LWVUS has officially become a national partner of No Kings 2 Day on Saturday, Oct. 18. The decision was based on the League's consistent and long history of speaking up boldly to defend democracy against authoritarianism. This action has prompted questions about whether the League is departing from its nonpartisan status. The answer is no.

The League has always been, and continues to be, 100% committed to its pledge to never endorse or oppose a candidate or political party. That does not mean that the League must be silent when we disagree with the decisions and actions made by elected officials once they are in office. We will ask legislators to protect voter rights. We will criticize administration policies that do not represent our League values and positions. We will hit the alarm bell when we believe that the balance of power in our government is out of whack and endangering the foundation of our democracy.

BUT, our posters and T-shirts will be respectful. There will be no name calling, no offensive graphics, and certainly no support of violence. There may be others at events like No Kings 2 who don't follow these rules, but those who are there to represent the League will be as nonpartisan as possible in expressing our views.

It's not easy because we all have our own personal opinions that are definitely partisan, but when we are wearing our League hat it is imperative to put those feelings aside and stay within the bounds of non-partisanship. We've done it for 105 years, and we can do it now.

Diane McNutt, President

League of Women Voters of San Jose/Santa Clara

Diane.McNutt@lwvsjsc.org

Reminder: All League members are invited to attend the monthly Board business meetings, usually held on Zoom on the first Thursday of the month. If you would like to attend, contact me for agenda, time and link information.