Partisan ⏤ one who takes the part of another, an adherent to a party or faction.
Nonpartisan ⏤ Free from party affiliation or bias. Opposite of partisan.
Although the LWVMI board may take action on governmental measures and policies in the public interest, it should not support or oppose any party or candidate. However, LWVMI board members should be allowed and encouraged to seek and accept elective or appointive offices in government and responsible positions in the private sector. At the same time, it is necessary to impose some restrictions to preserve the nonpartisan nature of the organization.
- Elected Office. The president and voter service coordinator shall not run for any elective office. Other board members shall not run for national or state elective office but may run for local office, regardless of party designation, after consultation with the state board and notification to the president(s) of the local League(s) involved. Should a board member resign to run for political office, a carefully worded public notice announcing the resignation, avoiding the appearance of endorsing the candidacy, will be released.
- Campaign Participation. The president and voter service director shall not act as campaign manager for a candidate for any elective office. Other board members may do so for candidates in local elections.
- Appointed Office. Any board member may serve on any public board, commission, committee, or coalition when such service does not conflict with League positions and programs.
- Political Party Office. The president and voter service director shall not serve in any position in a political party or local caucus. Other board members may run for/accept political party positions at the local level after consultation with the state board and notification to the president(s) of the local League(s) involved.
- Campaign Contributions. The president or voter service director may not attend fundraising events or make campaign contributions to candidates for state or national office or US presidential or vice-presidential candidates.
For more information on our political nonpartisan activity policy, read League CEO Virigina Kase Solomón’s blog, Remaining Nonpartisan in Hyper-partisan Times.