Nonprofits Should Weigh In on Judicial Nominees

Washington, D.C., September 20, 2017 – As President Trump continues to roll out slates of judicial nominees, it is clear that the White House is working hard to fill as many federal judicial seats as possible with candidates who are ideologically in step with the administration. For many nonprofits whose missions depend on the federal courts – whether their goal is to protect voting rights, the rights of workers, reproductive rights, or other critical rights – these judicial appointments have a direct bearing on the ultimate success of their work. Bolder Advocacy wants 501(c)(3) nonprofits to know that they can and should weigh in on judicial nominations that concern them. In “Judicial Nominees – What Your Nonprofit Should Know,” Bolder Advocacy Counsel Nikhil Pillai writes:”Many nonprofits today are realizing what Alliance for Justice has known for over three decades: Judges play a vital role in protecting the Constitution, placing a check on overzealous legislatures, and helping Americans access justice. We, as public charities, can and should advocate against judges who do not represent the values we understand to be indispensable.” There are many ways that 501(c)(3) nonprofits can comment on judicial nominations without engaging in activities that the IRS classifies as lobbying. At the same time, it’s important for nonprofits to know when their communications about judicial nominees do count as lobbying, so they can keep the activity within permissible legal limits. Alliance for Justice’s Bolder Advocacy team is available to help nonprofits make the most of their advocacy, whether it’s related to judicial nominations or other critical issues. Nonprofits can get technical assistance with questions about advocacy on our hotline, 1-800-NP-LOBBY, or online here.