Nonpartisan ≠ Nonpolitical

Type:

News

One common misconception about the League of Women Voters is that being nonpartisan means staying silent on important issues. It doesn't.

Supporting free, fair, and accessible elections is not partisan. For more than 100 years, we have worked to empower voters and defend democracy unapologetically.

League members are not a monolith. We represent perspectives from across the political spectrum. What unites us is a shared commitment to ensuring every voter has the information, access, and opportunity to participate in our democracy.

What being nonpartisan does mean:

The League of Women Voters doesn’t endorse parties or candidates. Our focus is on issues and policies, not partisan allegiance. At times, League positions may align with a party or candidate; at other times, they may not.

We do not change our positions based on shifts in party politics. Unlike partisan organizations, we are not beholden to party leadership and can remain grounded in our values regardless of political trends or pressure.

What being nonpartisan does not mean:

Being nonpartisan does not mean neutrality. The League was founded as, and has always been, a political organization committed to empowering voters and strengthening democracy. This work has not always made everyone comfortable, butwe believe protecting democracy is worth some discomfort.

Being nonpartisan does not mean members cede their own political beliefs orparticipation. League members, like all voters, have the right to engage fully in ourdemocracy, including in partisan spaces, as long as it is clear their participation is personal and not on behalf of, or speaking for, the League.

What does nonpartisan mean to me as a League member?

Every member doesn’t have to agree with every League stance. Valuing differences of opinion is fundamental to democracy,and we are able to come together towork in the areas of our shared valuesregardless of those differences.

Your League’s nonpartisan policy outlines any restricted activities – for the most part, these apply to board members, butif you have any concerns, you should refer to the policy.

What does nonpartisan mean to voters in my community?

Issues are separate from vote registration. When we’re registering voters, we never try to get them to register with a particular party or affiliation.

The League is here to support voting rights and empowerment for everyone, regardless of their beliefs or political affiliation.