THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS
OF ELMHURST, ILLINOIS

About the League of Women Voters

Mission Statement

The League of Women Voters, a non-partisan political organization, encourages the informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
Any person of voting age, male or female, may become a League member.

History

The League of Women Voters of Elmhurst has been thriving since 1932. With over 100 members we are able to study and act on issues at the national, state, county, and local levels.

Locally, the Elmhurst LWV has focused on issues of education, needs of the Elmhurst Public Library, housing, the environment, and downtown redevelopment. Many Elmhurst leaguers are Voter Registrars and perform an invaluable service by registering hundreds of voters each year.

We have a very active Observer Corps that observes meetings of our governmental bodies. Monthly "Observer Reports" are sent to all members and contributors.

Three or four forums on issues that are of interest to the public are held yearly. Our "State of the Community" dinners have also been popular. These meetings are, of course, open to the public.

The LWV grew out of the women's suffrage movement. The national organization was founded in Chicago in 1920. For more on the history of the League, visit the LWVUS history page.

Non-Partisanship Policy

The League of Women Voters is a political organization but does not support or oppose any political party or candidate for elected or appointed office.

The League of Women Voters of Elmhurst subscribes to the policy on non-partisanship adopted by the LWVUS:

The League as an organization does not support or oppose any political party, candidate for elective office (whether running under a party designation or in a "non-partisan" election.) - -League of Women Voters of U.S.

Participation in the activities of the political parties is an essential ingredient of citizen responsibility. The League urges its members as individuals to work in the party of their choice. Nominating petitions may not be circulated at League meetings.

Board Members may not:

1. Hold partisan office or serve as a precinct captain.
2. Hold an office in a political party or its caucus.
3. Serve as a campaign manager for a candidate in an election.
4. Campaign in an election by:
   1. canvassing door-to-door.
   2. hosting candidates' gatherings.
   3. adding one's name to a candidate's or political party's campaign material.
5. Express a view through the public media contrary to a League position - even as an individual.

All Board Members may attend information-giving political events.

1. Engage in political activity not in conflict with their portfolios.
2. Sign and/or circulate a petition to have a candidate's name placed on a ballot.
3. Display candidate signs in their yards.
4. Accept a non-political appointed office.
5. Contribute money to a candidate's campaign.
6. Serve in discreet campaign activity, such as clerical.
7. Serve on a local, non-partisan elected board, such as school or parks.

The Board:

1. Shall exercise extreme care not to give the appearance of supporting or opposing candidates on the basis of their positions on an issue in which the League is involved.
2. Represents the membership of the League and never takes a position independent of the League membership.
3. May take the initiative in recommending people to serve on appointed public commissions and committees, and considers it appropriate for Board members to serve in such capacity.
4. Shall decide the application of the non-partisan policy in situations not covered above or in LWVUS guidelines, or in cases where a deviation is indicated. (When in doubt as to policy, a Board member shall consult with the Executive Board, who will determine if Board action is needed.)

Adopted August, 1997. Amended September 19, 2009.