LWVNY Positions

What is a LWV Position?

The LWVNYS’ positions are statements of the organization’s stance on particular issues. Because the LWV’s reputation for fairness rests on its practice of thorough and impartial study, the League uses a multistep, deliberative process before forming an official position.

First, an issue is studied by one or more state-level committees. If the committee(s) recommend a proposed position, the League then uses a grassroots consensus process where the issue and a potential position statement are presented to all local Leagues to study, discuss, and reach their own consensus. This helps to ensure all aspects of a selected subject are examined.

Then, each member who attends the LWVNYS state convention casts a vote representing their local League’s stance on the issue. The LWVNYS will only adopt a position when the majority of local delegates vote in favor of a proposed position. Once the LWVNYS has formally adopted a position, it will publish materials to advocate for and educate on that position. (The League does not advocate on an issue until it has an official position on that issue.)

LWVNYS’ 2025-26 Positions

At this year’s LWVNYS Convention, the delegates approved three policy positions on election law. The positions align with the League’s mission to empower voters and defend democracy by broadening voter representation, increasing voter participation, and/or improving the transparency and understanding of our voting systems.

The three position statements adopted at the 2025 convention are: Ranked Choice Voting, Primary Systems, and Voting Systems Approval Process.

LWVNYS Endorses

Ranked Choice Voting

The League of Women Voters of New York State supports the use of ranked-choice voting (a.k.a., instant runoff voting), in primary, general and/or special elections to elect federal, state and/or local officials. This approach will bring more voices into our political process and ensure outcomes that more accurately reflect the will of the voters.

With the adoption of any electoral system, the League believes that education of the voting public is important, and funding for startup and voter education should be allocated.

LWVNYS Endorses Primary Systems

The League of Women Voters of New York State supports changing from a closed partisan primary system to a primary system, including a nonpartisan primary system, that allows all registered voters to participate, regardless of party affiliation or lack thereof.

We support the use of nonpartisan primaries to elect federal, state, and local officials.

LWVNYS Endorses Voting Systems Approval Process

The League of Women Voters of New York State believes that a more transparent and open voting systems approval process would improve voter understanding of, and confidence in, our elections.

We support greater transparency, and public input in the approval process, including increased demonstrations open to the public, followed by a comment period.

Public demonstrations should be scheduled to provide public input earlier in the certification process.

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