Nonpartisan Policy for League of Women Voters of Hudson (LWVH) - 2019
The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
The LWV of Hudson (LWVH) may take action on governmental measures and issues in the public interest. However, it shall not support or oppose any party or any candidate. No candidate’s literature may be distributed during LWVH’s sponsored programs. LWVH will allow distribution of literature after a formal program.
A. Members
Recognizing that the LWV experience uniquely equips members for public life and wishing to encourage members to utilize their knowledge and ability, non-board members are urged to participate fully in party activities and candidate selection on an individual basis.
When acting in public as league representatives, however, members must exercise discretion regarding the amount of activity and visibility when participating in a partisan manner in local elections and politics, keeping in mind the potential impact of any such activity on the League.
B. Board of Directors
LWVH Board of Directors may attend fundraising events for candidates or political parties, make contributions to candidates or political parties, attend meet the candidate events, and sign petitions for a candidate. Board members may also serve on public boards, commissions, committees or coalitions. However, their participation does not signify support by the LWV unless the member is officially designated as an LWV representative.
When LWVH has a position on an issue, board members may circulate and sign petitions, participate in publicizing LWV's position, distribute literature that endorses LWVH's position.
LWVH Board of Directors may NOT:
- Run for or hold elective office;
- Serve as campaign manager for a candidate;
- Chair a campaign event for a candidate;
- Administer fundraising for a candidate;
- Host a campaign event in their home or elsewhere for a candidate;
- Allow their signature to be used in advertising for a candidate;
- Indicate his/her political affiliations or candidate preferences at any level of government in the media, including on social networking sites or other public venues that also prominently identifies them as a member of the LWV board member.
- Work or speak publicly against a League position.
C. President and Voter Services
The President of LWVH, the Voter Services Chair, Voter Registration Chair and any other member who is involved in LWV voter services activities shall take no action which might publicly identify them as supporting any candidate or political party.
Also, in addition to the restrictions in Section B, numbers 1-8 above, they may NOT:
- Display campaign materials for a candidate
- Hold any party office
- Circulate petitions for a candidate
- Attend fundraising events for a candidate or contribute to a candidate or party.
D. ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS
The political activities of a spouse or a relative of a member are to be considered separate and distinct of the activities of the member.
The membership list of LWVH may not be used for any non-league purposes.
