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What is the League?

Founded in 1920 by women who led the struggle for women's right to vote, the League today has thousands of members, both men and women, nationwide who work to keep our government accessible and responsive to all Americans. In North Carolina, we have twenty local Leagues across the state.

LWVNC Bylaws

What does the League do?

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

The League does not support or oppose any candidate or political party. The League is a multi-issue organization guided by In League, which provides structure and organization. We work to:

• Achieve positive solutions to today's complex problems
• Research, study and take action on policy issues at all government levels (refer to LWVNC Position on Redistricting)
• Produce informative publications on these issues
• Educate and inform all citizens about candidates for public office
• Encourage citizen participation through public debates and forums
• Advocate change through lobbying elected officials

What Does the League Promote?

• Universal voter registration and effective election laws
• Fair, honest and open campaign practices
• Protection of our natural resources and environmental quality
• Responsible local, state and federal fiscal policies
• Safe, affordable housing and child care
• Women's issues
• An effective criminal justice system
• Fair and equitable taxes

What Do League Members Do?

Every new League member makes a difference in influencing the broad range of public policy issues you care about. When you join the League of Women Voters of North Carolina, you will begin to make a difference in the decisions made every day that affect you, your family, and your community.

League members learn about their communities and their local government. They study, research and arrive at consensus about public policy issues facing local, state and federal government. They work together through lobbying and education efforts to educate both citizens and government about these issues and the way in which they affect our lives.

And if you don't have time right now to participate in League activities, you can still be part of our work. As a member, your support gives us the strength we need to affect decisions made in our government.

The League is Non-Partisan

The League of Women Voters' purpose is to promote political responsibility through informed and active participation in government.  The credibility of the League rests on its non-partisan position that does not support or oppose political parties or candidates.  It is political only in the sense that it takes positions on selected government issues after study and agreement by members.  In order to protect the League's non-partisan reputation, it is important that the members and the public understand the following:

• Officers and Board members of the League of Women Voters of North Carolina are encouraged to participate fully in the political process as individuals without implying or receiving League endorsement.
• They may participate in party activities and attend precinct meetings and caucuses as private citizens.
• They may not wear candidate buttons or insignia of any party to League meetings nor distribute partisan information.
• At any League-sponsored activity, including informal social events, members should not engage in partisan discussions or activities.
• During their Board term or their work on behalf of the LWVNC Board, the President, Co-Presidents, Management Team, Voter Services Chair, and/or any other particularly visible Board member or League representative may not engage in partisan politics; specifically, they cannot sponsor fund raising events for political purposes, host campaign functions, nor distribute partisan material.
• Candidacy of a spouse or immediate relative shall require a member’s resignation from the Board.  The Board member should carefully word a resignation from the Board so as not to imply endorsement of the relative. Other political activities of a spouse or relative shall be considered separate and distinct from the activities of a Board member.

Board members may serve on non-partisan boards or commissions to which they are appointed.