Recently there have been a variety of public statements about League forums being partisan. It is important not to engage with critics in any debate about this issue as that only serves to amplify the negative comments. The state League response to this is as follows and remains focused on the positive work that we do to educate voters:
“Since our founding in 1920, the League of Women Voters nonpartisan policy has stated that “The League of Women Voters does not support or oppose any political party or candidate.”
“LWV of Illinois candidate forums provide voters with the opportunity to learn about candidates from all parties in an equitable setting. We issue invitations to all candidates who appear on the ballot for a specific race and provide each candidate with the same opportunity to address the public. Our format and trained moderators have successfully delivered nonpartisan candidate information to Illinois voters for decades.
“We are proud to continue our 102-year history as a trusted source of equitable, accessible, nonpartisan information. When candidates refuse to participate in nonpartisan voter information opportunities, it is a loss to Illinois voters, and we sincerely hope all candidates will consider our open invitation to participate in our upcoming forum(s).”