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Position Statements

The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan organization, promotes political responsibility through informed and active participation of citizens in government, and takes action on selected governmental issues. The League does not support or oppose any political party or candidate.

This handbook details LWVJoCo positions covering three major areas: government, natural resources and social policy. The League arrives at a position after months-long careful study; then the board and members agree to adopt the new position. Positions may be used to advocate for change. LWVJoCo Position Handbook (revised 2019)

On May 4, 2019, LWVJoCo members approved a new position on housing affordability.Read the full position.

Quick summary of LWVJoCo Local Positions

Through its voter service activities, the League provides nonpartisan information on the structure and functions of government and the political parties and on voting procedures, election issues, and candidates.

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 that 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 that affect the general welfare, promote a sound economy and adopt domestic policies that facilitate the solution of international problems.
The League of Women Voters believes that cooperation with other nations is essential in the search of solutions to world problems, and that the development of international organizations and international law is imperative in the promotion of world peace.

LWVJoCo's Bylaws provide more details about the organization.

State & National Positions

LWV Kansas Position Statements

LWVUS Public Policy Positions Summary

LWVUS Impact on Issues 2018-2020

Topics: Legislative Action, Representative Government, International Relations, Natural Resources, and Social Policy

Nonpartisanship Policy (Reviewed and adopted 11/93)

In accordance with the by-laws of the League of Women Voters of the United States, the LWVJoCo “shall not support or oppose any political party or any candidate.” In the event a local board member anticipates political activity, it shall be reviewed and acted upon by the local board on the basis of the policy guidelines set forth in the publication “In League.” Certain sensitive off-board positions may be similarly affected by political activity. Non-board members of the LWVJoCo, as private individuals, are encouraged to participate fully in the political activities of their choice.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy

LWV is an organization fully committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in principle and in practice. There shall be no barriers to full participation in this organization on the basis of gender, gender identity, ethnicity, race, native or indigenous origin, age, generation, sexual orientation, culture, religion, belief system, marital status, parental status, socioeconomic status, language, accent, ability status, mental health, educational level or background, geography, nationality, work style, work experience, job role function, thinking style, personality type, physical appearance, political perspective or affiliation and/or any other characteristic that can be identified as recognizing or illustrating diversity. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to the organization’s current and future success in engaging all individuals, households, communities, and policy makers in creating a more perfect democracy.