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LWVTC Nonpartisan Policy for Members and Board Members

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Nonpartisan Policy of The League of Women Voters of Tompkins County For Members
The League of Women Voters of Tompkins County (LWVTC) is a nonpartisan organization. It does not support or oppose any political party nor any candidate for public office. However, the League may take action on governmental measures and policies in the public interest, and does encourage its members, as individuals, to participate actively in the political process.

Recognizing that the League experience uniquely equips members for public life and wishing to encourage members to utilize their knowledge and abilities, non-board members are urged to participate fully in party activities as individuals but not as representatives of LWVTC.

Nonpartisan Policy of The League of Women Voters of Tompkins County For Members of the Board
The League of Women Voters of Tompkins County (LWVTC) is a nonpartisan organization which 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 under the guidelines of the LWVUS and the LWVNY.

The LWVTC board believes that League members should be encouraged to seek and accept elective or appointive office in government. However, at the same time, LWVTC board members 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 the LWVTC.

Therefore, the LWVTC imposes the following restrictions in order to preserve the nonpartisan stance of the organization:

  • Board members shall not run for any elective partisan office while they are serving on the Board. Board members shall not host fundraising events for any political candidate.
  • President and Voter Services Chairperson shall not hold office in a political club or engage in partisan activity or serve on a campaign committee.
  • President and Voter Services Chairperson shall not make any contributions to any political party or campaign. Other board members are not restricted in this activity.
  • President and Voter Services Chairperson shall not attend political fundraising events.

Board members may hold appointed positions on state, county, and local boards and commissions;

They may also serve on other boards, provided that the organization does not endorse political candidates or otherwise engage in activity that would violate the League’s nonpartisan policy;

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 holds or runs for national, state, or local office or party position, the board member shall consult with the board or executive committee about their relative’s activity or position and the board member’s level of actual and/or perceived involvement with the position or campaign. The determination of whether such activity should disqualify the board member from retaining the directorship or voting on a particular matter shall be made on a case by case basis.

Any conflict arising from these policies should be brought to the attention of the LWVTC board. LWVTC board members shall bring the question of any prospective activity which may have potential conflict to the board for consultation.

I have read and understand the Policy and agree to comply with the Policy.

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