Keeping concerns of voters close to hear, the League of Women Voters in Wisconsin tracks the concerns of their constituents with unbiased research.

Professor Scott Nikolai, political science and history professor, brought in lobbyist and executive director of the Wisconsin League, Andrea Kaminski, to talk about the organization.

Kaminski was brought in to explain what the organization is and the initiatives they do for the voters in the state, Nikolai said. He joined the organization in the fall, and wanted his students to learn about the possibilities within this type of organization.

The League is not funded by the government, but functions largely on membership fees. By doing so, they feel they are not connected to any side of an issue, Kaminski said.

“We never endorse a candidate or oppose one,” Kaminski said.

The League investigates all sides of the issues, and make sure all members can reach an agreement on their stance before promoting their view, Kaminski said. Because of this extensive research, the organization is often referred to by Congress as the one that ‘does its homework.’

The League started as a grassroots organization when women were first allowed a vote. Their purpose was to educate women about their new rights and privileges, Kaminski said.

Now open to both women and men, the League focuses more on promoting voting to all people. Within the local leagues throughout Wisconsin, different studies are currently underway. The League is always looking to improve the voting system, and all issues concerning the political process for their constituents, Kaminski said.

In the Platteville League, they are researching mediation training. They are looking into programs for working out issues in a fair and constructive way, Kaminski said.

“I strongly believe in grassroots programs, especially when they are promoting young and old voters,” Kenny Brotheridge, Student Senate vice president, said. “With the 2008 election coming up, it is important to get people involved in the political process.”

The League has a mission to encourage and educate their constituents about voting. They also hope to gain involvement in political issues between elections, Kaminski said.

“Senators love to hear from their constituents. This doesn’t happen often, but they love to hear what the people have to say,” Kaminski said. “If they hear from 10 people, it’s a big deal,”­

People who want to get involved with the local chapter, or learn more about the league, can visit the league’s Web site at wvwi.org.