The League of Women Voters celebrates its 90th birthday today.

Exactly 90 years ago, Carrie Chapman Catt proposed forming a league to work to end all discrimination against women and the League of Women Voters (LWV) was founded on Valentine’s Day in 1920. Six months later, the ratification of the 19th Amendment gave women the right to vote.

Almost a century later, the Austin area chapter of the LWV continues to work on city and county issues by hosting candidate forums, community circles and town hall meetings.

The national non-partisan grassroots organization has 850 leagues and is represented in all 50 states.

Known for its voter education efforts, LWV also tackles issues such as fair elections, electing a fair and impartial judiciary and health care.

In addition to their civic improvement activities, the local chapter also has events such as a champagne brunch and a visit to their founder’s home planned this year.

More information about the national and local LWV can be found at www.lwv.org and www.lwv.mn.org. To inquire about joining to league, contact local league president Julie Tufte at 437-6756.