Adopted April 9, 2013, by the Steering Committee

Purpose: The purpose of this policy is to enable the League as an organization to carry on with service to voters, information to citizens, and lobbying and campaigning on issues.

Only to the extent that the public and its elected officials are convinced of the League’s genuine nonpartisanship, will the League be able to render effective voters service activities and gain a wide base of support for its positions on governmental issues. The policy distinguishes between the League as an organization and the rights of its individual members.

General: The League of Women Voters of Winchester is a nonpartisan organization that does not support or oppose any political party or candidate. The League’s effectiveness lies in its ability to take strong positions on issues in the public interest without regard for partisan affiliation. The League also encourages participation in local government by informing the citizens of Winchester about their rights and responsibilities as voters.

The Policy as it applies to Members: The League prides itself on having a membership composed of diverse, informed women and men. Its individual members are encouraged to participate fully in party politics and in government at all levels. Many League members have strong affiliations with political parties or candidate, or are elected officials themselves.

The Policy at it applies to Steering Committee Members:

1. Appointive Office
   A Steering Committee member may accept an appointment to local commissions, boards, or committees if such service would not be in conflict with League program.
   
2. Political Party Office
   The Spokesperson and Steering Committee member serving as Voters Service Chair shall not serve in any position in a political party at any level. Other Steering Committee members may serve on a local political party committee, with notification given to the League Steering Committee.
   
3. Support of Candidates for Elective Office
   a. The Spokesperson and the Voters Service Chair shall not publicly support any candidate for elective office at any level. Activities permitted under this policy include: attending informational campaign functions and signing nominating petitions. Activities prohibited include, but are not limited to: circulating nominating petitions; hosting fundraising or campaign functions; making campaign contributions; displaying lawn signs; or adding one’s name to an endorsement.
   b. Steering Committee members should use discretion to ensure that their personal political activities are not identified with the League in the public mind.
   c. Candidates for elective office and their campaign managers cannot serve on the Steering Committee.  However, Steering Committee members may serve as Town Meeting members.
4. Other Board Positions outside League                                                                   Steering Committee members may not hold leadership positions (either active or honorary) in any group whose stated position is in opposition to the League program.