For 100 years, the League of Women Voters has been a nonpartisan activist group dedicated to the belief in the essential role voters play within democracy. They have made it their mission to make bipartisan information easily available to encourage a better understanding of government and public policy issues, and to foster informed participation when voting. Volunteers of League of Women Voters work year-round helping to register thousands of voters by hosting community registration drives in areas like high schools, community colleges, transit hubs, and naturalization ceremonies. They also offer a "one-stop-shop" for election related information at vote411.org that provides nonpartisan information to the public with both general and state-specific information on the following aspects of the election process.
Nonpartisan information regarding candidates in the current election are now available on League of Women Voters’ website. Their guide of questions and answers posed to candidates on important relevant issues is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Vietnamese. The LWV website also offers information on voter’s rights and other public policy issues including, health care reform, immigration, the census, and the environment. To get more information about League of Women Voters, volunteer opportunities, and information about current candidates before voting, please visit their website at lwvaustin.org.
Shock the Vote asked Moriah Powers, President of the League of Women Voters Austin Area, a series of Shocking questions and this is what she had to say:
What does your organization do?
Voter education, advocacy, and resources
Why do you love Austin?
I was born and raised in Central Texas. I have seen all of the changes it has gone through and feel like the culture here really represents who I am and is part of my identity.
Why do you vote?
I know that my vote has a major impact on state and local elections where the margin candidates win by is often much smaller. Also, I believe it's not a true democracy until we're all counted and saying who we want to represent us on making the laws and changes that impact our daily lives.
Who is your favorite Austin entertainment group?
Who is your favorite Austin business or restaurant?
Who is your favorite nonprofit organization in Austin?
Partnerships for Children, Central Texas Food Bank, Saint Louise House, Project Transitions, Women's Storybook Project
What is your favorite Halloween treat?
Reese's Ghosts
—Bailey Moore, Shock the Vote ATX Staff Writer