The League of Women Voters : Featuring Diane Burrows

The League of Women Voters of the City of New York is a non-partisan organization whose purpose is to promote informed and active citizen participation in government. Our mission is to expand our outreach and increase all New Yorkers’ participation in local communities and government through civics education, the “vote”, and issue advocacy.

Founded in 1919, the League of Women Voters of the City of New York was an offshoot of the Women’s Suffrage movement. While the League's legislative priorities change to reflect the needs of society, our organization remains true to its basic purpose: to make democracy work for all citizens. Membership is open to all people who support our causes. The League is supported by membership dues and contributions from public-spirited individuals, businesses and organizations.

The League's enduring vitality comes from its unique decentralized structure; working at the national, state, and local levels.

In New York City, the League provides:

• Telephone Information Services: answering questions about voting in NYC, as well as city, state and national government. Phones are open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday and extended hours when polls are open.
• Timely information for New York City voters.
• Educational publications, including: What Makes New York City Run?, a citizen’s guide to New York City government, and They Represent You, an annually updated directory of city, state and federal legislators who represent New York residents.
• Candidate debates that inform and stimulate: The League and WABC, for example, were selected by the Campaign Finance Board to conduct the official televised candidate debates for the Mayoral, Comptroller and Public Advocate races during the municipal elections in 2001, 2005, 2009, and 2021.
• Speakers on the political process and public issues and moderators for candidate forums.
• Helpful tools to contact your elected officials, such as the website Who Represents Me, maintained in partnership with the CUNY Graduate Center.

Online League Resources:

• League of Women Voters of the City of New York FY2021 Impact Report (PDF)
• League of Women Voters of the City of New York Bylaws (PDF)
• New York State League of Women Voters Website
• New York State League of Women Voters Impact on Issues (PDF)
• New York State League of Women Voters Legislative Agenda (PDF)
• National League of Women Voters Website
• National League of Women Voters Impact on Issues