The League of Women Voters of Iowa was founded in 1920 as a state-level branch of the national League of Women Voters. A non-partisan organization, the League of Women Voters seeks to promote political responsibility through educating and informing the public on selected governmental issues and promoting action on those issues. Local chapters of the League promote national and statewide projects and study and take action on local government matters. After researching and studying a particular issue, League members establish a common position by voting and reaching consensus. After reaching consensus League members organize actions in support of their position, such as testimony, lobbying, contact with political groups and politicians, forming coalitions, public speaking and writing letters.

The League of Women Voters of Linn County was formed in 2012 as a merger led by the former Cedar Rapids-Marion chapter and integrating elements of what had been a struggling Mount Vernon-Lisbon chapter. The merger allowed both Leagues to continue operating in eastern Iowa as a single organization.