Positions and Studies

The League of Women Voters advocates on matters for which it has statements of Position. “Position” is determined by consensus of the members after thoughtful research and study.

“Study” ordinarily includes two years of research and analysis by a dedicated committee.

Here are the League’s Current Positions

• League of Women Voters of Virginia (LWV-VA) positions

• League of Women Voters of the United States (LWVUS) positions

• League of Women Voters of the National Capitol Area (LWVNCA) positions

What is a study?

Positions result from a process of study. Any given study, whether it be National, State, or Local, is thorough in its pursuit of facts and details. As the study progresses, a continuing discussion of pros and cons of each situation occurs. Prior to the results of the study being presented to the general membership, study committee members fashion consensus questions that are then addressed by the membership.

2023 Studies

Timeline for the studies below

LWV Guidelines for League Studies

Child Care The COVID-19 epidemic shined a strong spotlight on the inadequate nature of our state’s child care system with hundreds of private facilities unable to remain open. Women are leaving the workforce in record numbers, and counties are left to figure out on their own how to offer emergency child care to residents who need it.

Child Care Study, September 2022 recorded briefing • Child Care Consensus Questions • Synthesis of Stakeholder Interviews • Glossary and Acronym List • Initial Literature Review • Final Study Report • Child Care Study Presentation

Education Equity First, articulate quantitatively and qualitatively a definition of a high-quality education. This definition needs updating in the LWV-VA positions as education has changed rapidly in regard to technology, broadband, special needs, etc. Second, determine the cost of providing that defined high-quality of education to all students in the Commonwealth’s school divisions. Does the state provide local school divisions sufficient funds to ensure that “educational programs of high quality” are available to all students? This will require an in-depth analysis of the capacity of each local school division to determine how costs should be apportioned between the state and the localities to compensate for vast differences in local capacity. The goal is to assure equity for all students. Third, document how Virginia’s capacity and effort to provide high-quality education compare to other states’ funding for K-12 education. This will also include studying how other states fund school construction and modernization. In Virginia, this is the responsibility of each locality, resulting in wide discrepancies in the quality of school buildings and educational technology statewide.

Education Equity Study Presentation Materials, Aug. 27, 2022: Executive Summary: Funding Schools • LWV-VA Education Funding Report, 8.13 • Consensus Questions • LWV-VA Education Funding PowerPoint, 8.27.2022 • Invitation ; Recorded briefing

Environmental Justice The EPA defines “environmental justice” as the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. This study will review how Virginia can best implement environmental justice to promote fairness and halt and prevent future racial and economic inequities.

Report Final • Report Appendix • Study Slides with Notes • Recommendations and Consensus Questions • Recorded briefing

Money in Politics The analysis and proposed positions developed by this Campaign Finance Reform Study will cover the full scope of financing from a donation through its expenditure including:
• Public disclosure of the donor,
• Transparency in actual use of funds before and after the election,
• Limits on personal use, and
• The Virginia executive branch structure to conduct effective oversight and enforcement.

Money in Politics Study • Money in Politics Study: Recommendations and Consensus Questions • Recorded briefing • Money in Politics: Still Unreformed (slide presentation)

Recently Completed Studies

Election Laws

The League of Women Voters of Virginia’s May 2009 Convention adopted a two-year update study and review of its positions on Virginia’s election laws. During the first year of the study, members looked at voter registration, provisions for voting by military and overseas voters, and the governmental structure responsible for administering elections in the Commonwealth. During the second year, it looked at laws, policies, and procedures affecting elections in Virginia–both prior to and at the polls on Election Day. For complete study details see the Elections Law Study.

Affordable Housing

Go to the Affordable Housing Study Page

Election Law

Go to Part 1

Go to Part 2

Reapportionment and Redistricting

Go to Reapportionment and Redistricting Study

Restorative Justice

Go to Restorative Justice

Fracking-Extractive Industries

Go to Fracking

Behavioral Health