Nonpartisan Policy

The nonpartisan policy of the League of Women Voters of Southwest Missouri

The purpose of the League of Women Voters of Southwest Missouri is to promote political responsibility through informed and active participation of citizens in government.
The League of Southwest Missouri does not support or oppose any political party or candidate. LWV of SWMO is political in that it takes positions on selected governmental issues after study and agreement.
Nonpartisanship is the foundation of our public credibility and must be carefully maintained. The objective of this policy is to prevent actual or apparent conflict in the eyes of the public. In keeping with this belief, the following policies have been adopted:

Board Members:

  • Each Board Member has the responsibility to maintain the nonpartisanship nature of the organization.
  • Co-presidents and presidents are to refrain from active partisan political activity or active partisan support of a candidate during their term in office.
  • Board members may participate in public political actions (e.g. signing petitions, posting lawn signs, hosting functions, attending event/fundraiser, etc.), as long as these are recognized as their personal actions and do not imply LWV of SWMO endorsement.
  • Board members must resign from the Board should they choose to run for an elected office.
  • A board member may not publicly speak in opposition or work against a League position.
  • The political activities of the spouse or relative of a board member are to be considered as separate and distinct from the activities of the board member.

All Members:

  • League members who run for office may mention their membership in the League if it does not imply an endorsement.
  • League members may serve as appointed members of county, city, state or national boards or commissions.
  • Every League member must clearly differentiate between personal opinions and League positions.
  • When acting in public as League representatives, members must not allow partisanship to be discernible.
  • When acting in public as League representatives, members must be aware of League positions.
  • League members may have yard signs promoting a candidate or a League sign promoting the right to vote, but may not display both signs at the same time.
  • Each member of LWV of SWMO may have a personal party affiliation and are encouraged to become informed about candidates and issues.
  • LWV of SWMO social media posts and official correspondence will reflect the League’s nonpartisan nature and will be posted/authored by authorized members only.