those we disagree with (as well as those we support) and be genuine in our attempts to understand their point of view.Expand your mind by thoughtfully by seeking out views that don’t agree with your own.
Look for common ground. When disagreeing with others, look for even small areas of agreement. This can be the gateway to working together for the greater good.
Respect privacy. Keep private things private, whether it involves your own information or those with whom you disagree. Revealing personal information about someone else is rude, unethical, potential harmful, and, in many cases, illegal.
Set a good example. Practice civil b4ehavior online as well as in public, and in your interaction with others. Encourage others to practice these civil behaviors. It’s okay to challenge disrespectful behavior, but be courteous, respectful and helpful in your approach.

Reprinted from the Independent News Media newspaper, November 2022

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