LWV of Washington County (MD)

 

Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization that works to build a more informed, engaged, and representative democracy. We believe that democracy works best when everyone participates, and that starts with education, equity, and access.

  1. The Maryland Primary is June 23, 2026
  2. The next General Election is November 3, 2026

 

Our Mission

The League of Women Voters of Washington County empowers residents to vote, learn, and lead by providing nonpartisan information, engaging programs, and opportunities for community connection. We do not support or oppose any political party or candidate. Instead, we focus on issues, principles, and participation.

 

Our Core Values

Nonpartisanship – We welcome individuals from all political backgrounds who share a passion for democracy.
Civic Education – We provide tools and resources to help voters make informed choices.
Public Engagement – We host events and forums where community voices can be heard.
Empowering We the People – We believe democracy must work for everyone, and strive to remove barriers to participation.
Youth Leadership – We support the next generation of voters and changemakers.

 

What We Do Locally

  • Host candidate forums, voter registration drives, and community conversations
  • Share nonpartisan election info via Vote411.org
  • Collaborate with schools, libraries, and civic groups
  • Support civic learning and youth leadership
  • Explore our shared heritage through cultural programming
  • Advocate for fair elections, transparent government, and local engagement

More About the LWV Voter Guide

The League of Women Voters Voter Guide is one of the most trusted nonpartisan tools available to help people prepare to vote. Created by volunteers and published online at VOTE411.org, the guide provides personalized, easy-to-understand information about candidates and ballot questions—all based on your address.

Before each election, the League reaches out to every candidate on the ballot with a set of straightforward questions about their priorities and positions. Their responses are published side by side, in their own words, so that voters can compare answers without spin or bias. The League does not support or oppose any candidate or party, and nothing in the guide is edited or endorsed.

In addition to candidate responses, the Voter Guide includes helpful details about voter registration, polling places, deadlines, and how to vote—whether in person or by mail. Many local Leagues also print and distribute the guide in libraries, community centers, and schools to ensure more people have access.

Whether you’re voting for the first time or have participated in every election for decades, the Voter Guide is a reliable way to get informed and ready to vote with confidence. Just visit VOTE411.org, type in your address, and get everything you need to cast your ballot.

You can still see our 2024 Local Voter Guide:  Click here to download the local PDF.

The forums presented in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce are available for viewing below:

 

Get Involved

There’s a place for you here—whether you’re new to civic life or a longtime voter. Join the League of Women Voters of Washington County and become part of a network of neighbors working together to strengthen our democracy. You can support our work by becoming a member, volunteering for voter outreach or youth programs, attending a community event, making a donation, or inviting us to partner with your school or organization. We’d love to hear from you!

Become a Member Today!

 

We'd like to
hear from you!

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Click on the pencil to contact our local LWV.
League of Women Voters of Washington County
1117 Fairview Road
Hagerstown MD 21742

Telephone: 240-513-8126

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  • Featured page

    Great Decisions 2026

    All  are invited to join the Great Decisions 2026 Program sponsored by the League. There will be nine meetings at 7:00 p.m. starting on February 24, 2026 held via Zoom, and continuing for the remaining 8 months on the 4th Tuesday each month.

      Participants who RSVP will receive the Zoom link by email.  Click to reserve your place!

    This year LWV Washington County has decided to offer the Great Decisions program FREE to its members.

    In 2026 we will once again ask participants to purchase their own study materials. Last year they were released in electronic form for readers (like Kindle or Nook, etc.) at a big cost savings ($35.00 plus shipping for paper vs. $24.99 for Kindle). 

    • The links below for E-book versions of the briefing book will be provided soon! Click to follow the link to download from these providers: 
      Amazon/Kindle
      Apple Books
      Nook (Barnes and Noble)
      Rakuten Kobo
      Scribd
      Vivlio (EU); or
    • To purchase a paper copy now.

    GREAT DECISIONS 2026 TOPICS:GD 2026 Cover Page

    America and the World: Trump 2.0 Foreign Policy

    Trump’s return has marked a break from 80 years of U.S. foreign policy leadership, embracing an “America First” approach. This chapter explores the risks of isolation and diminished influence in relation to Trump 2.0 foreign policy.

    By G. John Ikenberry

    Trump Tariffs and the Future of the World Economy

    Trump’s aggressive trade and tariff policies have shaken global economic norms. What’s the rationale behind this radical shift in economic policy, and what are the implications for multilateral trade and geopolitics?

    By Michael Mastanduno

    U.S.–China Relations

    Relations with China remain tense, with tariffs, military modernization, and pressure on Taiwan. Does Trump have a coherent China policy, and will his tariffs on rare earth minerals be effective? What are America’s strategic options?

