Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy. Serving Newport County since 1920.
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 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.
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 →
A one-day FREE professional development designed for middle and high school social studies teachers who want to deepen their approach to civic education, strengthen instructional strategies, and connect with colleagues across districts. Participants will explore practical, engaging ways to introduce students to democratic processes, constitutional principles, and public problem-solving.
Sessions include workshops with Dr. Kimberly Behan (Chair, Salve Department of Education), Dr. Tracy Pelkowski (Associate Professor, Salve Department of Education), Dr. Mary Anderson (Salve Brodsky Chair of U.S. Constitutional Democracy and Culture), Gene Thompson-Grove (Professional Learning Facilitator, League of Women Voters & Newport Public Education Foundation), and Generation Citizen. The LWVRI is a co-sponsor of the event.
Date: Tuesday, August 18, 2026 · 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Location: The Pell Center, 518 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI
Contact: mary.anderson@salve.edu for more information
Register: Click here to register. Limited to 12–16 participants. Administrators and department chairs are also welcome!
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 →
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.
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 |
| Mary Lou Lyons | Treasurer | treasurerlwvnewportri@gmail.com |
Our Board of Directors brings expertise and dedication across all areas of League work.
We register voters, host candidate forums, and provide nonpartisan voter education resources to help citizens make informed decisions.
We advocate for policies that protect voting rights, improve government transparency, and strengthen democracy at all levels.
Trained League volunteers monitor local government meetings across Newport County's six towns and report on actions affecting residents.
The League of Women Voters of Newport County serves six towns in Rhode Island: