The League of Women Voters was founded in 1920 by women such as Emma Smith DeVoe and Carrie Chapman Catt, who had previously founded organizations to fight for women’s rights.
The 19th amendment to U.S. constitution was expected to be ratified and was, in fact, six months later. League founders knew that women who gain the right to vote would need assistance educating themselves about the voting process.
Thus, the League was founded to educate voters, encourage citizens to exercise their right to vote, and to fight for voting rights.
The League of Women Voters of Estes Park was formed by just four women in 1984, separating from the League of Women Voters of Larimer County, to focus on local issues in the Estes Valley. With only fifteen members the first year, they quickly weighed in on land-use issues in the valley and the Comprehensive Plan. In 1988, members reached consensus to support formation of a library district and worked hard for adoption of the ballot, which was approved by voters in November 1988.
Since then, LWVEP has helped educate voters on hundreds of issues and advocated for polices of special import for the Estes Valley. Upon celebration of the 100th anniversary of the national League, LWVEP has a membership or more than 100, embracing all genders and political parties.