Welcome!

The League of Women Voters is a multi-issue organization, whose mission is to encourage the informed and active participation of citizens in the government and to influence public policy through education and advocacy. View a presentation on the League's history.

The Washington County League provides non-partisan political information, a guide to elected officials, candidate forums, programs on current issues, a citizens' information guide, and other resources to help citizens participate in the political process.

Upcoming Events

Washington County Issues
The League will present its monthly member meeting Wednesday, February 17, 6:30-8:30PM, at the Washington Regional Education Center at Pat Walker Center for Seniors, 12 E. Appleby Rd., Fayetteville. The public is invited to hear Marilyn Edwards, Washington County Judge, speak on issues affecting Washington County. Ms. Edwards, the first female judge for Washington County, will speak for a short time and then take questions from the audience. Take advantage of this excellent opportunity to become familiar with looming concerns facing the County.
Related articles (nwaonline.com--subscription required): profile (12/06/2009) and foreclosures (1/14/2010).

Film Iron Jawed Angels to Kick Off Women's History Month
On Saturday, February 27, 2010, Fayetteville Business and Professional Women once again are sponsoring free movie viewings of Iron Jawed Angels at the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History, 118 W. Johnson Avenue, Springdale, at 11:00AM and 4:00PM. For more information, contact Becky Morehouse at 479- 601-1443 or faybpw@hotmail.com.

Transportation Forum
The League of Women Voters of Washington County will co-sponsor a Transportation Forum with the City of Fayetteville. The Forum will be held in the Fayetteville Public Library Walker Room on February 28th from 2:00 - 4:30 pm. For more information, see the Jan./Feb. 2010 Voter.

Study Materials
Health care reform resources for Jan./Feb. 2010 meetings are here. NEW!
LWVAR Transition from Foster Care to Adulthood Study materials are here
for a consensus meeting on Dec. 16, 2009.
LWVAR Providing State Tax Incentives for Land Conservation Study materials are here for consensus meeting.
LWVAR Fayetteville Shale Play Study materials are here.
National Immigration Study materials are here.

League Meetings on Television
The League's February program, Foster Care in Washington County (called Foster Care in Arkansas on CAT), can be viewed on Community Access Television (CAT) and on the Internet at the following times: March 17 at 1:30AM, March 18 at 9:00PM, March 19 at 12:30AM, and March 20 at 9:30PM. Fayetteville residents can view the programs on Cox Channel 18, and anyone can view them on CAT's streaming video at those times. You can always check CAT's schedule here.
NOTE: If you are viewing the streaming video, you can go to a full-screen view by right clicking and selecting Zoom. Return to original display by right clicking and selecting Exit Full Screen.

Coming Elections

 
For dates, voter information, and precinct maps
for upcoming elections, click here.

Register to Vote!

News

11/2009 LWVWC Presents Carson DVD to Public Library

J.P. Peters of the League of Women Voters of Washington County presents Fayetteville Public Library Director Shawna Thorup with the DVD, "A Sense of Wonder," the story of Rachel Carson, whose 1962 book, Silent Spring, helped launch the environmental movement. Filmed at Ms. Carson's cabin in Maine, the documentary focuses on the last year of her life. As she struggles with cancer and with the critical attacks from the chemical industry, the government, and the press, she uses her remaining energy to spread her message to the American people and to Congress. Supplemental materials include discussion of Carson's legacy by leading environmentalists, a visit with former Interior Secretary, Stewart Udall, and interviews with Carson's adopted son, Roger, and with actress/producer, Kaiulani Lee.

4/2009 Genie Donovan and Wanda Stephens in LWVAR Hall of Fame

Genie Donovan and Wanda Stephens were inducted into the League of Women Voters of Arkansas Hall of Fame on Saturday, April 25, at the LWVAR Convention in Fayetteville. Both have served as president of the League of Women Voters of Washington County, and both have made numerous other contributions to the local League and to the community. Donovan currently serves on the LWVWC Board as Voter editor.

3/2009 Women's History Banquet Awards

Five women from the community were honored at the 11th annual Washington County Women's History Month Banquet at the Clarion Inn, Monday, March 23. Honorees include League President and longtime mental-health advocate Elizabeth "Libby" Wheeler and and Bettie Lu Lancaster, League Voter Services Chair and League Board member, whose many other contributions to the community include starting a library for women in the county jail. Also honored were Patsy Brewer, Edith Hawkins, and Gail Segers.

3/2009 Conservation Tax Credit Bill Signed

After LWVAR studied the use of tax incentives for land preservation, hosted a conservation easement forum, and advocated passage of HB1577, a new water protection program became law without a single vote of opposition. Landowners may now receive state tax credits for conservation easements protecting their riparian zones and wetlands. Governer Beebe signs the bill which now becomes Act 351. Bill sponsors, League members, state agency personnel, and conservation organizations were in attendance at the Capitol for the signing ceremony on March 16, 2009.