It’s election season. This year, voters elect federal and state representatives and will be deciding on a range of ballot initiatives and taxing proposals. We anticipate that tensions will be high. Issues are thorny and fraught. Opinions will be strongly held and loudly voiced.
What is our responsibility as League members in discussing these issues? The answer is - it depends. If we are hosting a voter registration event, our task as always is to present nonpartisan information. We educate on the voting process: how to register and vote, where to find information about candidates and issues, and how to update an individual’s voter registration. We encourage voters to explore the issues, ask questions, make up their own minds, then … vote. We do not take a position or state an opinion on any candidate or issue. These engagement events are about education, not advocacy.
On the other hand, our State League has announced its opposition to three initiatives that will appear on the November ballot. You can read the statement and rationale for this decision on the LWVWA website here, and I encourage you to do so. There is the possibility that our League may hold a panel presentation, discussing these positions.
This presents a challenge for each of us. While we are in conversation with folks at tabling events, we may be asked about League positions. The answer needs to be this: ”We are not here today to tell you how to vote. We are here to encourage you to vote. Your vote is your power, your right, and your responsibility. The League urges you to use this right thoughtfully.” I have had this conversation while tabling and have been challenged to share my opinion.
image by Freepik
(“I know you have an opinion on this issue…”) My answer is always the same. I keep repeating it’s not my place to tell you how to vote. I am here to urge you to do your own research and make your opinion heard at the ballot box. It is all too easy to misstep in these conversations, so I urge you to practice ahead of time!
Of course, as an individual in conversation, you can debate, argue and advocate freely. But please remember that, when you are representing the League, there are rules and clear bright lines. Our LWVSC Nonpartisan Policy puts it this way:
Every member must take the responsibility for clearly differentiating between personal opinions and League positions. League members cannot do the following two things simultaneously: (1) Publicly claim League membership; and (2) publicly speak or act against League positions or support or oppose any political party or candidate. League members not speaking for the League should identify themselves as individuals, without saying they are members of the League. Members may speak or act in the name of the LWVSC only when authorized to do so by the president or executive committee.
This is tricky. If you have any questions about where to draw the line, please reach out to me, or to Jen Winckler (Past President) or Cathy Liu Scott (President-Elect). We will be happy to work through the details with you.
And as always, thank you for all you do to empower voters and defend democracy.