Melrose Voting Advocacy Group In Danger Of Shutting Down

MELROSE, MA — The Melrose chapter of a century-old institution is at risk of shutting down permanently.

The city’s League of Women Voters announced that it has begun dissolving, unless it can find new leadership to lead it into the new year. The national organization was founded in 1920 by Carrie Chapman Catt after the 19th Constitutional Amendment gave women the right to vote in elections. The Melrose chapter has been a staple for the past 75 years. It has been a driving force behind the founding of other local groups such as Zero Waste Melrose, the Human Rights Commission, and the Melrose Alliance Against Violence. In addition, the chapters around the country are known for hosting nonpartisan forums and debates for candidates running for local government positions.

“With profound regret, the League of Women Voters of Melrose announces that it has voted to begin the process of dissolving its local chapter of the state and national League of Women Voters unless new leadership comes forward to continue its work,” the chapter said in a statement. “After a long and productive history in Melrose for more than 75 years, membership has fallen and there is no one at this time to succeed the retiring leadership team in 2026.”

Anne DeSouza-Ward is currently the chapter president, however she and the other parts of leadership are reportedly retiring.

Hope still remains for the Melrose chapter, as it says it can continue its work if its positions are filled soon. LWV Melrose is currently soliciting applications that can be submitted online via email. Any potential candidate would have to commit to a leadership position in January, however a full transition to a new administration would not be required until June.

“The League’s primary mission is to encourage and facilitate voting so that democracy works well for everyone,” LWV Melrose said.

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