( abbr LWV )
an independent US organization of people interested in politics. It encourages citizens to take part in politics and to vote, and tries to influence the government on important issues. It does not support any particular political parties or candidates but arranges television debates between the candidates for US President and provides information about candidates through its DNet (Democracy Net) website. It was originally called the National American Women Suffrage Association and changed its name in 1920, the year in which American women won the right to vote. Men have been admitted as members since 1974.