For nearly seven decades, the League of Women Voters of Bellingham/Whatcom County has played a vital role in empowering local voters and defending democracy. This fall, that mission came to Whatcom Community College (WCC) through a campus event aimed at encouraging student participation in civic life.
On October 8 and 13, WCC hosted a Campus Expressive Activity, also known as a Free Speech Activity, in the Learning Commons Courtyard. The event, organized in partnership with the League of Women Voters, provided a space for students to learn about voter registration, upcoming local elections, and the importance of civic dialogue.
League volunteers, including longtime member Paula Rotondi, spent the afternoon talking with students about how registering and voting connects directly to issues that matter on campus and beyond.
Rotondi shared that one of the League’s goals is to “help young people see themselves as part of the democratic process from the start.”
Students passing through the courtyard could pick up voter registration forms, explore nonpartisan resources on ballot measures, and participate in open conversations about democracy and inclusion. Many said the event made civic participation feel more tangible and less intimidating.
Founded nationally in 1920 after the passage of the 19th Amendment, the League has grown into a nonpartisan, grassroots organization supporting voters and democratic causes. The Bellingham chapter, established in 1956, continues that legacy through local outreach efforts like this campus collaboration with WCC.
Events like the Campus Expressive Activity help bridge the gap between civic education and real participation. The League’s motto, “Empowering Voters, Defending Democracy,” resonated throughout the afternoon, reminding students that democracy thrives when everyone has a voice. Membership in the League is open to all, offering opportunities for students and community members alike to volunteer, learn, and advocate for fair and transparent governance.
For WCC, hosting the event reinforced its commitment to inclusivity, civic responsibility, and open dialogue—a reflection of the college’s mission to prepare informed and engaged citizens.
Through partnerships like this, both WCC and the League of Women Voters continue to inspire the next generation of changemakers in Whatcom County.
