Voter Service Handbook
Part I: Overview
Welcome to the Voter Service Handbook!
This handbook is designed to support your local League programming by providing tools to speed up planning, increase volunteer efficiency, and standardize the “look and feel” of LWV events.
Each section contains its own set of tools and resources, ready for use. Visit the section that applies to your event, start at the beginning, and work your way through.
Many items in the handbook are available as Microsoft Word documents, so your local League can customize them to meet your needs.
Be sure to check this handbook periodically for new and updated items.
If you have a suggestion for the handbook, please email the LWVMN state office.
Nonpartisanship is Key
The overarching rule that informs all voter service work at every step is that it must be nonpartisan. This goes beyond merely formally endorsing a party or candidate. It also means that the League must not provide an advantage to a party or candidate or suggest that a party or candidate is the "right" one to vote for.
Voter service and advocacy/action also must be kept separate as much as possible. Mixing voter service and advocacy/action can, at its worst, put LWV at legal and financial risk and harm, and even at its best, cause a perception of partisanship that harms LWV’s reputation.
If you're confused about what voter service is, ask yourself this question: "Am I trying to assist a voter in registering to vote and casting a ballot under the current law?" If so, it's voter service. If you're trying to do anything else (e.g., policy education, issue advocacy, advocating for changes in the law), it's likely advocacy or action and needs to be separated out.