SEATTLE, WA – The League of Women Voters of Washington and its local Leagues played a pivotal role in the successful adoption of two resolutions at the national League of Women Voters convention.

Reproductive Rights

LWVWA co-sponsored a resolution with the LWV of Missouri reinforcing the importance of protecting reproductive rights. The resolution is part of a broader strategy LWVWA is leading that recognizes that restrictions on reproductive rights are not just a threat to women’s access to health care; they are a threat to our democracy.

Since the Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization restricted access to abortion, women have become second-class citizens, not allowed to make decisions about their own reproductive and health choices, often to the peril of their lives. The resolution, which passed by an overwhelming majority, read:

Be it resolved that the League of Women Voters reaffirms its commitment to fight for reproductive rights and justice, including bodily autonomy, privacy, reproductive health, and access to contraception and abortion, and against disinformation on this issue.

“With the overturning of Roe v. Wade and the abortion bans implemented in many states, women are now legally second-class citizens in this country,” said Mary Coltrane, president of the League of Women Voters of Washington. “This resolution affirms the League’s commitment to fighting for a democracy that treats all of its people equally.”

Immigration

The League of Women Voters of the San Juans co-sponsored a resolution on immigration with leagues in California, Texas, New Mexico, and New Jersey. The resolution recalled the urgent need for reform in the immigration system, while recognizing that it has become one of the major issues under debate in the 2024 election.

The resolution reads:

Be it resolved that LWVUS reaffirms its long-standing position calling for fair and humane immigration reform, including safe, orderly, and legal pathways to admission to the United States that promote reunification of immediate families; meet the economic, business, employment, and educational/training needs of the United States; and are responsive to those facing human rights abuses or humanitarian crises; and

that LWVUS reaffirm the 2008 position calling for due process for all persons, including the right to a fair and timely hearing, right to counsel, right of appeal, and right to humane treatment.

This resolution also passed with a large majority of the votes.

“The League of Women Voters stands firm: fair and humane immigration reform is essential. We advocate for safe, legal pathways, and due process for all,” said LWVWA President Mary Coltrane.

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The League of Women Voters of Washington is a nonpartisan, grassroots civic organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. With over 100 years of experience, the League is one of America’s oldest and most trusted civic nonprofit organizations.