Understanding the LWV Nonpartisan Policy

By: Beth McConaughy

The League of Women Voters has a long-standing tradition of nonpartisanship which needs to be reviewed in the heat of election years. Nonpartisan means that League does not support or even appear to support a political party or candidate. We maintain our focus and advocacy on issues, ensuring access to voting for all, and defense of democracy.

The League recognizes the role of political parties in our form of government and believes that participation in the activities of the political parties is an essential ingredient of citizen responsibility. While the League urges its members to be politically active, certain constraints are necessary in order to maintain the nonpartisanship of the organization. –  LWVOC Nonpartisan Policy.

To preserve this non-partisanship, every member needs to be sure that they are not seen to connect their League membership to a political party or candidate. Leaguers who are in visible positions in our League, such as the president or certain board members, have to be especially careful.

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