Part III – Chapter 10
Plan & Engage Members in Voter Service Activities
The League's Voter Services and public education activities provide information about public issues, including those on which we have a position. Over the years, League has built an excellent reputation for providing the public with accurate, nonpartisan services and information on elections and on governmental and public policy issues.
Voter Services activities are designed to provide citizens with unbiased, factual information that can be used as a basis for understanding the election process and reaching their own voting decisions. The League's citizen education activities, on the other hand, provide information on public issues, including those on which we have a position; by law and League policy, it is not necessary to present both sides on an issue in such a situation.
It is the responsibility of the board of directors to ensure that voter services activities and lobbying activities are kept clearly separate. Voters’ guides and other voter services materials must not contain statements of League positions, and League positions on ballot issues must not be discussed at voter services events. A reader or candidate should not be able to “guess” League’s position based on the wording of a question.
Educational activities may be funded with either operating funds or tax-deductible monies - either through direct sponsorship or through grants. If tax-deductible monies are used, there are IRS regulations that must be strictly followed. If the event is an election event, then additional regulations from the FEC and FCC (if broadcast) must be followed.
I. VOTER SERVICES
Leagues carry out a variety of election-related services, which may include:
Making registration and voting information available through a variety of means, including www.VOTE411.org.
Organizing voter registration and get-out-the-vote campaigns.
Publishing voter guides/candidate questionnaires.
Sponsoring candidate meetings, debates and interviews.
Providing speakers on election issues, such as voting procedures and ballot measures.
II. CANDIDATE MEETINGS/DEBATES
Sponsoring candidate debates requires careful planning and decision-making by the whole board to protect the League’s nonpartisanship. Leagues are strongly advised to adopt careful, objective candidate participation criteria before each election season gets underway and before the candidates are known.
LWVMN offers on-going moderator and event training sessions for members of Local Leagues through Voter Services, check the website for upcoming opportunities.
III. LWVMN VOTER SERVICES RESOURCES
LWVMN has a wide variety of resources to ensure a successful event, all of which can be found in the Voter Service Handbook.
IV. MARTIN & BROWN GRANTS
LWV Minnesota has funds available to local LWVs for Voter Service activities. This funding is provided by the Martin & Brown Foundation who generously supports these pass-through grants to benefit local communities. In keeping with the educational mission of LWV Minnesota, eligible Voter Service activities can include voter registration drives, candidate forums, local voter guides or other activities and expenses in connection with educating voters. For more information, see Member Resources.
V. LEGISLATIVE INTERVIEWS
The purpose of a legislative interview is to give an opportunity to LWVMN members to meet their legislators and learn about them. It is not to advocate on LWVMN issues on behalf of LWVMN; that job is reserved for Lobby Corps members. The interview should be an opportunity for your legislator to share their views and perspectives on important issues to Minnesota broadly and to your local community. This activity allows LWVMN to better understand and plan for the upcoming session. Legislative Interview Guidance can be found in Member Resources.
VI. CAUCUS TRAINING AND RESOLUTIONS
Precinct caucuses are local meetings by political parties. They are not run by the government, but by the parties and are considered party activities. The caucus is the first in a series of meetings where parties may endorse candidates, select delegates, and set goals and values (called party platforms). Each political party runs their caucus meetings differently. Check directly with a political party to answer specific questions about how they are run.
For a detailed explanation the Caucus process, watch this PowerPoint with your members:
LWVMN-2020-Caucus-Presentation.pptx