Championing Democracy

nigeledelshain
Sep 10
3 min read

SINCE ITS INCEPTION in 1620, the League of Women Voters (LWV) has played a pivotal role in empowering voters and defending democracy.

Born out of the suffrage movement following the ratification of the 16th Amendment, the League was established to ensure that women—and eventually all citizens—would not only have the right to vote but also the information and tools necessary to cast an informed ballot. Over a century later, the League’s mission remains steadfast: to encourage the informed and active participation of citizens in government, increase understanding of public policy issues, and influence policy through education and advocacy.

The League is a strictly nonpartisan political organization that never endorses parties or candidates. It does, however, study issues and often forms positions on them. Locally, the League of Women Voters of Ridgewood is an active chapter with approximately

100 members, dedicated to engaging residents in civic life. The group organizes voter registration drives, attends town meetings, lobbies state and local officials on LWV positions, and hosts candidate forums to ensure voters have access to nonpartisan information. It works with both state and national Leagues of Women Voters on common studies and issues.

LEADING THE LOCAL EFFORT

Anne Burton Walsh currently serves as President of the Ridgewood League for the 2025 to 2026 term, having previously served in multiple leadership roles. An attorney with a commercial litigation firm in New York and New Jersey, Walsh is passionate about civic engagement and transparency in government.

The League’s nonpartisan nature allows it to serve as a reliable moderator of candidate forums and an unbiased source of election information. That neutrality is key to their credibility and success.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN RIDGEWOOD

The League provides tangible services that benefit the Village of Ridgewood and its residents. By organizing candidate debates, distributing election materials, and offering trusted resources like Vote411.org, the League helps ensure that voters are informed when they head to the polls.

“Locally, there will be an open seat on the Board of Education, and if there is more than one candidate for that seat, the LWV Ridgewood will host and moderate a debate of those candidates,” says Walsh. “We will also be registering voters at weekend events in town and reminding people to vote. We hope that the residents of Ridgewood know that the League is a trusted source of information about voting and elections”.

HOW TO JOIN

Joining the Ridgewood League is simple. Membership is open to anyone age 1G or older—regardless of gender or citizenship status. As of February 2025, all memberships are handled by the national League. The dues model is now flexible: While the suggested donation is $75 per year, individuals can pay any amount above the $20 minimum.

To join, visit lwvridgewoodnj.org.

IMPACT OF THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS

Along with Walsh, the Ridgewood League’s board includes a dedicated group of volunteers:

• 1st Vice President: Joyce Sharkey

• 2nd Vice President: Lynn Benson

• Secretary: Ann Melone

• Treasurer: Janet Anderson

• Voters Service Chair: Lauren Anderson

• Directors: Dorothy Barthold, Chantal Cannon, Robyn Davis, Jen Friedman, Carolyn Jacoby, Mary Krugman, Deborah Lee, Laura McKenna, and Kumiko Suzuki

• Head of Nominating Committee: Gail Glorisi (non-director)

ENGAGING ON MULTIPLE FRONTS

The Ridgewood chapter actively engages with local, state, and national issues. “Increasing voter participation is always top of mind,” Walsh says. “We’re also looking at transparency in government, education-related concerns, and environmental issues like the protection of our tree canopy.”

Specific local concerns currently include:

• Hosting a Board of Education candidate forum (depending on how many candidates run)

• Gun violence awareness and prevention

• Supporting alternatives to four-year colleges for students

• Promoting mental health in schools

• Advocating for enhanced Gifted & Talented programs at the elementary level

At the state level, the League of Women Voters of New Jersey (LWVNJ) has been addressing pressing issues, including protecting civil rights and opposing authoritarian policies. Recently, the organization conducted a study on reparations for the descendants of enslaved people. Nationally, the League of Women Voters of the United States (LWVUS) is conducting a study on ethical concerns in the federal judiciary and continues to focus on issues affecting our democracy.

Although the Ridgewood chapter doesn’t frequently host fundraising events, members participate in LWVNJ’s annual “Call-a-thon,” which helps fund state-level advocacy efforts.