Part IV: Candidate Forums
Nonpartisanship for Moderators
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, unbiased political organization. LWV does not endorse candidates for office or political parties. As we execute events as part of our mission of educating voters, how do we ensure that our work truly is above reproach?
As individuals and as LWV members and leaders, we must operate in an open, transparent manner that ensures that all candidates and parties continue to respect LWV for its nonpartisanship.
DO...
Announce at the beginning of the forum that LWV does not endorse candidates and that views expressed are of the candidates and not LWV.
Announce the LWVMN Candidate Forum Recording Policy, including that edited clips or excerpts may not be used for partisan or political purposes.
Treat all candidates respectfully and equally in words and actions, remaining carefully neutral. Greet all candidates and thank all candidates in the same cordial manner, keeping in mind that others are watching for any signs of favoritism.
Use the random Candidate Rotation Grids in the Voter Service Toolbox. They are designed to prevent any candidate from having an advantage by always answering first or last or having to always follow an opponent with their response.
Dress in “neutral” colors – not red or blue – that don’t show support of a particular political party.
DO NOT...
Moderate an issue or candidate forum if you are highly visible in a political party, closely associated in some way with a candidate, or identified with an issue under discussion at a candidate forum.
Moderate an issue or candidate forum if you serve as a campaign officer or administer fundraising and are involved in planning or volunteering for one of the candidates involved in the forum.
Moderate an issue or candidate forum if you have family or business ties to any of the candidates in the forum.
Reveal the identity of the person submitting a written question.
Share questions in advance if a candidate asks. A proper response is to assure them that the questions will reflect the issues voters most care about.
Perhaps the best advice is to consider that everyone involved in the political process – the candidates, their spouses and family members, party officials, political activists, current office holders, lobbyists or special interest groups – is always watching and evaluating what LWV does.
Our goal is to be open with all voters about what we do and how we do it so that we can avoid criticism or negative publicity after an event.
All eyes are on you – and so is the camera – so be careful what you “say”!