Educating and advocating for the citizens of Mississippi!
League of Women Voters of Mississippi (LWVMS) is a nonpartisan organization which encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government and influences policy through education and advocacy of important issues that affect all residents of the state. Educational services involve the presentation of information about elections and the voting process. Although it does not support or oppose any candidate or party, the LWV does provide a forum where all candidates may state their positions on the issues through VOTE411.org.
LWVMS Board of Directors and State Leaders
- Co-President – Ruth O’Dell
- Co-President – Peg Ciraldo
- Secretary – Kay Brodbeck
- Treasurer – Martha Phillips
- Membership/DEI Vice President – Ruby Kelly
- Vice President for Voter Services – Raylawni Branch
- Director/Web Services – Jan Watson
- Director-at-Large- Kathy Sykes
- Director/Communications – Debbie Pantenburg
- Director/Legislative Liaison: – Amir Badat
- Nominations – Maxine Blackwell
Local League Presidents
- LWV of Mississippi Gulf Coast – Melissa Shoemaker
- LWV of the Jackson Area, Inc. – Margarett Barnes
- LWV of the Pinebelt, Inc. – Margaret (Peg) Ciraldo
- LWV of Oxford/North Mississippi – Joanne Irene Gabrynowicz, co-president
- LWV of Oxford/North Mississippi – Cynthia Parham, co-president
- LWV of East Central Mississippi – Andrea Germany
- LWV of Golden Triangle – Mary Dozier
League of Women Voters of Mississippi "Power the South" retreat 2022 with Mississippi co-president, Peg Ciraldo and LWV-US President Dr. Deborah Turner
Everyone is Welcome
Join this active advocacy group doing great work at the grassroots level in Mississippi. You are welcome here.
Who Are the Members?
Mississippi League of Women Voters is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization and aligned with the national League of Women Voters. We are part of the most respected and effective grassroots organization in the country, and we welcome women and men of all ages. Our members make a visible difference by serving as community leaders using their experience to create positive, lasting change right here in our state.
Why Should I Join?
Through participation in League projects, you will:
-contribute valuable service to the community.
-gain knowledge and experience through the study and discussion of timely and important topics.
-discover new interests, develop new skills and learn about crucial issues in your community.
-make professional contacts and develop lasting friendships as you meet others in the League who share your interests.
How Much Time Does It Take?
It’s up to you! Many members choose to support the League only with their annual dues. Your membership alone gives us the political influence needed to build a voice for citizens and a force for change. We cover a broad spectrum of issues and concerns; you may choose to become involved in one or more of them by actively participating in a group study, or listening to a panel of experts at a meeting or just reading about them in one of our publications.
What Do I Get?
You automatically become a member of LWV Mississippi and LWV of the United States. You will receive their communications. You will have the knowledge that you are adding your voice to a powerful force of members from all 50 states, Washington DC, the Virgin Islands, and Hong Kong.
How Do I Join?
It’s easy! Choose a local League below for more information and follow the links to join.
If your county or area is not listed, you are welcome to join the state League as a member-at-large.
If you are not in a local league’s jurisdiction *
Join One of our Six Local Leagues*
Mississippi has six local Leagues throughout the state. Select the one covering your location to learn more. If there isn’t a local league in your area, you are welcome to join the State league as a member at large.
League of Women Voters of the Jackson Area
We have a long history of engagement including the Jackson metro area and the counties of Hinds, Madison, and Rankin. The Jackson League meets to listen to speakers from the community, to study local issues, to develop policy positions, to advocate for League positions, and to conduct voter service projects.
League of Women Voters of the Mississippi Gulf Coast
We’re an active and growing local League including the counties of Hancock, Harrison, and Jackson. The Gulf Coast League meets regularly to listen to speakers from the community, to study local issues, to develop policy positions, to advocate for League positions, and to conduct voter service projects.
League of Women Voters Oxford/North Mississippi
Created in 1962 and then reorganized in 2017, we serve the counties of Marshall, Union, Pontotoc, Calhoun, Yalobusha, Panola, Tate, Benton, Lee and Desoto. We have active participation by a large membership and regularly host voter education events, registration drives, and candidate forums.
League of Women Voters of the Pine Belt
We were formed in March 2016 in Hattiesburg to serve the surrounding area. The active chapter keeps busy with voter registration drives and other events. Our goals are to improve our government for the people and engage all citizens in the decisions that impact their lives.
League of Women Voters East Central Mississippi
We’re located in Meridian, organized in 2019. We’re active in local voter registration drives and engagement with our local candidates.
League of Women Voters Golden Triangle
The newest Mississippi League, we’re located in Columbus/Starkville serving the counties of Clay, Lowndes, & Oktibbeha. We’re an enthusiastic group of members ramping up recruitment efforts and events in college towns and throughout the region.
Members at Large: Members who do not live near a local league are eligible to join as Members-At-Large (MALs) of the State League.