Our democracy has been tested, coming to a head in the 2024 elections, and will likely continue to be tested in the months and years ahead. As an organization dedicated to empowering voters and defending democracy, the League of Women Voters will continue our work to protect and expand voting rights and challenge those who seek to undermine democratic principles and processes.

"Women Defend Democracy” is the new programmatic focus for the League in 2025, centering people power and moving our country towards a stronger, multi-racial democracy. The League will work to:

Provide Democracy Education & Election Administration Support
Restore and Defend Voting Rights Protections
Abolish the Electoral College
Protect Democracy Organizations & Institutions
Fight for Reproductive Freedoms

Click here for more information Women Defend Democracy
Be a part of the campaign Join the Mailing List!

What is the League of Women Voters Program?

The hallmark of the LWV public policy process are positions created through our grassroots process of recommendation, study, and agreement to create our program, Empowering Voters, Defending Democracy, the basis of our education and advocacy to move our mission forward. Leagues at national, state, and local levels work to advance our policy positions through education and advocacy. We play a leadership role in our communities, legislatures, and courts to protect and advance voting rights and election reform at this critical time for our democracy. The League also advocates on “urgent issues” that impact people’s ability to participate equitably in our democracy, such as sex and gender equality, environmental and gun policies conducive to public health, and the ability to make reproductive choices. The League shall not support or oppose any political party or any candidate. We encourage informed and active participation in government, work to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influence public policy through education and advocacy. Read more on why the League is nonpartisan but political.
Donate to LWVNWMC

The League of Women Voters of Northwest Maricopa County

Our local northwest league was established in 1980. We serve the voters of Avondale, El Mirage, Litchfield Park, Morristown, Palo Verde, Peoria, Sun City, Sun City West, Surprise, Tonopah, Waddell, Wickenburg, Whitman, Youngtown. We are currently meeting monthly in person to discuss issues such as voter education, healthcare, water conservation, women's rights, climate change and public education. Contact Us for more information.

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

Join the League

Tea for Three: Lady Bird, Pat and Betty

Saturday, March 7, 1-4:15pm
The Colonnade in Surprise
Join LWVNWMC for a lovely afternoon of coffee, tea, treats made from member's favorites, copies of the First Ladies’ own recipes, a 50/50 raffle and a professionally produced video performance of an off-Broadway show

Tickets: $50 per person REGISTER HERE

What is it like for a woman when her husband becomes the President of the United States – and she is suddenly thrust into the spotlight? TEA FOR THREE explores the hopes, fears, quirks and loves of Lady Bird Johnson, Pat Nixon and Betty Ford in what Mrs. Nixon called “the hardest unpaid job in the world.” New York Times

Proceeds benefit: The League of Women Voters (LWV) is a nonpartisan, activist, grassroots all-volunteer, nonprofit dedicated to empowering voters to defend democracy. The monies raised at Tea for 3 will help our local league's mission to educate and empower voters in the West Valley through voter education & registration, our Youth Ambassador Program and One Person One Vote campaign.

If you cannot attend, please consider a donation to our important work. Donate to LWVNWMC

The 2026 Legislative Session

2026 Legislative Session Calendar

Monday 1/12 Session begins
Tuesday 2/2 Senate Bill Request Deadline (5:00 p.m.)
Friday 2/9 House Bill Request Deadline (5:00 p.m.)
Friday 2/20 Last day to hear Bills in chamber of origin

2/23 -2/27 Crossover Week

Friday 3/27 Last day to hear bills in other chamber
Friday 4/17 Last day for conference committees (By Senate and House Rule)
Tuesday 4/25 Expected date for legislation to adjourn

Sign up for a Legislative Action Team
The Advocacy Team is also planning member engagement efforts that will focus on building issue teams and providing a three-part training series to ensure that all participants are adequately prepared. If interested please contact lwvazadvocacy@gmail.com. More can be accomplished when more of us are involved!

LWV ARIZONA ADVOCACY PRIORITIES FOR 2026

The LWV AZ board approved the 2026 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. Read our 2023-2025 AZ Public Policy Positions. League members interested in working on state advocacy and legislative analysis please contact LWVAzAdvocacy@gmail.com.

ISSUE TEAMS IN ORDER OF BOARD APPROVED PRIORITY
Tier 1: Voter's Rights/Election Systems
Women's Rights and Equity

Immigration
Education

Tier2: Climate Change & Environment

Health Care

Gun Safety

Ranked Choice Voting

Criminal Justice Reform
One Person One Vote

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. 2025 RTS Introduction

Complete this Google Form 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

LWVAZ Legislative Lobby Day | February 25

All League members are invited to join us at the Arizona State Capitol for LWVAZ Legislative Lobby Day on Wednesday, February 25. The day begins with registration and a continental breakfast from 9:00–10:00 a.m., followed by a robust morning program featuring remarks from legislative leaders, including Senate President Warren Petersen, Senate Minority Leader Priya Sundareshan, Speaker of the House Steve Montenegro (pending confirmation), and House Minority Leader Oscar De Los Santos. Attorney General Kris Mayes has also been invited to speak. In addition, members of the Arizona Voting Rights Coalition will share an overview of the proposed Arizona Voters First Act legislation, offering important context for League advocacy this session.

