LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF GLEN ELLYN

PURPOSE

THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS is a non-partisan organization that does not support or oppose any political party or candidate but whose purpose is to promote political responsibility through informed and active participation of citizens in government and to act on selected governmental issues.

PRINCIPLES

The League of Women Voters believes in representative government and in the individual liberties established in the Constitution of the United States.

The League of Women Voters believes that democratic government depends upon the informed and active participation of its citizens and requires that governmental bodies protect the citizen’s right to know by giving adequate notice of proposed actions, holding open meetings and making public records accessible.

The League of Women Voters believes that every citizen should be protected in the right to vote; that every person should have access to free public education which provides equal opportunity for all; and that no person or group should suffer legal, economic or administrative discrimination.

The League of Women Voters believes that efficient and economical government requires competent personnel, the clear assignment of responsibility, adequate financing and coordination among the different agencies and levels of government.

The League of Women Voters believes that responsible government should be responsive to the will of the people; that government should maintain an equitable and flexible system of taxation, promote the conservation and development of natural resources in the public interest, share in the solution of economic and social problems which affect the general welfare, promote a sound economy and adopt domestic policies which facilitate the solution of international problems.

The League of Women Voters believes that cooperation with other nations is essential in the search for solutions to world problems and that the development of international organization and international law is imperative in the promotion of world peace.

MEMBERSHIP AND DUES (Revised 2023)

Membership in the League of Women Voters is open to all persons 16 years of age or over who subscribe to the League’s purpose and policies.

Lifetime Membership is granted to persons who have been members of the League of Women Voters for 50 years. Lifetime members are excused from paying dues. Student Membership is available to students enrolled either full time or part time in an accredited institution. The amount of student membership dues shall be determined by the Board of LWVGE.

The Board of Directors shall set the annual dues subject to approval of members at the Annual Meeting. Dues shall be due and payable on May 1 of each year. Member dues paid after the LWVUS membership deadline cover membership payment for the following year.

POLICIES (2023)

I.         All policies of the League of Women Voters of Glen Ellyn shall be reviewed by the Board of Directors biennially at the beginning of the fiscal year in odd years, except that the Non-Partisan Political Policy shall be reviewed annually as required by the LWV of Illinois. (References to the “League of Women Voters of Glen Ellyn” hereafter may be abbreviated as “LWVGE”).

II.         NON-PARTISAN POLITICAL POLICY – 2011

A.    The LWVGE Board of Directors shall use as a guide the non-partisan political policy endorsed by the LWVUS.

B.    Specific guidelines of the LWVGE as determined by the Board of Directors are:

1.     The LWVGE is a non-partisan organization; it shall not support or oppose any political party or candidate.

2.     Those members of the Board of Directors holding the positions of President and of Voter Service Officer or any other publicly sensitive position shall not support candidates for a public elective office.

3.     The President and Voter Service Officer may not be a candidate for a Party organization office or serve in such office.

4.     A member of the Board of Directors may not accept appointment to commissions, boards, or committees where service would be detrimental to the League program.

5.     A member of the Board of Directors may not use the name of the League in testifying as an individual. Only the President or designate may testify on behalf of the LWVGE.

6.     Any activity by a member of the Board of Directors, including candidacy for public office which might present a conflict of interest, shall be reviewed by the Board of Directors.

7.     Final decision in each case shall be left to the judgment of the Board of Directors.

8.     The non-partisan policy shall be reviewed by the Board of Directors annually on or before October 1st and then presented to the membership.

NOTE: While the LWVGE encourages its members, with the exception of the President or Co- Presidents and Voter Service Officer, to work for the party or candidate of their choice, members must act as individuals and may not speak for nor give the impression that they are representing the LWVGE.

III.         GUIDELINES FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE LOCAL NOMINATION PROCESS – 2011 (Revised 2021)

A.    The LWVGE may provide assistance with the voting/election procedure for any group, political party, or caucus seeking to make a slate for any local elected public office, providing there is no conflict with LWVGE’s principles. [Note: This section covers LWVGE participation in the Civic Betterment Party (CBP). CBP must request League assistance 90 days in advance of the local election.]

B.    The LWVGE should make it publicly known that individuals may run for local political offices as independents.

C.    The LWVGE may provide information and public forums as needed to uphold its nonpartisan policy.

D.   The LWVGE encourages maximum citizen participation in any slate-making or election process.

E.    A clear and mutual understanding of all procedures and the role of the LWVGE shall be documented in writing between the LWVGE and any organization receiving the LWVGE’s assistance prior to LWVGE’s participation. The Board of Directors must approve the document of roles and procedures, as well as any amendments thereto, a minimum of 30 days before the event.

F.     A written report of the LWVGE’s involvement with any local nomination, slate-making, or election process shall be submitted to the Board within 90 days after such event. The report shall include recommendations to assist the Board of Directors in determining LWVGE’s participation in future events. The Board President shall appoint the person(s) making the report.

