LWVOR President Joye Montgomery’s Message
As we go into the next elections, both local, state and national, I thought it would be informative for all to be reminded about how League of Women Voters of Oak Ridge (LWVOR) operates. Most of the information below comes from the LWLUS website and applies to LWVOR and all Leagues.
At our core, nonpartisanship is not just a policy — it’s a bedrock principle that defines who we are at the League of Women Voters. As a membership organization committed to empowering voters and defending democracy, we do not support or oppose political parties or candidates. Our focus has always been, and will continue to be, on the issues that matter to our communities: ensuring fair elections, protecting voting rights, and strengthening our democratic institutions.
In today’s increasingly polarized political environment, questions sometimes arise about what nonpartisanship truly means, especially during election season and once officials are in office. It’s important to clarify how we approach nonpartisanship across both contexts.
During Campaign Season
When candidates are running for office, our nonpartisan stance remains clear and unwavering:
We do not endorse or oppose any candidate or political party.
Through our state and local voter guides and VOTE411.org, Leagues work tirelessly to solicit and gather answers from tens of thousands of candidates on critical community questions. These questions — on voting rights, climate change, reproductive rights, resource management, education, and many other issues — help voters understand where candidates stand and how those positions align with their own values and priorities.
By providing voters with factual, side‑by‑side information, hosting nonpartisan forums, and ensuring every eligible voter has access to the ballot, the League empowers voters to make informed decisions. We provide the facts; you, the voter, decide what to do with them.
Once Officials Are in Office
Our nonpartisanship does not end on Election Day. After candidates become elected officials, the League continues its advocacy on issues — not individuals. We hold government accountable, support policies that strengthen democracy, and oppose those that undermine it. But we do so without regard to which party or politician is advancing or opposing a particular policy.
This is the heart of our nonpartisan identity:
We take positions on issues, never on people.