By Barbara Tengtio, President, LWV of Seattle King County

Editor’s note: Seattle King County League President Barbara Tengtio wrote this essay in response to a challenge by a media outlet that questioned how the League can assert its nonpartisanship while our leaders and members speak out against the administration in Washington, D.C. 

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization whose purpose is to promote the informed and active participation of citizens in government. Our mission is to empower voters and defend democracy. 

At our core, nonpartisanship is not just a policy—it’s a bedrock principle that defines who we are at the League of Women Voters. As a membership organization committed to empowering voters and defending democracy, we do not support or oppose political parties or candidates. Our focus has always been, and will continue to be, on the issues that matter to our communities: ensuring fair elections, protecting voting rights, and strengthening our democratic institutions.  

Our foundational principle of nonpartisanship states that “The League shall not support or oppose any political party or any candidate.” Nonpartisan does not mean non-political; issues are not partisan. The League is and has always been a political organization, advocating for equitable voting access for all and working on vital issues of concern to our members and the public.  

The League’s advocacy work is issues based, and we arrive at our policy positions through careful study and input from our members. We never derive our positions from politicians, and even when candidates or parties support the same issue, we never endorse them. You can find League's positions HERE. 

We provide voters with information on where candidates stand on key issues, host nonpartisan forums, and work to ensure every eligible voter has access to the ballot. Our goal is to empower voters with facts, not to tell them who to vote for.   

Once individuals are elected, they are no longer just candidates—they are public servants, responsible for representing all their constituents, regardless of party. Holding elected officials accountable to the public interest is not a partisan act; it is a vital function of a healthy democracy. When we advocate for or against policies based on our mission and values, we are doing so from our commitment to issues and strengthening civil institutions—not out of allegiance to any political party.  

In essence, we are pushing for action on voting rights, democracy protection, and other key areas, without favor or bias.  

Remaining nonpartisan does not mean staying silent. When democracy itself is under threat, when voter access is restricted, or when misinformation spreads, we have a responsibility to speak out—clearly and forcefully.  

For over 100 years, the League of Women Voters has worked to empower voters and defend democracy. We continue to envision a democracy where every person has the desire, the right, the knowledge, and the confidence to participate.