The purpose of the League of Women Voters of Hudson (LWVH) is to promote political responsibility through the informed and active participation of citizens in government.  LWVH may study, comment and take action with respect to government issues, measures and policies.  LWVH does not support or oppose any political party or any candidate.  We are nonpartisan.

LWVH recognizes the many skills and experiences that individuals bring to our League and encourages engagement in public and political activities.  But certain constraints are necessary to protect the nonpartisan nature of our organization.

 A. Members

 All LWVH members, when acting in a League capacity or participating in League meetings or events, shall:

• Be nonpartisan in their words, actions and presentation.
• Avoid conflicting with League positions.
• Avoid commenting on behalf of the League unless authorized by the Board.

B. Board of Directors (includes officers)

In addition to the responsibilities of all members, LWVH Board of Directors shall avoid partisan activities that may cause confusion by the public about whether the League is endorsing a candidate or party, including on social media sites that identify them as board members. 

Board members may:

• Engage in the activity as an individual, not as a representative of the League
•  Demonstrate support of a candidate or party, as long as the member’s League affiliation is not also displayed
•  Attend events to meet candidates, raise funds for them, or otherwise support candidates or parties, but avoid wearing League identification at such events
• Sign, but not circulate, petitions for candidates;
• Make financial contributions to candidates, political parties and issues
• When LWVH has a position on an issue, circulate and sign petitions, participate in publicizing LWVH’s position, distribute literature that endorses LWVH’s position, and sign advertisements or send mailings in support of LWVH’s position
• Board members may also serve on public boards, commissions, committees or coalitions.  However, their participation does not signify support by the LWVH unless the member is officially designated as an LWVH representative.

C. President and other “Highly Visible” Positions

In addition to the responsibilities of Board members, The President of LWVH, the Voter Services Chair, Voter Registration Chair, any other member who is involved in LWVH voter services activities and any other position designated as “highly visible” by the Board, may not:

• Contribute to a candidate or party
• Publicly demonstrate support for a candidate or party in campaign literature, social media or advertising
•  Display campaign materials for a candidate
• State preferences for parties or candidates in social media, writing, or speech
• Circulate petitions for a candidate
• Host, sponsor or attend campaign events unless all candidates for an office are invited

D.  Additional Provisions

• League Observers must refrain from publicly expressing their viewpoint about any public bodies they observe.
• The political activities of a spouse or relative of a member are to be considered separate and distinct from the activities of the member.
• No candidate’s literature may be distributed during LWVH’s sponsored programs.  LWVH will allow distribution of literature after a formal program.
• Board members who choose to run for office or take part in other prohibited partisan activity should resign from the Board as soon as they decide such a course of action.  The member may take an off-board position if there is an activity or project that requires the member’s contribution.  As needed, the vacant board position should be filled as soon as possible, and the appointment will be in effect for a period of time determined by the Board. The resignation should be communicated to members but written so that it does not suggest a political endorsement.  Any Board member who does not comply with this policy may be asked by the Board to resign.
• The membership list of LWVH may not be used or shared for any non-league purpose.