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In the nonprofit sector, election time
often brings both a strong desire to mobilize citizens and encourage
voter participation, as well a natural reluctance to do anything
that may violate federal campaign finance or tax laws. Charitable
organizations have an important role to play during elections. For
example, they have the legal capacity to play a key role in educating
and activating voters. Although 501(c)(3) organizations are prohibited
from engaging in any partisan political activities, there are a
wide range of ways in which nonprofit organizations may participate
in the elections process. Organizations may help citizens register
to vote, inform candidates for office about the important work of
the sector, ask candidates to fill out questionnaires about issues,
and convene a candidates forum, just to name a few. These dos
and don'ts are outlined below.
- Conduct voter
registration and nonpartisan get-out-the-vote efforts.
- Educate
the public on issues and encourage participation in the political
process.
- Educate all candidates and political parties
on your issues.
- Conduct or participate in a nonpartisan candidate
forum.
- Make presentations on your organization’s issue
to platform committees, campaign staff, candidates, media, and
the general public.
- Work on behalf of a ballot measure.
- Continue your normal lobbying on issues. (See new FEC rule if you broadcast issues ads during an election period.)
- Rent or sell mailing lists to candidates at fair
market value, if made available to all candidates.
- Endorse or oppose a candidate—implicit or explicit.
- Coordinate activities with a candidate.
- Contribute money, time, or facilities to a candidate.
- Set up, fund, or manage a PAC.
Last Updated: December 20, 2007
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