Having a League of Women Voters in any community is a gift to democracy. While the League is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization working to protect and expand voting rights and ensure everyone is represented, it also highlights areas of state and local interest.

Last month, our Warren County organization marked a milestone of serving residents and voters for 60 years. A celebration was held on that evening at the Conewango Club. “Scrapbooks of the six decades were on display and a cake was prepared by the Culinary Department of the Warren (County) Career Center,” said Phyllis Wright with the League event.

Currently, the county chapter is taking a closer look at a county Election Reform Study. Part of the research includes compiling data and analyzing trends — arriving at “consensus statements” — on several issues including voter registration, early and mail-in voting, drop boxes, voter ID and post-election audits.

One of the major issues of the national organization, which hits home, deals with redistricting, or community districting. By determining which neighborhoods are included in each mapped boundary, redistricting impacts how our communities are represented in the U.S. and local government and determines how resources are distributed.

Most of these issues, for the most part, are complicated to many — even those who vote on a regular basis. Local League of Women Voters groups, such as the one here at home, empower voters and defend democracy. That’s something worth celebrating.