    By Oriana Mastro

    Ruptured Alliances and the Risk of Nuclear Proliferation

    U.S. alliance skepticism may drive countries like Japan and South Korea to reconsider nuclear options. What are the implications of the Trump administration’s rethinking of the U.S. alliance system for regional and global security? Will this new uncertainty alter the way allies and rivals in various regions make decisions about security and nuclear weapons?

    By Gideon Rose

    Ukraine and the Future of European Security

    With reduced U.S. support for NATO and Ukraine, Europe faces strategic uncertainty. The Trump administration has signaled an intention to reduce its security role in Europe. What are America’s stakes in NATO and Europe’s strategic dilemmas, and how might Europe respond?

    By Thomas Wright

    Multilateral Institutions in a Changing World Order

    Can multilateralism survive amid shifting global power and rising nationalism? This chapter examines the future of global cooperation across trade, health, and finance.

    By Scott Bessent (subject to change)

    U.S. Engagement of Africa

    Africa’s geopolitical role is growing. What lessons can the U.S. learn from China’s presence there, and how might it strengthen ties, especially with leading nations like Nigeria? What tools of statecraft might the U.S. bring to its engagement with Africa?

    By Jendayi E. Frazer

    The Future of Human Rights and International Law

    As democracy and human rights retreat globally—and the U.S. pulls back—how can civil society and legal norms remain effective in a divided world? What is the role and force of international law in this era of impunity?

    By Jose Enrique Alvarez

    Check out the Great Decisions web site at http://www.fpa.org/great_decisions/ 

    Continue reading →
  • Upcoming events

    Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 07:00 PM · 1 rsvp
    Online offering

    Great Decisions 2026

    2026_Cover.jpg

    Register for Great Decisions 2026 now! 

    Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 07:00 PM
    Online offering

    Great Decisions 2026

    Register for Great Decisions 2024 now! 

    See all events
  • Latest from the blog

    The latest youth engagement ideas

    Youth Engagement Update

    WashCo LWV member Genie Massey has been busy making contacts in the education community on our behalf as we explore ways to connect with young people in Washington County schools. Two ideas are beginning to take shape: Helping organize a youth-lead voter registration drive in high schools for 2024 and a civics education and empowerment effort in selected middle schools to be launched as early as this September.

    Civics education and empowerment. Maryland’s BluePrint for Excellence in Education will be enabling after school enrichment programming at Northern Middle, E. Russell Hicks and Western Heights middle schools beginning this fall. Genie has been in touch with the coordinator at Western Heights and it has been determined that our League could be a provider using the curriculum called “Project Citizen” provided by the Center for Civic Education. According to their website, 

    “Project Citizen” provides a practical first-hand approach to learning about our complex system of government and how to monitor and influence it. Through our Curriculum, students will work together to research their community to discover problems and then identify solutions in the form of policy that require government involvement. Students also have the opportunity to display their research and policy suggestions through Showcases, a way for students to display their research and present their policy solutions to their classroom and/or community. Showcases are also held at the state and national levels, where classes have the opportunity to participate and share their work with other classes from across their state or nation. To learn more about Project Citizen and Professional Development opportunities, we invite you to explore the website and contact your State Coordinator or Center staff to learn how to get involved.

    Voter Registration. It turns out that because of safety and access issues only students can do voter registration in our schools. But, young people who will be eligible to vote in the 2024 general election will be qualified to do voter registration. That means young people who will attain 18 by November of 2024 will be able to do registration and it is with those young people that we will be able to work to organize a voter registration drive. Those soon-to-be voters are also eligible to work as election judges during the primary election and early voting, providing ample opportunities for hands-on civic engagement, if we can figure out how to get them out of class!

    Voting at age 16. Sixteen year olds can vote in municipal elections in  Takoma Park, Greenbelt, Hyattsville, Riverdale Park, and Mount Rainier. This is possible because those communities have the Charter Home Rule form of government. Guess what, the City of Hagerstown is also a Charter Home Rule city under Maryland law!  What a youth engagement project that would be for the young people of Hagerstown to tackle!

    Paragraph 505 of the City code says, “Qualified voters of the city shall include every person who (1) is a citizen of the United States, (2) is at least eighteen years of age, or will be 18 years of age on or before the day of the next succeeding general or special election, (3) has resided within the corporate limits of the city for 21 days before the day of the next succeeding primary, general or special election, and (4) is registered in accordance with the Maryland Election Code.”  According to Richard Willson’s research, following a duly conducted public hearing, the charter can be amended by the City Council. This power flows from Section 4-304(a)(2) of the Local Government Article of the Maryland Constitution.

    Continue reading → See all posts