Nonpartisan Policy – DeKalb County League of Women Voters

What Nonpartisan Means

The purpose of the League of Women Voters is to promote political responsibility through informed and active participation of citizens in government. The League is a nonpartisan political organization: nonpartisan in that it never supports or opposes any candidate or political party; political in that it may advocate to influence public policy on those governmental issues selected by its members and on which a position has been reached through study and member agreement.

The League of Women Voters of DeKalb County (LWVDK) has adopted an official Nonpartisan Policy for board members and committee chairs that defines limits on their political activities. The purpose of this policy is to protect the nonpartisan reputation of the League.

LWVDK Nonpartisan Policy, Adopted 29 June 2022

All Members

Must keep League activity and political activity separate and distinct. The nonpartisan principle affects all members — the bylaws state the League “shall not support or oppose any political party or candidate.” League members, as individuals, are encouraged to participate in political parties and issues.

Observer Corps Members

A member should not express personal opinions when serving as an Official Observer for LWVDK. Observers report facts — not opinions or editorials.

Board Member Restrictions

Board Members May NOT:

✗ Run for or hold political office

✗ Serve as a delegate to political party conventions

✗ Fill a visible role in a candidate's campaign

✗ Attend political caucuses or conventions

✗ Speak or work in any way against a League position

✗ Attend political club meetings and political functions

✗ Hold office in a political party or club

✗ Publicly display support for a candidate (yard signs, bumper stickers, buttons)

✗ Distribute candidate campaign materials or make partisan statements at public gatherings

✗ Permit use of their name in candidate endorsements

✗ Publicly solicit money for a candidate

✗ Hold coffees or candidate forums unless all candidates for that office are invited

✗ Serve in a leadership role in an organization that endorses candidates

Board Members MAY:

✓ Attend informational political meetings

✓ Serve as election officials

✓ Make financial contributions to candidates, as long as the member's name is not then used to solicit additional funds

✓ Recommend people to serve on appointed public commissions and committees

✓ Participate in nonpartisan voter registration and get-out-the-vote activities

✓ Engage in issue advocacy aligned with League positions

Questions About This Policy?

Contact the LWVDK Board President at info@lwvdk.org