On January 20, Inauguration Day, the next president and vice president of the United States will be sworn into office in front of the US Capitol Building. As part of the peaceful transfer of power, the two men will recite their Oaths of Office, swearing to protect and defend the US Constitution and to faithfully enact their duties. 

As we anticipate unprecedented challenges to our democracy, there could be no better time to pledge our own oath to protect and preserve democracy. For each organization and individual, that oath will look different. At the National League, here’s ours. 

THE LEAGUE’S OATH TO DEMOCRACY 

“We do solemnly swear that we will empower voters and defend our democracy;” 

For over a century, the heart and soul of our work has been centering voters' voices in democracy. We’ve participated in many of our nation’s most pivotal voting rights battles, from women’s suffrage to the Equal Rights Amendment to the passage of the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA)and the Help America Vote Act (HAVA). As democracy turns another corner, we are launching our new campaign: Women Defend Democracy. 

“That we will faithfully execute our civic responsibility as nonpartisan advocates;" 

LWV is proudly a nonpartisan organization. And we’re focused on issues that matter to communities. We believe in a strong democracy by and for all people. We stand for the rights and representation of all voters, no matter their political party —  not to mention their race, gender, primary language, and more. 

We are working to build a strong, multiracial democracy where women — and those who don't conform to a gender binary — stand empowered with our allies to participate in civic life that benefits us all. Above all, we are steadfast in our commitment to empowering voters — never supporting or opposing political parties.  

“We do this fearlessly, reflectively, and collectively. We act from a place of hope and collective power.” 

These times require that we remain thoughtful and earnest rather than reactionary and divisive. We reject any emotion or ploy that seeks to overwhelm us or turn us against our neighbor. We approach our work with dignity and curiosity, seeking to see the greatest good in every living being. We focus on solutions rather than problems.  

 “We affirm that we will work to provide democracy education and election administration support, restore and defend voting rights protections, abolish the Electoral College, protect democracy organizations, and fight for reproductive freedoms. We will not be deterred from these tasks.  

We strive to protect bodily autonomy and defend communities that are targeted based on parts of their identities, such as gender, race, political party, ability, and financial status. 

As LWV continues to grow, we mark the journey into our second century with a determination to transform into an organization with a membership that reflects the beautiful diversity of our country. While our work is far from done, our expansion, partnered with our century of tried and true experience, positions us as powerful defenders of democracy. 

That’s one reason we’re launching Women Defend Democracy. We developed this campaign in the weeks following the 2024 Election to meet this critical moment in US history. Through this campaign, we will: 

• Provide democracy education and election administration support; 
• Restore and defend voting rights protections; 
• Abolish the Electoral College; 
• Protect democracy organizations and institutions; and 
• Fight for reproductive freedom. 

“So join us to protect life, liberty, freedom, and justice.” 

Our work is for and with the people. Every League member is you. Whether we’re volunteering to register young voters at a local high school, opposing unfair redistricting practices that will disempower our neighbors, helping our friends and family get informed by setting up state and local candidate debates, or sending our resources to democracy rights groups, we’re fighting in the ways we choose, and we can all participate in civic life. 

That’s the League’s Oath. Yours might look similar. Maybe it includes looking up your local League so you too can empower voters and defend democracy. Maybe it means finding your own personal form of activism. Either way, I encourage you to affirm your oath today. 

Our pledges keep us committed to each other, to our democracy, and to our future. We’ll see you on the other side. 

In solidarity.