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The League of Women Voters of Montezuma County is pleased to be providing a monthly column for Journal readers. We have a long history of fulfilling our mission to “Empower Voters. Defend Democracy,” and through this column we’ll strive to provide factual information about important political issues and highlight upcoming League-supported events.

The League was founded Feb. 14, 1920, shortly before the 19th Amendment, guaranteeing women the right to vote, was ratified. Suffragists, who had campaigned for over 60 years to get this amendment passed, understood that with the right to vote came the need for accurate information so women could make an “informed vote.” Though we are still called the League of Women Voters, in May 1974, men were welcomed; today, men hold a number of leadership positions as well as increasing our ranks.

The League sponsors candidate forums and publishes information about ballot measures, our election system and how to register to vote. Local leagues offer presentations on a variety of local issues, as well as offering local government officials the opportunity to meet with their constituents to share updates on accomplishments and challenges they face while “doing the people’s business.”

The League is nonpartisan, which means we neither endorse nor oppose political candidates. We are also a political organization that believes the freedom to vote is a nonpartisan issue. We encourage all citizens to participate in our democracy, and we “envision a democracy in which all Americans see themselves represented in our government.”

With so much happening at the national level, it can be difficult to keep up, much less be aware of how decisions being made in Washington, D.C., will affect us locally. The purpose of this commentary is to focus Montezuma County residents’ attention on federal decisions that will impact them.

Here are a few D.C. decisions with local consequences:

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is a federal agency that supports museums and libraries across the country. Some of that support comes through grants. The Montezuma Heritage Museum recently learned that a grant it had been awarded will likely be rescinded as a result of cuts to this agency.National parks, monuments and recreation areas require staff. If staff is cut, services will be cut. This could result in a reduction in hours or access to some of these areas. Tourism is an economic driver in Montezuma County. Fewer tourists equals less money spent at our local businesses.The latest presidential executive order seeks to make it much more difficult for citizens to register and thus be able to vote. The right to vote is the hallmark of our democracy and attacks weaken the very foundation of a democratic nation. Colorado has an exemplary election system which this current executive order would undermine.

Please consider learning more about the league by participating in one of our upcoming events:

April 4: Lisa Pool, Sen. John Hickenlooper’s Southwest Regional director, will be at the Dolores Community Center. Arrive by 2 p.m. so we can get attendees seated and those interested in speaking, signed up. If you want to speak, please prepare a succinct statement in advance so as many attendees as possible can share their concerns. If possible bring a nonperishable food for the Good Samaritan Center.April 5: Join us for “Hands Off! A National Day of Action.” Citizens nationwide will gather to raise concerns about cuts in important programs their communities depend on including Medicaid, veterans services, Medicare and Social Security, agriculture, public lands. We’ll meet in the Welcome Center parking lot, 928 E. Main, and walk down Main Street, turning onto Market.May 17: Meet with Sen. Cleave Simpson and Rep. Katie Stewart to learn about this year’s Colorado legislative session at 10 a.m. at the Montezuma County Annex, 107 North Chestnut St.

Additionally, Congressional representatives can be reached easily using 5calls.org.

Karen Sheek is the chair of the Montezuma County League of Women Voters and serves as director of Local League Support for the League of Women Voters of Colorado’s Board of Directors. She served two terms on Cortez City Council and two-terms as mayor, the second woman to serve in that role. She has lived in Cortez since 1980 and Montezuma County since 1975. Contact the local league at [email protected] and on Facebook at https://bit.ly/3YgpBZt.