Requests recieved are first sent to the relevant committee responsible for the issue area for analysis and recommendations about potential League action.

How Does the Measure Fit with League Positions?
The committee prepares an analyses of the measure under consideration, including a:

• summary of the measure and how it changes current law,

• a summary of the related League positions; and,

• how the League positions apply to the measure.

The committee gives recommendations about supporting or opposing the measure and indicate how important they feel it is within their area. The committee should take into consideration the following:

• Does the League have a position(s) that supports the proposed action?

• Is there a fiscal analysis supporting the measure?

• Do members understand and would they agree with the proposed action?

• Is it a priority for the League?

• Does the League have a unique role to play or would the League’s assets (time and money) be better spent on other activities?

• Does it have some chance of success or make an important statement for the League?

• Are other organizations or a coalition already working on the issue?

• What action techniques would be most effective?

• How will the League deal with controversy?

• How can members be involved in the proposed action?

• What kind of community involvement would best support the League’s efforts?

Board Criteria for Taking a Position on Recommended Actions

Some of the criteria that the the board uses in determining whether to take action on a particular issue recommended to it are:

• League positions, including previous League action,

• What does the League’s voice add to the debate on this?

• What will happen if the League does not speak?

• What else is on the ballot for that election?

• Is support an effective use of League resources?

We only take positions on ballot measures based on current program positions and/or on League principles.

Endorsement Strategy

If there is going to be some kind of campaign, we also want to be given a strong voice in the campaign messaging. We are involved in some campaigns from the very beginning (education, local ordinances), but wait to see whether a measure qualifies for the ballot before endorsing.

Some of the other factors that we consider when looking at a ballot measure include

• the reality of its passage (is it really worth putting our energy into this?)

• who else is working on it (can we realistically be in a coalition with these organizations?)

• overall campaign strategy (is there a total plan, and can the League take an effective role?)

• whether we want to make a statement of principle on an issue.