About Us
Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy. Serving Newport County since 1920.
Our Mission
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
Our Role
LWV Newport County (Local League)
Our local League serves the communities of Newport, Jamestown, Little Compton, Middletown, Portsmouth, and Tiverton. We register voters, host nonpartisan candidate forums, operate an Observer Corps that monitors local government meetings, and advocate for good governance at the city and town level. We are led by elected officers and a volunteer Board of Directors drawn from our membership.
LWV Rhode Island (State League)
The League of Women Voters of Rhode Island coordinates the work of local Leagues across the state and advocates on statewide legislation and policy. LWVRI provides training, resources, and a collective voice for League members on issues such as voting rights, redistricting, and environmental policy at the state level. Learn more about LWVRI →
LWV United States (National League)
The League of Women Voters of the United States, founded in 1920, coordinates the work of over 700 state and local Leagues nationwide. LWVUS provides resources, advocacy support, and coordinates national campaigns to empower voters and defend democracy at the federal level. The League never supports or opposes candidates for office at any level of government. Visit LWV National →
Our History
The League of Women Voters was founded in 1920 by Carrie Chapman Catt, just six months before the 19th Amendment was ratified, granting women the right to vote. Rhode Island was a pioneer in voting rights, having passed a "presidential suffrage" law in 1917 and ratifying the 19th Amendment on January 6, 1920.
The League of Women Voters of Newport County grew from that original statewide movement, bringing voter education, candidate forums, and civic engagement programs to Newport County's six communities. It has focused for over a century on nonpartisan political engagement and advocacy for civic improvement.
LWVNC Officers
Our officers are elected by the membership and guide the League's direction and priorities.
| Name | Position | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Christine Stenning | President | presidentlwvnc25@gmail.com |
| Brookes Moody | Vice President | brookesmoody@gmail.com |
| Adrienne Shaw | Secretary | secretarylwvnc@gmail.com |
| Becky McSweeney | Treasurer | rcmcsw@gmail.com |
LWVNC Board
Our Board of Directors brings expertise and dedication across all areas of League work.
What We Do
Voter Services
We register voters, host candidate forums, and provide nonpartisan voter education resources to help citizens make informed decisions.
Advocacy
We advocate for policies that protect voting rights, improve government transparency, and strengthen democracy at all levels.
Observer Corps
Trained League volunteers monitor local government meetings across Newport County's six towns and report on actions affecting residents.
Our Communities
The League of Women Voters of Newport County serves six towns in Rhode Island:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is LWVNC?
LWVNC is the League of Women Voters of Newport County, the local League for Newport, Jamestown, Little Compton, Middletown, Portsmouth and Tiverton. We are part of the League of Women Voters of Rhode Island and the national League of Women Voters of the United States.
Does the League endorse candidates or political parties?
No. The League is nonpartisan and never supports or opposes candidates or political parties at any level of government. We do take positions on public policy issues, such as voting rights, after member study and agreement.
Who can join? Do I have to be a woman?
Membership is open to anyone 16 or older, of any gender.
How much does membership cost?
LWV Rhode Island sets recommended dues, and you can pay what you can above a small minimum. One membership covers the national, state and Newport County Leagues. Current rates and the join link are on our Get Involved page.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Not when you give to LWV Newport County, which is a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization. For a tax-deductible gift, donate to the LWVRI Education Fund, a 501(c)(3) that funds civic education across Rhode Island.
How do I register to vote or check my registration in Rhode Island?
Use the Rhode Island Secretary of State's voter website, vote.sos.ri.gov, to register online or check your registration. Our Voter Resources page lists the current deadlines.
Does the League hold candidate forums?
Yes. In election years we host nonpartisan forums for local candidates across Newport County. The schedule is on our Calendar & Events page.
Contact Us
General Inquiries
State League
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
The League of Women Voters is an organization fully committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in principle and in practice. We believe that diverse perspectives are essential to the health of our democracy and our organization. We work to create an environment that respects and values all voices in our community.