A newly chartered branch of the League of Women Voters of the United States will make its debut at Earth’s Bounty on Saturday, April 6, at City Hall in Meridian.

The League of Women Voters-East Central MS was approved for membership by the statewide organization in February, according to a news release.

The group will have a booth at Earth’s Bounty to recruit new members, register area residents to vote, and identify issues important to the public. Membership is open to both men and women.

This month’s Earth’s Bounty is being held at the City Hall lawn as part of the Threefoot Arts Festival.

There are more than 700 chapters of League of Women Voters across the country. The organization is nonpartisan, neither supporting nor opposing candidates or political parties. Its purpose is to encourage active participation in government and works to educate the public on critical policy issues.

Debbie Ford and Becky Glover are co-chairs of the East-Central Mississippi chapter.

“Meridian had a local League decades ago, and a group of us concerned citizens believed the time was right to reorganize,” Glover said in a news release. “Our plans for the future include voter registration drives, candidate forums, and programs on important policy issues like efforts to privatize public education in our state.”

The local group is eligible for full credentials by the state organization after one year of operation.

“This is our first public event, and we want to share the good news that we’re here and welcome anyone in the surrounding area who’s interested in protecting our democracy,” Ford said in the news release. “If you want to learn more about issues to be better informed before casting your vote, join us and learn together.”

For more information, contact the League of Women Voters-East Central MS co-chairs at LWVECM@gmail.com.