Guidance for Leagues about Nonpartisanship and Partnerships

Guidance / March 1, 2021

Working in partnership with other groups through formal coalitions (large or small), or to plan one event or activity is an effective way to build power and use resources to work on an issue. When considering a partnership, it’s critical to first determine how the partnership will help advance the League’s goals. However, leagues are sometimes concerned that the groups they work with may eventually endorse candidates or be perceived in support of a candidate or political party. This should not stop the League from working with a group or groups that it might otherwise join or collaborate with, but it is important to think through the League’s policy of not supporting or opposing candidates for political office when making those decisions. There is no one size fits all answer to these issues.  For full guidance on this issue click here.

LWVUS does not prohibit Leagues from partnering with organizations that endorse or oppose political parties or candidates if the partnership is nonpartisan in nature but does recommend exercising caution in identifying appropriate opportunities. Leagues should not belong to or join coalitions or enter partnerships that are primary focused on supporting or opposing candidates or parties. 

In addition to the questions noted above, Leagues should also consider:  

• The timing of the partner’s or coalition’s endorsement (e.g. how close to the event will the endorsement come out). 
• The balance of groups that endorse candidate’s vs those that do not. 



Contact the VP of Advocacy advocacy@lwvmilwaukee.org or the President president@lwvmilwaukee.org for guidance.