IV.         CONVENTION DELEGATES – 2011

A.    National: The LWVGE shall pay for the registration of two delegates. The remaining money allocated in the budget for the Convention shall be divided between the delegates for room, board, and transportation.

B.    State: The LWVGE shall pay the registration for as many delegates as are accredited by the League of Women Voters of Illinois. The remaining money allocated in the budget for the Convention shall be divided among the delegates for room, board, and transportation.

V.         TRANSPORTATION – 2011

Expenses for transportation to State and Regional meetings may be allocated from the amount in the budget for Board expenses when Board position requires attendance.

VI.         ELECTRONIC VOTING - 2013

In the event that a decision must be made when it is impractical to convene the Board of Directors, a vote may be taken electronically with votes recorded by the Secretary of the Board.

VII.         MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY- Revised 2023

The membership list of the LWVGE is for internal use only. The membership directory shall not be shared by any member with persons or organizations outside of LWVGE.

VIII.         COMMEMORATIVE DONATIONS

It is recommended by the Board of Directors that donations be considered in memory of deceased LWVGE members.

IX.         CANDIDATE PARTICIPATION POLICY – 2011

Candidate forums or debates sponsored by LWVGE at election time are held to provide a forum for thoughtful discussion of the important issues before the voters by candidates who have demonstrated significant voter interest and may, therefore, be elected. The LWVGE also seeks to stimulate voter interest and participation with these events.

A candidate for STATE OFFICE IN ILLINOIS may participate if he or she meets each of the following criteria:

A.    CONSTITUTIONAL ELIGIBILITY – The candidate must meet the requirements of the Illinois and the United States Constitutions.

B.    FORMAL CAMPAIGN – The candidate must show evidence that a formal campaign is being waged, such as campaign headquarters, campaign staff/volunteers, position papers, and campaign appearances.

C.  Candidates must also meet at least one of the following criteria:

1.    VOTER INTEREST – The candidate must demonstrate significant voter interest and support as evidenced by receipt of ten percent of support in one or more statewide nonpartisan public opinion polls conducted at least 14 days, but not more than 40 days, prior to the debate.

2.   ESTABLISHED POLITICAL PARTIES – Persons who have filed under an Established Political Party (as defined in the Illinois Election Code by the State Board of Elections) for this election will be considered as qualified candidates.

The LWVGE will reserve the right to determine that the above criteria have been met.

X.         DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION POLICY – Revised 2021

The LWVGE, in both its values and its practices, affirms its belief in and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. The LWVGE recognizes that diverse perspectives are necessary for responsible and effective decision making in democratic organizations. The LWVGE affirms its commitment to:

A.    Removing barriers to participation in any LWVGE activity on the basis of age, race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion or national origin.

B.    Actively seeking to be inclusive.

XI.         ARCHIVE POLICY – Revised 2023

In July of 2009, the LWVGE transferred ownership of the LWVGE archives to the Glen Ellyn Historical Society (GEHS). In June of 2023, the GEHS transferred ownership of the LWVGE archives back to the LWVGE, due to limitations on GEHS’ storage capabilities. It is the intention of LWVGE to digitize the archives, for easier access and permanent storage.

The LWVGE President or Co-Presidents will appoint, with board approval, a person to act as LWVGE Archivist. This will be a two-year off board position and the Archivist would serve under the direction of the Board Secretary. The Archivist will be responsible for collecting appropriate LWVGE records and materials on an annual basis. Any current documents and documents associated with local positions that have been revised must be submitted in a digitized format.

XII.         GUIDELINES TO ENSURE A NON-PARTISAN EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT – 2019

In order to promote and ensure a non-partisan educational environment during the months leading up to a state or national primary and general election, the LWVGE recommends that schools consider the following suggestions:

A.    Discourage candidates from making political visits to the school or attending school-sponsored events to meet with students, parents, teachers, administrators and/or board members during the months leading up to an election.

B.    In situations when politicians visit the classroom as a routine part of the curriculum (e.g., Government class), be mindful of providing a balanced perspective by including candidates with differing political perspectives when possible.

C.    Discourage candidates (or their supporters) from distributing materials or campaign literature or other give-a-ways to students, parents, teachers, administrator and/or board members.

D.    Discourage politicians and their staff from taking photos of themselves on school property or at school-sponsored events with students, parents, teachers, administrators and/or board members and posting them on either the school’s or the candidate’s social media sites that may give the appearance of an official endorsement of the candidate.

E.     To the extent possible, avoid scheduling and/or inviting incumbents to dedications, ribbon- cutting events, and/or award ceremonies during months close to an election.

F.     Establish policies that prevent school officials from making public endorsements of candidates in their capacity as school officials.