About the League of Women Voters

The League of Women Voters (LWV) is a strictly nonpartisan citizen activist organization open to both women and men. The League operates at the local, state, and national levels. LWV Steuben is one of approximately 60 local Leagues across New York State.

The League encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

Voter Service Information

The League is perhaps best known for its services to voters. LWV directs its efforts toward encouraging citizens to register to vote and to take part in government and politics. Voter service activities include sponsoring candidates meetings, debates, and interviews; conducting voter registration drives; providing information about voting to the public; and getting out the vote on Election Day. LWV never supports or opposes any political party or candidate for elective office, but the League encourages its members, as individuals, to take part fully in the political process.

LWV provides information necessary to inform the electorate through community handbooks, voters guides, political directories and factual studies of governmental issues in print and on-line. Community organizations often call upon the LWV for speakers on selected topics.

Study of Issues

Leagues at each level choose issues for their members to study. Criteria considered when selecting study program include:

The issue is one on which governmental action is needed.

The issue falls within the principles of the LWV.

The issue inspires member interest and commitment.

Final decisions on state and national programs are made by a vote of the delegates to the respective conventions. At the local level, the voting members in attendance at the annual meeting perform this function.

Through its consensus process, the League examines all aspects of a selected subject and tries to reach agreement on which to base a position. LWV’s reputation for fairness rests on its practice of thorough and impartial study. Members discuss the issues; pros and cons are researched; and everyone has an opportunity to express an opinion. Once LWV has a position on an issue, material is published to promote that position, always ensuring the distinction between LWV action on specific issues and the League’s nonpartisan voter information.

Action and Advocacy

Once a position has been determined, the LWV board directs and plans LWV action. Action includes lobbying, writing letters and sending e-mails to public officials; testifying at public hearings; litigating to help clarify laws in the public interest; working in coalitions; monitoring elections and other government activities; and using public forums, panel discussions, LWV publications, and the media to provide information to members and the public.

The results of LWV studies and LWV action are conveyed to the public via the printed and electronic media, including use of the Internet. The LWV uses press conferences, radio and television programs, statements to governmental bodies, and members’ enthusiasm as part of its strategy to promote the LWV’s mission.

Publications

One important tool for carrying out the LWV’s goals are publications that are researched, written and distributed by members at every level. State and national catalogs are available. Many of LWV’s publications are available to members and the public at no charge, and others are available for purchase. Newsletters keep members in touch with all levels of the LWV. Local bulletins are usually published monthly, and the state Voter and the national Voter are published quarterly. The LWVNY newsletter Voter is available online on the League’s website at lwvny.org and local League newsletters from around the state can be viewed at lwvny.org/LLresources/LLbulletins.html.

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