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LWVN Non-Partisan Policy

Note: this policy is reviewed and adopted each year by the incoming Board of Directors. 

Purpose. Nonpartisanship toward candidates and political parties is critical to the effectiveness of the League of Women Voters’ (League) unique voter service/citizen information work. It also provides a strong foundation for the work done in support of issues. The purpose of this policy is to enable the League of Women Voters of Newton (LWVN) as an organization to carry on with service to voters, information to citizens, and lobbying and campaigning on issues. Only to the extent that the public and its elected officials are convinced of  LWVN’s genuine nonpartisanship, will  LWVN be able to render effective voter service activities and gain a wide base of support for its positions on governmental issues. The policy distinguishes between the League as an organization and the rights of its individual members.  

General.  LWVN is a nonpartisan organization that does not support or oppose any political party or candidate.  The League also encourages participation in local government by informing the citizens of Newton about their rights and responsibilities as voters.

The Policy as it applies to Members. The League prides itself on having a membership composed of diverse, informed women and men. Its individual members are encouraged to participate fully in party politics and in government at all levels. Many League members have strong affiliations with political parties or candidates, or are elected officials themselves.

The Policy as it applies to Board Members:

1. Appointive Office: A board member may accept an appointment to local commissions, boards, or committees if such service would not be in conflict with League principles and LWVN program.

2. Elected Office:  Anyone running for or holding any partisan (i.e. party-affiliated) elective office at any level of government, or any campaign manager of any person running for elected office, may not serve as a Board of Director.  Candidates for Neighborhood Area Councils are exempt from this policy.

3. Political Party Office:  The president and board member(s) holding voters service portfolios shall not serve in any position in a political party at any level. Other board members may serve on a local political party committee, with notification given to the  LWVN board.

4. Support of Candidates for Public Office:

a.  The President, Voters Service Chair, and Voters Guide editors shall not publicly support any candidate for political office at any level. Activities permitted under this policy include: attending informational campaign functions and signing nominating petitions. Activities prohibited include, but are not limited to: circulating nominating petitions; hosting fundraising or campaign functions; making campaign contributions; displaying lawn signs; or adding one’s name to an endorsement.

b.  Board members should use discretion to ensure that their personal political activities are not identified with LWVN in the public mind.

5. Other Board Positions Outside League: Board members may not hold leadership positions (either active or honorary) in any group whose stated position is in conflict with  League principles of LWVN program.

6. Any Board member in conflict with this policy shall be required to resign from the Board.  Any Board member who has so resigned, may be reappointed by the Board if and when the Board determines that the conflict originally causing the resignation no longer exists.

Clarification of the Policy

If any questions arise regarding this nonpartisan policy, the matter will come before the Board for interpretation and discussion. Final decisions about implementing this nonpartisan policy rest with the Board of Directors.

Annual Review

The Board shall review this policy annually.  Any changes must be approved by the Board.

Adopted September 22, 2021

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Feb 7
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

LWVN Member Meeting – Vote on Newton’s Override Proposal

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Newton Special Election - March 14, 2023

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The League Presents... is a monthly program on NewTV produced and directed by LWVN members about issues important to our community.

  • The League Presents: City of Newton Override 2023
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Cover for League of Women Voters of Newton, MA
416
League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

The League registers voters and educates them about the important issues and challenges facing Newto

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

5 days ago

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA
Join us for a conversation with Congressman Jake Auchincloss of the MA 4th District on Wednesday, Feb 15 at 7:30pm!Learn more at lwvnewton.org/event/congressmanauchincloss-feb2023/Register at bit.ly/talk-with-jake ... See MoreSee Less

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League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

2 weeks ago

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA
LWVN is again offering two scholarships to high school seniors in Newton! We are pleased to have increased our scholarship award for the class of 2023 to $2,000 each!Learn more at lwvnewton.org/lwvn-scholarship-program/Candidates should apply online at bit.ly/LWVNAPPLY23 by March 1, 2023. ... See MoreSee Less

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League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

3 months ago

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA
Election Day is one week away! Not sure what's on the ballot or how to vote in the midterm elections? Get your election questions answered at www.vote411.org and watch forums on the 4 Massachusetts ballot questions at lwvma.org/ballot-question-forums/ ... See MoreSee Less

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League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

3 months ago

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA
Don't miss your chance to vote! The last day to register to vote in the 2022 MA elections is Saturday, October 29!FACT: It takes an average of two minutes to register to vote and tomorrow is the deadline! Go to registertovotema.com to register or update your information now. ... See MoreSee Less

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League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

3 months ago

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA
Your voice matters!Newton voters can vote early at City Hall, 1000 Commonwealth Ave:Saturdays - 9am to 3pmSundays - 11am to 5pmWeekdays - 8:30am to 5pmGot weekend plans? 📢 Early voting sites open tomorrow! Find your local polling hours and locations: www.sec.state.ma.us/EarlyVotingWeb/EarlyVotingSearch.aspx⁠👉️ Before you head to the polls, check out our nonpartisan voters' guide at VOTE411.org to compare candidates side-by-side by reading their views on major issues in their own words. Our guide also includes information on the state-wide ballot questions. ... See MoreSee Less

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The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization encouraging the informed and active participation of citizens in government. It influences public policy through education and advocacy.

© 2023 League of Women Voters® Newton | P.O. Box 610207, Newton, MA 02461 | info@lwvnewton.org

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