The policy of the League of Women Voters of Melrose is to conduct its educational activities in a non-partisan fashion; the League does not directly or indirectly support or oppose any candidates for public office.

Steering Committee members should not seek or hold elective office and must refrain from partisan political activities at the local, state, and national levels for the duration of their terms. They may not:

• hold an official position in a political party or campaign organization
• contribute to a political campaign above the reporting limit
• publicly endorse a candidate
• sign a partisan letter to the editor
• display buttons, bumper stickers, or campaign signs
• send out “dear friend” letters
• hold a fundraiser or get-together on behalf of a candidate
• circulate nominating petitions on behalf of any candidate
• engage in any other public activity that creates the appearance of partisanship.

No member shall be appointed to the Steering Committee who has held elective office or been visibly active on behalf of a candidate or party in the last month.

Political activities of a member’s spouse or relative are considered separate and distinct from those of the member.

The League may not accept donations from elected officials or candidates for elective office.

Steering Committee members may attend party meetings and vote for delegates but may not speak.

A Steering Committee member may serve on an appointed public board, commission, committee, or coalition. If the appointment is League-related, the appointee should be fully aware of the League positions as they relate to the commission’s responsibilities.

Individual Steering Committee members cannot speak in an official capacity, or work in any way, against a League position.

The League roster is not to be made available for non-League use without Steering Committee consent.

All League members are expected to keep League activities separate from political activities. For example, it would be inappropriate to distribute campaign literature at a League event. The Steering Committee is responsible for ensuring that League meetings are nonpartisan in every way.

Only petitions approved by the Steering Committee can be circulated at League meetings.

The Steering Committee must review and adopt its nonpartisanship policy once a year.