Local Policy

Non-partisanship – The League of Women Voters of Greater Dover is a non-partisan organization. Although general members are encouraged to be active in party politics, members representing the League to the public are expected to conduct themselves in such a way as to preserve the League's non-partisan public image. Nevertheless, Board Members and lobbyists (except President and Voters Service Chair) may:

– sign nominating petitions

– attend functions of political parties or candidates

– serve in a capacity not visibly partisan that contributes to the election process (e.g. clerk of election)

–contribute to the campaigns of candidates of their choice

Board Members and lobbyists may not:

– be a committee person for a political party

– serve in an elective office

– run for office

– work in any federal, state, county, municipal or school board election campaign

Membership — A League should reflect the diversity of its local community in the membership, and the issues that the members address should reflect the diverse community.

§ The Membership Directory is for the use and convenience of the members. Its use by other organizations or groups must have Board approval. It should be updated and issued annually.

§ Annual Member Dues must be paid by October 1 each year.

§ A limited number of member scholarships may be awarded on a yearly basis by the LWVGD board to assist members or prospective members as needed, according to agreed-upon qualifications.

Board – The Board consists of the elected officers, six elected directors, and appointed directors as needed to carry out program and portfolio responsibilities. Each Board member, regardless of portfolio or office, shares in making policy, planning and carrying out League activities.

§ "Portfolio" is a responsibility for coordinating an activity or program in a specific area, such as "Observer Corps."

§ Potential conflict of interest will be weighed in considering portfolio and/or project assignments.

§ Local and State Board meetings are open to all League members.

Budget and Expenses

§ Budget overruns must be approved by the Board and adjustments made to the total budget, if a specified overrun is approved.

§ All out-of-pocket expenses should be reported to the Treasurer whether reimbursement is requested or not.

§ Time and Mileage are not reimbursable.

§ Treasurer must be notified of all purchases for which s/he will receive a bill.

Finance

§ Any League member seeking services or funds for a League project from any current or potential contributor must notify the President or Finance Chair prior to making the contact.

&sec; Only the State League should contact statewide companies.

§ Contributions to the League general fund are not tax deductible. However, donations to the Education Fund of LWV are deductible.

§ Those who make reservations for Unit Meeting luncheons, but do not attend, should repay LWVGD.

§ Our fiscal year shall correspond to that of the LWVUS.

Dover Voter

§ Voter ads should be approved by the Board.

§ Material written for or enclosed in the Voter should be League related. Nothing should be included in the Voter unless authorized by the President and/or Board. Printed informational matter from another organization should not be included on a regular basis.

§ Prospective members should receive complimentary copies of the Voter for at least three months or at membership chair's discretion.

§ Ad sponsors shall receive a complimentary copy of the Voter, and a form to use if correction is needed.

Advertising

§ Only prevsiously approved advertisements will appear in LWVGD printed material or online sites.

ACTION

§ Within National guidelines, League of Women Voters of Greater Dover can take local action on local issues, with courtesy notification to State Board prior to taking action.

§ State-level action on any issues can be taken by LWVGD only with prior approval of the State President and/or Action Chair; written copy of such action should be sent to the State President.

Candidates Meetings and Debates – In order to retain its status as a nonprofit, tax exempt organization, the League of Women Voters is required to abide by regulations promulgated by the Federal Elections Commission [Sec. 110.13(b)], the Federal Communications Commission [Sec. 315(a)] and the Internal Revenue Service [Revenue Ruling 86-95] for groups sponsoring appearances of candidates for elective office. Consequently, should only one candidate for a particular office appear, the League cannot provide the opportunity for him or her to address the audience.

1) There must be at least two candidates for the office in question present at the same time in order for a candidate to be allowed to address the audience. No stand-ins for the candidates will be allowed.

2) No videotaping of candidates during the meeting will be allowed except by established media.

3) The order of appearance by the candidates will be determined by a random choice method.

4) All candidates for a particular office who are qualified to be on the Delaware Ballot should be invited to participate.

5) Invitations to statewide candidates for participation in any debates must have prior approval from the state LWV President and/ or the Voters Service Chair.

6) LWVGD reserves the right to review any and all campaign literature, and reject for distribution and display any considered libelous.

7) At each Candidates Night, an LWVGD member will be assigned to monitor the display table. Ushers should be able to request any disruptive persons in the audience to be quiet or leave the room.

8) All other procedures will be found in the League of Women Voters of Delaware "Policies and Procedures."

Contacting Legislators

§ Members do not speak "for the League," but as individuals.

§ A person who represents the League of Women Voters to any member of the legislature must be authorized by the LWV-DE and be registered with the General Assembly as a League lobbyist.

§ All communications undertaken in the name of the League (written or oral action, invitations, interviews, etc.) must be approved in advance by the President or designee. In most instances, letters go out over the signature of the President and the portfolio chair who authors the letter.

Policies and Procedures and Bylaws

§ These documents should be reviewed annually and updated as necessary.

§ Member questions, comments, or suggestions should be directed to the president of the League of Women Voters of Greater Dover.