Voter Services

As mentioned earlier, Voter Services has been at the core of the League's mission since its founding one hundred years ago. The League of Women of Voters of Baltimore City is a non-partisan political action group. An essential component of the League's local activities is their Voters Services, "activities can support and further League goals and raise community awareness, understanding and participation in government and the political process."[7] The gathering and disbursement of information has been one of the key roles of the League, since 1920 and continues into the present. Within the archival collection, the League's work educating voters and providing outreach for voters, is evidenced through their voter registration work, participation in and coordination of candidate forums events, children's programs, and other events. The League also produces publications, namely their Voters Guides, to educate the public about candidates and their platforms, and how or where to vote during elections. From the Voters Guides which provide citizens with information about local and national elections to the League sponsored debates between candidates, the League has been behind the dispensation of information to allow informed citizenship throughout the city of Baltimore.

The objects featured below highlight the different forms of Voter Services outreach the League has provided over the years, from publications and voter registration to childcare. Of special interest is perhaps the signed and sealed document by Mayor Thomas D'Alesandro, Jr. designating the month of March 1958 "Registration Month" with accompanying photograph of League members, showcasing the League's continued commitment to Voter Registration and recognizing their efforts in Baltimore.

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[7] League of Women Voters Baltimore City Records, R0061-LWV, Box 15, Folder 27: LWV Handbook, pg 4, Special Collections & Archives, University of Baltimore

This photograph has little written context with it, but any observer can see the sign above the line of women accompanied by children. From the clothing, including the boy scouts uniform and accessories all suggest quintessential Americana. Supervisor of Elections Photograph, circa 1950s

Mayor D'Alesandro's proclamation of March as "Registration Month" with a detailed explanation of his reasoning. "Registration Month" Proclamation in Baltimore, 1958

Members of the League of Women Voters of Baltimore with Mayor Thomas D'Alesandro, Jr and the signed proclamation of "Registration Month" in 1958. Mayor D'Alesandro Commemorating Voter Registration Month, 1958

This is an example of the Voter's Guide for the presidential elections of 1960 published by the League of Women Voters of Baltimore City. It is the primary guide regarding the Republican and Democratic candidates. This guide is highlighted as it marks the election of the 35th President, John Fitzgerald Kennedy. Voter's Guide, 1960

This interior page taken from the aforementioned Presidential Elections Voter's Guide provides a breakdown of the Baltimore voting system and the candidates at the time, including then Senator John F. Kennedy. Explanations such as these were, and continue to be, available through the League via publications and events. Voter's Guide, 1960

Here is a prime example of a continuation of the League's commitment to community engagement and political action through voter registration. Hamilton Street Fair Voter Registration, 1994

This is one of the many community outings in the which the League has participated and provided opportunities for people to register to vote. Hamilton Street Fair Registration (II), 1994