League of Women Voters of Volusia County Collection

The League of Women Voters, a non-partisan organization, encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government and influences public policy through education and advocacy. The League believes that the government has a responsibility to serve the people, and the people have a responsibility to be informed citizens, to be involved in the governmental process, and to be ever alert to safeguard the liberties established in the Constitution of the United States.

The ratification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution (giving women to right to vote) provided the impetus for the creation of the League. The League was formally organized in Chicago in 1920. Its purpose was to foster education in citizenship and to support improved legislation. This included action on selected issues. Throughout its history the League of Women Voters has been a dynamic, changing organization, adapting its procedures to meet current needs. Members study selected issues of national, state and local interest each year. Locally, geographically convenient unit meetings are held monthly. General membership meetings are held several times a year. All citizens of voting age are eligible for membership.

Volusia County was of the first counties to adopt charter government. This form of government permits the County to make its own laws instead of having them made in Tallahassee, Florida. The Volusia County Charter was adopted by the electorate of the County in June, 1960. The major change inaugurated by the Charter was the employment of a County Manager by the County Council to administer County Government under the supervision of the Council, which thus became a policy-making body. Dr. Thomas C. Kelly was appointed County Manager; the administrative code was adopted, and the County began operation under the first charter budget in 1971. The Council is composed of seven members, of whom five represent five districts and serve two year terms. Two Council members are elected at large for four years.

County Government operates under the Florida Sunshine Law which requires that all public business be conducted at open publicized meetings. Council meetings are held every first, second and third Thursday of each month. Citizens are invited to participate in the meetings.