The League – Non-Partisanship and Elections in a New Era

1. The League – Non-Partisanship and Elections in a New Era

2. …or • MAINTAINING A NON-PARTISAN ROLE • IN A FAST-PACED and • INCREASINGLY PARTISAN WORLD: • POLICIES • PERCEPTIONS • PRACTICALITY

3. "The League shall not support or oppose any political party or any candidate."- Article II, Sec. 2, LWVUS Bylaws

4. HISTORY (And Looking Forward) • For over ninety years, the mission of the LWV has been to empower voters by • Removing the legal and social barriers to voting, • Registering new voters • Providing non partisan voter information to all voters, and • Encouraging all voters to use the power of the vote to effect social change

5. Looking Forward …Back to Basics “Back to Basics” for LWV would include these elements: • Annually adopt nonpartisanship policies • Train our leaders on nonpartisanship and implement voter service activities • Register eligible voters • Reform the electoral process • Provide non partisan voter information

6. Nonpartisanship as Defensive Driving We are not the only drivers out there - many on the partisan political roadways are not courteous as we are. We should not be afraid of getting on the road! If the League gets off the road, who will be there to assist voters? We should commit ourselves to a non partisan defensive driving course –use expertise within the organization to provide tips, training, support at all levels of League.

7. Start the Defensive Driving – Remember Why We’re Nonpartisan • Critical to the effectivenessand credibility of the League • Provides a strong foundation for the work done in support of issues • LWV Action on legislation and ballot proposals is more effective – it’s based on merit rather than politics! LWV

8. Nonpartisan Considerations When adopting your policy - keep in mind: • Specific board assignments • How the public identifies a board member's activities with those of the League • Political climate and traditions in the community • Policy should be rooted in principle rather than constructed around individual problems.

9. Nonpartisan Considerations Also keep in mind: • The visibility associated with specific political activities • The possible effects on neighboring Leagues who share the same officials

10. Discussion… What, if any limitations should we put on board members: • Highly Visible Positions in the Community? • President/Spokesperson • Voters Service Chair • Those seeking elective/party offices? • Making financial contributions? • Circulating or signing nominating petitions, referendum petitions?

11. Some Random Thoughts on Nonpartisanship

12. No matter what the League does, it is sometimes accused of being partisan!

13. There is NO need to panic! There is no need to be upset by charges of partisanship

14. Accused of being Partisan- How Do YOU respond? • A political party refuses to cooperate with a League on Candidate Forums/Debates • A candidate might refuse to send information for a Voters Guide • Someone points out the League supports a particular ballot issue • LWV accused of arriving at positions without listening to the opposition LWV

15. Truth or Consequences

16. Be sensitive to the matterswhich might be highly political

17. The League does not back down on positions because they are unpopular. So What Do You Do?

18. What Can Your League Do? Proactively define ourselves … (media, blogs, events) Print a fact sheet Hold a forum Careful planning & training Do nothing? Pass? OR…

19. CONSIDER THIS… • Consider how well the League's record of nonpartisanship is established in the community. • Has the League worked with groups in the community that do not agree with it? That offer diverse perspectives?

20. CONSIDER THIS… • At membership meetings, are new, different or diverse ideas NOT heard or groups shut out, making the League seem partisan? IF so CHANGE that - welcome diverse perspectives!

21. Accused of being Partisan? Remind -"The League does NOT support or oppose any political party or any candidate.“ Explain- the difference between League program and Voter Service activities. Remember – the League also has recourse to public opinion.

22. Best Practicesin Voter Service (helps retain our good reputation too!)

23. Best Practices – Candidate Events • Annually review and adopt nonpartisan policy early. • Know the federal, state and local laws. • Annually review and adopt criteria for candidate participation in debates early -before election season. • Debate/Forums conducted in a neutral, nonpartisan manner. • Institute regular moderator training

24. Best Practices – Voter Guides • Know the federal, state and local lawsthat may govern or impact your Voters Guide! • Annually review and adopt criteriafor candidate participation early -before election season.

25. Best Practices – Voter Guides Structure/Content (Guides based on candidate responses) • Must not contain express advocacy or electioneering message. • Layout must not favor/disfavor any candidate • All responses are published without editing by the League and they are not compared to our positions on the issues.

26. Partner with Other Groups (Co-sponsors) • Leagues should partner for strong attendance at forums AND make sure to have political balance in partners. • Co-sponsoring groups should agree to make no endorsement during the election cycle or at minimum not just before a debate or publishing of Voters Guides.

27. Can Leagues Partner with Media? YES! The Media is a KEY partner!

28. Working with the Media • Acknowledgment that debate or voters guide content is the property of LWV & Media partner • Permission must be sought to rebroadcast, reprint the information in its entirety or to print excerpts. • NOTE: Candidates must agree that he/she will not use any portion of the debate or voter guide information in a political advertisement

29. BLOGS, CELLPHONES AND FORUM FOOTAGE What can we do to ensure that candidate debates have full integrity in an era of Blogs and Cell Phones? Post debate footage on League Website or Link to full footage on Media partner site

30. Create a video invite/teaser Post it on YouTube Direct to Full Info on League Websites!!

31. Scenarios – How Would YOU…?

32. Scenario 1 - Responding to Candidate Concern about Organizational Bias Your organization has a liberal bias - virtually all of the legislation the LWV supports and promotes is of a liberal nature. How do you respond?

33. Scenario 2 - Candidate Charges Moderator is Partisan You as moderator were accused as being partisan because you contribute to Republicans and therefore must be supporting the Republican candidate on the dais. How would you respond?

34. Scenario 3 – LWV Member to Member A Republican State Senator spoke about a health care bill and she got a question about the problems for consumer protection that the bill creates from a new League member. You applauded the question because it was so well reasoned and this member says to you, "Well, I guess since you liked my question, you must be a Democrat.“ How would you respond?

35. Scenario 4 - Refusal to Participate in Debate One of our Congressional Representatives only participates in the TV debates when she has a viable challenger – she has turned us down the last two cycles. How would you respond?

36. Remember … • The Best Defense is a good offense! • Plan Ahead • Adopt Guidelines Early • Utilize Media Partners – be Proactive! • Operate with Balance, Consistency and Fairness • Don’t panic or respond “off the cuff” • Explain format to the candidates and public - it helps prevent misunderstandings.   

37. Where can I find samples and tools? www.lwv.org “Members Section”Face to Face: A Guide to League Sponsored Debates League BasicsTools for Leaders Elections Checklist Leaders’ Updates

38. Spark the creative juices & people in Leagues and prepare for a successfulNONPARTISANelection season.