Embedded Files
Q: What can I say (or not say) as an LWV member?
A: "As per the LWV Member Rights and Responsibilities Policy, members must not make statements on behalf of LWV or purport to represent LWV through any public medium, including online media, unless specifically authorized to do so by their state or local League or LWVUS."
[Ref: League of Women Voters of the US, Impact on Issues, 2024-2026, p.3] Click HERE
Q: Can I say I am a member of LWV when I call my legislator to express my opinion?
A: VIDEO
"Yes, but don't say you're speaking FOR the League. It's also important for them to know that you're a constituent (if that's the case)."
Speaker: Lynn Teague
Lead Lobbyist and
Vice-President for Issues and Actions
League of Women Voters of South Carolina
Closed Caption - click CC in video
Q: Who is authorized to make statements or officially represent the League at the local, state, and national levels? Can I make statements on my own and simply say that I am a member of the League? For example, can I submit a letter to the editor for my local newspaper and indicate that I am a League member even if I’m not officially speaking on behalf of the League?
A: “Being a League member carries weight and responsibility. That is why it is critical to ensure that League affiliation is not used for personal or political gain. League members may not make statements on behalf of LWV or purport to represent LWV through any public medium, including online media, unless specifically authorized to do so by their state or local League or LWVUS.”
[Ref: LWVUS League Management Site (LMS): go to Fundamentals / member-rights-responsibilities-policy; FAQ #5} Click HERE
Q: If I am a member of the League, does that mean I can never participate in partisan activities? Are all League leaders prohibited from engaging in partisan activities, even if I’m just chairing a committee at my local League?
A: “We understand that League members are likely to be politically active individuals (in fact, we encourage political participation), but nonpartisanship toward candidates and political parties is critical to the effectiveness of the League's unique voter service/citizen information work. It also provides a strong foundation for the work done in support of issues. Action on legislation and ballot proposals is more effective when the public and the legislators believe that the League's conclusions are based on merit rather than politics.
"While each state and local League has its own nonpartisan policies, the bottom line is that the League and its representatives do not support specific candidates or political affiliations. This means that League leaders, as defined by state and local nonpartisan policies, may not express partisanship in any forum, including in interviews, social media, speeches, or meetings. League members are free to participate in partisan politics on their own, including campaigns and being a candidate themselves, but they must not identify themselves as a League member or use any League nonpublic resources when doing so.
"League members should consult their own state and local League policies to determine how to govern their own political activities.”
[Ref: LWVUS League Management Site (LMS): go to Fundamentals / member-rights-responsibilities-policy; FAQ #3} Click HERE
Page updated
Report abuse