A fundamental aspect of the League of Women Voters (LWV) is that it is a nonpartisan organization; it does not support nor oppose any political party or candidate. However, the LWV is a political organization that engages in activities to influence how our government functions. 

For national positions held by the League of Women Voters, consult “Impact on Issues: A Guide to Public Policy Positions,” which is published biennially by the League of Women Voters of the United States. The publication is a comprehensive resource designed to help League members use LWVUS public policy positions effectively at the national, state, local, and regional levels.  

Here are the Public Policy positions held by the League of Women Voters of North Carolina.  

The LWV is a multi-issue and multi-level organization. We act on selected governmental issues at the local, regional, state, and national levels based on informed understanding and agreement of members, past and present. The LWV engages in education of and communication with voters and policy makers through a variety of media; advocacy through public policy briefs and forums; lobbying to influence legislation; and actions to encourage informed citizen participation in government and influence public policy. The work of the LWV is done with the consideration of diversity, equity, and inclusion.  

If any action has the potential to affect Leagues in other states, the State League consults with the National League and with the affected Leagues. Similarly, Local Leagues may take action within their jurisdiction and if the action will affect Leagues in other communities or have impact beyond the borders of its community, it is necessary to consult with the State and/or National League and with the other affected Leagues.

A League position is defined as 1) a set of guidelines by which proposed government action can be measured; or 2) an expression of League goals against which proposed government action can be evaluated. The LWV conducts studies when members want to learn more about an issue, especially if we want to take action on that issue. Studies include gathering materials on all sides of an issue, educating members on the materials, developing consensus questions, and discussing and agreeing in part or whole on the answers to those questions. When a League has painstakingly gone through the whole process a position statement can be written and approved by the membership as a whole or through the leadership of the League represented by the Board of Directors. After a position statement has been approved, other Leagues may concur with the position without going through the entire study process.

Most importantly, members should support any action, be kept informed, and have opportunities for discussion and evaluation of public policy positions and their use in advocacy efforts.