MARLBORO – The League of Women Voters is now a pariah to some on the right.

Historically speaking, this seems a bit odd.

The League’s roots date back to the women’s suffrage movement and its core mission has always been increasing voter participation.

Admittedly, candidate debates run by the League often leave something to be desired.

They tend to be too structured, do not allow much back and forth and many times ask questions that are too esoteric.

Until recently, however, their stance as a fair-minded group has not been seriously questioned.

Beginning two years ago, Republicans opted out of League debate or forums, convinced they would not get a fair shot.

That is continuing.

We recently took a look at a school board race in Marlboro, which offers a good example of what is likely going on throughout New Jersey.

Two 3-person slates are battling it out over such issues as “parents rights” and claims the government wants to co-parent students.

One slate is known as Marlboro Values Protected or MVP.

The other is Partners Improving Education or PIE.

You’ve got to love the acronyms.

A local League had wanted to hold a candidates’ forum on Wednesday.

But the MVP slate is not going to do it. Here is the group’s verbatim social media message:

For weeks prior to their announcement Womens League of Voters asks for local PTA and PTOs to organize their forum. Marlboro townships overwhelming response was that NO ORGANIZATION was willing to host the event. The questions are provided from the Womens League of Voters who presents as a non partisan organization but many involved community members know that is far (left) of the truth… parents and community members want REAL unbiased information. MVP: Marlboro Values Protected  refused participation in the forum being hosted, curated, and endorsed by Womens League of voters as did many other Parental Rights candidates in surrounding neighborhoods…and here’s why:
The Womens League of Voters advocates heavily for the following:
-They are heavily focused on Social Issues: Engaging in advocacy around issues like healthcare, education, and environmental policy, aligning heavily with extreme liberal, progressive values.
Opposition to Voter ID Laws: Criticizing strict voter ID laws that conservatives support as necessary for election integrity, they believe in support and promote loose standards with no credibility.
Because we believe in integrity and transparency, we wanted to be upfront and honest with our community.
We will (be) hosting Q and A sessions before the election, and look forward to answering your questions there!
Thank you for your continued support as we fight to keep Marlboro Values Protected, and MTPS great!

Many will note that the above calls the organization the “Womens League of Voters.”

That may be some sort of sarcastic criticism.

Or it may just be a dumb mistake.