League of Women Voters of Washington president addresses questions about political engagement
Why does an organization that pledges to avoid partisan battles speak so forcefully on policy? It is a question raised regularly as elections approach, and it warrants a direct answer.
Since its establishment in 1920, the League of Women Voters has maintained a strict policy of neutrality regarding political parties and individual candidates. The organization does not direct members on how to vote, contribute to campaign funds, or align itself with party branding. This commitment to remaining nonpartisan is a core part of its identity. It allows the group to provide voter information and host candidate forums that are trusted by citizens across the political spectrum.
However, the organization distinguishes between being nonpartisan and being neutral. While it does not support specific parties, it is not silent on the issues facing the community.
Being partisan generally involves aligning with a specific political group to advance its agenda or secure a win for that team, often prioritizing victory over compromise. In contrast, being political involves participating in civic life and addressing public concerns. This includes attending hearings, advocating for environmental protections, or defending voting rights, actions that do not require partisan affiliation. The League identifies as nonpartisan regarding candidates and parties but political regarding policy issues.
Policy positions and civic duty
The group develops stances on matters such as voting rights, environmental policy, education, and healthcare through research and study rather than party loyalty. The focus remains on the policy itself rather than the political figures involved. Consequently, a position may sometimes align with a specific party platform, but the primary goal is to determine if a policy benefits voters and strengthens democratic institutions.
Nonpartisanship does not prevent the organization from commenting on the actions of elected officials. Once a candidate takes office, they represent the public, and the League considers it a responsibility to address policy decisions made on the public's behalf.
The organization maintains that it is not neutral regarding democracy itself. It identifies as pro-voter and pro-democracy, viewing the protection of voting access, government transparency, and democratic norms as a civic necessity.
In the current cycle, the League of Women Voters of Washington has publicly opposed state ballot initiatives that it believes would remove protections for children or undermine existing state policies. Additionally, the group supports requiring top earners to contribute more toward education, healthcare, and support for working families. These decisions are based on the impact of the proposals rather than the political affiliation of their authors.
Maintaining neutrality
The League argues that the distinction between political and partisan is often misrepresented by critics. Opponents of reforms supported by the League sometimes label the advocacy as partisan in an attempt to diminish its influence, but the organization intends to continue its work.
This approach also guides how the League collaborates with other entities. Partnering with another organization to register voters, participate in coalitions, or share platforms at events does not violate nonpartisanship, even if that partner has endorsed a specific candidate. The focus remains on the shared issue at hand. Each local board evaluates these partnerships individually, taking local conditions and community trust into account.
The current challenges facing the nation require authentic coalition building. Collective action enables participants to advocate effectively on shared concerns.
The organization's firm boundary remains: it will not organize or lead activities expressly designed to endorse or oppose specific candidates or political parties. Any activities falling outside this strict definition are subject to local judgment.
Bold, loud and still nonpartisan
This situation demands the ability to identify key issues clearly, communicate without hesitation, and mobilize rapidly while maintaining strict neutrality. These characteristics are not mutually exclusive; they are integral to the work the organization has performed for 106 years.
Maintaining a nonpartisan stance does not equate to silence. This commitment allows for vigorous advocacy on behalf of voters. Fairness is not a reason to withhold input, but rather a condition that gives input its value. This principle, established in 1920, continues to guide the organization's actions.
Karen Crowly lives in Snohomish.