Results of the national elections are triggering questions about how we respond with any concerns we have regarding current and possibly future actions by our political leaders.

First, remember that as individuals, all League members except the President and Voter Service Chair are encouraged to share their opinions on political issues, whether it's by a call to your representative, a letter to the editor, or a political march. (Rants at family dinners may be ill-advised.) It's our responses in the name of the League that I want to discuss here.  We know that the League does not support or oppose candidates, elected officials or political parties. It's the policies of the officials and parties that the League advocates for or against ("takes action"). 

See the LWVUS website section that addresses advocacy. Quoting here:

"There are only two fundamental rules (for advocacy). One, act on the basis of a League position. Two, consult with the appropriate level League board. Each level of League - local, state and national - has its own positions and advocacy must advance those positions. And each level of League is responsible for overseeing action at its level. So if you want to take action at the national level, it must be consistent with an action alert or other communication from the national board, or that board must be consulted.... For state-level action, the state board is responsible. And for local action, the local League board makes the call."

I don't know if this helps to clarify the issue or further muddies it. In general, advocacy at our local level would always be discussed as a Board, as advocating in the name of the League is done by the president or designee(s). As a League member, if you have questions about issues that you feel warrant taking action as a League, do not hesitate to contact me or any other Board member.

The League does its work in three ways - Voter Service, Information sharing, and Advocacy. The latter is very important, and we want to be sure we use it when appropriate.