What Is the League of Women Voters of East Alabama?
The League of Women Voters of East Alabama (LWVEA) is a local chapter of the League of Women Voters, a national, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people to participate in our democracy. Founded in 1920, shortly before the ratification of the 19th Amendment, the League grew out of the women’s suffrage movement with the goal of helping newly enfranchised women participate in the democratic process. Today, the League welcomes everyone and works to strengthen civic participation through voter education, advocacy, and community engagement.
Here in East Alabama, LWVEA provides opportunities for people to participate in our democracy both at the ballot box and beyond. Throughout the year, volunteers help community members register to vote, check their voter registration, and find nonpartisan information about upcoming elections. We also host free public programs where community members can learn about issues affecting our region from local experts and organizations.
LWVEA members provide voter services at AU’s Sustainability Picnic, Fall 2026
Where Democracy and Sustainability Meet
For Auburn students, faculty, staff, and alumni, these programs can be an opportunity to better understand how government decisions affect issues that matter to our community—including environmental and sustainability issues. In recent months, for example, LWVEA has hosted Energy Alabama for a discussion about the Alabama Public Service Commission and how decisions about energy regulation can affect our utility bills and the future of clean energy in the state. We also hosted a screening of a documentary by the Coal Ash Action Group, which is working to address a large coal ash storage site on Mobile Bay. These programs are part of LWVEA’s broader goal of helping people understand local and state issues and giving them opportunities to participate in the decisions that shape their communities.
LWVEA-hosted presentation by Energy Alabama on the future of renewable energy in Alabama, Fall 2025
LWVEA screening of the Coal Action Group’s documentary Sallie’s Ashes at the Box Car Theater in Opelika, Spring 2026
With the next statewide election approaching on November 3, this kind of civic education is especially relevant. Decisions made by elected officials and regulatory bodies can have long-term effects on issues ranging from energy and development to water quality and environmental protection. LWVEA’s role is not to tell voters how to vote, but to help people understand the issues, find reliable information, and participate in the democratic process.
Is LWVEA Open to Students? How Can I Get Involved?
Yes! Students are welcome to join the LWVEA, and anyone age 16 or older is eligible for membership. And no—you don’t have to be a woman to join. Everyone is welcome!
There are several ways Auburn students can get involved:
Become a Member
Visit the LWVEA website to purchase a membership. Student memberships are available at a discounted rate. For information about the student rate, email us at lwveastal@gmail.com.
Participate
Not ready to become a member? You can still get involved! Sign up for our email list to hear about upcoming programs and volunteer opportunities. You don’t have to be a member to attend our monthly programs, which are free and open to the public, or to volunteer with our nonpartisan voter services and get-out-the-vote efforts.
Join us for our next program meeting featuring Poder Latinx on October 12 at 5:30 p.m. at Auburn First Baptist Church.
Follow Us
Follow LWVEA on Facebook and Instagram for updates about upcoming programs, volunteer opportunities, and elections.
How Should Auburn Students Prepare for the Next Election?
If you’re a student who is new to Auburn—or simply not sure what you need to do before Election Day—you’re not alone. Here are some of the questions we hear most often:
When is the deadline to register to vote in Alabama for the November 3 election?
You must be registered by October 19.
I’m not from Auburn, but I live in Auburn as a student. Do I have to vote absentee in my hometown, or can I vote in Auburn?
You can vote in Auburn if you choose to establish your voting residence here. If you are from elsewhere in Alabama or from out of state, you generally have the option of voting absentee in your hometown or registering to vote locally using your current Auburn address, whether that is a dormitory, apartment, or other residence.
If you have an Alabama driver’s license, you can complete your voter registration online. If you have an out-of-state driver’s license, you must complete a paper voter registration form and mail or hand-deliver it to the Lee County Board of Registrars in Opelika. Once your registration has been processed, you’ll receive a voter registration card with information about your polling location.
I’m not sure whether I’m registered. How can I check?
You can check your voter registration status through the Alabama Secretary of State. After entering your information, you can see whether your registration is active and whether your address is up to date. Checking your address is especially important if you’ve moved since you last voted. Your registration must reflect your current address.
My address has changed. How do I update my voter registration?
If you’ve moved since you last voted, you need to update your voter registration. You can do this online if you have an Alabama driver’s license or ID. If you have an out-of-state license or ID, you can complete a paper voter registration form. See the information above for details.
Written by Sarah Kapp, Vice President, League of Women Voters of East Alabama
