Administrative/Biographical History
Due to the lack of historical records on the early years of the Elgin League of Women Voters, it is only known that the group organized on May 28, 1929. Their purpose, however, is known and has remained the same throughout their history; to promote political responsibility through informed active participation of citizens in government and to take action on local governmental measures and policies in the public interest. The League does not support or oppose any political party or candidate. To accomplish these tasks, the Elgin League held public forums and debates and published literature to inform the public. Topics of concern ranged from Chinese culture to school board candidates' meetings. For example, in 1962 the organization worked for a convention to provide an improved constitution in Illinois as well as holding joint discussions with the American Association for University Women on the common market. In 1967 they had meetings on equal opportunity for education and employment nation-wide and worked against housing discrimination in Elgin. In any year, their greatest contribution to political knowledge is the publication and dissemination of voters information.
