To the Journal editor:

The League of Women Voters has reformed in Marquette County! As we begin our work in the area we thought of a couple of things the community might like to know. The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan volunteer organization.

Nonpartisan means “free from party affiliation, bias, or designation” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). The League of Women Voters abides by its mission statement: “The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and policy.” The League does not support or oppose parties or candidates, regardless of whether parties or candidates agree with League positions on issues. Rather, the League is dedicated to ensuring that eligible voters have the opportunity and the information to exercise their right to vote.

That includes ensuring that voters have accurate information about all of the candidates and the candidates’ views and positions. The League has a long history and a well-deserved reputation for treating parties and candidates with neutrality. The League also has a long history and well-deserved reputation for transparency in how it researches its positions, what public policy positions it takes, and why. One can agree or disagree with some or all of the League’s public policy positions and still have high confidence that the League will never support or oppose any party or candidate in an election. Voters can also learn about League public policy positions and how the League arrived at any given position as an opportunity to understand more about issues that affect voters. So we encourage you to learn about all of the candidates and exercise your privilege to vote and we hope that we will be instrumental in helping you to do that. For more information about the League in Marquette check out our facebook page “League of Women Voters of Delta County, Marquette County Unit” or call Darlene at 906-225- 9103.

Cate Ferrara, LWV of Delta County Marquette County Unit

Darlene T. Allen, LWV of Delta County Marquette County Unit

Sue Scheenman, LWV of Delta County