The LWVWC, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

The LWVWC does not support or oppose any political party or candidate.

Members of the Board of Directors may attend political meetings, coffees, etc. of an informational nature as well as campaign rallies. However, the President and Voter Service Director(s) should take special care to maintain the LWV’s nonpartisan position.

Board members may make campaign contributions up to 200 dollars, per candidate, annually. Board members may sign petitions but may not circulate nomination petitions. Board members may not display political signs on their property, although their spouses may.

Nominating petitions may be made available at League functions by non-board members. The petitions may not be passed from person to person.

Board members may not run for elective office except Election Board. Board members may serve if appointed to a non elective office. A League member whose elective term of office has expired may serve on the Board after a suitable time (to be determined by the Board) has elapsed. A Board member must resign before announcing candidacy for elective office or circulating petitions, whether for oneself or another candidate.

It should not be considered a violation of nonpartisanship for the spouse of a Board member to be politically active.

League members who are not Board members are encouraged to be politically active.

Special problems should be brought to the attention of the Board.
 

The League of Women Voters of Washington County alerts all voters that the Pennsylvania Municipal Election is Tuesday, November 3, 2009.  On the ballot for this election are state judicial candidates for the Supreme, Superior, and Commonwealth Courts, candidates for some local magisterial district judges, Washington County offices of controller, recorder of deeds, sheriff, and jury commissioner, and many local government and school director positions.
 
The last day to register to vote in this election is Monday, October 5.
 
The League of Women Voters of Washington County is preparing its nonpartisan Voters Guide for the Municipal Election.  The guide will be available in Washington County papers the week before the election and will include information from candidates.  The guide will also be on-line at www.palwv.org/washingtoncopa for voters to check at their convenience.
 
The LWV of Washington County has set the following policy for inclusion of candidates in the Voters Guide and other voter service activities.  All candidates already on the ballot for the offices described above will be included, with the exception of municipal offices which the guide does not cover. Letters will go out to the candidates selected in the primaries.  Write-in candidates for the offices covered may be added to the Guide if they give the League written notification by September 21 describing how they meet two or more of the following criteria: public or media announcement of candidacy; existence of a campaign committee; evidence of fund-raising or planned activity for campaign; appeal to a broad segment of the electorate; or evidence of significant voter interest and support.  The burden of proof for meeting these criteria rests with the candidate.  If candidates are accepted for inclusion in the Voters Guide, they will also be included in any other LWV voter service activities for their office.
 
Candidates planning write-in campaigns may apply for inclusion by writing Joan Jessen, 159 Canterbury Lane, McMurray, PA  15317, or contacting her at joanjessen159@gmail.com or 724-941-9370 by the deadline.
 
For those voters who are unable to go their polling place on November 3, absentee ballots may be requested.  Enough time must be allowed for the Election Office to process the absentee ballot application, send the ballot, and receive it back from the voter.  The last day to apply for a civilian absentee ballot is October 27, but voters should apply as soon as possible in order to meet the deadline of receiving the actual absentee ballot and returning the voted ballot to the Election Office by 5:00 p.m. Friday, October 30.
 
To request a voter registration form or absentee ballot application, call the LWV Register Remote line at 724-222-VOTE or contact the Election Office at 724-228-6750.  Forms are also available in some libraries.  Remember to allow enough time before the deadline or else go directly to the Election Office in Courthouse Square to fill out the form.  For any other questions, such as where to vote, call the Election Office.
 
The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
 
For more information on the League, call 724-228-9889.



 
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