What Does It Really Mean to Be Partisan—or Nonpartisan?

Let’s be honest: although the League of Women Voters defines itself as nonpartisan, it isn’t always seen that way—especially by many conservatives or Republicans. Some perceive the League as leaning left, whether because of the issues we focus on, the language we use, or the positions we take. We understand that. And we think it’s worth talking about.

These days, it feels like almost anything can be viewed as partisan—especially if it touches on politics, policy, or power. For organizations like the League, which has long committed to nonpartisan civic engagement, this can be tricky terrain.

So let’s start with a basic question: What does “partisan” actually mean?

At its core and according to the Cambridge dictionary, being partisan means supporting, advocating for, or aligning with a political party or candidate. It’s about promoting a party’s platform, elevating its representatives, or working to get them elected.

Being nonpartisan, then, means not endorsing or opposing any political party or candidate. But that doesn’t mean being silent.

It doesn't mean:

• Avoiding all discussion of political issues

• Staying quiet when democratic norms are under threat

• Refusing to hold elected officials accountable—regardless of party

Here’s the key distinction:
Criticizing a policy, decision, or public statement isn’t necessarily partisan. It becomes partisan when that criticism is rooted in party loyalty—or when support or opposition is based on who is proposing the idea, rather than what is being proposed.

For example, if politicians or citizens call out efforts to restrict voting access, and those efforts are primarily coming from one political party, is it partisan to speak up? Or is it principled?

If people remain silent because of how it might be perceived, are is nonpartisanship really preserved—or is it abandoned?

This tension is not new, but it’s certainly heightened in our current climate, where polarization is extreme and trust is fragile. Even institutions that try to stay above party politics are being accused of bias—often for simply defending facts or encouraging democratic participation.

That’s why we’re actively trying to open dialogue and bring in more voices.
We want to include people who may not always agree with us or may have felt left out of civic spaces in the past. This conversation has to be part of that work.

So we ask:

• Has “nonpartisan” come to mean “non-confrontational”?

• Are we so wary of offending anyone that we risk standing for nothing?

• Can we reclaim nonpartisanship as a stance of principled engagement, rather than political neutrality?

We don’t claim to have the answers. But we believe these are questions worth asking—out loud, and together.

If we truly want a democracy that works for everyone, then we need to listen to everyone. And that means being honest about where we are now, and where we want to go.

What do you think it means to be nonpartisan today?

Let’s talk.