Nonpartisan and political: we advocate on issues, never for candidates or parties.

Since 1968

More than five decades of civic learning and local action.

From the first “Know Your County” study to today’s voter services and public forums, our local League has helped residents understand their community and participate in its future.

1968Founded in Ashtabula County

Our beginning

Five charter members created a lasting civic institution.

The local League began with a commitment to study the county carefully before acting. Its first completed study—“Know Your County”—established a pattern that continues today: understand how institutions work, make information public, and help people participate.

Local milestones

A history of study, service, and public education.

1968

A local League begins

On October 21, Gail Graham and Esther Buchan Blevins met in Jefferson and agreed to organize a League in Ashtabula County. The five charter members were Gail Graham, Matilda Obernyer, Julia Waters, Judith Weir, and Esther Blevins.

1972

Full recognition and the first Candidates’ Night

After three years as a provisional League, LWV Ashtabula County received full recognition in January under local president Jane Ailey. That October, the League held its first county Candidates’ Night at Kent State with the AAUW and Chamber of Commerce.

1974

Turning study into a public resource

The League published a Directory of Health Services for Ashtabula County Residents after a two-year local study.

Early years

Studying the questions shaping public life

Members studied water pollution, the Electoral College, local housing, the Ohio Constitution, public-education finance, welfare reform, U.S. policy toward China, and representation for the District of Columbia.

Local action

Juvenile justice and community needs

League records describe an early juvenile-justice study as instrumental in the development of the county’s juvenile facility—an example of the League’s study-to-action tradition.

1990

Supporting children and families

LWV Ashtabula County received a $7,500 grant from the LWVUS Education Fund to begin an after-school childcare project with Ashtabula Area City Schools.

Today

Civic education, trusted information, and connection

The League continues voter registration, candidate information, public forums, community partnerships, issue education, and efforts to make civic participation more understandable and accessible.

Part of a larger movement

The national League was founded in 1920.

Formed by leaders of the women’s suffrage movement shortly before ratification of the 19th Amendment, the League grew into a nationwide, nonpartisan grassroots organization advancing voter education, voting rights, and representative democracy.

Explore national League history

Continue the story

Help shape the League’s next chapter in Ashtabula County.

Meet today’s League