by Miriam Kerzner, LWVWA Board
Nonpartisanship is a League policy and principle that states that the League of Women Voters will not align itself with any party or candidate. Instead, we promote knowledge of the political process, celebrate political participation by citizens across the political spectrum, and encourage the necessary democratic values of rule of law, civil discourse, and respect for truth as modeled by our process for developing policy positions.
The League can only hope to achieve its mission of empowering voters and defending democracy if we are nonpartisan because democracy is for everyone-- it is as simple as people over politics.
Credibility: While we can't always control how others perceive us, we can ensure that our actions are always nonpartisan. This is important so that our voter and civics education efforts are successful. Some Leagues have already had candidates reject participating in our election forums because of a false impression of League partisanship. The same is true about our outreach to schools, especially in these politically fraught times.
Vitality of Local Leagues: We need to model civil discourse at home as well as at outside League events and that means encouraging a broad membership and welcoming all voices. It means demonstrating a willingness to listen, to learn, and to change our minds when exposed to reasoning and facts of which we were unaware.
Good Governance: We must show appreciation to all those who demonstrate political responsibility, active participation in public life, and informed decision making. All too often, these qualities are underrated. Only by supporting all those politicians who live up to our values can we expect to develop reciprocal relationships from members of all parties.
Nonpartisanship is not meant to suppress League members' political speech. Instead, properly instituted, it should promote that speech. Nonpartisanship is an invitation create new friendships, practice tolerance, and learn about new perspectives.
