LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF GEAUGA NONPARTISAN POLICY
The purpose of the League of Women Voters of Geauga (LWVG or League) is to promote political responsibility through informed and active participation of citizens in government. Accordingly, we may study, comment and take action with respect to governmental issues, measures and policies. However, the League never supports or opposes any political party or any candidate.
The LWVG values and relies upon the many skills and types of experience that individual
members bring to our League and encourages engagement in public and political activities.
However, certain constraints are necessary to protect the nonpartisan stature of the
organization. Adherence to this policy is required by all members.
All Members
All LWVG members, when acting in a League capacity or participating in League meetings or
events shall:
- Be nonpartisan in their words, actions and presentation.
- Avoid conflicting with League positions at the local, Ohio or national level.
- Avoid commenting on behalf of the League unless designated to do so by the Board President.
Any member who seeks elective office at any level of government must notify the Board President.
LWVG Board of Directors
In addition to the responsibilities of all members, the following policies apply to Board
members:
A. Holding office and involvement with political parties:
1. Board members may:
a. Run for or hold an elective nonpartisan office
b. Hold a nonpartisan appointed office or position
c. Serve as a poll worker or election marshall
d. Serve as a poll watcher or election judge, with Board approval
e. Recommend people for appointments to nonpartisan public commissions and
committees.
2. Board members may not:
a. Serve in any position in a political party or as a delegate to a political party
convention.
B. Political activities: Board members are encouraged to avoid partisan activities that may cause
confusion by the public about whether the League is endorsing a candidate or party.
1. Board members may:
a. Engage in the activity as an individual, not as a representative of the League
b. Demonstrate support of a candidate or party, as long as the member’s League affiliation is not also displayed
c. Attend events to meet candidates, raise funds for them, or otherwise support candidates or parties; they should avoid wearing League identification, such as a
League nametag, at such events
d. Sign, but not circulate, petitions for candidates
e. Make financial contributions to candidates, political parties and issues
C. Family: Political activities of a Board member’s spouse/partner or relative are considered
independent of the political activities of the Board member. If a Board member believes that
the partisan political activity of a family member may cause the public to doubt the
nonpartisanship of the League, the Board member should discuss the situation with the
Board and take action according to the Board’s assessment.
D. Issues:
1. Board members may, with Board approval:
a. Circulate petitions concerning issues which are in agreement with League
positions
b. Be identified with a highly controversial issue on which the League has not taken
a stand
LWVG Board President(s) and Highly Visible Positions
In addition to the responsibilities of all Board members, further restrictions apply to the Board
President(s), Voter Services Chair, moderator of candidate forums and any other position
designated as “highly visible” by the Board.
A. Political Activities:
1. The Board President, Voter Services Chair, Geauga Government Chair, moderator of
candidate forums and any position designated as “highly visible” may not:
a. Solicit or make contributions for/to candidates or political parties
b. Advise or work for a candidate or political party, including contacting voters or
working in a party or campaign committee, event or
office
c. Publicly demonstrate support for a candidate or party, e.g., be named in
campaign literature, social media or advertising
d. State preferences for parties or candidates in social media, writing, or speech
e. Serve on a board of directors or in a leadership role in an organization which
endorses candidates
f. Host, sponsor or attend campaign events unless all candidates for an office are
invited
Specific League Work
A. Candidate Forums: Campaign literature is not permitted in the forum room, but may be
available outside that area.
B. Voter Service Materials: Campaign advertisements and statements regarding League
positions on issues are not permitted in the Voter Guide or other voter service publications.
C. Observer Corps: League Observers must refrain from publicly expressing their viewpoint about any public
bodies they observe.
D. Prospective Leaders: The Nominating Committee will consider any past partisan affiliation,
such as political candidate, office holder or campaign manager, in determining whether a
nominee is able to represent the League in a nonpartisan manner.
E. Co-Sponsored Activities: All co-sponsored activities must be approved by the Board to ensure alignment with our
Nonpartisan Policy.
F. Fundraising: Any private individual may make contributions to LWVG. However, donations
from campaign committees or from individuals running for elected or appointed office will
not be accepted.
Process
If a member questions whether the League’s nonpartisanship is compromised by an activity, the
Board should be consulted. A majority vote of the Board will resolve the question.
Board members who choose to run for office or take part in other prohibited partisan activity
should resign from the Board as soon as they decide such a course of action. The member may
take an off-board position if there is an activity or project that requires the member’s
contribution. As needed, the vacant position should be filled as soon as possible, and the
appointment will be in effect for a period of time determined by the Board. The resignation
should be publicized to members, but written so that it does not suggest a political
endorsement.
Any Board member who does not comply with this policy may be asked by the Board to resign.
Adopted at the June 22, 2023, Annual Meeting