Issues & Advocacy

The League of Women Voters of St. Paul affirms that voting is a fundamental right of citizenship that must be protected and expanded for all eligible Americans. Since our founding in 1919, we have worked to safeguard the right to vote through education, advocacy, and community engagement. We support policies and practices that make registration and voting accessible, fair, secure, and transparent. We oppose barriers that disenfranchise voters, and we champion reforms—such as same-day registration, language access, and equitable election administration—that strengthen participation in our democracy. 

Our position on voting rights is grounded in more than a century of League action at the local, state, and national levels. From supporting the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and its reauthorizations to advancing the National Voter Registration Act and opposing restrictive voter ID laws, the League has consistently stood on the side of voters. Here in St. Paul, we continue that tradition by registering new voters, hosting candidate forums, and advocating for policies that uphold equal access to the ballot box. Protecting the right to vote is not optional—it is central to the health of our democracy. 

The League of Women Voters of St. Paul supports a criminal justice system that is fair, effective, and equitable at every stage—from policing to pre-trial procedures, sentencing, incarceration, and re-entry. We believe justice must be rooted in transparency, public trust, and the elimination of systemic bias, especially the disproportionate impact on marginalized communities. Our position emphasizes community collaboration, humane treatment, rehabilitation, and evidence-based practices that strengthen both public safety and democratic values. 

In line with the national League, we advocate for reforms that improve policing accountability, expand alternatives to incarceration, and ensure equal treatment under the law. We support policies that promote mental health and substance use treatment over punishment, fair sentencing practices, humane prison conditions, and strong re-entry programs that help people successfully return to their communities. By focusing on equity and rehabilitation, the League of Women Voters St. Paul works to advance a criminal justice system that truly serves justice while upholding the rights and dignity of all people. 

The League of Women Voters of St. Paul supports strong policies to preserve the integrity of our ecosystems and protect public health from pollution. We believe environmental safeguards must recognize the interconnections between air, water, and land and prioritize prevention over cleanup. From regulating emissions and protecting drinking water to managing waste responsibly, the League calls for consistent enforcement at all levels of government, with federal leadership setting strong standards and local governments ensuring timely action. 

In line with the national League, we advocate for measures that promote renewable energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, safeguard wetlands and waterways, conserve land, and ensure safe management of hazardous and nuclear waste. We also support policies that emphasize recycling, reuse, and sustainable resource management. At every stage, environmental protection should be viewed as a shared responsibility—and a cost of doing business—so that communities today and future generations can thrive in a healthy, resilient environment. 

The League of Women Voters of St. Paul believes immigration policy should reflect fairness, compassion, and the realities of modern society. We support laws that reunite families, provide safe haven for those fleeing persecution, and allow immigrants to contribute their skills and talents to our economy and communities. A just immigration system must be efficient, minimize backlogs, and treat all people with dignity, regardless of their status. We also support efforts to improve conditions in countries experiencing high levels of emigration, recognizing that global stability reduces forced migration. 

At the same time, we believe people already living in the United States without legal status should have the opportunity to earn citizenship by meeting clear requirements such as paying taxes and learning civics. Deportation should not be the default for individuals without serious criminal history. The League also supports strong due process protections, humane treatment, and fair enforcement practices. Locally and nationally, we advocate for reforms that reflect our nation’s values of justice and equality, ensuring that immigration strengthens both families and communities while upholding human rights. 

The League of Women Voters of St. Paul supports policies and programs that expand access to affordable, high-quality childcare for all families who need it. We recognize that childcare is not only essential for children’s healthy development but also a cornerstone of economic opportunity, enabling parents to work, pursue education, and achieve self-sufficiency. Expanding the supply of safe, reliable childcare is also a proven strategy for reducing poverty and supporting stronger, more resilient communities. 

Since the 1980s, the League has consistently advocated for federal and state investments in childcare programs, improved training and standards for providers, and financial assistance for families with low incomes. We continue that work today by supporting policies that ensure child care is recognized as an essential service, not a luxury. Here in St. Paul, where childcare costs and availability present significant challenges for working families, we stand with parents, caregivers, and community leaders to push for solutions that meet the needs of all children and families. 

The League of Women Voters of St. Paul believes that the unchecked availability of firearms—particularly semi-automatic and automatic weapons—poses a serious threat to public health and safety. We support strong federal measures to regulate gun ownership, including universal background checks, licensing procedures, waiting periods, and requirements for gun safety education. The League also advocates for closing loopholes in gun sales, enforcing strict penalties for crimes committed with firearms, and treating gun regulation as a matter of consumer safety, just as with cars, food, or medicine. 

For decades, the League has championed common-sense reforms such as the Brady Bill, assault weapons bans, and restrictions on high-capacity magazines. We continue to call for policies that reduce gun violence, prevent intimidation at the polls, and keep communities safe. Here in St. Paul, where gun violence affects neighborhoods and families directly, we stand with residents who want balanced, evidence-based solutions that protect both individual rights and community safety. 

The League of Women Voters of St. Paul believes that every person deserves equal access to education, employment, and housing—regardless of race, gender, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, or disability. The League supports strong federal and state programs to expand opportunities for historically disadvantaged groups, enforce anti-discrimination laws, and promote racial and gender equity. This includes backing policies like Title IX, fair housing protections, affirmative action, pay equity, and the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). 

For decades, the League has worked to remove systemic barriers that limit opportunity, from fighting housing discrimination after the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 to advocating for workplace fairness and equal pay for women. We continue to support policies that address disparities in education funding, promote inclusive job training programs, and protect LGBTQ+ rights. Here in St. Paul, we remain committed to advancing equity in all forms, ensuring that everyone has the tools and opportunities to thrive in our community. We oppose efforts to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and initiatives. 

The League of Women Voters believes that every child deserves access to a high-quality public education, regardless of income, background, or zip code. We view public education as both a civil right and a cornerstone of our democracy. The League supports a strong federal role in promoting equity across states and communities, ensuring that all children—especially those in poverty or with special needs—have the resources they need to succeed. This includes establishing broad national standards, providing adequate funding, and guaranteeing access to early childhood education, qualified teachers, safe learning environments, health care, and school meal programs. 

While primary responsibility for education lies with states and local school districts, the League recognizes that federal leadership is essential in areas such as desegregation, special education, and gender equity. We advocate for federal support that balances accountability with flexibility, reduces burdensome regulations, and ensures that mandates come with funding. The League has consistently championed policies that promote equity in education, beginning with early childhood programs and extending through high school graduation, so that all children can reach their full potential and contribute to a thriving democracy.