A boxed lunch is provided, and in the afternoon members are encouraged to attend House or Senate committee hearings to observe the legislative process in action.

Advance registration is required. Registration closes February 17. REGISTER HERE

LUNCH AND LEARN SESSIONS | February 22–28, 2026

The Arizona Legislature is back in session—and so is the League’s premier advocacy event. Join us for the 2026 LWVAZ Annual Legislative Lobby Week, a week of learning, connection, and action designed to deepen your understanding of Arizona’s legislative process and strengthen the League’s impact at the Capitol. This year’s program combines in-person advocacy with a full slate of virtual Lunch & Learn sessions, making it easy to participate in meaningful civic engagement that fits your schedule.
REGISTER HERE for Legislative Week

Five times in American history, the will of the people was overridden, as the presidential candidate with the most votes did not win the presidency. This is because our system prioritizes the power of the Electoral College NOT the people.The Electoral College is an outdated relic initially created by enslavers to disempower voters — especially Black voters. Today, it puts the decision-making power in the hands of politically motivated Electoral College members rather than the American people.

It's no surprise that most American voters want to eliminate the Electoral College.We're creating the One Person One Vote campaign to demand that the people's voices be heard. Be part of the movement. You can learn more at lwv.org/onepersononevote

What is "One Person, One Vote?"

The Electoral College: What is it good for?

Reforming the Electoral Count Act

Learn About the National Popular Vote Compact

In America, we believe that voters should choose our leaders—and what happens next is up to us.

Our elections are strongest when we show up, speak out, and refuse to be intimidated. Every voter deserves a fair shot, an equal vote, and the confidence that their voice truly matters. We decide our future. We choose our leaders. And we make our voices heard at the ballot box. In addition to the SAVE Act, Congress has introduced two additional bills that propose slightly different—but equally harmful—versions of documentary proof of citizenship (DPOC) requirements for voter registration and voting.

The Make Elections Great Again (MEGA) Act
The SAVE America Act has passed the house and moved to senate.

Contact your Members of Congress and tell them to vote NO on the SAVE Act and the MEGA Act.

Contact your Senators to hold the line and vote NO on the MEGA and SAVE ACT.

We also strongly encourage you to read “All Versions of the SAVE Act Threaten Our Freedom to Vote,” an excellent analysis by the Campaign Legal Center that clearly outlines the dangers these proposals pose to all voters, regardless of political affiliation.

ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT DEMOCRACY?

Types of Democracy
Ambassador Corps: Get Involved. Lead. Make Change.

The League of Women Voters of Northwest Maricopa County (LWVNWMC) Ambassador Corps is all about giving young people (age 16-29) a real voice in shaping their communities and democracy. Think of it as a chance to build leadership skills, make connections, and actually create change. We'll work around your school and life.

What You’ll Do:

Speak up for issues that matter to you through League advocacy and campaigns
Host voter registration events with LWVNWMC support
Use social media to spread the word on voter education
Join trainings on civic engagement & leadership
Attend events that give you a behind-the-scenes look at democracy in action
Work with LWV boards & committees (Your voice at the table!)

What You’ll Get:

Real impact on issues you care about
Leadership + civic engagement skills
Community service hours (school-approved)
Certificates, awards & letters of recommendation
Internship opportunities + resume boosters
Networking & mentorship with community leaders
Membership in LWVNWMC

Complete the NWMC
Youth Ambassador Application TODAY!

We each have the power to increase voter turnout. Register to vote & help others register, too!
VOTE411.org/register Tenemos el poder de aumentar la participación electoral. ¡Regístrese para votar y ayude a otros a registrarse también! VOTE411.org/es/register

Vote411.org is a national nonpartisan one-stop shop for voting. You can:

Register to vote
Check your registration
See what's on your ballot
Find polling locations
Find voting rules in your state
Become a poll worker

First Time Voter Vote 411

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

For over 100 years, the League of Women Voters has been a nonpartisan, activist, grassroots, national organization that believes voters should play a critical role in democracy. Your gift will help support voter services and education, outreach at collaborative nonpartisan events, team meeting activities, membership meetings, newsletters and more. There are two kinds of donations that can be made.

LWVNWMC is a registered Arizona nonprofit corporation as a 501©(4) organization. Donations to this entity are used for advocacy and lobbying efforts to support our Public Policy Positions. General Fund donations (501c4) are NOT tax-deductible. Donations to the LWVNWMC General Fund can be made 3 ways:

On our NWMC Website with a credit card
Zelle to treasurer.lwv.nwmc@gmail.com (add Donation to General Fund in memo field)

The LWVNWMC Education Fund is a tax-deductible 501©(3) charitable organization. Funds contributed to the Education Fund are used for educational purposes only. You can make a tax-deductible donation to our 501c3 on the LWVAZ website at Donate to LWVNWMC EdFund online.