The League of Women Voters of Sarasota County Addresses Misinformation
The League of Women Voters of Sarasota County wants to correct misinformation about our chapter that was shared by a School Board candidate at the South County Tiger Bay Candidate Forum.
The League is committed to providing accurate information to the public. It is important to clarify that only the League president or a designated member with approved talking points can speak officially on behalf of the League. Historically, the League's focus when dealing with the Sarasota County School Board is solely on key actions and decisions by the board, such as best practices in selecting a consulting firm or the process for choosing a qualified school superintendent. Importantly, comments and remarks are never political.
The League advocates for maintaining civil discourse during meetings, urging speakers to refrain from personal attacks and instead focus on discussing their opposition or support for the board’s actions and decisions. The League does not condone attacks on any board members. While the president is the official spokesperson for the League, individual League members, who are Sarasota County residents, are free to express their views as individuals.
The League of Women Voters of Sarasota County is strictly nonpartisan. It neither supports nor opposes any candidates or political parties at any government level. The League does not make donations to candidates or political parties and our policies prohibit the president, voter services chair and advocacy chairs from attending any fundraising events or making campaign contributions.
Pre-written talking points are not given to speakers or like-minded individuals before meetings. The League does provide educational materials, such as a candidate selection checklist and information on the constitutional amendment to make School Board elections partisan.
The League's Candidate Forums and VOTE411 tool are entirely nonpartisan initiatives. Recent forums for offices such as our local Hospital Board and School Board received praise from across the political spectrum for being balanced, informative and fair.
Our commitment to nonpartisanship and factual information remains unwavering. We strive to foster informed discussions, support civic engagement and promote transparency. The League of Women Voters of Sarasota County stands firm in its mission to empower voters and defend democracy, ensuring that our community remains a place where civil discourse and informed decision-making thrive.
Shawn Bartelt
President, LWVSRQ