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ABOUT US

mission

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. We never support or oppose any political party or candidate.

Under the rules of IRS 501(c) 3, we present unbiased nonpartisan information about elections, the voting process, and issues.

Under the rules of IRS 501(c) 4, and after thoughtful study, we advocate for or against particular policies in the public interest.

non-partisan

Nonpartisan
Policy

LWVTallahassee Nonpartisan Policy

In 1920, The League of Women Voters made a choice: The League would neither support nor oppose any political party or candidate for public office. This decision continues today to ensure that the League’s voice is heard above the tumult of party politics. This nonpartisan policy has added strength to the League’s positions on issues and has made wide acceptance of League voter service and other educational activities possible.

At the same time, the League is a political organization and encourages members to participate fully in the political party of their choice, to run for office, to contribute their time, finances, energy in support of candidates as well as to be active generally in the governmental process. It is an advantage to the League to have politically active members. For its active members, it can be a personally satisfying experience.

Our nonpartisan policy is the cornerstone of our Voter Service program: candidates appear at our events because they trust our forums will be fair and impartial and they know they will be treated with respect. Candidates give information to the League because they know it will not be used for partisan purposes. This reputation for fairness and independence accounts for the confidence placed in our positions by interested citizens, other organizations, and the media.

While the League urges its members to be politically active, certain constraints are necessary in order to maintain our nonpartisan policy, which has always been a major source of strength for the League. All members should refrain from displaying League membership (buttons, banners, clothing, etc.) and simultaneously indicating her/his/their political affiliation or candidate preferences or endorsements.

Nonpartisan Policy Applicable to the Board of Directors, and Certain Committee Chairs

The Officers and Directors comprising the Board of Directors (the Board) recognizes that because of close identification with the League, each Board Member has a special responsibility to see that his/her/their activities do not create a partisan impression.

Elected Office. Board Members may not run for nor hold any elective office.

Political Party Office. Board Members shall not serve in any elected position in a political party.

Campaign Contributions. The President, Vice President, and the Voter Services, Lobby Corps, and Local Government Chairs may not attend fundraising events or make campaign contributions for candidates. Other Board Members may attend fundraising events and make campaign contributions for candidates at any level.

Political Campaigns. The President, Vice President, and the Voter Services, Lobby Corps, and Local Government Chairs shall not chair or administer fundraising or political campaigns, chair a campaign event or work in a significant way in the campaign of a candidate for office at any level. Other Board Members may not undertake such activities for candidates for local office, but may do so for candidates for federal or state office.

Social and Other Media. A Board Member shall not indicate her/his/their political affiliation or candidate preferences or endorsements at any level of government in the media, including on social networking sites or other public venues that also prominently identify her/him/they as a member of the League or LWVT Board.

Political Party Events. The President, Vice President and the Voter Services, Lobby Corps, and Local Government Chairs may attend free political party events for information only.

Political Activities of Family Members. The political activity of a spouse or relative of a Board Member is considered separate and distinct from the activities of the Board Member.

Members shall present questions about specific situations to the Board if this policy does not resolve the question.

Updated November 18, 2020 Board of Directors

Download Nonpartisan Policy document

Diversity,
Equity &
Inclusion
Policy

LWV is an organization fully committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in principle and in practice. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to the organization’s current and future success in engaging all individuals, households, communities, and policy makers in creating a more perfect democracy.

There shall be no barriers to full participation in this organization on the basis of gender, gender identity, ethnicity, race, native or indigenous origin, age, generation, sexual orientation, culture, religion, belief system, marital status, parental status, socioeconomic status, language, accent, ability status, mental health, educational level or background, geography, nationality, work style, work experience, job role function, thinking style, personality type, physical appearance, political perspective or affiliation and/or any other characteristic that can be identified as recognizing or illustrating diversity.

DEI Policy

LWVUS
Principles & Positions

Impact on Issues is designed to help League members use LWVUS public policy positions effectively at the national, state, local, and regional levels. The intention is to inspire Leagues to use national positions to act in their own communities.

Impact on Issues has been organized so that “Taking Action” is front and center followed by the League Principles. Then, for quick reference, the LWVUS public policy Positions in Brief summarize the more detailed positions in the sections that follow. For each of the major issue areas, the listing gives the full official statements of positions in bold type. The history sections provide background for each position and trace significant actions and achievements. LWV Impact on Issues (pdf)

national

LWVFL State Program 2021-23

Program Preface: The League of Women Voters is an organization fully committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in principle and in practice. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to the organization’s current and future success in engaging all individuals, households, communities, and policy makers in creating a more perfect democracy. There shall be no barriers to full participation in this organization on the basis of gender, gender identity, ethnicity, race, native or indigenous origin, age, generation, sexual orientation, culture, religion, belief system, marital status, parental status, socioeconomic status, language, accent, ability status, mental health, educational level or background, geography, nationality, work style, work experience, job role function, thinking style, personality type, physical appearance, political perspective or affiliation and/or any other characteristic that can be identified as recognizing or illustrating diversity. LWVFL State Program 2021-23 (pdf)

state

LWVTallahassee Positions

Positions Adopted by LWVTallahassee: The National and State Leagues develop positions on issues of importance through concurrence or consensus. Occasionally there are issues of local importance that our league studies. Positions are determined through consensus of the members. Once a position is determined, it stands unless modified or deleted through the same process. Positions Adopted by LWVT (pdf)

tallahassee

LWVTallahassee
2022-23
Program

Article X, Section 2, of the Bylaws of the League of Women Voters of Tallahassee provides that the Program of the LWVT shall consist of those state and local governmental issues chosen for concerted study and action. The Program arises from the suggestions of members. The Board of Directors is responsible for reviewing and discussing these suggestions through a DEI Lens to ensure that we are reaching the full diversity within League communities and are being equitable and inclusive in how we approach and execute our work. The Board formulates comments and suggestions into appropriate language, and recommends all, none, or some of them for adoption by the membership.

The Board recommends the following 2022 -2023 Program for adoption by the members.

The Tallahassee League of Women Voter’s priorities are:

voter registration,
voter education,
advocacy for free and fair elections,
advocacy for fair districting,
advocacy for voting rights.

We will monitor local issues and educate voters on the merits of the issues by conducting Hot Topics meetings and public forums with the goal of increasing access to our events by the general public. We will advocate for League concerns and priorities by meeting with county and city officials to educate them on our priorities. Our League has an ongoing goal of increasing diversity within our membership. Read more . . .

history

History

1920 — 2020

We believe in the power of women to create a more perfect democracy. That's been our vision since 1920, when the League of Women Voters was founded by leaders of the women’s suffrage movement. For 100 years, we have been a nonpartisan, activist, grassroots organization that believes voters should play a critical role in democracy. (Hover over or tap images for more information.)