League of Women Voters of Washington Education Fund Programs
Our
Public Forums cover ballot initiatives, candidates and current public policy issues. In 2012, we partnered with KCTS-9 Public Television to bring 13 nonpartisan forums to Washington residents, including the only televised debate for the U.S. Senate race.
Our
Civic Education Grant program helps local Leagues throughout Washington bring forums and voter engagement programs to their communities.
Additionally, our many continuing civic education programs include:
- The League’s compelling civics book, The State We’re In: Washington - Your Guide to State, Local and Tribal Government is the only textbook that describes current and historic tribal governance and its interrelationships with state and local governments, includes current and historical events, and reflects the ethnic and geographic diversity of our state. Over 19,000 printed copies have been distributed across the state. Now the information and the Teachers Guide are available to everyone as a free online resource with a Spanish audio translation available.
- Civility in Democracy, which trains civic leaders and forum moderators to tone down angry rhetoric and lead meaningful discussions about complex public issues.
- Major studies, including our most recent study on Renewable Energy, covering a wide range of topics.
- Online Voter Resource Library, including “Simplified Ballot Issues,” “Debate Watching 101” and “How to Pick a Candidate”.
Recent Successes and Current Challenges
Vote411
Introduced in 2012, Vote411 is an online voters’ guide offering residents throughout the state the information they need in order to vote, from voter registration to deadlines to ballot drop off locations and hours to in-depth, objective information about candidates and ballot issues specific to each voter's location. Over 36,600 people used Vote411 during the 2012 Primary and General Elections.
The League of Women Voters of Washington is committed to providing this nonpartisan service for every single election in 2013 and for years to come. We need your support to make this possible. Your contribution not only ensures Vote411’s future, but will enable us to scale up our outreach and share this resource with every Washington voter.
Special Needs
In order to continue to provide trusted information to the broadest voter audience possible, we need to grow our existing communications infrastructure. Your support will help fund critical software upgrades and the latest outreach technologies, including social media, video and mobile platforms.
The League of Women Voters of Washington is committed to an inclusive approach to voter engagement, including outreach to communities often underrepresented in civic issues. As part of our goal to empower ALL Washingtonians, we need funds to conduct targeted voter registration and education and translate voter resource materials into accessible formats.