Opinion: League of Women Voters plays crucial role in empowering democracy
Local LWV seeks to educate current voters, register new ones.
As mayor of Saratoga, it’s important for me to highlight the countless number of service organizations in our city and county that enhance our community’s well-being. These organizations, such as the League of Women Voters (LWV), are instrumental in supporting local schools, parks and cultural events, contributing significantly to Saratoga’s vibrant atmosphere. Their dedication strengthens the social and civic fabric of our city.
The LWV, founded in 1920, emerged from the suffragist movement’s triumph, dedicated to helping women exercise their hard-won voting rights. Aileen Kao, a proud Saratoga resident, currently serves as the LWV Southwest-Santa Clara Valley chapter president, deeply committed to civic engagement. Kao ran for city council in 2004 and served as mayor in 2007.
After retiring in 2016, Kao sought meaningful ways to give back to the community through nonprofit organizations. She had experienced the benefits of LWV firsthand during her time on the council and saw this as a perfect opportunity to reciprocate the support she had received. She says it’s an honor to support the organization that has championed women’s rights and continues to advocate for human and civic rights for all.
For Kao, LWV is not just for women; it’s for anyone who is civic-minded and wants to contribute to the community while safeguarding democracy. As she puts it, “Democracy is not a spectator sport; your vote is your voice—a belief she wholeheartedly stands by.
The ratification of the 19th Amendment on Aug. 18, 1920, marked a historic moment, granting women the right to vote after years of relentless advocacy. Today, the LWV remains at the forefront of protecting and expanding voting rights, working tirelessly to promote inclusivity and representation in our democracy. Operating locally, statewide and nationally, the league empowers voters and defends democracy through advocacy, education and legal action.
In Santa Clara County, the LWV sSouthwest-Santa Clara Valley is a pivotal force, serving Campbell, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno and Saratoga. The league’s efforts in voter services and public education are instrumental, be it organizing candidate forums, providing unbiased information on ballot measures, facilitating voter registration or supporting the informative platform Vote411.org.
Beyond elections, the league engages in diverse activities, including voter registration drives at local high schools, seminars on natural resources and climate change, a political book club, the Great Decisions series and a monthly Voter newsletter. These initiatives underscore the league’s dedication to nurturing civic engagement and dialogue within the community.
The League of Women Voters invites new members to join its ranks of passionate volunteers dedicated to promoting democracy and civic participation. To learn more about the LWV-Southwest-Santa Clara Valley and its events, visit https://my.lwv.org/california/southwest-santa-clara-valley. Your interest, trust and support are invaluable in their mission to empower democracy through service, and I encourage you all to get involved with this wonderful organization.