History of the Broome and Tioga League

Broome County has a significant history and contribution to the right to vote for women and for all. “The Ladies of Lisle” were the first women to vote in New York State. The special election on Jan. 5, 1918, was held to determine whether the town should allow the sale of alcohol. The ladies, who were involved in the local temperance movement, led a lopsided defeat of the proposition — 335 against liquor to 94 in favor.

The League of Women Voters of Broome and Tioga Counties stands on the shoulders of these women. It started as a local organization primarily serving the City of Binghamton. As women became more involved in the local organization, they applied to be an official local League under the League of Women Voters of the United States. On November 15, 1948, the League of Women Voters of Binghamton was approved as a local League and was permitted to use the LWVUS insignia.

As the City of Binghamton League grew and expanded their civic action, they then applied to the LWVUS for a name change to more accurately represent their work. In 1960, they were approved as the League of Women Voters of Broome County. This expanded their reach and included participants county wide. Prior to the approval, they were very committed to working on lobbying for a County Executive and for transparency in county government. They conducted the following studies between 1953 and 1958:

1.  “Know Your County”, 

2. “Making County Government Efficient”, 

3. They studied housing in Binghamton and recommended appropriate action

4. They studied the Community Mental Health Services Act and its application to the needs of Broome County. 

On April 15, 1998, The League of Women Voters of Broome County was approved to change its name to the League of Women Voters of Broome and Tioga Counties. The League diligently strives to educate, advocate and involve the citizens of both counties. We are a small but mighty group of people who continue to do advocacy work, meet with our elected officials, meet with both counties’ Boards of Elections, conduct voter registration drives, organize and host debates for candidates seeking office and much, much more!

We would love for you to join us! If interested, click here to join.