The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, nonprofit political organization that:
- Encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government
- Works to increase understanding of major public policy issues
- Influences public policy through education and advocacy.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization. It does not support or oppose candidates for public office in any election, take a stand for or against a political party or issue “score cards” with candidates’ positions on an issue, which may imply endorsement. The League may take action on public policy positions established through a process of member study and agreement.This nonpartisan policy protects the League’s reputation and tax status.
League members must reflect the League’s nonpartisanship at all times when in public as a LWV volunteer and at all League-sponsored events, where even in our personal conversations, we must refrain from making comments that could be construed to be partisan.
Acknowledging that discussions at program committee meetings may entail deeply political topics, it is incumbent on League leadership at those meetings to review and remind attendees of relevant LWV positions related to the topic and to encourage all to express their thoughts in a manner that refrains from partisan framing of issues. Specific advice on fostering fruitful nonpartisan discussions shall be included in new-member and board/leader orientations.The League believes that political parties are essential to the American system of government and that the participation of informed citizens is of utmost importance. Consequently, the League encourages its members, as individuals, to be active in public policy issue advocacy, in the political parties, in finding and supporting candidates for public office, and to seek election to public office.
League members are encouraged, as individuals, to attend and participate in meetings of governmental bodies. However, only those members named as representatives of the League by the board or the President may participate in the name of the League.
The President is the official spokesperson of the League. All official League communications, publications and public action should be cleared with the President. In order to preserve the nonpartisan character of the League, the President and Vice Presidents shall refrain from any partisan activities during their terms of office.
The Board has the responsibility to maintain the nonpartisanship of the organization. The President and Vice Presidents may not:
- Run for or hold a partisan political office.
- Hold an office in a political party or in an organization that supports or endorses political candidates
- Circulate or sign candidates' nominating petitions or circulate recall petitions.
- Publicly endorse (ex. yard sign) or host a fundraiser for a candidate for any elected office.
- Attend fundraising events or make campaign contributions for any partisan or nonpartisan race.
Board members may not:
Indicate their political affiliations or candidate preferences in the media, including social networking sites or other public venues that identify her/him as a member of the LWVMC Board.
Board members and League leaders who plan to engage in political activity should consider whether the activity could affect the community’s perception of LWVMC’s nonpartisanship. Consultation with the board is recommended for League members in sensitive, public-facing positions (ex. Candidate Forum Moderator). It is recommended that this nonpartisan policy be reviewed by the board annually.