The League of Women Voters, Montgomery County, Virginia
The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. The League of Women Voters of Montgomery County organized in 1971. Since then, it has been actively involved in educating and registering voters and in studying issues of importance to Montgomery County, Virginia government.
Members represent a variety of political parties with personal viewpoints on the full spectrum of political beliefs, but all value the nonpartisan work of the League of Women Voters and its mission to educate voters and encourage their participation in the democratic system of governance. Join, Volunteer or Donate to support the League of Women Voters of Montgomery County, VA
History
Watch and listen to a history of this league as we celebrated 50 years of action in Montgomery County. Catch up on past newsletters, studies, and issues:
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion statement
- Education Equity Study by LWV of VA
- Campaign Finance Reform Study “Money in Politics”
Activities
- Organizing candidate forums for local and county elections
- Preparing a “voter guide” on candidates, always in a nonpartisan way
- Compiling its annual directory of public officials serving Montgomery County at the national, state, county, and local levels, with information on voting and registration (“Facts”); distributing the directory through government offices, libraries, businesses, and other public places
- Conducting a study on school funding in Montgomery County
- Sponsoring or co-sponsoring public education events, such as the forums on gerrymandering and voting rights and voter suppression
- Co-sponsoring, with the Lifelong Learning Institute at Virginia Tech, the community discussion group, Great Decisions
- Registering people to vote
- Publishing a newsletter, bulletin, with information on elections and issues of interest
The first study it undertook, in January 1974, compared Blacksburg's 1952 Charter with those of other Virginia municipalities and with the Model City Charter of the National Civic League. The study group recommended a new Charter for the Town of Blacksburg, and the membership voted consensus on this September 1974. The Town formed a Charter Commission that included two League members. This Commission presented its report and recommended a new Charter for the Town in November 1974. Blacksburg Town Council approved this new Charter that December.
Learn More
- Videos, Forums, and Panels hosted by the League of Women Voters of Montgomery County, VA
- Studies conducted by our local and national chapters
- Positions for Action
- Subscribe to Action Alerts from our local chapter or from the League of Women Voters of Virginia
Officers and Board of Directors
Board members serve 2 yr terms from June 1 to May 30. The current serving Board roster:
| TITLE | NAME | TERM ENDS |
| Interim President | Deborah Travis | when filled |
| Vice President | Deborah Travis | 2026 |
| Vice President: Voter Service | Cyndy Graham | 2026 |
| Secretary | Mirian Silverman | 2026 |
| Treasurer | Becky Chirhart | 2026 |
| Director: Membership | Necia Evans | 2025 |
| Director: Facts Co-Chair | Elaine Powers | 2025 |
| Director: Facts Co-Chair + Communications Assistant | Susan Terwilliger | 2025 |
| Director: Communications Coordinator | Carolyn Rude | 2025 |
| Director: Programs | Beth Obenshain | 2026 |
| Director: Legislative Action | open | |
| Director: Events | Lynn Brammer | 2025 |
| Director: DEI Representative | David Travis Jr. | 2025 |
| Director at Large | Elva Miller | 2025 |
To learn more about the duties of each Officer and Director, as well as the activities of this Chapter, see Board Roles and Responsibilities. Please contact us with any inquiries. See also a directory of Leagues within the United States.
