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Leading up to this year's midterm elections, voters on the opposite ends of North Dakota might have new opportunities to learn about candidates and voting protocols that affect them. And one organization says it's seeing renewed spirit to reach these populations.

The nonpartisan League of Women Voters North Dakota says a new chapter is close to being finalized in Williston. And in the greater Grand Forks area, a chapter that formed last year is making inroads with voters in northeastern counties.

Its president Miranda Nechepurenko said voter turnout in Grand Forks has been on the lower side, and they want to ensure people don't feel shut out by democracy.

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"We're just trying to really ignite our community members," said Nechepurenko, "and let everyone realize that they have a role."

Beyond voting, those roles also include training volunteers on de-escalation techniques, and helping organize candidate forums. Should Williston be recognized by the national office, there would be five local chapters across North Dakota.

Organizers say the revived momentum hearkens back to the 1950s when trailblazer Katherine Rogne traveled around the state organizing League chapters, before numbers eventually fluctuated.

The League of Women Voters never endorses candidates or political parties, but leaders say it will speak up on policy or government actions that might be seen as a threat to democracy.

For example, Nechepurenko said they've been part of No Kings rallies, and also supportive of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives. But she stressed that activity is separate from their nonpartisan outreach.

"I don't think," said Nechepurenko, "sticking up for human rights should be a partisan issue."

She said the great thing about her team's work is that it's hyper-focused on local issues. State-level organizers say the timing of new chapters is important, because some voters might not be up to speed on recent redistricting changes, or relatively new voting laws.

And earlier this year, the state chapter unveiled new curriculum tools, for both high school teachers and citizens, explaining how the North Dakota Legislature works.