Photo provided to the Times Observer Warren County League of Women Voters members recently met with League state staff. In the photo are, from left, Phyllis Wright, Sherry Albrecht, Susan Swab, Marila Norton, Pennsylvania League of Women Voter Executive Director Amy Widestrom, president of the Pa. League of Women Voters board Maria Delgado-Santana and Susan Stout. Missing from the photo is Mary Conarro.

Warren County’s chapter of the League of Women Voters is gearing up in a presidential election year.

That included a recent meeting with regional and state-wide League of Women Voters staff.

Phyllis Wright with the local League told the Times Observer that Amy Widestrom, executive director of the Pennsylvania League of Women Voters, “shared (the) league’s educational materials and idea for local leagues as they reach citizens on the importance of registering to vote” and actually voting as a way of “maintaining our democracy.”

The president of the state League of Women Voters board, Maria Delgado-Santa “emphasized reaching out to new members with equity, diversity and inclusive goals,” Wright said.

“Members agreed (that) educational programs that provide non-partisan resources for citizens to decide who to vote for is needed,” she explained. “Convenient methods to vote are important in getting more citizens to vote. It was agreed that getting trust back into the election process is a priority.”

The local League presented its 2022 electoral reform study and outlined other initiatives it has undertaken – Sunshine Week observances, a government directory, candidate forums, Warren County’s Pride event as well as a partnership with Fair Districts PA to advocate for changes in how voting districts are drawn.

“Teams hold voter registration in public places and high schools, plus annual and membership meetings with educational programs,” Wright said. “An Observer Core has been established where members attend commissioners and other government meetings to hear business and report to members.”