The bylaws of the League of Women Voters of Westport state that the League “shall not support or oppose any political opponent or candidate.” This policy is essential to the strength, credibility and effectiveness of the League in the community, the state and the nation. Actions and affiliations of prominent League members affect the League’s public image of nonpartisanship. In order to uphold and protect our nonpartisanship, the League of Women Voters of Westport expects its members to adhere to the following guidelines:

1. Any League member who speaks for or represents the League before the public (co-presidents, public relations or action chairs, for example) may not run for partisan public office or work actively for the election of a particular candidate.

2.  A League Board member may not serve on a town board or commission on the basis of party affiliation or on a committee of a particular political party. Appointments of League Board members to town boards and commissions must be approved by the League Board

3. The Westport League views participation in local caucuses, donations of political contributions and signing of petitions as an extension of the right to vote. Thus, Board members are permitted to engage in these activities but should do so with discretion.

4. There shall be consultation with the Board if there is any question of conflict. A majority vote of the Board shall resolve the question.

5. The political activities of a family member of a Board member are considered separate and distinct from the activities of a Board member.

6. A Board member should resign as soon as the Board has reached a decision that  a conflict with our nonpartisan policy makes it unsuitable for the Board member to serve. This resignation will be made public by the League along with an explanation of our nonpartisan policy.

7. Members of the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) may serve on the League Board because of the nonpartisan nature of the RTM.

8. All League members should be sensitive to our nonpartisan policy while at League meetings and should refrain from partisan political discussion or displays at League events.