LWV ID Nonpartisan Policy

www.lwv-id.org * email info@lwv-id.org

Voted for adoption at Council 2008 – April 26

1)  The League of Women Voters of Idaho is a nonpartisan organization that does not support or oppose candidates for public office but does encourage its members, as individuals, to participate actively in the political process.  The League acts on those issues the membership chooses for study and action.

Members of the state League’s board of directors recognize that, as a result of their close identification with the League, they have a special responsibility to see that their activities do not create a partisan impression or compromise the nonpartisan policy of an individual board member's local League.  Therefore, the League imposes the following restrictions in order to preserve the nonpartisan nature of the organization.

The state board president(s), voter service director and legislative director shall not run for or hold any elective partisan office, attend or host political fundraising events at any level, or make contributions to any local, state or national political campaign or party.  Other board members shall not run for state level elective office and should use discretion in attending political fundraising events, making political contributions or making political endorsements.

Members of the board of directors

·   May hold appointed positions on state, county and local boards and commissions where they have no conflict with League program,

·   May serve on other boards; however, any conflict arising between the two entities should be brought to the attention of the state board;

·   May not testify on state legislation on behalf of another organization without prior approval by the state board or the state president,

State board members shall bring the question of any prospective activity that may have potential conflict to the board for consultation.

The political activities of a spouse or relative of a board member are considered separate from the activities of that board member.  However, in the event that a board member's spouse or close relative runs for national, state, or local office or party position, the board member shall consult with the board or executive committee about her/his level of involvement in the campaign.

2)  The League of Women Voters of Idaho is a nonpartisan organization that neither supports nor opposes political parties or candidates for elective office.  Members of the state League board of directors may not serve or run for any partisan elective office.  Board members shall not take a visible part in partisan political campaigns, either for candidates or for non-League issues.  A board member or other League member who serves on a state-level appointive committee or task force does so as an individual, unless officially designated as a representative of the League; those serving as League representatives must be approved by the state board and shall represent League positions, when applicable. 

League of Women Voters of Idaho

April 2008