The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan organization and always has been. That means we don’t support any party or candidate. That doesn’t mean we remain completely neutral on local, state, or national affairs. We hold voter information forums for candidates, study various issues and take formal positions, argue for or against legislation that fits within our position statements, and closely monitor the state of voting rights. Here are some recent actions .
League of Women Voters Condemns Unjustified National Guard Deployment to Portland
PORTLAND AND WASHINGTON, DC — The League of Women Voters of Oregon and the League of Women Voters of the US issued the following joint statement in response to the deployment of the National Guard in Portland.
“Portland — a city recognized nationally for its civic activism, creativity, and commitment to democratic values — is now subject to an unjustified deployment of federal troops. This action undermines local authority and threatens the very freedoms our democracy is meant to protect.
“Neither the Governor of Oregon nor city leaders requested this intervention. No emergency exists in Portland that warrants federal deployment. Instead, this move represents yet another instance of political retaliation aimed at silencing diverse, engaged communities who exercise their right to free expression.
“The presence of the National Guard will not bring safety or stability to Portland. Instead, it escalates fear, erodes trust, and places communities — particularly Black, brown, immigrant, and Indigenous residents who have historically borne the brunt of state overreach — at greater risk.
“Portland has long been a city where people gather to speak out, advocate for justice, and demand accountability from their government. To answer civic participation with militarization is a dangerous misuse of federal power. What Portlanders need is investment in community safety, affordable housing, and public health — not troops in their streets.
“The League calls on the Oregon congressional delegation to condemn the weaponization of the federal military and stand up for the people of Portland. We commend Oregon government officials for taking legal action against this unjust occupation.”
Urge the EAC not to Require Documentary Proof of Citizenship
The Election Assistance Commission (EAC) published a Federal Register notice requesting comments on a petition seeking to add documentary proof of citizenship (DPOC) to the federal voter registration form. Requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections creates unnecessary barriers for many eligible voters. While it’s already illegal for noncitizens to vote, asking citizens to provide additional documentation is an obstacle that could disproportionately affect vulnerable groups.
The petition seeks to initiate a rulemaking process to amend the federal voter registration form to require applicants to provide one of the following as proof of citizenship:
- US Passport.
- State-issued Real ID-compliant driver’s license indicating that the applicant is a citizen.
- An official military identification card that indicates the applicant is a US citizen.
- Valid Federal or State government-issued photo identification if such identification indicates that the applicant is a US citizen or if such identification is otherwise accompanied by proof of US citizenship.
This proposal is in the petition phase, which means that the EAC has not proposed a rule yet. That means this is a very important engagement opportunity, and all voices are critical to advocate against the addition of documentary proof of citizenship requirements to the federal voter registration form.
Comments must be submitted by October 20, 2025 at midnight. Here’s how to submit a comment:
- Go to the petition page on regulations.gov by clicking here.
- Submit the comment as an individual. You may also submit anonymously.
Women Defend Democracy Campaign
For 105 years, the League of Women Voters has worked to provide voters with election information, safeguard voter access, uphold election integrity, and defend against efforts to undermine democratic principles. Today, the organization is stronger than ever, with a growing, vibrant membership of activists tackling the challenges to our democracy in every corner of our country. As the League continues to build a membership that reflects America, we recognize the continued challenges our democracy will face.
Stay Up to Date with Women Defend Democracy
Through the “Women Defend Democracy” campaign, the League will work to:
- Provide Democracy Education & Election Administration Support
- Restore and Defend Voting Rights Protections
- Abolish the Electoral College
- Protect Democracy Organizations & Institutions
- Fight for Reproductive Freedoms
League of Women Voters is well-positioned to defend attacks on democracy in the coming months and years. Together, we believe in the power of women to create a more perfect democracy.