Commenting on Candidates
About this episode
This episode discusses the legal boundaries for nonprofits when commenting on candidates during election season.
When nonprofits speak out on issues in the public square, the line between education and electioneering can get blurry – especially during election season. On this episode of Rules of the Game, we break down what the law allows when organizations comment on statements made by candidates and campaigns, and how those rules shift when addressing the actions of incumbents who may also be on the ballot. From issue advocacy to the risk of impermissible political intervention, we walk through practical scenarios and key guardrails to help your nonprofit stay compliant while engaging in advocacy to advance your mission. Shownotes Basic rule: 501(c)(3) organizations are prohibited from supporting or opposing candidates for public office, which means that their advocacy and actions have to remain nonpartisan. · Black and White : 501(c)(3)s can't endorse candidates, and they can't explicitly tell people who not to vote for. On the other hand, nonprofits can emphasize the importance of voting in a nonpartisan way, and they can continue to educate voters about issues core to their missions without suggesting who people should vote for in an upcoming candidate election. · Shades of Gray : IRS…
Topics covered
- nonprofit advocacy
- electioneering
- 501(c)(3) regulations
- voter education
- political intervention
Keywords
- nonprofits
- election season
- advocacy
- political intervention
- 501(c)(3)
- voter education
- IRS regulations
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: 501(c)(3), IRS
More episodes of Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast
- What Nonprofits Need to Know About Nominations
- State of Advocacy: Legislative Update
- How Philanthropy is Meeting the Moment
- Individual Activity in Election Season
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