Who We Are

The League of Women Voters^® is a nonpartisan organization that encourages informed and active participation of citizens in government; and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

The mission of the LWVLC is to promote political responsibility through informed and active participation of citizens in government. The LWVLC accomplishes this through educational programs, services to voters, and acting as a public watchdog of our government at work. The League also takes positions on selected government issues after much study and when consensus among its members exits. The LWVLC is nonpartisan, which means that we do not support or oppose any political party or candidate.

Locally, the LWVLC was reestablished in 1995 and was recognized by the League of Women Voters of the United States (LWVUS) in 1999. In our short history, we have sponsored numerous educational programs, ranging in topics from how the media impacts elections, to the open meeting laws of Pennsylvania, to how a person can run for local government office.

What We Do

Candidate Interviews and Debates

One of our most important roles in Lackawanna County is sponsoring interviews and hosting debates every election season. One-on-one candidate interviews are offered to each person running for public office. Debates are also offered to every candidate running for public office, including third party candidates. All interviews and debates are taped for broadcast on TV61, ensuring a wider viewing audience.

Campaign School: How to Run For Public Office

Offered every two years, the LWVLC in conjunction with surrounding county Leagues, hosts a half-day event to train prospective candidates for public office. This workshop provides information on all aspects of running for public office including paperwork, budgeting, public relations, and campaign management.

Voter registration

The LWVLC regularly partners with civic groups, educational institutions, and other organizations to host voter registration drives and absentee ballot requests.

Election Night Returns

The LWVLC hosts live election night returns on TV61. This event focuses on the races in Lackawanna County and provides citizens access to election results more quickly, coupled with election and race commentary throughout the evening.

Young Voter Event

Annually we sponsor a young voter event targeted at area colleges and universities. Young Voter events seek to educate young people about policy issues, registering more young voters, and creating excitement and energy around the electoral process.

Election Connection

This event, similar to the young voter event, engages young citizens in election issues and the electoral process. Typically a half-day event, Election Connection targets high school aged students to invest them early in the electoral process.

Women’s History Month Essay Contest

Every March, in celebration of Women’s History Month, the LWVLC partners with area K-12 schools to sponsor an essay contest. Students are asked to address the ways in which women have pioneered the future. The winning essayists are invited to a reception on The University of Scranton campus and the top three essays from each age group are read aloud for broadcast on TV61.

Lunch with the League

This program provides a forum for the LWVLC to spotlight national policy issues addressed by the League of Women Voters of the United States. The LWVUS engages in multi-year studies to research social, economic, and political issues before they create official positions. This event brings those positions to a local audience for conversation and citizen education.