MARQUETTE — The League of Women Voters is celebrating its 100th anniversary and the centennial of women across the country winning the right to vote with the passage of the 19th Amendment.

In light of these centennials, the League of Women Voters of Marquette County set — and reached — the goal of having 100 members, according to a press release from the league.

Kim Winokur, the director of membership for the League of Women Voters of Marquette County, announced that “despite the challenges that COVID-19 has created for recruiting members and engaging new members in league activities, we have exceeded our goal of 100 local members.”

The LWV of Marquette County was re-established in early 2017, with its membership growing steadily over the last 3 1/2 years, organizers said in the release.

In that time, the league has “progressed through several advancements,” including being a part of the LWV of Delta County as a geographic unit and then being further mentored by the state league, the release states.

In November, the local league was officially recognized by the League of Women Voters of the United States as its own independent league.

“I am very proud of the work of our talented and committed members and believe that their efforts and dedication are why we are able to continue to recruit new volunteers to our group,” League of Women Voters of Marquette County President Darlene Allen said in the release.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that offers communities across the country voter service information, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

It has over 750 affiliates across the country.

In light of the upcoming Nov. 3 election, the league is encouraging area residents to check out the resources available on its vote411.org online voter guide starting in late September to learn about candidates’ views on issues, as well as proposals that will appear on the ballots.

“The Marquette County community can look forward to voter guides, candidate forums and voter education throughout the remainder of this busy election year,” Allen said in the release.

Organizers also want area residents to know about how to join.

“Our membership is open to men and women 16 years of age and older and currently our membership dues are waived for students,” Winokur said in the release.

For anyone interested in learning more about the League of Women Voters of Marquette County, visit the website www.lwvmqt.org or call Darlene Allen at 906-225-9103.