League of Women Voters of Washington County Policies

LWV primary guide write-in policy

The League of Women Voters of Washington County is preparing its nonpartisan Voters Guide for the May 18 primary. The printed guide will be available the week of May 10 and will include information from candidates. The guide will also be online at www.palwv.org/washingtoncopa for voters to check at their convenience.

Candidates already on the ballot will be included. Write-in candidates for the offices covered will be included if they give the League written notification by Monday April 12 describing how they meet two or more of the following criteria: public or media announcement of candidacy; existence of a campaign committee; evidence of fundraising 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 jrjessen@yahoo.com or 724-941-9370 by the deadline.

The League of Women Voters of Washington County publishes Voters Guides and conducts candidate forums to accomplish the following goals:

1. To educate the public, giving voters a chance to learn the views of serious candidates

2. To motivate voters to participate in the elections

All candidates whose names appear on the ballot will be included for the offices covered in its Guide or Forum.

Write-in candidates will also be included in the Voters Guide and Candidate Forums if they meet two of the following criteria, as ascertained by the League:

Public and/or media announcement of the candidacy;

Existence of a campaign committee;

Evidence of fundraising and/or planned activity for campaign;

Appeal to a broad segment of the electorate;

Demonstration of significant voter interest and support.

The burden of proof rests with the candidate. Written notification by write-in candidates must be submitted to the League no later than the date announced in the local media.

NONPARTISAN POLICY
Adopted 9/21/2009

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.

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