Nonpartisan is not a mood.
It is a measurable posture.

Does not formally support or oppose a political party or its candidates.

e.g. A school-board voter forum inviting every qualified candidate.

Attempts not to favor candidates, parties, or political positions.

e.g. A neutral election administrator.

Avoids favoring a particular political philosophy, such as liberalism or conservatism.

e.g. A research project applying the same criteria to all policy proposals.

Seeks solutions that move beyond traditional party divisions instead of merely negotiating between parties.

e.g. A coalition developing a new education policy from shared community priorities.

Brings people across political divisions together, including independents and people outside established parties.

e.g. A civic coalition representing conservatives, progressives, moderates, and independents.

Intentionally includes different political, religious, cultural, or ideological perspectives.

e.g. A community council designed to represent Detroit's diverse constituencies.

Involves three or more political parties or political affiliations.

e.g. Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians, and Greens working together.

Involves cooperation or support from the two major parties — Democratic and Republican.

e.g. A proposal jointly sponsored by one Democrat and one Republican.

Has no official party affiliation; generally describes registration or organizational status rather than neutrality.

e.g. A voter who is not registered with any political party.

Not formally affiliated with a political party. It may still have strong political views.

e.g. An independent candidate running without a party label.

Organizes around one or more issues and may support politicians from different parties based on those issues.

e.g. An education group supporting candidates who favor increased school funding.

Supports a particular political party, candidate, or political viewpoint.

e.g. A Democratic or Republican campaign organization.