The League of Women Voters, on a national level, supports several principles. The League believes in representative government and in the individual liberties established in the Constitution of the United States.

The League believes that democratic government depends upon the informed and active participation of its citizens and requires that governmental bodies protect the citizen’s right to know by giving adequate notice of proposed actions, holding open meetings, and making public records accessible.

LWV believes that every citizen should be protected in their right to vote; that every person should have access to free public education that provides equal opportunity for all; and that no person or group should suffer legal, economic or administrative discrimination.

LWV believes that efficient and economical government requires competent personnel, the clear assignment of responsibility, adequate financing, and coordination among the different agencies and levels of government.

League believes that responsible government should be responsible to the will of the people; that government should maintain an equitable and flexible system of taxation, promote the conservation and development of natural resources in the public interest, share in the solution of economic and social problems that affect the general welfare, promote a sound economy, and adopt domestic policies that facilitate the solution of international problems.

The League believes that cooperation with other nations is essential in the search for solutions to world problems and that development of international organization and international law is imperative in the promotion of world peace.

LWV recognizes that these principles and positions are rather broad, so it is necessary to work together to influence public policy in partnership at all levels, whether testifying on Capitol Hill or encouraging constituent lobbying at home. Specific issues are studied at the national and local level and consensus is reached to establish a position.

In 2007-2008, LWV-HA has decided to make Great Lakes issues its focus: The Great Lakes are essential to the economic and cultural identity of the Midwest. Today, the health of our Lakes are seriously threatened by problems such as untreated sewage, invasive species and no consistent rules governing water withdrawal. In recognition of these threats to this resource which sustains us, the Holland Area League of Women Voters has chosen Great Lakes issues as a program emphasis. There are manageable solutions to these problems. The Great Lakes Regional Collaboration Strategy is a comprehensive plan to modernize sewage treatment, clean-up polluted harbors, restore wetlands, and prevent unwanted, new species from invading the lakes. The Great Lakes Compact would establish rules for water use that everyone must follow. It is time we use these solutions. Every day we wait, the problems get worse and the solutions get more costly. Enacting these laws will restore and safeguard the health of the Great Lakes to protect our drinking water, our economy, our health, and our way of life.

Several local issues in the Holland Area have been studied in the last few years. Consensus was reached, and a position was taken on the following issues: tax abatement (1997) and land use (2003).

Local Land Use Position: LWV-HA supports the concept of cooperative planning for the cities of Holland, Zeeland, Saugatuck, the village of Douglas, and the townships of Holland, Zeeland, Park, Fillmore, Laketown, and Saugatuck. The Macatawa Area Coordinating Council receives the League's interest and support.

Land use policies should allow for proper supply of utilities, traffic systems, school and recreation needs, preservation of historical sites and buildings, and protection and improvement of natural beauty spots. Center city vitality should be maintained and encouraged; preservation of farmland should be considered in the context of urban sprawl and development. Land use policies should protect natural areas, forests, dunes, parks, wetlands, and wildlife habitat as well as air and water quality, and the health of residents.

Tax Abatement Position: We believe that municipal and township governments in the Holland area should:
1. Elicit more public involvement and input in the P.A. 198 grant approval process;
2. Continue to look at the quality of tax abatements to determine whether they meet municipal guidelines;
3. Grant maximum exemption periods for renovated or rehabilitated property, shorter exemption periods for new buildings, and still shorter exemption periods for tax abatements for machinery and equipment;
4. Periodically monitor or require reports from recipients of tax abatements;
5. Request municipal and township representatives to the Macatawa Area Coordinating Council to consider setting area-wide guidelines regarding tax abatements.