Carol Blatnick joined the League of Women Voters in 1967
We recently sat down with Carol to learn about her involvement with the League of Women Voters and her life here in La Plata County.
Carol shared that she has been a resident of the area since 1965, having moved here for her very first teaching position after graduating from Colorado State University (CSU). She taught for four years before meeting her husband and settling into the community.
Her involvement with the League of Women Voters began in the organization’s earlier days, a time when members still gathered for meetings in each other’s houses. She recalled being introduced to the group by local figures like Morley Ballantine, sparking a commitment that would last for decades.
Carol explained that her dedication to community involvement did not happen by accident; she has always been engaged in civic life, from participating in her high school’s FHA group to joining numerous organizations during her time in college.
She reflected deeply on the history of women’s rights, emphasizing that the ratification of the 19th Amendment is a relatively recent victory. She noted that there are women today whose grandmothers clearly remember the long fight it took to win the right to vote. Carol expressed concern about the fragility of these rights and the potential for them to go backwards, pointing out that the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) has still not been fully passed even after more than 50 years of effort.
She expressed deep appreciation for the League’s strictly non-partisan approach. Rather than endorsing political candidates, she values how the organization focuses on studying public issues, advocating for ballot initiatives, and working tirelessly to inform the public.
For Carol, the foundation of democracy is ensuring that everyone has a voice. She makes it a personal mission to encourage her own family members to vote and stay engaged.
Like many lifelong advocates, Carol expressed genuine surprise and disappointment that nearly half of eligible Americans—including those who are already registered—choose not to participate in elections. She struggles to understand why so many people fail to see the importance of voting or mistakenly believe that their voice is not a big deal.
Carol views the League of Women Voters as a vital resource for educating citizens and helping the community find a balanced, informed middle ground, rather than falling into the extremes of polarized political ideologies.
Her decades of commitment reflect a persistent, genuine hope for the future. Through all the changes she has witnessed, Carol’s story stands as a testament to the enduring importance of protecting democratic rights and fostering an informed, active electorate.
The League of Women Voters of La Plata County proudly honor Carol Blatnick as a Lifetime Member and thank her for her passion for and commitment to community engagement.