About The League

The League of Young Voters Education Fund began in February 2004. Our goal was to create a youth-run organization that gives our peers a place to converge and learn about community issues. Right from the start, we stressed three major ideas. First, our organization is not going to disappear after presidential elections –organizing and investing in youth needs to happen every single day. Second, we focus on local and state issues. Third, in order to foster solutions, we need to educate ourselves, have fun and bring our message to young people on their turf.

The Portland League’s history includes impressive policy work in advocacy, housing, education, and the environment. In 2005, the League helped build momentum for the passage of a Portland Public Schools military opt-out policy. In 2006, we passed a Portland housing policy called Inclusionary Zoning, a voluntary ordinance providing incentives to developers to build affordable housing in exchange for reduced parking, higher density and fast-track approvals. In April 2006, Governor Baldacci signed LD 2074, “An Act Regarding Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential Rental Properties.” This law requires landlords to disclose to renters the aspects of a property that influence the amount of energy use and costs. In 2006, the League was a founding partner of Opportunity Maine, and on July 2nd, Governor Baldacci signed LD 1856, “An Act to Allow a Tax Credit for College Loan Repayments.”