Non-Partisan Policy of the Winchester League of Women Voters

MISSION AND PURPOSE OF THE LWVW 

The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan organization that promotes political responsibility through informed and active participation of citizens in government. The League may take action on policies in the public interest, but shall not support or oppose any political party or candidate.

NON-PARTISAN POLICY adopted 4-9-2013; amended 12-11-18; revised 9-2020 

I. Purpose: 

The League of Women Voters of Winchester is a non-partisan 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 to partisan affiliation. The League encourages participation in local government by informing the citizens of Winchester about their rights and responsibilities as voters. 

Only to the extent that the public and its elected officials are convinced of the League’s genuine non-partisanship will the League be able to render effective voter 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.

II. The Policy as it applies to Members: 

The League prides itself on having a diverse and informed membership. 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 candidates, or are elected officials themselves. 

III. The Policy as it applies to Steering Committee Members: 

a. Steering Committee members may accept an appointment to local commissions, boards, or committees if such service would not be in conflict with League programs. 

b. Steering Committee members may serve on a local political party committee, with notification given to the Steering Committee. 

c. Steering Committee members should use discretion to ensure that their personal political activities are not identified with the League in the public mind. 

d. Candidates for elective office and their campaign managers may not serve on the Steering Committee. However, Steering Committee members may serve as Town Meeting members. 

e. Steering Committee members may not hold leadership positions (either active or honorary) in any group whose stated position is in opposition to League programs. 

IV. The Policy as it applies to Spokesperson and Voter Services Chair: 

a. The Spokesperson and the Voter Services Chair shall not serve in any titled position in a political party at any level. 

b. The Spokesperson and Voter Services Chair shall not publicly support any candidate for elective office at any level. 

c. Activities permitted under this policy include attending informational campaign functions and signing nominating petitions. 

d. Activities prohibited under this policy include, but are not limited to, circulating nominating petitions, hosting fundraising or campaign functions, making campaign contributions, displaying lawn signs, wearing campaign insignia, or adding one’s name to an endorsement.