February 14, 2020 was the 100th birthday of the League of Women Voters (LWV). LWV Needham participated with Leagues across the country in the Women Power the Vote Nationwide Day of Action. In collaboration with the town, we developed a Valentine’s Day themed bookmark that explains how to enroll in the AlertNeedham program. On the reverse side is voter information for the March 3 Presidential Primary, including polling locations (some are new!) and Early Voting hours.

1,000 bookmarks were delivered to restaurants, as well the Needham Public Library and Center at the Heights, to distribute to patrons on Valentine’s Day. Thanks to Bertucci’s, Hearth, Cook, Cappella, Sweet Tomatoes, Gari, and Latina Kitchen and Bar for participating in this important program.

LWV-Needham also participated in the LWV-Massachusetts Day of Action on February 8, where we were joined by Senator Becca Rausch (below).

The League was officially founded in Chicago on February 14, 1920, just six months before the 19th amendment was ratified and women won the vote. Formed by the suffragists of the National American Woman Suffrage Association, the League began as a “mighty political experiment” designed to help 20 million women carry out their new responsibilities as voters.

Over the last century, the League has fought for election protection, democratic reforms, equal access to the ballot, protecting the environment, human rights, women’s rights and equal rights—all while maintaining our commitment to nonpartisanship and fostering an informed electorate.