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

How Should Northwest Arkansas Spend Its Transportation Dollars?
Wednesday, October 15, 11:30-1:00, Fayetteville Public Library
Brown bag lunches are welcome.
Speakers are Dr. Steve Luoni from the University of Arkansas Community Design Center, Jeff Hawkins, Executive Director of the Regional Planning Commission, and Mike Malone, Executive Director of the Northwest Arkansas Council.They bring differing perspectives to this topic. Dr. Luoni recently completed a comprehensive study on the feasibility of light rail in the region, while Mr. Malone successfully lobbied for state legislation that will enable the region to form a Regional Mobility Authority, which allows regions to enact a tax to fund desired transportation projects. The Northwest Arkansas Council has been especially supportive of a western bypass. The Regional Planning Commission completed a transportation master plan two years ago after soliciting public input throughout the region. Come hear how they would spend dollars for transportation projects and why.

Nov. 4 Ballot Issues
Thursday, October 16, 11:30AM
Clarion Inn, Fayetteville
LWV President Mary Alice Serafini will describe the ballot issues to be voted on in the Nov. 4 election. The public is invited to this meeting of Altrusa. The charge for the optional buffet lunch is $11.00.

Meet the Candidates!
League of Women Voters of Washington County Candidate Forums
The LWVWC conducted a series of candidate forums for local races. These include Washington County Judge, Washington County Justice of the Peace Districts 1 and 5, Arkansas State Representative District 89, Fayetteville City Council, and Mayor of the City of Fayetteville. Using the links below, you may access the detailed schedule, the TV rebroadcast schedule, online videos, and newspaper accounts of the forums.

Detailed schedule
Government Channel 16 schedule
Online videos
Newspaper accounts:
County Judge: NWA Times
Washington County District 1 JP: NWA Times
Ark. State Representative District 89: NWA Times
Fayetteville City Council: NWA Times -- NWA Times -- NWA Times -- Morning News

Mayor of Fayetteville: NWA Times -- Morning News

Study Materials
LWVAR Providing State Tax Incentives for Land Conservation Study materials are here for consensus meeting on Nov. 19. NEW!
LWVAR Fayetteville Shale Play Study materials are here.
National Immigration Study materials are here.

League Meetings on Television
Check Community Access TV schedule (Channel 18) to view latest taped League program.

Coming Elections

Reminder! Fayetteville School Board election runoff is October 7. Early voting begins September 30. Zone and polling place information is found at the Washington Co. Election Commmission.

General election is November 4. Learn about early voting and polling places here, and find sample ballots here. Voter registration deadline is Oct. 6.

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

Register to Vote!

News

9/2008 LWVWC to Receive Golden Paddle Award

The Washington County League of Women Voters was selected as one of six 2008 Golden Paddle Award recipients by the Illinois River Watershed Partnership (IRWP). The League was selected for its excellent focus and coverage of water issues in 2008. The IRWP will present the award to the League at a special reception with guest speaker, Morril Harriman, on Monday, October 20, at James at the Mill.

5/2008 Sebold Receives McNeil Bequest

Karen Sebold, a University of Arkansas political science graduate student, received the $1,000 Elaine McNeil bequest from the League of Women Voters of Washington County. Outgoing League President Joyce Hale presented the award at the League's Annual Meeting on May 16. The funds will support Sebold's research into the 1992 Clinton presidential campaign using the late Diane Blair's research papers. McNeil was a longtime professor of sociology at the University and an active member of the League. Sebold's focus in this project is on how women operate on campaign staffs. She spoke about a survey conducted by Professor Blair on that subject.
 
 

5/2008 Citizens' Guide Published

The League of Women Voters of Arkansas and the League of Women Voters of Washington County announced the publication of the 2008 Arkansas Citizens' Information Guide in English and Spanish. The guides are being distributed all over Washington County and throughout the State of Arkansas.