Non-Partisan Policy
In order to remain the American public’s most trusted and independent source for political information, all Project Vote Smart staff and interns must take a pledge to serve as non-partisan stewards for the public while within the confines of the office. This ensures that the Project will remain without corruption, both intellectually and financially, as well as in appearance and reality.
In particular, Project Vote Smart staff and interns agree that they:
- Will not actively support or oppose any political candidacy, or conduct any political activity, while they are representatives of the Project;
- Will treat each citizen with courtesy and respect;
- Will treat each candidate with equal deference; and
- Will not work or lobby for political causes or interest groups while they are representatives of the Project. This includes making public statements on behalf of candidates or issues, signing published materials for causes or candidates, campaigning for public office, contacting elected officials in the office to discuss concerns or political matters, discussing political beliefs in the office, wearing clothing to work that promotes or demotes any candidate/party/cause, and any other activity that would establish a connection between the political or ideological identity of a Project Vote Smart intern or staff member and a political candidate, party, or interest group.
The Project Vote Smart Pledge must be signed and returned to a member of the staff before you begin your internship. If at any time during your internship you would like a copy of this pledge, just ask any staff member.
